Natural Hair: How I Straighten My Natural Hair

How I Straighten My Natural Hair

Hey Guys! As the story goes, we are always looking for something better when it comes to our hair. For once I can say I'm loving my natural hair. Although I primarily wear it curly, every 4-6 weeks I make myself straighten it to check it's strength, thickness, ends, and overall length. I could tell a few days ago, it's becoming more work to style it up out of my face in a kinda Mohawk like style. That, I don't mind either because the simplicity of my curls hands down beats straightening my hair during the summer months, all for it to revert as soon as I walk outdoors. But, for those you us looking for a less tedious straightening method for your natural hair, here is my full proof method and products I use. I hope you enjoy this blog and the video attachment. Feel free to share your products, tricks, and tips on your natural hair. I have been natural for over 5 years but this is my first time wearing my hair totally natural for this length of time!  Yyaayy me! It feels so good. Anyway, on to my tips and products used. XO, Kiani


After Styling 

                                                      

                                                                     

Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner

I love the Pureology line of products. They seem to keep my hair soft, conditioned, and strong. The products are very concentrated so a little goes a long way. I use literally a nickel size amount of each twice a week. I also buy the travel so I can switch between the different formulas often, not weighing my hair down, and these bottles travel nicely.                                                                                                                 

Styling Products

As for the damp styling products, nothing straightens my hair better than the Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion. It leaves my hair with a luster and dries fast. I mold my hair down with three to four pumps of the foam and comb my hair around my head with a small tooth comb. This method smooths my hair out and allows it to lay as flat to my head as possible.

          Styling Tools

If necessary I use a wire brush to finalize smoothing method before I tie it down with a polyester/nylon head scarf. Lastly I cover my head with an additional scarf/ turban to trap in the heat and ultimately drying my hair faster.

Wrapping Scarfs

Once my hair is dry, I remove the scarfs and apply three to four small drops of Argan Oil of Morocco into the palms of my hands, rubbing the oil vigorously warning it up. Next, I pat my hands on my head not applying too much product into one spot but all over.  Finger pulling hair apart not creating frizz but separation.  

On to straightening the hair:

I use a Revlon Comb Attachment dryer to begin straightening the hair. I use the small tooth attachment to give my hair volume. If hair is longer and thicker, I would suggest using the wide tooth attachment.  I continue to move the dryer around my head removing any remaining waves from my hair of lingering moisture. Be sure to have your space cool enough to keep your head from sweating and reverting hair.  Allow enough time to almost completely air dry. This keeps hair from getting too big when its blown out. If needing to speed up the drying time feel free to sit under a hooded dryer.

    

Finally, to style my hair I use two different flat irons. I use a 1-2 inch iron for the longer pieces and a 1/2 inch around the perimeter. I section the hair off from the crown of my head to work with the direction my hair naturally falls. Remembering the hair is already straight, my flat irons are used to smooth and make hair sleek. Run the irons through the hair from root to tip, no more than twice per section.  I never wear my hair straight longer than two days so by minimizing the direct heat from the flat irons I can easily transition back to my curls once I shampoo again. Lastly style the hair into position. Lightly spray with my Garnier Holding spray to further minimize frizz and quick reversion. 

Products Used:   A lot of the products I use are oooolllllddddd. So I tried to link the most compatible products for your convenience.  

 Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner http://www.amazon.com/Pureology-Hydrate-Shampoo-Condition-Travel/dp/B008HDQRC2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1438183828&sr=8-7&keywords=pureology+hydrate+shampoo+and+conditioner


Nairobi Wrapp- It Shine Foaming Lotion http://www.sears.com/nairobi-wrapp-it-shine-foaming-lotion-8/p-SPM12870135919?hlSellerId=10145967&sid=IDx20110310x00001i&kpid=SPM12870135919&kispla=SPM12870135919&mktRedirect=y   

Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco http://www.target.com/p/ogx-moroccan-penetrating-oil-regular-3-3-oz/-/A-13924875?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=13924875&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=13924875&LID=17pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13924875&kpid=13924875&gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-GtBRCMl7m54PzgjNQBEiQAIZckv-zjlHQ5UH3ZIdnyCn2OKDIgSkc4fqmKgr1wigEp5pQaAhxg8P8HAQ
             
Polyester Head Scarf  http://www.amazon.com/ETSYG%C2%AE-Multicolour-Scarves-Square-Pattern/dp/B00FDN4ZKA                            

