During my relaxed days oil sheen was a huge staple in my hair care arsenal. A day wouldn’t go by without me creating a cloud of shine, before I walked out of the door, around my head.

Now that I have natural hair, the one can of oil sheen I have has been placed in deep dark part of my hair cabinet, never to be seen or used again.

At this point I’m a little perplexed by what I should do with it?

I was under the impression that I was holding on to by beloved can of sheen for sentimental purposes. But, who would have known, we natural girls can use “the good stuff” too!

Cantu Shea Butter shares some helpful tips below on how naturalistas can put oil sheen to good use:

“Curls call for lots of moisture. To get picture perfect curls without frizz, use oil sheen, [check out Cantu's Shea Butter Oil Sheen here] to moisturize and detangle. The deep penetrating oil and emollients hydrate and add shine for crave-worthy ringlets every time. Let air dry and don’t touch; fussing with your locks causes just as much frizz as dryness.

Tip: Tight curls without frizz call for a cut that supports your hair’s curl pattern. Talk to your stylist about how you wear your hair naturally to get the cut you need without the flyaways.”

“Braid locks are notoriously dry, seeking moisture whenever possible. Give them the daily dose of hydration they need with oil sheen.

Lightly spray – holding the can 8-10” from the hair – then gently rub the oil into your scalp. Cantu’s lightweight oil sheen has shea butter and jojoba oil that imparts shine and conditions with no greasiness or build up.”

Are you a fan of oil sheen? How do you use the product?

Fierce. This commonly used word can be heard when describing a model stomping the runway or a stylish fashionista on her way to happy hour.

In whatever context fierceness is used, to me, it describes a uniquely confident person; someone who is solid in who they are, what they are doing and even what they may be wearing.

Given the world we live in, it can be easy to get lost in the how-to’s of magazines, blogs and hit TV shows promoting their own “idea” of what it means to “be fierce.”

So, the question is, how do you flaunt your uniqueness without becoming a carbon copy?

For me, I stay fierce by being true to Adrienne. In my dress, in my conversation, actually in my everyday life. There is no compromise. I must be me no matter what. True fierceness is individuality and pure confidence personified.

What about you? How do you stay fierce and true to yourself?

Whether you’re wearing your natural hair in tightly-coiled curls, loose ringlets, flowing waves or super straight, new Motions Naturally You products are specially-formulated to moisturize your hair with essential natural oils. Embrace the incredible beauty of your natural hair with Motions Naturally You. For more information visit us at http://bit.ly/zxbd4g.

Beautiful hair deserves to be shared. Stay fabulous with us on Facebook and Twitter

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Motions via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Motions.

I’m sure you all have seen the Ambi Skin Care commercials with America’s Next Top Model veteran Bre.

To be honest, prior to watching the tv spot, a year ago, I had never heard of Ambi. But, after viewing the commercial, and noticing the products on the store shelves, I began to wonder if Ambi could give my skin a “glow” like the spokeswomen in their commercials.

I recently had a chance to give the skin care line try. Will the line slated for women of color help me achieve my sought after TV “glow?” I sure hope so ! Check out my review of the products below.

I began my first trial of Ambi by using the Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser.

My skin is very oily; so foaming cleansers are right up my alley. I applied the foam to my face, which was slightly damp, massaged it in with my facial brush and rinsed with lukewarm water.

My skin felt clean and soft. But, it didn’t have a tight dry feeling, as if all the oil from my skin had been removed from the surface.

Due to occasional flares of adult acne, I suffer from dark marks, which at 27 is still a pain to deal with, so I was excited to give Ambi’s Fade Cream a go.

Since I have only used the product once I can’t speak to how it works overtime. (I’m hoping it will give my dark marks a run for their money) But what I can say is that the cream is light and a little goes a long way. I will be sure to keep you all posted on my fading progress.

After applying the Fading Cream to a few areas of my face I rubbed on a light layer of the Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer.

This moisturizer has a built in SPF 30, yes even women of color need protection from the sun, and a slightly thick consistency. Upon first glance I thought the product would be too thick properly penetrate my skin. But, it applied with ease.

After using the entire line, cleanser, fade cream, and moisturizer, my skin was left with a nice clean glow. I’m going to continue to use the products to see what the long term benefits will be. You never know, my “nice clean glow” just might end up being made for TV.

Have you ever tried any of Ambi’s SkinCare products? What were your results?

ambi skin care

The experts in skin of color, brings you a skin care regimen to help you achieve flawless skin. Use AMBI®’s Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser to help clear breakouts and reduce dark marks. Follow with Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, so skin will look even and smooth. And AMBI®’s #1rated Fade Cream, diminishes dark spots and discoloration, for a beautiful and natural skin tone.

Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by AMBI® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AMBI®.

Cantu Shea Butter recently released a new line of products for Natural Hair. This past weekend I took some time to give their Deep Treatment Masque a try. Check out my review of the product below.

SMELL
The deep treatment has a sweet yet spicy scent. It’s not overwhelming and, in my opinion, is quite pleasant. After rising the smell of the product does fade.

CONSISTENCY
Most deep conditioners have a creamy consistency. However, Cantu’s new Deep Treatment Masque is the thickest product I have ever used. It is almost like a paste.

