BlackStyleFile

BSF Beauty Review: Pantene Curly Hair Series Dry to Moisturized Shampoo

 
 
 

Product:  Pantene® Pro-V® CURLY HAIR SERIES DRY TO MOISTURIZED™ SHAMPOO

They Say: "Pantene’s shampoo, with targeted moisturizers, helps seal and smooth cuticle edges to define curls and control frizz. Pantene’s unique shampoo & conditioner system replenishes hair from root to tip to help regulate your dry hair’s natural moisture balance.Gentle enough for color-treated or permed hair."

Tichanda Says: On my natural curls, anything with sodium laurel sulfate (the chemical that causes lather) is usually a no no, but I have always been a fan of Pantene products and I was sent the latest products from the Curly Hair Series by Harper's Bazaar to try and review. Upon applying the shampoo and massaging it into my wet hair I noticed the fresh scent, and the creamy foamy suds that appeared. I clearly could have used less product.

After a few minutes of working the shampoo through my curls i was ready to rinse. I could tell I was going to need a lot of conditioner after my rinse because the slip of my hair changed from slick to stiff. My hair qas squeaky clean but it felt stripped of all moisture. Yikes! The good news is that my next step was the Pantene® Pro-V®
DEEP MOISTURIZING TREATMENT. After applying a heap of the treatment my hair soaked it up and returned to moisturized manegable state.

Take Away Tip: I wouldn't use this shampoo daily for natural hair. Once a week as part of a regimen that includes deep conditioning as well as a moisturizer is probably best. 

BSF Launch: SoftSheen-Carson® Professional redefines the relaxer with Optimum Advanced

 

On Tuesday BSF had the privilege of sitting in on a presentation for the launch of the next generation of SoftSheen-Carson® Professional relaxing and styling products called Optimum Advanced.

 

Typically media and press event are crowded, loud and over the top, but this launch was small and intimate. Set in a sleek studio, branded with the logo, colors and informational videos - no detail was overlooked. It set the stage for a truly different conversation surrounding hair straightening and overall hair care.  

This model had a relaxer 3 weeks ago and the stylist used only the Flexible Holding Spray to finish the look. The cute bob had lots of body, movement and a brilliant sheen.

Anyone who has had a perm, or who has seen the 2009 documentary "Good Hair' by Chris Rock may be a bit skeptical about relaxers in general. And if you are like me, a black woman with natural curls that haven't been permanently straightened for more than 6 years, you might be even more hesitant to entertain the idea of another relaxer being introduced to the market. 

However, I have to say I was truly impressed with what I saw. And it wasn't just because they served me some pretty good hors d'oeuvres! Here's why:

• The Optimum Advanced Keratin Whipped Crème Relaxer System features a patented and advanced technology which they call Smart Lye. It uses 25 percent less Sodium Hydroxide* for significantly reduced damage and healthier hair.

• Sure 'Smart Lye' sounds like an oxymoron, but the company claims the relaxer works evenly on each strand to optimize application timing, allowing stylists to relax with control and still achieve maximum straightness. The lye acts like a "GPS system" and attaches only to the parts of the hair that need straightening. This limits breakage and avoids over processing the hair shaft.

• Each step in the relaxing system is infused with patented Pro-Keratin TM Complex and Oil Infusion, a blend of argan and coconut oils.

• It actually smells good! No rotten egg, perm smell here. That alone makes it worth a try!

 Model Maya Haile sports a beautifully sculpted up do with shiny hair that was smooth and soft to the touch.

“Optimum Advanced has the lowest levels of Sodium Hydroxide, which significantly reduces damage and protects the health of the hair," said Johnny Wright, Celebrity Stylist and Artistic Style Director.

“It gives better hair fiber integrity which, as a stylist, means more styling options. It’s as simple as that.”

  Johnny Wright - Celebrity Stylist and SSC Artistic Director, Angela Guy- Senior VP and General Manager of SSC and Shannon King - Director of Education of SSC.

The system which launches Spring 2011 consists of:

1. Keratin Whipped Crème Relaxer
2. Ceramide Gel Scalp Protector
3. Keratin and pH Recovery Crème Conditioner 
4. Keratin Recovery Neutralizing Shampoo 
5. Keratin Sealing Leave-In Conditioner.+ Oil Infusion™technology

The Oil Infusion styling products include a High Gloss Shine Spray and Flexible Holding Spray, and will be available exclusively to professional stylists through Full Service Distributors beginning April 2011.

The Optimum Advanced product line.

In celebration of the pending launch, Soft Sheen Carson will be participating in numerous trade shows and events around the country.

They will also be offering education opportunities for stylists and are currently offering salons a chance at winning a makeover by the Soft Sheen Carson Style Squad.

For more information on events and promotions please visit the Soft Sheen Carson Professional website . 

 Screen shot from newly launched website

 

NY Fashion Week Recap: Byron Lars Fall 2011

  The BLBM ladies on display.

 Silver glaze cocoon coat over charcoal scrunched boy pant

Ivory ruffled chiffon plush coat over black and ivory tangled mesh shell

Designer Byron Lars and Actress Anika Noni Rose

BSF hit up designer Byron Lars Beauty Mark Fall 2011 presentation during New York Fashion Week. He showcased his "Native Americana" collection which was truly a sensory experience.

There was a large projection of the models in BLBM designs in surrealistic landscapes as well as a drummer who set the mood with his steady beats. Lars brought the outdoors inside with a foliage backdrop featuring models planted on on a platform and draped in rich textured fabrics.

The tribal makeup and feather adorned head pieces accentuated and completed the look.ts etc. I loved the accessories just as much as the collection.  From leggings, shoes, boots and belts - no detail was left out!

The show was styled by Darius Baptist and hair and makeup were provided by L'Oreal. For more on Byron Lars Beauty Mark visit his website.

Check out more exclusive pics below!

NY Fashion Week Recap: Nicole Miller Fall 2011

BSF hit up Mercedes Benz Fashion and as the NY correspondent for theYBF.com I got a backstage pass to see what Nicole Miller has in store for Fall 2011.

I even got up close and personal with the front row which included Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, June Ambrose, Teri Agins and Robin Givhan.

The color palette was typical of NYC - black, gray, cream, and a pop of blue and red. The collection was tailored, fitted, and featured geometric shapes, chunky sweaters, belted tops.

And best of all, there was actually color on the catwalk! There were 4 black models including Ajak Deng, Sigail Currie, Rose Cordero, and Hereith Paul.

The collection was made for life in the Big Apple. Work worthy but perfect for a party!

Here are more pics from the show!

Check out theYBF.com video below and see the original post.

 

 

BSF Book: Michelle Obama's "Everyday" style

 There's no question that Michelle Obama has brought fashion and style back to the White House. Not since Jackie O has a First Lady captured the attention of the public and designers alike.  With her everyday picks from J Crew and Talbots to her high fashion choices by Alexander McQueen and Thakoon, Obama has quickly become an icon whose every stylish move makes a fashion statement.

A new book by journalist Kate Beck discusses not only Obama's fashion choices but also the meaning behind them in her new book, "Everyday Icon". Beck was featured on the Today Show today. See video below:

This isn't the first book tackling the impact that Michelle Obama has had on the fashion world. Here are a few other books highlighting her personal style:

   

It's great that the world has taken notice of the obvious...Mrs Obama is beautiful, stylish, and smart,  and with such a powerful presence, surely fashion won't be all that she is remembered for.

Click to learn more or purchase these books.