Nylon Head Wrap http://www.amazon.com/Light-Blue-Turban-Comfy-Delicate/dp/B004L60D56/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1438184618&sr=1-1&keywords=turbans                                  

1/2 and 1 inch Flat Iron https://www.doitbest.com/products/revlon-1-2-1-hair-straighteners?sku=601247&utm_source=shoppingfeeds&utm_medium=googlebase&utm_term=601247&utm_campaign=BROI&gdftrk=gdfV25409_a_7c1793_a_7c6797_a_7c601247&gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-GtBRCMl7m54PzgjNQBEiQAIZckv2vKYVm0gDPI8JtIIIqfh6sLUnJK3q6BXbvDKIIFhl8aAlEl8P8HAQ                                                                      

Revlon Attachment Hair Dryer  http://www.amazon.com/Vidal-Sassoon-VS783-Professional-Anti-Static/dp/B00006498N/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1438183651&sr=8-6&keywords=hairdryer+comb               

Fine Tooth Comb  http://www.amazon.com/Aristocrat-Piece-Professional-Comb-Set/dp/B000UQ546Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1438184144&sr=1-3-fkmr1&keywords=wide+and+fine+teeth+comb+assortment                                 

Wire Bristle Brush http://www.amazon.com/Diane-Steel-Bristle-Assorted-Colors/dp/B00M0M0APQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1438184230&sr=1-4&keywords=wire+bristle+brush

My colorist:
Angie Nelson
Salon Lashae
Concord, NC
704-564-9147

WATCH ME!

Themed Wedding Vision: Whimsical Shades of a Peacock

Themed Wedding Vision: Whimsical Shades of a Peacock

Bowman-Adams Nuptials

Oasis Shriner, Charlotte NC

July 25, 2015 5:00pm

Glam, glitz, fun, and theatrical was the wedding story for Zebrina Bowman.

 The bride told me she wanted the theme of peacock colors  through out the wedding. This also meant the colors to be included in her makeup look. The colors were amazing and executed with precision. I wanted to honor the brides wishes, but stay true to the art.  Applying colors this bold isn't a rush job. We started early enough to keep 

the colors blended, precise, and overall "bridal." 

Bridal Portraits on Location at the historic Duke Mansion, Charlotte, NC.  Thanks to Cynthia Ndelo Photography and Cinematography for providing these amazing images.

To create such a whimsical look for such an elegant occasion we tested the look twice. Once being her bridal portrait day held at the historic Duke Mansion.  This allowed me to know how long it would take to execute on the wedding day and if the colors would translate on camera.

Indoor and Outdoor perfection.  Summer weddings in the South call for all day glam application to with stand the head and humidity. Keep in mind the weight of a gown will add extra layers causing your body temperature to rise faster.  It is a good idea to hire a professional makeup artist with a specialty in bridal shoots. Go to makeupbykiani.com to book your bridal glam sessions. 

Bridal Party Shoot Pre Wedding

 

 

 The result was textured, pigmented, long lasting and most importantly the brides saying "I Love It." Topped off by Zebrina signature bold, Barbie Pink. We had her bridal vision on canvas.

The grooms flair for style paired with the brides savvy for glitz and glam.

Bride and Maid of Honor both hired by makeupbykiani.  Such a pleasure working with them both.

Everyday Smokey Eye and Pop of Color

Everyday Smokey Eye and a Pop of Color

Summer 2015

Hey Guys. I tell ya, I haven't been able to create any other eye look this month but some sort smokey eye combo. Literally, I have had people stop and compliment me on this look.  So I decided to share this everyday smokey eye combo using a few of my favorite Fall colors yet add my Summer Pop on the lips. This look is extremely versatile just by changing the lash to wispies or changing the black liner to a softer color of your choice, and of course muting the lips...so to speak with a nude or just a sheer gloss. The point is get creative and blend to your hearts content and your wrist aches. Ha, Ha. I hope you guys enjoy this video and as always comment, like. subscribe, and share this video. XO, Kiani

