February: Black History Month

               Images: Google.com 

It's the 1st day of February and this month is officially dedicated as Black History Month. Isn't it so powerful and moving to see how many men and women paved the way for us? Individuals fought and gave up their lives for our rights, and our freedom. These 28 days let's teach our children what this month is about, let's inspire others, and let's support businesses, individuals, and the dreamers of our race!! 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Testing..1..2..3: Natural Hair

Testing, Testing. *Pats Mic* ... So for the past week and a half I have been wearing my natural hair out. I decided that it was time to give my 18", 20", 22" u part wig a break. Haha. I must admit that I am an avid lover of personality pieces but my hair underneath was in dying need of fresh air. Every year I usually cut my hair or try a different style. Since coming from my Cassie inspired shave cut it was time to embrace my natural hair that was growing underneath. 

When I first unleashed the natural last week I can say I wasn't a fan of it at all but it felt good letting my real hair out. I headed over to Sally's and brought some products including Eden's Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil, Eco Styler Gel, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, and Curls Jelly to began with. I decided to try Bantu knots and immediately loved the style. 

It is amazing to see our natural coils and curls. I must say that I will be a transitioner because there is still permed hair that will need to change over. Growing up with natural hair wasn't anything we looked at as the beauty in a woman of color but now individuals inspire many with their big fros, curly hair, and protective styles such as braids and Havana twists. 

What makes you feel beautiful as a natural, and why did you decide to stop using all those harsh chemicals? I would love to hear your comments below. 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Photo Credit: All photos are owned by me! :) 

Lipstick presents MY BROWN CANVAS

MY BROWN CANVAS is a segment dedicated to WOMEN OF COLOR. MBC embraces and educates our beauty, through our skin and hair. It is our inspiration to ourselves! Whether it's our love for makeup or none, our natural tresses or flowing extensions. MBC educates on products and routines that is for all types and tones. Women that Empower Others would be contributors to My Brown Canvas. 

Thee Lipstick Canvas is a lifestyle blog, or in my mind a site that is dedicated to the powerful, empowering woman. As women we like to take pride in ourselves, the way we dress, how our hair is styled, and the education and ambitious goals that we stand behind. 

As a lover of makeup, and extension installs I want to embrace our skin and hair. I am now wearing my natural hair and it is still a learning process. There are so many makeup artists and hair vendors on social networking nowadays, and it is amazing to see their work but let's find out what routines and products, what tips and advice that we all can use when it's time to remove all of that and show our healthy skin and healthy hair. 

I hope that this section of my site can grow beyond what I can ever imagine because it will be very beneficial. It will be great to see makeup for women of color, products that are directed to brown girls, and individuals who set out to inspire others through their talents and careers. 

Please email me, and I will be contacting others to contribute to this segment on the site. Have any ideas? Do not hesitate to leave them in the comment area.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Let's Talk: Healthy Hair

When it comes to hair talk, what do you consider healthy hair? We as (African American) women have went from thinking the perm, relaxed hair was the best thing since sliced bread until the journey of natural hair began to take over. Is it true that either style chosen can be healthy depending on how you take care of your hair, or all the chemicals and ingredients in perms are really bad for us? Honestly I will be the first to say that I have failed to properly take care of my hair when I thought I was the bomb.com (LOL) and I am now on a journey of restoring it to it's natural and healthy state.

Let's talk about what are some of the mistakes that we as women can make when it comes to our tresses.

1. Not keeping our hair washed and cleansed of impurities, dirt and bacteria on a weekly basis.
2. Some think that wearing weaves and installs protects their real hair so they don't bother having a regimen for it underneath the caps and nets.
3. Failing to use a scarf or silk pillowcase when going to bed at night.
4. Poor diet and lack of water.
4. Not choosing and doing research on a hairstylist who actually cares about your real hair.

So, with that being said here are some tips that I think are beneficial for healthy hair.

1. Drinking plenty of H20 to keep your scalp hydrated and eating healthy.
2. Washing your hair once a week or every two weeks, and using a deep conditioning treatment.
3. Developing a hair regimen personalized for you.
4. Consultations with a hairstylist on what will be most beneficial for your hair.
5. Keeping your scalp and hair oiled and clean under your installs, plus making sure that they are not too tight where it causes traction to your edges and fine hairs.
6. Wrapping your hair up at night to keep it free from tangling.
7. Researching the products you use for your hair, and doing a spot test before using it over your entire head.

Disclaimer: I am not a hairstylist nor an avid lifestyle coach for healthy hair, these are just tips from my own personal life with my hair. *Covers eyes*

Do you have any great tips when it comes to hair care??

Lipstick & Love xoxo