Late Post: A Very Elegant Christmas: Holiday Gift Guide for the Beauty Connoisseur

It's one of my favorite times of the year! Christmas is just right around the corner and I hope you're just as excited as I am. If you haven't picked up any Christmas Gifts as of yet and are planning to do so this weekend. Here is a last minute gift guide! I have put together six items for my readers to help point them in to the right direction for gift giving this Holiday Season. These items are popular beauty items and well liked by the masses.  There are plenty of items to choose from, but these made the top of the list.

1. The most talked about and most wanted Naked Palette 3. It features 12 new rose-hued neutral shades and comes with a double ended shadow/blending brush.  Let's not forget the bonus four samples of their infamous Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original, Sin, Eden, and their new Anti-Aging Formula (Approximate a weeks worth in each sample). This is $52.00 and you can purchase it here
2. Sigma Essential Brush Set. I have this set and it's AMAZING!! You get everything from their fluffy dome blending brush, face brush, and much more it's worth the purchase price and it lasts for a long time if taken care of properly. This set is $155.00 and can be purchased here. 
3. RiRi Hearts Mac Holiday Collection Lipstick in Pleasure Bomb. Buy the whole collection and You will be loved throughout the entire year of 2014. This little tube of lipstick is $14.50 and can be purchased here.
4. Philosphy Homemade honeybuns Shower Gel (Smells Delish) This yummy bottle of deliciousness can be purchased at zappos.com for just $15.00.
5. NYX Butter Gloss (Any Shade will do). They are creamy and you can build the lipgloss to your desired shade. This has got to be least expensive product on the list. Makes for a great stocking stuffer. Pick these cute glosses up at your local Ulta retailer or purchase it online at Ulta.com for just $4.99. Can't beat that!! There are a total of 12 shades to choose from and of course at this very moment they are buy one get one half off..so go a head and get all 12. She will thank you for it later. Creme Brule is my Favorite!!
6. Clinique 3 Step Skincare Kit. Okay, so I know you are probably thinking why would anyone want this for Christmas?? It's an awesome product and who wouldn't want a great skin care product during these harsh winter day. This set is $26.00 at Nordstroms. Great Deal!!!

There are plenty of great gifts to choose from this Holiday Season. I just wanted to point you in the right direction. Most of these I already own and others are on my Must Have and will buy list.  I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!! Great Things are to come for myself here at Elegant Edge!! I thank you for all rocking with me this long and I hope that will rock with me even longer in the future because I have tons of more good stuff to offer!!

Merry Christmas Loves!! Peace and Blessings -XO 

Product Review: Design Essentials Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Creme

I was sent this lovely product a while ago and I decided not to rush myself to post a review, because I wanted to make sure I used the product thoroughly before posting a review.I have about a few good squeezes of this product left, so yeah I've pretty much used the entire tube. To wrap it up in one phrase. I love this product!! Unlike most moisturizers it's not heavy and I absolutely love that about this product. It adds instant moisture and shine to my hair and it doesn't weigh it down. That was most important to me when using this product, because when I want to wear my hair down and in s simple style I don't want it to be weighted down or greasy.  The product smells absolutely amazing and not at all over bearing. Most scented products can cause a odd smell after a few days of use, that was not the case with this product.

I recently color treated my hair with permanent hair dye, and I must say this has helped to save my hair (adding daily moisture) along with deep conditioning weekly. Considering the weather is attempting to change to colder days, your hair will change as well. Colder days are going to lead to dryer hair strands. Therefore using a good hair moisturizer or keeping your hair moisturized is important and crucial. If you've ever wondered why your hair sheds or tends to break more during the winter months, this is why. Change in climate. Adding this product to your daily routine can help to alleviate and minimize hair breakage and shedding during the winter months.

Stats

 The Design Essentials Hydrience Argan Moisturizing  Creme is a lightweight Argan Oil infused creme that instantly nourishes the hair, restores moisture, and strengthen strands, leaving hair soft and silky, revealing a luxurious exotic shine.