Products Used:
~~~Eyes~~~

MAC Khol Feline Pencil to create the depth and smokey effect.   Blend out with a flat shader (E15) brush and a pencil brush(218). Having the bleeding liner (yes i mean bleeding) on these brushes will aid in building the look gradually throughout. Blending is key.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sienna (Lavish Palette) to blend out liner and to add dimension. Use this though out the look to blend upper and lower lash line alternating between Sienna and the remaining liner on your flat and pencil brush. No further product needed to deepen crease, outer v, or lower lash line if enough liner is used in the beginning steps. The brush should be loaded.

Estee Lauder Copper Metallic center of lid. Used a damp flat synthetic concealer brush (F75) to make shade more vibrant and to minimize shadow fallout

Bobby Brow Shimmer Brick Inner V and Brow bone blended into look.

Eylure Vegas Nay Grand Glamour Lashes. Hands down the best drugstore lashes out. To make look less dramatic substitute here with some Demi Wispie lashes. They are still long enough to compliment the eye (Ardel Demi Wispies, Kiss #11, or Salon Perfect Wispies)

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara on top and Little Black Primer on the bottom for length. 

Off Camera
~~Face~~
MAC Pro Long wear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation NC45

MAC Studio Conceal and Correct Duo Burnt Coral and Rich Yellow
Airspun Translucent Loose Powder*******New Holy Grail Product!!!
NYX Contour Palette
ELF Dark Blush Quad
Gold Deposit Skin Finish
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
MAC Waterproof Brow Gel
Estee Lauder Fushia Liner
NYX Nude Diaphane Lippie
Note: Used Beauty Blender to apply foundation and translucent power for maximum hold!

~~Hair~~
Cantu Leave in Conditioner
Garnier Curl Construct Moose
Old Head Scarf

See Previous Styling Videos Here!

https://youtu.be/6_LmbH3Gjn4

~~Tools~~

Sigma Flat Definer E15

Sigma Tapered Blending E35

Sigma Concealer Brush F75

Make Up Forever 218 Wavy Brush

Sigma Concealer E35

Beauty Blender

Kat Von D Contour Highlight Brush

WATCH NOW

Wedding PreGame: Manning-Rankin Wedding Story

The Manning-Rankin Wedding Story

July 18, 2015 4:30pm

Hilton Center City, Charlotte, NC

The PreGame

For every wedding I have the pleasure of creating the bridal look for its always such a blessing. I have the opportunity to engage my passion for people and my art, on one of the most important days of my clients life. Not only do I consider it an honor but I view it as the best job in the world. It's very important for my clients to feel special and to love the outcome. Because all the work to pull a wedding together happens before the wedding I call my services "The Wedding Pregame." Welcome to show.

I decided to highlight the Manning-Rankin Wedding because of the passion the couple has for one another and the details it took to pull everything together.

We started with a bridal trial where the bride and groom hosted a glam squad dinner. The wedding planner, hairstylist, and myself met to discuss the vision of the day. What it didn't know is the bride would be the model but the groom had a specific look in mind for his bride to be.

                                                   Bridal Trial Glam Squad***********

 It consisted of a classic Cat Eye, minimal brows, clean skin, and a bold matte lip. After a few foundation test, contour blends, and a few lip swatches, the contract was signed.

                                                                                         Bridal Portrait Morning

                                                                                   

The next run through was on Bridal Portrait Day. We met at 8 am to compile all the specifics of a modern classic bride on this beautiful fair skinned, blue eyes human doll. Stephanie skin was the most radiant and clear. The pictures came out amazing. ( Big thanks to Isil Dohnke Photography for providing bridal portrait images.)

The Wedding Day

          

Hosted in the heart of Charlotte, NC.  Team SDS Events keeping everything elegant, timely, and orchestrated to the beautiful couples specifications.  Nothing like a beaming bride.

Wedding Day Glam for Honorary Guest

Mother of Bride, Sister of Bride, a few girl friends, and the bride all sat and got their wedding day glam in the Bridal Suite. Every client was comfortable with a natural glamorous look. But for every client the word natural means something different! Lashes, clean skin, bold lips was the cohesiveness for the night.

    Mother of the Bride

                                                                                                                          Sister of the Bride

 

      Sister of the Groom      

 

 For others, a smokey eye was the request.  I said, ooookkkkkaaaayyyyy!

At the end of the night with the reception in full swing we did a quick touch up on the lips and a dusting on her nose and my job was done. A beautiful end to an amazing day...a bride still smiling.

To book MakeUPbyKiani email makeupbykiani@gmail.com for a free consultation.

TEAM

Hair and MakeUP Team