PANTENE: The science of beauty

Pantene has a strong reputation for being the best of the best. Pantene was developed by the Swiss drug company, Hoffman La-Roche, and launched in 1947. Pantene itself has over 100 formulations and products, including one for the winter, and for black hair.
This week, while I was home in South Florida, I decided to purchase Pantene for the first time in years. The last time I used a Pantene product, I was in my pre-teen years with a short Halle Berry cut. The shampoo was so drying that it broke my hair off. Not to mention, I never knew how important it was to deep condition hair. Certainly, negligence didn't help. But, I believe this was before Pantene had even developed treatments.
I've heard such wondrous things about Pantene's hair masks, especially the one from the Relaxed & Natural Line. After all, who wouldn't be excited to try a product that claims to end shedding and breakage, while leaving hair manageable? Hey, they said it, not me!
Also, when I saw their line of treatments geared to moisture and repair on sale, I had to try these products.

I first pre-poo'd with the Breakage Defense Mask, organic coconut oil and the Paul Mitchell Super Strong Treatment and allowed it to penetrate my hair for 30-40 minutes, without heat. I then washed with the Phytospecific Intense Nutrition Shampoo and Creme Of Nature Detangling Shampoo. I did a final rinse with Creme Of Nature Conditioner and applied Pantene's Nourishing Moisture Mask and the Rinse again. I applied heat for about 15 minutes, but left it on for another 15 minutes.

When I finally rinsed everything out of my hair, it was very easy to detangle. I applied my leave-ins and slept in my rollers. I woke up the next morning and loved the results. My hair was very black and smooth-- so much in fact, that my father thought I had gone to a salon.

I also tried this on my mother's over-processed and color-treated hair. Her has was so dry, had terrible dandruff and was breaking everywhere. It was in a terrible state. I did a protein treatment of egg, Pantene's Breakage Defense and Paul Mitchell Super Strong Treatment. The next night I used both Pantene treatments and even she commented on how much less hair she saw in the shower. Her hair was so manageable afterward and her color was so glossy.

As soon as I get batteries, I am going to post photos. Pantene has come a long way from the days of yore.

Creme Of Nature's New Organic Ingredients

Creme of Nature Nourishes Tresses with Certified Organic Ingredients

Quench Moisture-Starved Hair during the Relaxing Process

August 2007, -- (New York, NY) – Creme of Nature, a leading multicultural haircare brand, has transformed the at home relaxer category with the creation of a relaxer kit that nourishes the hair with natural ingredients. Creme of Nature No-Lye Relaxer System with Organic Coconut Oil and Sunflower Oil sets the gold standard by giving women the power to add a unique combination of organic moisturizers upon application. Dull and dry hair is now a thing of the past! The relaxer kit is part of the brand line extension featuring Certified Organic Ingredients.

The certified organic ingredients found in Creme of Nature have been controlled from the soil to the bottle. Thanks to this customized relaxation process, hair will be transformed from dry and fried to smooth and silky. The result- healthy and silky straight hair with renewed body and shine. Applied at application to achieve maximum moisture and shine, the consumer mixes the certified organic oils into the relaxer creme right before she begins the relaxing process. These oils deposit into the hair shaft for increased moisture and shine.

“Creme of Nature continues to bring innovative products that address the concerns of women,” Says Linda Kerdolff, Retail Brand Manager for Colomer Multicultural Group, makers of Creme of Nature. “Women are looking for hair that is nourished and protected. Natural ingredient benefits such as chamomile to soothe, kiwi to protect and aloe to heal answer the call and bring the nature beauty to consumers.

Creme of Nature Nourishing No-Lye Relaxer is available in food, drug and mass retail outlets and beauty & barber supply stores with a suggested retail price of $7.99. The Creme of Nature line also includes the following products retailing at $3.99-$4.99:

• New Kiwi & Citrus Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry, Brittle Hair
  Crème of Nature®
• New Red Clover & Aloe Soothing Shampoo for Dry Hair and Flaky Scalp
• New Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-In Crème Conditioner for Dehydrated Hair
• Crème of Nature Nourishing Permanent Gel Hair Color

...And We Thought the UK was progressive! Black and Asian people struggle to be seen as a market in beauty industry

Britain's beauty industry accused of ignoring black and Asian women

By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent

Published: 15 November 2007

Black and Asian people are largely ignored by the £3bn-a-year beauty industry which concentrates on selling products to white women, a report says.