This moisturizing Creme is enriched with Argan Oil, a natural source of Vitamin E, Proteins, and Antioxidants. It can be used on:

• Fine, Medium, Course Hair, 
• Dry, Brittle, Dull, and Healthy Hair,
•  Relaxed or color Treated Hair.
   

Usage
I use this product before adding heat to my hair, putting my hair up into a bun, or moisturizing my tresses before rolling my hair at night with my satin rollers. 

• Thermal Protectant 
• Tame flyaways
• Home Style Maintenance 

Here's a quick run down of Argan Oil and it's benefits. Get full details here. 

Moisture (Vitamin E): Excellent Conditioner, Heals Dry Hair, Heals the Hair Shaft
Strength (Vitamin E+Protein): Reduces Split Ends, Heals Damaged Hair, Reduces Hair loss
Shine (Antioxidants): Protects against free radicals, Delivers healthier looking hair, Provides UV Protection.

This product retails for $11.99 on the Design Essentials Website. You can purchase it here.

Thanks for Reading! Tell a Friend!! Peace and Blessings

How to: Maintain your hair during your workouts!!

WOW!! It seems like forever since I've been able to post. Let me knock some dust off this blog and get right into it. Lately I have been working out trying to loose some weight. YAAAAY me!! I've also noticed there have been a lot of my friends doing a lot of the same thing.  I have been asked several questions about maintain my hair during my workouts. The questions I often get are the following: How do I maintain my hair during my workout? I sweat a lot how often should I wash my hair? How should I style my hair during the rest of the week?

There are tons of questions and answers as it pertains to your hair while working out and how to keep it healthy, fresh, and looking great in appearance. First things first! Ladies, I know we all want to be cute while working out, but how can one be totally cute if you're trying to go #beastmode at the gym? So lets forget trying to be super cute (ie. wearing a face full of makeup). Most guys will appreciate the sweat and the effort and not care. Going to gym after work? Keep makeup wipes with you and remove your makeup. You are just setting your skin up for a huge break out if you work out in your makeup.

Let's get into answering the questions:

1. How do I maintain my hair during a workout?

Put it into a bun or a ponytail. Keep it Simple. You want to keep your hair out of your face and out of your way. Use an head band (I like the cloth head bands you can purchase at either Wal-mart or Target) or a an athletic sweat band (for those that have to look the part) to keep your edges. We are all concerned about our edges sweating out or getting frizzy (this applies for all textures). Keeping your hair up out of your face and out of your way will help to keep your ends from getting drenched in sweat if you are a sweater and it will keep you cool. I will explain this in further detail later. This summer I wore my hair in Senegalese Twists, this was low maintenance and it help me to work out and not worry too much about my hair.

2. I sweat a lot during my workouts, how ofter should I wash my hair?

I suggest washing your hair if you must or have the time mid week with a sulfate free shampoo. This will keep your hair from drying out, if you choose to wash it. Then at the end of the week wash again to remove excess residue. If you choose not to wash your hair mid week simply use a dry shampoo to refresh your hair. There are many dry shampoos in stores today that you can try, find one that suits you and your hair needs and hair type. Depending on the dry shampoo, I wouldn't recommend using it after every workout, maybe every other work out day (if you work our seven days a week) or mid week if you wash once a week and don't want to use the sulfate free shampoo.

3. How should I style my hair for the week?

Okay, so you workout everyday after work or maybe early morning before work. Let your hair dry out completely from all sweat before you prepare for bed or before you style before heading to the office. I do not suggest heat styling your hair throughout the week. The main reason to avoid heat styling through out the week is because of the salt deposits left on the hair from sweating.  There are many low maintenance styles you can wear throughout the week with out putting heat your hair. Suggested hair styling tips for curls would be using flexi rods or satin covered sponge rollers.

For the ladies that are wearing hair weaves and extensions, apply the same tips. It's important that you maintain your leave out and make sure that your hair is mostly dry before wrapping your hair up at night. Refresh you leave out with a dry shampoo and style as desired.

