Hairstyle: The Cut Life

I had been contemplating for a few months on my hair. I knew I loved my natural hair that is frequently blown out, but I knew I wanted some extra sass to myself. My first thought was a tapered curly fro. Now mind you I have not had a short cut since my shaved sides a few years ago. 

Well you know what the saying is "When a Woman cuts her hair, she is about to change her life" 

I've been craving change and betterment so I decided to chop my hair off, AGAIN! 

Now the initial style was a doozy to me. So I've been playing around with it a lot. Mind you short hair does require maintenance and upkeep. 

And, I have to get use to it. At first I wanted to drown in tears, thinking what did I just do?! But so far it's growing on me hour after hour... 

You like? What style have you been afraid to try? Or what style did you go for ? Let me know your thoughts ... 

Hairstyle Gone Wrong: Fail!

Before I even let you view the pictures I have to tell you that you are going to holler when you see this failed attempt. Remember when I told you all a few posts down that I was going to try the crochet hairstyle? Let me tell you how horrible it was... Well let me show you the pictures first and you will see...

So I thought I really had something going after I installed the cold perm rods in right! 

But wait let me show you how I was a lioness after the initial install.

And then the final product of a Poodle *covers eyes* 

It was just horrible. I was so upset that I took it right out. Mind you I stayed up until 1:00a.m and woke up with a pounding headache all for it to turn out to look like this. Where did I go wrong? 

Have you all had a style that went so left field you didn't know what to do? Did you revive it or just take it down? 

I've been on a no heat journey and I was gunning for 3 months. After the failed attempt I straightened my hair because I did not want to deal with the long process of another protective style and this is what I'm looking like now. 

I feel so much better :) lol.

Get Chic': Faux Sexy Hairstyle

You ever had the urge for a NEW Hairstyle but didn't have the guts to really do it?

_________________________________________________

 I've always been a risk-taker when it came to my hair and I usually cut it once a year. Since, the natural and healthy hair journey I have left it alone besides getting my ends trimmed when needed. 

I've been seeing this Natural Hair Tapered Cut on many Youtubers and I freaking' adore it so much. Getting bored with my hair, I was thinking what style should I try next? Yesterday I came across this video on Curly Nikki and jumped for joy. 

The youtuber goes by the name AskPRoy and she shows you how to get the Faux Tapered Fro without actually cutting your hair. I am so excited and will be trying this as my next hairstyle.

You Love Or What? *Squeals***



 & Love, Erica.

Natural Hair: Heat-Free Styles

Let's talk about this natural hair thing that's going on in my life at this moment. 

So, January 13th I decided that I wanted to go heat free for Atleast three months. Why? Well, I washed my hair and realized that my curl pattern was not anywhere where it used to be. Straightening my hair once and sometimes twice a week has put me in a bind. I can see many straight pieces and I know it's not healthy. So, I decided to find styles to wear while on this journey. One that takes little effort is the bun. 

Products Used: 

EcoStyler Gel: Green Jar

100% pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Miss Jessie's Leave in Condish

Toothbrush for those edges (don't judge)

Goodys bobby pins 

Human Braiding Hair 

Another go to style is Perm Rods &  Bantu knots. After a few days I usually pin them up into a pineapple. 

Sometimes I have an epic fail and will brush the curls out before pinning them up for a full fluffy look. 

Things I have learned when transitioning and on a healthy hair journey kick: 

1. Low manipulation- try styles you can wear for a few days. You don't have to brush or comb through your hair everyday. 

2. Dry your hair with a tshirt. This helps your hair from snagging and popping with a rough towel. 

3. Deep condition and make sure to keep your hair moisturized. 

4. Stay awwaaayyy from heat. 

What's your favorite natural style when going heat free? 

Wish List: Huetiful Hair & Facial Steamer

I'm always talking about what I want, what I want, what I want. A bad habit that I have is impulse spending which I will not brag on at all. It is the worst thing ever. So, I've decided that a wish list is better. Things that I would like to have so that I can save up and splurge on when the time is right.

One product that I have been eyeing for a very long time is the Huetiful Hair & Facial Steamer


The mastermind behind the steamer is Ken Burkeen. The steamer is a product that hydrates and strengthens your hair. It is great for women with very dry hair because it basically restores moisture to your scalp and hair shafts.