Although it has a thick consistency, applying the product to my hair was pretty simple. Surprisingly, a little went a long way.

INGREDIENTS
Water(Aqua, Eau), Canola Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Fragrance (arfum, Beeswas, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycol Stearate, Polyquaternium-10, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil Olea Euopaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadmia) Seed Oil, Glycine Sojo (Soybean) Oil, Argania S[ompsa (Argan) Kernal Oil, Alo Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leave Juice, Lonciera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Laminara Cloustoni (Sea Kelp) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

RESULTS
As directed, after applying the deep treatment, I covered my hair with a plastic cap and sat under a hooded dryer for 30 minutes. After allowing my hair to cool down, I rinsed in cool water. My hair felt soft and it was mildly detangled. I noticed that my curls were clumped, which is always a sign that my hair has been properly moisturized. Overall, I was pleased with my results.

Additional products within the Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair line are Creamy Hair Lotion, Coconut Curling Cream, Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, Coconut Milk Shine & Hold Mist, and Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel. To learn more about the line click here.

Thanks to Cantu Shea Butter for providing the products for review.

I tried; I really did! But, as of this Tuesday my hair break came to an abrupt end.

After seven full days of box braid bliss I had to say bye bye.

There is no way I can deny that I desperately wanted a chic hairstyle to give me a break from my mane. I spelled it all out in this post.

But, when the itching started I HAD to bring it to an end. Thus, my hair break became a hair pause.

I’m sure you are wondering, why would you take them down after spending hours putting them in (check that out here)?

Well, aside from the itch, I missed my hair.

I know. That sounds crazy. “I missed my hair” but I wanted a hair break? No rebuttal here; it is a bit confusing and I have no explanation expect…actually I have none.

However, what I can say is that I am ecstatic that I did not invest a large amount of money to have my braids done. Doing them myself was the best choice, especially since I kept them in for such a short period of time.

After about 3-4 hours of taking out my braids I was happy to be greeted by my hair.

I’m still a huge fan of box braids and will most likely wear them in the future. However, you and I now know that will only be for a pause…not a break.

“4Naturals & Tropical Roots hair care products are searching for hair models for the Bronner Brothers Spring Hair Show in Seacaucus, New Jersey!

They are seeking models with locks, twists or natural hair of all shades, shapes and sizes to have their hair styled live on stage over the course of the two day event. Styling will include: Twists, straightening (curly or wavy hair), locks & other natural hair styling.

Auditions are Saturday, May 19, 2012 – Hair will be styled on Sunday, May 20, 2012 or Monday, May 21, 2012 depending on your availability.”

To learn more about 4Naturals and Tropical Roots Natural Hair Model casting call click here.

photo: 4Naturals/Tropical Roots

Natural hair has become more than just a “hair choice.” It has morphed into a way for ladies, and some gentleman, to meet, mingle and share stories.

There is no better way to do that than at one of the numerous natural hair events that are held around the U.S each week.

Here at Me, My Hair & the City a strong effort is made to keep you all “in the know” about what’s happening in the natural hair world. But, although I try, we can’t know it all. That’s where the wonderful world of web surfing comes into play.

As you all know, there are tons of natural hair & beauty websites floating around the internet world; each individually unique. Well, Glamazini.com, the self proclaimed “longest running natural hair journey on the internet.” has created an awesome resource for learning about natural hair events in your neck of the woods!

Check out the sites Natural Hair Events Schedule to find out what’s happening in your area!

Here is a snippet of May 2012 events:

May 5 · Felicia Leatherwood and Loving Your Hair with Natural Care Workshop (Raleigh, NC $)
May 5 · Natural Resources Salon Natural Hair Bootcamp (Houston, TX $)
May 6 · The Chicago Natural Beauty Expo (Chicago, IL $)
May 12 · The Experience… (New York, NY)
May 17 · Welcome to Houston: Kim Coles Celebrates YOU! (Houston, TX)
May 19 · Own Your Natural! St. Louis, MO (St. Louis, MO $)
May 19 · National Natural Hair Meetup Day Block Party (Toledo, OH)

Click here to view more of Glamazini.com’s Natural Hair Events Schedule.

“Van Michael Salon’s hair and beauty experts have teamed up with the Tritt Aesthetic and Plastic Center, RAW Bronzing Studio and Sugar Coat nail salon to pamper and prepare Atlantans for spring!”

This free Spring Beauty Bar event will feature:
-Blow dry and styling lessons from Van Michael stylists.
-Make-up consultations, waxing and tinting with a Van Michael aesthetician.
-Consultations and a demonstration by Dr. Keith Kowal and Candice Morrow, RN of Tritt Aesthetic and Plastic Center.
-Consultations and vouchers from RAW Bronzing Studio, an organic spray tanning studio.
-Service vouchers from Sugar Coat, a nail and beauty salon.

Make plans to attend this great event on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Free reservations begin at 4:00PM and can be made by calling 404-874-6604.

Van Michael Salon, Virginia Highlands is located at 778 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta, GA. Learn more about Van Michael Salon by visiting www.vanmichael.com.