How do you maintain your hair during a workout?

Thanks for reading! Leave comments! Tell a Friend!! More to come!! Peace and Blessings -XO

Easy, Long Lasting and Chic Summer Styles from Design Essentials® Natural: Simple styles from Design Essentials® to keep your tresses healthy and stylish as the temperature rises

 It's almost summer, so that means it's time for beaches, cookouts, summer travel and effortless hair. Design Essentials® Master Educator Deshonica Kerrie shares some of the following step-by-step techniques to help naturalistas either change up a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) or make a twist out last even longer on kinky, curly and wavy hair textures.   See her easy tips below!

Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography    Deshonica's Tips for Achieving Short & Chic TWA Finger Coils                    Shampoo & condition hair with Design Essentials® Natural Curl Cleanser and Moisturizing Conditioner Apply Design Essentials® Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion Create finger coils by using fingers and rolling small sections of hair in a circular motion Use a blow dryer on cool heat to add volume to the look After blow drying, palm roll (placing coils in hands and rolling in a back-and-forth motion) and go!

Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography Deshonica on Rocking Out with a Bantu Knot Frohawk- An easy way to refresh a twist-out Apply Design Essentials® Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion as a moisturizer first   Part hair into big chunks and two-strand twist hair Then add Design Essentials® Natural Twist & Set Setting Lotion and create bantu knots (apply bantu knots only on both sides of the head) Gather the hair in the middle and draw the hair up using a soft brush to create the frohawk Secure hair with bobby pins and crisscross them for a tighter hold Use a comb to create volume in the fro and make sure to tease the hair in one direction to avoid tangling

Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography

 Deshonica on a Round About Twist Out & Updo

• Twist hair with Design Essentials® Natural Twist and Set Setting Lotion, twisting hair in big sections (about 3 different sections for hair that is shoulder length)
• T-shirt blot hair to prevent dripping and frizziness
• Sit  under the dryer for  5 to 10 minutes to let product set
• Separate curls by rubbing a small amount of  Design Essentials® Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion on hands, then continue to separate hair
• To achieve fullness, take a comb and gently pull through the roots
• Once the twists start to get old, gather the hair to the top of your head and draw the hair up using a soft brush 
• Secure hair with bobby pins crisscrossing them, down, up, down, up to securely position the hair into a neat updo

All of the above mentioned Design Essentials® Natural products may be purchased at your local Sally Beauty Supply, Walgreens, ULTA and select beauty & barber supply stores.  You may also purchase these products from your local salon or online at www.DesignEssentials.com.

Thanks for reading!! Tell a Friend!! If you try any of these styles take a pick share it! Peace and Blessings- xo 

Design Essentials® Launches New Argan Collection with Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Creme: A New product rich in nutrients ideal for healthy hair

 Design Essentials® launches a new collection designed for daily use to provide moisture, strength and shine to all textures of hair, Design Essentials® Argan Collection. The first product in the line is the Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème, formulated in a lightweight cream moisturizer. In addition to Argan Oil, Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème offers other nourishing oils such as Coconut, Jojoba and Olive, which leaves hair moisturized, strong and shiny. Here are some of the many benefits and uses of Hydrience Agran Moisturizing Crème:

• Heat Protection: As a thermal and solar protectant, Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème acts as a barrier from harmful UV rays which can dry the hair and fade color-treated hair. It also gives a barrier between the high temperatures resulting from blow drying, curling and flat irons.
    
• Moisture: With its lightweight structure, Argan oil replenishes hair from within to restore moisture.
    
• Strength: Packed with Vitamin E, Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème fortifies the hair without weighing it down, helping to smooth and seal the hair cuticle as well as reduces split ends.
    
• Shine: Imparting lasting sheen without greasiness to the hair, Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème is ideal for smooth and straight styles.
    
• Lasting Style: Ideal for reducing flyaways, Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème helps to keep the hair manageable without weighing the hair down, leaving hair with tons of movement and body.