I am a person who has a very dry scalp. I suffer from dandruff and psoriasis, so moisture does not stay with me for too long. I'm always having to go a day with very oily hair because after a while my scalp is screaming for some type of moisture. Also, having break outs on my face this steamer would be great for hydrating my skin. Using this product after tight masks could help to reduce the irritation and redness of my skin replenishing it again.

If you log on to the behuetiful webpage you can find out more information and tips. This will definitely be apart of my wish list and I can't wait to share with you all the results once I have purchased the product.  (Information Credit Below: behuetiful website)

The science behind how it works

When your hair is dry thirsty the best thing for it to drink is water. Hydration strengthens your hair and improves manageability. 

1. Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair; leaving your favorite conditioner in your hair for 5 minutes 

2. Sit under the Huetiful Hair Steamer for 15-20 minutes without a cap on. The steamer will automatically shut off when done 

3. The warm steam naturally lifts up the hair cuticles (Note: hair cuticles are like shingles covering a rooftop)

4. By lifting the hair cuticles, your conditioner can more deeply and effectively penetrate into every strand of your hair (moisturizing)

5. The steam will also be infused into the hair shaft (hydrating)

Watch and Read Reviews from celebrity stylists and popular hair and beauty editors. 

Beauty Favorites

 I must admit that I am kind of a product junkie. Wait, let me be honest I AM A PRODUCT HOARDER. I love trying new beauty and hair products. Healthy Skin, enhancing beauty, and healthy hair is important. But, also it is very fun and intriguing when you purchase a new product and it is one the best things you've tried in a while.

So, let's talk about some of my favorites.....

 Neutrogena Face Wipes ROCK OUT! They are great for removing makeup but also moisturizing.
 An Oldie in my stash but TRESemme heat protectant is a must have. It is wonderful for my natural hair that is frequently blown out. Before I blow out my tresses, I use the spray and before flat ironing as well.
Milani Teddy Bare Lipstick is a go to lippie. It is on the nude side but has a warm brown tone which I love. It's great for everyday wear.
 ELF cream eyeliner in brown is a new product that I have been playing trial and error with for a few weeks. I actually use this eyeliner as a brow filler. I'm not into heavy dark brows so I am really light handed when applying this liner to my brows.

These are only a few products that are in my makeup bag and shelf. Let me know what products you are loving at the moment.

Confidence Boost: Healthy Hair

Can we say Whoop! Whoop! to a good wash, trimmed ends and a style I love on my natural hair. I've been having a hard time battling with my hair and styles for many months now. To be honest it has affected my confidence tremendously. 

Where it all began is when I shaved my head thinking I was Cassie. *don't side eye me* lol. But I must say I really loved the style. Until it was time to grow my shaved side out and I was lost on what to do with my hair. I have been wearing installs for a long time but in reality I had dealing with the proceeds if sew ins and everything that comes with it. 

I struggle with thin edges and I have such fine hair but one product I have to really mention in this post is SIMPLICITY OIL. It has really helped me out so much. It's a product created by a lady name Lisa and I came across it on Instagram. The product is made with oils such as Jojoba, Tea Tree and Coconut. The regimen I use on myself is to place about 10-15 drops around my edges and massage for a few minutes. I also use it just to moisturize my natural hair before applying heat or whenever needed. It does my weigh my hair down at all. 

I haven't had my natural hair pressed out since I've been transitioning and I must say I'm in love with this style. It boosted my confidence once I looked in the mirror at the salon and I couldn't thank the stylist enough. I must say that I won't be wearing weave for some time. 

What boosts your confidence when it comes to your hair and what kills it at times? Do you have any style or healthy hair tips? 

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 

Saturday Style: Hair

This week Saturday Style isn't a Fashion Post but dealing with the styling of our hair whether natural or installed tresses. Maintaining healthy hair is the result of having a nice, defined hairstyle. If your real hair is not maintained and upkept it will show in every style you wear. During the coldest months it is vital to keep your hair clean and moisturized. 

My install was taken out this morning, it was an actual u-part method. I used the products shown here to moisturize my natural hair. The Doo Gro Anti Inch was massaged into my scalp using small sections to help with dandruff and flaking.  The Dr Miracles Follicle Healer Pomade is best used for edges and the temple and nape area to treat thinning. And I distributed the Tresseme Keratin Serum and Argan Oil all over my hair starting from the roots to the ends to seal in moisture. I am letting my hair breathe for a day or so and letting the products sink in before washing it. I have no specific hair regimen nor am I a professional, I just use what works best for me. I also like to switch up products from time to time and try other hair routines. 

What are you using on your hair to keep it healthy? 

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