Orlando Pita Argan Oil Box Set

I am so happy to see Orlando, my friend and mentor, recently launch a box set of shampoo, conditioner and argan oil treatment, all under the Orlando Pita brand. 

Containing just trace amounts of sulfates, the entire line is packed with healthy botanicals such as avocado oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and chamomile extract. The Argan Oil Gloss Shampoo (13 fl oz.) leaves hair feeling nourished and clean. More than just a conditioner, the Argan Oil Conditioning Treatment is powerful enough to leave even the driest hair feeling great. The Argan Rejuvenating Hair Treatment Oil treatment is to die for as a little goes a long way.

 

You can find the box set at Costco for only $16.99! 

I was sitting with Orlando in the salon talking about the product line and the results, he mentioned that in all the images used to promote the products, no extensions were used (now that's on heard of in for product ad campaigns)..

Let's face it, it's unheard of to get a box set of hair products with this quality...at this price. For more on the release of more products under the Orlando Pita Brand, take a look at his Facebook fan page as well as Hatch beauty.

I have mine, do you have yours!!

Hair Style Options For an "all Natural" Woman

Today's article is about embracing your natural hair while most importantly, maintaining a healthy scalp. I chose to focus on very basic looks, keeping it simple and real so my readers can relate. I even took these pictures with my iphone. :)

When I first met this model, she told me that she sometimes wears her hair straight. The key word here is "sometimes..." i.e. she is not addicted to straight hair or hair extensions. So I went ahead and showed her different ways to style her hair where it won't damage her hairline.

The first look is in her natural state. 

For the second look I decided to blow dry her hair straight. If you wear your hair naturally curly and use a lot of hair oils, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo to remove any build up on the hair before blow drying. After a shampoo and quick towel dry, I added Kerastase Elixir Oil to help get her hair smooth and protect it from the heat. After blow drying it, I added a tiny bit of the Hamadi Healing Serum before flat ironing her hair.

The third look uses clip in extensions to give her length. Clip in extensions allow a woman to take them out and put them in whenever she feels like it. Buying the hair myself, I get to choose the right hair match and appropriate clips to get a perfect fit. This works better than buying extensions that already have clips on them. Just keep in mind, the overuse of extensions are very hard on the scalp, causing hair breakage and permanent scalp damage.

And for the fourth look, I added a fake bang, which totally changed her appearance! Again I bought the bang/fringe and blended them to match the rest of the hair.

           Below are a few tips from this model on how she styles her hair.

Antonio- What products do you use in your hair?

Alexius- I prefer TRESemme Moisture Rich shampoo to clean my hair followed by Pantene's Moisture Balance Conditioner -- I love how thick the formula is. For a deep conditioning I use Deep Moisturizing Treatment from Pantene's Curly Hair Series. After towel drying my hair, I use Mixed Chicks Leave in Conditioner to moisturize and maintain my curls.

What do you like about wearing your hair natural?
 I like looking in the mirror and seeing an untouched version of myself...especially after I've just washed my hair. The way my curls naturally grow from my scalp makes me smile.  Loving the raw version of myself, helps me love the uber-glam version even more because at the root, I appreciate the natural me.

Did you always wear it natural? 
No, I've been natural for about 7 years. I wore sew-in extensions in high school and had my hair straightened via perms since age 8. I had braces and acne in high school, so long hair extensions allowed me to literally hide behind my insecurities. I don't miss those hours in the salon.

What would you say to young women who have natural hair but still feel insecure in a world of weaves and extensions?
Embrace what makes you different. Having natural hair doesn't mean you are restricted to just wearing your hair natural. Wear your curls free in a 'fro, pin the sides and have a 'fro hawk, tuck and shape your hair into a bouffant a la Janelle Monae. Being natural doesn't mean you cannot utilize a wig to change up your look. Do a twist set, put on a wig cap and wear a fabulous wig while your style sets. Options are my favorite reason for being natural. You can easily get a blow out if you would like to wear your own straight hair as well.