"This cream can be used on a daily basis to keep that salon-fresh look," says Research & Development Manager,and Stylist Charmetria Craig. "It's a perfect finishing touch before heading out the door, or at night when wrapping or pin-curling hair before bed."

See video below for an at-home maintenance demonstration using Design Essentials® Argan Moisturizing Crème:

The Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Creme is available for the introductory price of $8.99 in local salons or Online at www.designessentials.com.

Thanks for reading!! Tell a Friend!! Go ahead and Check this product out!! Peace and Blessings xo 

 

How to Stretch your Relaxers like a Pro

Before the stretching really got started

That's right! You read the title correctly Miss Nic has been stretching her relaxers! I know, I was amazed at myself when I was able to forsake the creamy crack for a few weeks longer. Honestly, the withdrawal symptoms haven't been that bad. I've come up with a few ways to prolong the process and keep myself from damaging my hair in the process. It has allowed me to get in touch with my new growth or roots, as one would say, and given me the opportunity to grow my hair and experiment with other methods of styling. I will share with you basically what you need to do, what I've learned along the way, and some of my different styling methods

I am currently four months post relaxer, for those that need a further break down that's 16 weeks since my last relaxer retouch. I must admit, I have never in my life gone past six weeks. I was always anxious to retouch my new growth due to always being consistent with this process since I could remember. The reason why I am now 16 weeks is because I colored my hair at the end of March. I also decided to put my hair in Senegalese twists as well to further prolong my stretching.

I first decided to stretch my relaxers just to give it a try. I wanted/needed to see if this process was beneficial to hair growth. For years we've been told to not stretch to avoid breakage. I can honestly say this is true if you don't know what you are doing.  I began to notice that once I started stretching my hair was growing and I started to see my minimal shedding decrease to almost no shedding. I stopped heat styling my hair and opted for buns, twist outs, wigs that I made, and Senegalese twists.  The first time I twisted my hair in Senegalese twist I noticed how my hair had grown from leaving it in for about two months (when the stretching began).

 I continued with my normal hair care routine: Shampooing once a week, but I opted to deep condition every week instead of every other week using Elasta QP Ultra Hydration Deep Conditioner ( I SWEAR BY THIS PRODUCT)<<< More to come. I always add the optimum 6-n-1 miracle hair oil to this deep conditioner to boost my moisture and my hair is always super soft after the conditioner. I would let it air dry mostly (often times completely) and then straighten it with the blow dryer. If I wanted to curl it I would use my curling wand and twist it, or roll it for the remainder of the week.

What have I learned while stretching??

NO HEAT!! I opted for a top bun for most days. I would simply moisturize my hair, bun it and go. No need for heat. After I shampooed it and blow dried it (for ease of combing and brushing) I was done for the week.

Deep Conditioning every week was a bonus for my hair. Okay, I must admit I understand why some naturals choose to co-wash mid week. Myself, on the other hand still do not completely agree with the process and did not choose to try it. Find out why here. I made sure to get my moisture in my conditioning process and my shampooing process. I opted to use certain cream based leave in conditioners where I felt necessary (some can be used on dry hair).

Making Progress BTW My bangs now are below my chin :)

Sulfate free Shampoo helps to keep the hair from over drying. The more new growth you have the drier your hair will be. Using a sulfate free shampoo made the detangling process easier. Believe it or not, if it isn't a moisturizing shampoo (with sulfates), it's going to make your hair harder to detangle.

Buns are easy and can be stylish. I would some times opt for my Marley braid hair (the same hair I use for my Senegalese twists) and do a cute bun. Recently, I created a cute Mohawk using the same braid hair. It was simple, quick, and extremely easy to do. All you need is the hair and bobby pins. 

Senegalese twists, kinky twist, rope braids, whatever you want to call them can help the hair grow. I taught myself how to do these twists on myself and they were easy. Takes a few days to complete, but the outcome is always gorgeous. What you may find to be odd is that  while I have these twists in my hair, I only use a herbal dry shampoo on my hair. Sounds crazy, but I think that helps a little too. I will talk more about it in a later post to come. These twists are a great way to keep your hands out of your head and if you can do it yourself and have the patience, they are affordable.  I would say these are better for the hair opposed to regular braids. The reason why I say this is because the tension on the hair is different and it's not going to pull your edges out.

