Caring For Your Aging Hair

Hey Blog Family and Followers,

I'd like to introduce you to my fabulously talented and beautiful Madre whom I lovingly address as "Sistah Gina". It was my mother's persistence that lead to my enrollment into a cosmetology program. I can hear her now, you will always need something to fall back on (Plan B). She was right, as always...

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." ~Old Proverb

 

My mommy has been a professional stylist for over 32 years. During a recent interview, I gathered valuable information from her years of experience and I would like to share her knowledge with you, my blog family. It is a definite necessity that as we age, we alter our look not only for vanity but also for healthy preservation. Here it is:

Professional Feature: Gina at Salon Mattise

 

As we age, changing hormones and the slowing of the metabolism effects the absorption of needed nutrients for hair growth. Being careless with your hair in older age can cause irreversible damage including hair loss. Hair has a lifespan and can survive much longer than human life. Hair continues to grow after death and even burial so if you carefully care for your strands they can remain beautiful, longer.

 

Crucial Hair Care Tips: Find a stylist that specializes in healthy hair care, Minimize or better yet stop wearing hard styles, add moisture back into the hair, and lastly, spritz products along with constant heat application causes drying and hair strands to break (snap just like that!).

 

Gina says, "Pray and ask God to direct you to a stylist to care for your hair."

 

 







 Suggested styles in photography provided by Gina at Salon Mattise in Independence, MO contact: (816)358-5490

 

Peace and Hair Grease,

 

Meek

Bye, Bye "What Not To Wear"



I saw this picture on Facebook and thought, "Why is Ashley wearing sandals in the winter?" However, I couldn't help but "LIKE" her photo because she was fierce and beautiful at the Beyoncé concert in December in St. Louis, Missouri, where there was snow and cold temperatures. Ashley is never scared and I have yet to see her make a fashion mistake. So, was Ashley going against an universal fashion no-no or am I OLD and too conservative with my fashion rules. I'm going with the latter.

"Self confidence is the best outfit. Rock it and own it." -unknown

Ashley is definitely my muse for this post and Essence Magazine certainly agrees with her. Winter, sminter...In the January 2014 issue of Essence Magazine in the Style section, There are features on street style and what celebrities and local women in various areas are wearing and what do you know??? Winter weather beauties in SANDALS and sweats and leather much like my girl, Ash! I am sorry to inform those of us raised in the generations of storing away your sandals in the winter months and not wearing white bottoms after labor day but those days are loooong gone people. Throw out your fashion rule book and in the words of Russell Simmons, "Do You" boo!

"If you are CONFIDENT, you are beautiful" -unknown

Be-YOU-tiful,

Meek

Special Thanks: To my girl, Desi C. that let me have this issue of Essence because she has that good subscription. Good looking out!

It's an inside job...

What is your daily regimen for skin care besides, applying lotion? Well baby, It's cold outside (here in the Midwest) and dry skin, eczema, brittle/dry/thinning hair, and flakey scalp flare ups need extra attention. A crucial part of my daily skin care routine year round is taking a Biotin nutritional supplement by mouth.

Biotin is the primary vitamin found in Hair, Skin, and Nails supplements that you purchase over the counter. If you take a multivitamin, I say cut out the extra fillers and take the most effective part, the Biotin. You can buy Biotin over the counter at your local drug store. I personally use Nature Made or CVS brand (especially when they are buy one bottle get one free). I love a good sale chile! I would recommend a dose of about 1000 mcg daily for a healthy adult.

Where to buy: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Biotin-Tablets-1000-mcg?skuId=459961

 Along with using my ol' faithful Neutrogena topical products, Biotin helps to keep my nails strong and skin clear. I have gone without Biotin and I can definitely recognize a terrifying difference. I drink more water than any other beverage and we must replenish our bodies with the appropriate nutrients if we want to look fly and not flakey. Besides it won't be Winter forever and you are going to want to take off those long sleeves sooner or later.

"Those that don't got it, can't show it. Those that got it, can't hide it."

Happy 123rd Birthday Zora Neale Hurston d. 1960

 

Stay Smoothe,

Meek

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The material provided on this site is for strictly informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace or substitute for the recommendations or advice of your physician or health care provider. The information contained in this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you believe you have a medical condition or problem contact your health care provider.

The statements contained in this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.


Classic Red Lip Done Right!

"I got my start by giving myself a start." Madam C.J. Walker

Happy New Year Readers! I am very excited about 2014. This first blog post came with much anticipation and fear...but I am doing it anyway. I <3 the beauty business and I have dibbled and dabbled in it way too long. I acquired a cosmetology license without the intent to ever "do" hair. The knowledge and practicum it took to pass the state board exam is just in my blood. We'll talk about that more in another future blog post.

No, I do not wear red lips. However, I admire those that dare to. I have a dark skin complexion and due to the high pigment in my skin, my sclera (white part) of my eye can appear jaundiced in a red lip color LOL. To brighten my eyes, I wear a pale lip most days. My skin tone is cool so pink colors are flattering. Oh but you girls with warmer skin tones like, Sanaa Lathan can wear a red lip honey! I prefer red lips in matte and not in gloss. A shine on red lips is over kill (gag) and unnecessary. Any lip color looks best on well conditioned lips.

Find out skin tone's best lip color: http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/how-to-choose-the-perfect-red-lip-color-for-your-skin-tone-a3298.html

Make-Up Tip: Sleep in a Chap Stick. Apply a lip balm before bed time. I repeat, Chap Stick not Carmex. Simple Vaseline will suffice if you do not have a lip balm. Be sure to remove loose skin from your lips before your moisturizer application by rubbing your lips with a textured cloth or the back of your clean dry hand. I've heard of some people gently brushing their lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate the lip skin but I think that could be a bet too vigorous for the delicate lip skin. When you awaken from your beauty sleep, you will have the best feeling smackers this side of the Mississippi! You are welcome.

If you are scared of lip color and you play it safe by wearing M A C "Oh Baby" lip gloss everywhere and for every occasion like most of the women I know. Use a lip stain to start. 

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together." Elizabeth Taylor





Muah, Meek