Cover Girls: Tia Mowry for VIBE Vixen

Tia Mowry is giving "hot mama" on the cover of VIBE Vixen this month, rocking a white blazer and royal blue. Just call her the Memorial Day special. Was anyone else as flabbergasted as I was that Tia and Pooch decided to quit BET's "The Game"? VIBE Vixen has the scoop on her life post-BET and all the amazing things she's doing from her new book "Oh Baby" to her reality show, her new role as an auntie and more. Check it out here!

What do you think of the cover?

Drop The Dryer: Bantu Knot Out

So last week I introduced you guys to Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge! Here's her very first installation of "Drop The Dryer". Check out how she styles her Bantu Knot Out:

One of my favorite heat-free styles is the bantu knot-out. It's quick, easy, really cute, and maintainable for days at a time. I also like it because it is also a great way to retain moisture. I start my bantu knots by first creating twists with wet or damp hair.

I make about 15 twists (4 at the bottom, 5 in the row above that, 3 at the crown and 3 at the front) and then create a bantu knot out of each twist, which I then secure with a bobby pin. Tie a scarf on your head (I suggest satin or slik) and then put on a satin bonnet over that in case the scarf slips while you sleep. If you have your own hair securing method, please use what works for you.

The next morning, after showering (do not take your bantu knots out pre-shower!), Pull out each knot and separate the twist. Then separate each half into two halves. To get rid of the all of the parts, use your fingers to gently lift your roots (you can use a pick instead if you'd like) making sure to not pull your fingers all the way through.

It's nice and easy, and you can just moisturized with some jojoba oil and shea butter, re-twist and bantu knot at night for the same look the next day. Below are my results:

This style requires no heat, retains moisture and can easily have handbands, clips, and hats incorporated with it. Give it a try and let me know your results!!

- Nikita, My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge

Have a cute heat-free style you want to share? Send us your pics at DropTheDryer@gmail.com!

LBS Beauty Review: Carol's Daughter Transitioning 1-2-3

It's here! So if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (username: lovebrownsugar), you know that I recently took the following pic after being sent a new box of Carol's Daughter's Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit.

From My Instagram

Yes, ladies if you're transitioning from relaxed to natural (or already 100% natural), look no further. This the kit for you. The Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit is CD's answer to the two-texture struggle. It claims to contribute to 93% less shedding, healthier scalp and softer strands. But even if you only have one texture, this kit is spot on. Keep reading for the awesomeness...

Fierce or Foolish: Solange at MoMa Garden Party

Last night Solange Knowles (my fave) showed up rocking a fashion-forward ensemble at the MoMa Garden Party. In a leaf-printed Flaminia Saccucci shorts and skirt hybrid, Solange rocked the party with a rhinestone clutch and nude classic pumps. Eclectic, fashion-forward, yet sophisticated.

Thoughts? Would you rock an ensemble like this? Fierce or Foolish?

Hair Tutorial: LoveBrownSugar & VIBE Vixen

Hey loves! So remember back in January when I got my hair done by the lovely stylists at True Indian Hair? Yes, this post and this post I was rocking that amazing sew-in of Kinky-Curly hair. So I actually filmed that whole process as a segment for VIBE Vixen TV! Check it out below as I walk you through the step-by-step sew-in process:

 

So I have to say, I was a little nervous while this video was being made. But I'm so happy with how it came out! Stay tuned for more videos about my fashion & beauty adventures on the streets of NYC. I'm just warming up!

Have you ever had hesitations about installing extensions? I wanna know, soundoff below!

Brunch at Harry's

This past weekend, we sipped mimosa & got #fancy to celebrate the birthday of Jessica of Glamazons Blog. The festivities took place at Harry's in the Financial District. If you're ever there, you must try the Cornflake & Coconut-Crusted French Toast. I mean...foodgasm on a plate.

Jessica looked "glamazing", as she would say in a neon lace dress by Urban Outfitters and a matching neon neckpiece by H&M. I opted for my Marni for H&M maxi dress and Joe Fresh chain.

Jessica & I

Good times were had by all...

Me & Makeda of The Glamazon Diaries

Chris of Fresher Than Chris, Sandrine Charles

Jessica enjoying her day

Happy Birthday Jess!

P.S. For my makeup look I opted for slightly bronzed cheeks, bright yet neutral eyes and a hot pink lip!

Where do you guys head for brunch on the weekends? I'm a foodie at heart. Tell me the name and location of your fave brunch locale.

Introducing...The "Drop The Dryer" Series

Many of you, when I did My Blowout Month post, inquired about the best ways to maintain length. My perpetual answer to that is heat-free styling! It's one of the main tips I gave within that post about how I've been able to grow my hair consistently and it's also just a good rule of thumb for anyone transitioning, currently natural and even relaxed. Heat styling does serious damage if you don't use the right protection, so instead of having to go through all that...chile, drop the dryer!

Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge

A good friend of mine, Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge has agreed to pop over to LoveBrownSugar weekly and give us an update on her amazing heat-free project. Starting this month, Nikita has vowed to go 12 whole months without any heat styling. That means no press & curl, no blowouts & no flat irons! Drastic, right?

Nikita drops her dryer

She even had to have a Parting Ceremony for her heat-styling tools. Complete with white wine! Yes, it's that serious. Nikita will be giving us an update on cool ways to style your hair heat-free, product reviews, hair tips & more. She's a girl on-the-go, so she's all about quick & easy hairstyles.

Nikita's Bantu Knots

Even better? We want YOU all to participate! Send pics of YOUR fabulous heat-free hairstyles to DropTheDryer@gmail.com for a weekly shoutout on the site. Make sure to include the products you used to achieve your look. Can't wait to see your submissions!

Everyone please join me in welcoming Nikita to the LoveBrownSugar fam. Drop her a note in the comments section!