I am currently wearing MAC Studio Fix. I found the trick with that powder is to put it on with a brush as opposed to a sponge applicator. The sponge application goes on much heavier. For an everyday look, using the brush helps the application to go on much lighter. If you decide to go with the Studio Fix, don’t be alarmed by the dry look that you will have initially. Twenty minutes later when your natural oils begin to surface, you will be amazed at how beautiful and natural the make up looks. Another great powder is Sephora’s Matifying Powder. Last but not least, in the summer months when it’s too hot for makeup I use a mineral bronzer by Bella Pierre. It’s light and breezy and people always say, “your skin is so beautiful, what do you use”.

Of course the best way to have gorgeous skin is to eat whole foods (for proper elimination), drink plenty of water and get the appropriate amount of sleep that your body requires. Adding supplements to your diet won’t hurt either. Those are the real reason why I often receive compliments on my skin. The make up just enhances what is appearing from the internal work that I have done.

I hope this has been helpful Elaine.

~Anu

The A-Nu ‘Fro is styled with the Starter Loc style. And then each twist is separated into four or five separate pieces multiplying the number of curls, four fold.

I love your new hair style ANU Frocan you tell me what it takes to get this style . As I have stated before my Sister owns a Salon in Tucson,Az. I want to sport this new look of yours cause I’m into the natural look.

Rhonda

Thanks again for your advice. Hopefully this will be the start of a new lease on life for my hair!

1 – Go with human hair. It weighs less than synthetic hair – and I’ve always found that I have damage with human vs synthetic.

2 – Respect your hairline. I braid my own hair. Before i used to go to salons, but hair stylists who pulled my hair so tight I got an instant face lift chased me off. If you let someone braid your hair, they shouldn’t be trying to get every single hair.

3 – Find a good scalp moisturizer. I like spraying Oyin’s greg juice or Oyin’s juices and berries.

4 – Don’t braid relaxed hair. About 2 – 3 years ago I went natural and it’s the best thing I ever did. Your hair is so much stronger when it’s natural.

5 – Don’t be afraid of some hair loss when you take your braids out – unless it’s falling in clumps. You naturally lose about 100 hairs a day. Now imagine if you have your hair in braids – those hairs have nowhere to go for 2 – 3 months. There will be some loss from tension, but if your hair looks thin after you take your braids out – you’ve lost too much hair.

6 – Avoid pony tails. I almost never wear my braids in pony tails. All it does is add tension to my hairline.

7 – Never use rubber bands – they simply provide additional tension to your hair.

8- Finally – listen to your scalp. You know if you’re tearing hairs trying to whip that head of braids into a pony tail. You know if the itching on your head is unbearable. In fact – excessive itching is the first sign that your braids are too tight! Don’t feel obligated to keep your hair in because you spent over 100 bucks getting it done. Baldness isn’t worth the 100 bucks you might be salvaging.

Good luck with your hair ladies!

I just wanted to say also that your hair is sooo beautiful and fits your face well and might I say way your make up is very beautiful. Do mind sharing which line it is?

I love your blog.

Thanks so much for sharing.

Elaine
San DIego

Thank you for sharing your experience, you said it all. It’s good to know I’m not the only one going through these changes.

Please excuse the delay in getting back to you. I did not receive any notice of your posting. Since you mentioned swimming, synthetic hair is the only option as far as extensions are concerned. Human hair would swell because of the water and slip out. It would be a waste of time and money to get human hair.

Synthetic hair is like Tupperware. It will hold the weave of the braids and remain the same despite exposure to moisture or water.

The only place I know of in DC is Cornrows and Company. I suggest you seek other options as well in the even that they are unable to accommodate you.

All the best,
~Anu