I rocked crochet braids for about six months and absolutely loved them!  It was one of the easiest styles to maintain.  And part of the beauty was that I could install them myself. There are tons of video of how to install on Youtube.  (The video is my first ever so pardon the portrait perspective.)

To achieve the look below, use Harlem125 Kima Braid Hair in 14" , color 1B.  I used 2-3 packs, and cut the hair in half before application. After installing, I gentle separated the dreads. You can separate multiple times, depending on how voluminous you want your hair.

I stocked up on the hair below since it's inexpensive and I reapplied new hair about every 2-3 months. to keep the hair looking fresh.

Happy crochet braiding, ladies!

Imagine sitting in your stylist's chair as she gives you a new haircut.  You've shown her the exact style you want on your cell phone or magazine.  But now she's working from memory or requesting to see the picture again.  And when it's all done, it still isn't quite what you were hoping for.

Samsung Electronics may have solved this problem.  It has introduced an interactive mirror display.  The first-of-its-kind, 55-inch mirror has made its debut at LEEKAJA HAIRBIS’ Jamsil salon in Seoul, Korea.   It won't be long before you and your stylist can consult on various styles on the mirror and determine the best look for you.  Want your bob shorter with a bump or longer and straight?  You can pinpoint the style you want, check out latest news about the style, and then watch as it comes to life.

Pretty cool, huh?

Swimming is one of the best exercises because it allows us to burn a relatively high number of calories in a short amount of time.  According to Healthline.com, expert physiologist Tom Holland states that “a 150-pound person will burn roughly 400 calories during an hour-long swim at a moderate pace, and 700 at a vigorous one."   If you're like me and need exercise that is gentle on the joints while still working up a sweat, look no further than your local pool.  Celebs have long used swimming as part of their exercise regimen.  Take Mariah Carey for instance.  She attributes swimming to her 70-pound weight loss.  And we already know Beyoncé loves to swim as is evidenced here, here and here.  No one can argue that Queen Bey isn't in top physical condition!

So why aren't more black women hitting up the pools?  Wait.  Don't tell me.  You don't know how to swim.  Nope, not a good answer.  Lessons at the Y are affordable and available.  No one is saying you need to ever be Michael Phelps in the water, but knowing how to swim might save your life one day.  Oh, I'm sorry.  You do know how to swim?  My bad.  Then what's your excuse for not swimming more often, especially when you're on vacation for goodness sake?  Of course!  You don't want to get your hair wet.  Look, I hear ya.  Dealing with our hair on a good day can be a pain, add in chlorine and it's doubly so.  But it doesn't have to be impossible.  Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy hair before and after jumping in the pool.


1.  Leave-in conditioner
Before swimming, saturate your hair with water which will prevent your hair from absorbing as much chlorine.  Apply a protectant like Ion Swimmer's Leave-In Conditioner just before swimming to form a protective layer between your tresses and the harsh chlorine water.
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2.  Swimming cap
Don't even think about getting into chlorinated water before putting on your swim cap.  Have a head full braids or extensions?  No worries.  This large swimming cap is available for all of us who like BIG hair.

3.  Swimming shampoo
After your dip in the pool, use a swimmer's shampoo like Aubrey's Organics Swimmer's Shampoo to safely remove the chlorine from your hair.  While chlorine can be great for keeping a pool sanitary, it can be extremely damaging to our locks.  Don't skip this paraben and sulfate-free shampoo.

4.  Conditioner
Add moisture back to your hair by using a restorative conditioner.  A good conditioner after swimming in chlorinated water can help repair dry, damaged hair.  Give Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner a try.

5.  Deep conditioner
Looking for a deeper condition when you get home?  This Coconut Oil Hair Mask deeply hydrates, moisturizes and conditions.  Who doesn't love coconut oil?

Here are a couple of swimming extras that you might need for your trip to the pool.