Products I Use

Elasta QP Ultra Hydration Deep Conditioner

All of my Leave in conditioners listed here

Shea Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo

Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed Hair

Optimum 6-N-1 Hair Oil

Most Recent Products since my new color

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner (sometimes mixed with my deep conditioner)

Cream of Nature Ultra Moisturizing shampoo and Conditioner

More to Come about each of the products not linked!!

 Enough with the Talking Now on to the PICS!!

Length Progression

Side by side comparison and length at the end of March 2013

Easter Sunday Morning. Trying to give my stare. lol

My most current style. Love these twists and the color.

Top Bun with my Twists

Quick  twist down for bed

After a fresh shampoo and Deep Conditioner

My new growth

The Mohawk I created using my Marley Braid Hair

My Senegalese Twists

Bun using Marley Braid Hair

My Gorgeous Wand Curls (After) Easter Sunday

Check out my tutorial here where I show you how to create the top bun.


Thanks for reading!! Tell a Friend!! Peace and Blessings xo
  

Design Essentials ® Natural brings New Styles, Transitioning Tips and Blood Pressure Screenings to the 16th Annual World Natural Hair Show

 

Naturalistas converged on Atlanta during the 16th Annual World Natural Hair Show and Design Essentials® Natural was on hand to give on-site consultations, share hair tips in the Do It Yourself and Chic Natural Styling workshops, and they also provided free blood pressure screenings to those who stopped by the booth.

 

As a bonus, YouTube vlogger Kiki of Mahogany Knots commanded the booth to talk all things hair and take photos with attendees.

 

Check out the photos from the the event, below!

Design Essentials® Natural Master Educator Deshonica Kerrie and hair model show the versatility of natural hair.  Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography

   Natural hair bloggers and vloggers from across the country stopped by the Design Essentials® Natural booth to show off their natural styles. Dr. Nina Hervey- Ellis, Beautiful Brown Baby Dol (left) Meechy Monroe MeechyMonroe.com & Vaughn Monroe, Ms. Vaughn TV  (top right) Maeling Tapp Murphy Natural Chica (bottom right)
Photo Credit:Calvin Lionel Photography

 

Frances Williams Revealing Beaute & Kiki Mahogany Knots (top left);
Peace Gurlish Curls (top right) Arkeedah McCormick It's Arkeedah (bottom left); Vanessa Vanie0295 (bottom right) 
Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel  Photography

 

 

Attendees enjoyed personal consultations and styles by Design Essentials® Natural stylists. Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography

 

 

 

 

  Kiki of Mahogany Knots hosted the Design Essentials® Natural booth where she mingled with attendees, posed for photos and offered hair styling tips.
Photo Credit:Calvin Lionel Photography

 

 

 

 

 

World Natural Hair attendees were able to get their blood pressure checked at the Design Essentials® Natural booth.
Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography

 

 

 

Hundreds of women stopped by the Design Essentials ® Natural booth to show their hairstyles. Attendees sported everything from a pop of color to curls, twists and braids.  Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel Photography

 

 

 They look great don't they?? Shout Out to Design Essentials for the blood pressure screenings! It's important to stay beautiful but most of all healthy!! For more information on Design Essentials and their product line for all hair types click here.

 

 

Thanks for reading!! Tell a Friend!! Peace and Blessings x0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Nic's Spotlight: Introducing Kia Logan Hair Stylist and Salon Owner of K. Logan Hair

Hello Blog Lovers! Here is another addition to Miss Nic's Spotlight.  I recently had the opportunity to visit the K. Logan Hair Salon located in Atlanta Georgia. I was hooked up by the salon owner herself Kia Logan. In natural Elegant Edge Fashion I had to interview her and find out more information about her as a stylist and her hair salon. I had such a great experience I had to share it with you guys. If you missed it check out the post here. Today I'm introducing to you Kia Logan of K. Logan Hair

 The Interview

MNEE:    How long have you been in the industry and what inspired you to start doing hair? 
KL: I have been doing hair literally since the 3^rd grade. I have always known how to stay in my lane and what I wanted to do in life.
 
