Big Hair, Big Dreams
Colorist: Brooke Price, Stylist: Lee Henson, Photographer: Heidi Hapanowicz
When I'm having a good hair day, I'm most certainly feelin myself. Almost every woman and man I’ve ever met, has a relationship with themselves and the follicles on top of their head. And please, don't disagree with me just because you're afraid to be perceived as vain. That's silly.
Whether you choose a new color, cut, or style, great hair gives us confidence, it just does. One motto I hold near and dear to me is: Look good, feel good. Not to brag or boast, but I have pretty great hair. In my opinion, it’s my best physical feature. What can I say? I’m blessed! If I had a dollar every time a stylist, a stranger, a friend or foe touched, complimented, or admired my tresses and told me how great and versatile my hair is, I’d be rich! Ok, not like Beyonce/Jay Z rich, but like that type of rich where you shop at Whole Foods weekly and you don’t have to calculate your grocery items every time you put something new in your cart. #GOALS. I am not a licensed hair stylist, never claimed to be one, but I do offer hair services as an occasional side hustle. From blow-outs & braids, to up-dos for weddings and proms, I’ve been on my hair hustle for nearly 6 years. I don’t cut or color, I simply consult & then enhance the style to your desired look. I'm self taught, and I’m always down to learn more. I’ve been mentored by amazing stylists around the Tampa Bay area, and honestly, I also watch a lot of Youtube tutorials and practice, practice, practice! Since I cut 15” off my hair this past June, I have been introducing and testing different products to see what works with my short hair vs. my long hair and what works with both. These are products that I’ve used on myself & clients of all hair types. All of these are natural and good for you. My hope is for you to reconsider what products you put in your hair, encourage you to spend a little extra moola because it’s truly healthier and longer lasting than the cheap stuff, and for you to play & have fun. Like my idol Dolly Parton says, "Sometimes great hair is the best revenge." Grab a glass of wine, open up a few web browsers & peep my holy grail hair products I consistently use.
Holy style control. Evo’s hair products are my favorite and have been for a solid 2 years. I love how this shampoo & conditioner feels as I massage my acrylics into my scalp and quench my hair with all of it’s healthy goodness that it has to offer. It helps protect color, and maintains frizz. I’m a Florida resident, therefore frizz control is a need, not a want. A little dab will do ya for my short hair cuties, and if you have thicker and longer hair just add more until you feel like you have enough to properly cleanse. Don’t expect a crazy lather, because you’re not going to get one. Just know that your hair is getting a serious pampering. I love EVO's tag line “Saving ordinary humans from themselves.” With their products, “You’ll find luxurious products that are sulphate, paragon, dea, tea, and propylene glycol free; products that give professional results while respecting the environment.” I co-sign AAALLL of that, & so should you.
$17.99
When I'm trying to save some coins, and I'm out of Mane Tamer, this is shampoo and conditioner is my go-to. I could not believe how bomb this Amazon for under $20. It smells like a coconut candle from Bath & Body works and less like a Pina Colada. That’s major for me, because a coconut scent can go south if the manufacturers aren’t strategic with the scent. Not only does it smell like my future Hawaiian vacation, but it also just feels good on the scalp. It’s a hydration station in the shower that makes your hair, soft, smooth, & hella manageable. It’s also 100% vegetarian, no animal testing, and absolutely no paragon, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. Umm...Amazon prime this like TODAY, ok!
I play around a lot with dry shampoo brands. I test out dry shampoos on my skin before I purchase it to make sure it doesn’t feel tacky, if it does, then move on & find one that leaves your skin dry. And it never fails, I always go back to my tried and true, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. There’s truly no other product like it, and it works on every hair color and style. Right now, during the holiday season they have a steal of ALL steals. Click on the image above, because I promise you this won’t last, and honestly buy 2 or 3 if you can. You’ll thank me later and won’t regret it. Things to avoid while shopping for Dry Shampoos: Too powdery and white sprays-unless you’re into the white roots look- and make sure it gives you added texture as well. Even if you’re hair doesn’t need dry shampoo, use it anyways, because it give your hair volume. VOLUME IS A MUST! My hair prayer: The higher the hair, the closer to God. Amen.
Do yourself a favor and BUY THIS! To me, its an incredibly reasonable price for what this product does to one’s hair. After I cut my hair short, I literally use this every time after I wash it. I used to use it sparingly when my hair was longer, mainly because I forgot I owned it. I went through my bin of hair products, whipped this bottle out, and fell in love all over again. A little dap will do ya, I blow dry my hair, and I do not have to straighten it with an iron at all afterwards. Blessings! If you have thick coarse hair, this is a must have product for you. It provides thermal protection, moisturizes, conditions & the best part is that it’s for ALL HAIR TYPES, I repeat, IT’S FOR ALL HAIR TYPES!!!!
$32.45 for 3.4 oz.
This is a product I’ve been using since 2004. It’s just bomb. A hydration & controlling serum for all hair types. On a tighter budget? Use the ever so versatile & holy grail of all-natural product for cooking, hair, skin. Whatever you use, just use a dime size, and if you need more you can always add more. Overuse can cause you hair to look greasy and then you’ll have to rewash it, and re blow dry it. Avoid all of that by following the instructions. Again, a little goes a long way.
Below are a few examples of my work with the products mentioned above.