MNEE:What is your specialty as a Stylist? 

KL: Here at K. Logan Hair, we specialize in our own luxurious hair line and  making custom wigs.  

MNEE:At what point did you know that you wanted to become a salon owner?? 

KL: After working for two other salons and seeing how the business was run, I learned  how I did not want my business to go and was inspired to open my own salon.
 
MNEE: As a business woman, what advice would you give to women who desire to start their own business?? 

KL:Research your market along with getting a market niche, set yourself apart from all the other business’ out there that are in the same field as yourself. Be different
 
MNEE: What product lines do you carry in your salon?? Zen Care Professional
 
MNEE: Tell us about your salon and what future clients should expect from their visit.  

KL: Our salon has a quaint yet posh feel; each stylist has there on separate styling room, totally different from the traditional salon. Our individual room gives clients the feel of privacy and security in letting their natural state of hair loose without feeling like they are going to be criticized. We offer normal salon services such as short cuts, color, natural ceramic presses and styling, hair extensions and make-up services.
 
MNEE: What is the most important thing a woman can do for her hair? 

KL: The most important thing a woman can do for their hair is maintaining moisture. This can be achieved by covering the hair at night, shampooing and conditioning with quality hair products and drinking plenty of water and keeping a healthy diet regimen.
 
MNEE:What are your top three favorite hair products and why? 

KL: 1) Zen Care Professional - their product line can be used on any hair, starting with the shampoo and conditioner down to the styling products. It always gives the hair a wonderful shine while keeping the hair light and bouncy. 2) Jane Carter Solutions - I love her line because she is a black woman who made her line to cater to our hair in its natural state. Her products are all natural and she is an awesome individual. I can use her styling products on my chemical free clients and achieve just about any look desired. 3) Pravana Color line- the only color line where they have moisturizing agents in all of their colors. My client’s hair continues to stay moisture enriched even after the harsh coloring process is complete.
 
MNEE: What is your niche, what sets you apart from all the other hair salons in the area? 

KL: Our luxurious hair line and custom wigs is our headliner that sets us apart  from other salons.

MNEE:Could you tell us about the exclusive hair extension line that you offer your clients? 

KL: Our line consists of 3 collections. K. Logan Raw Collection, which is our virgin Indian hair in its completely raw state, no chemical processing has been done; K. Logan Kink Collection, our East Asian hair with several different curl textures. All curls are locked in with steam no chemical. The hair  can be straightened out and curls back up once the hair is shampooed; and K. Logan Kool Collection, our East Asian hair with several different wave patterns. All wave patterns are locked in with steam. Hair can be straightened out and will wave back up once the hair is shampooed.
 
MNEE:Do you have any first time client promotions available for new clients? 

KL: All first time clients will receive 15% off total services, we also have a 3=FREE referral program, any client who refers 3 people will receive a free shampoo and style service.

The Salon

Kia's Work

K. Logan Hair Extensions

I had the opportunity to feel these extensions and I must say that they are totally soft and 100% customizable according to your needs, desires, and wants.

K.Logan Hair Contact Information
  1610 Lavista Road Suite #4
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-228-2765

Email: kloganhair@gmail.com

Website: www.kloganhair.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KLoganHair
Twitter:www.twitter.com/kloganhair
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/kloganhair

 Disclaimer: All pictures in this blog posting belong to K. Logan Hair.  Any other use of these pictures is unacceptable. Please do not steal or use these pictures for personal gain or personal promotion. Any pictures used on this blog are for illustration purposes and not for the use of others unless noted otherwise. 

Thanks for reading!! Tell a Friend!! Leave Comments!! and CHECK THEM OUT!! Peace and Blessings -xo