Few cosmetics giants produce ethnic ranges and few large retailers stock them, meaning that black and Asian women have to rely on outdated American imports and specialist shops.

Because the market in the US has changed little since the 1980s this leaves the emphasis on white teeth and big hair, a look "out of kilter" with today's young black and Asian women, says the market research company Mintel.

Overall, the market for black, Asian and other minority make-up, skin and haircare is £65m, 2 per cent of the £3.7bn British beauty industry, despite ethnic minorities comprising 7.9 per cent of the population. Black people trying to buy make-up, haircare and skincare products are being frustrated, the analyst Alexandra Richmond believes. She says: "A lack of new product developments on the part of the manufacturers as well as limited availability has undoubtedly been a major barrier in the ethnic beauty market.

"Although there are luxury beauty ranges for those with darker skin tones, mass-market alternatives on the high street are still few and far between."

The report also warns that companies are missing out on lucrative business and follows concern that ethnic minorities are under-represented in the visual industries of beauty, fashion and advertising.

Few black or Asian models stride down the fashion catwalk, with the high-profile exception of Naomi Campbell, according to the London Assembly member and former fashion executive Dee Doocey, who has called a summit next year to address the issue.

Non-white people make up more than 20 per cent of the population in London yet only 1 per cent of the models in the capital, according to one estimate.

The last census by the Institute of Advertising Practioners in 2003 found that only 4 per cent of people in adverts came from ethnic minorities. When black people do appear, they are often there to emphasis their ethnicity rather than to represent the general population. Ethnic minorities are also under-represented in creative roles at advertising agencies. Mintel says that interest in looks is universal in a modern media age where women feel compelled to make the best of themselves by investing in clothes and make-up. "However, amongst the black community, it goes much deeper," the report says.

Ethnic women have very different beauty needs because their complexions require specialist foundation and might also suffer more from pigmentation damage. Yet few major cosmetics companies have ethnic make-up ranges. Clinique, Bobbi Brown and Prescriptives all have foundations for darker skin in their general range. If the industry launched new products, the ethnic minority beauty business could surge in value by 35 per cent to £88m by 2012.

The industry is targeting anti-ageing creams for different age groups and shampoos for specific hair types to the general population. "There is clearly the potential for the industry to apply this approach to the ethnic beauty market, which would undoubtedly be welcomed by ethnic consumers and give the market a much needed boost," says Ms Richmond.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article3160638.ece

Sulfur 8 Under Wig Products

If you are one of the ladies who wear wigs on a regular basis, including Lacefronts, Sulfur * has created something specifically for you. These products are formulated with Sulfur to help soften and grow the hair under the unit. Panthenol helps to strengthen the hair while its growing, neatly braided under the wig. There is even Capaucu Butter to moisturize the hair while its you work your sexy long or short unit.

Keep Breakage away with this shampoo

Silk Amino Acids and Pathenol holds this serum together for those who love oils.
For Moisture and to stop itches in Scalp

To soothe scalp and give your a head cooling sensation.

Elasta QP=Underproccessing?

So, it has come to my attention that Elasta QP relaxers are not exactly the creme of the crop. There have been complaints about severally under processed hair after using this product. My roommate is going through matting and tangles, hardness, dryness and limp hair.
I do believe this relaxer is much more suited for naturals who want to slightly loosen their dense curls. If you are looking for a bone-straight, shiny beautiful hair, then this brand is not for you. Or, so I have been told...

Whats your opinion of Elasta QP relaxers? Did they work miracles for your mane, or did nothing but cause you heartache?

MY tips on finding the PERFECT hair stylist

Back in the day, it was important to have healthy hair before style. I could leave all your worries and cares in the hands of the hair dresser, listen to idle gossip and catch up on old times. Now, its so hard to find someone who is concerned about my hair as much as I am. People today know to cut and style, but now how to keep hair shiny and happy for the long-run. So where have all the good stylists gone?
The problem with good stylists is that they never stay "good" for long. They either raise their prices when in the midst of hard times, move too far away or just quit all together.

Going to a university away from my hometown and and not having a car was my most recent hair vice. I knew nothing about balancing protein and moisture and getting a ride to the stylist was like finding a needle in a haystack. So, I would get my hair done on my breaks from school when I went back home. I wore micros and braids religiously for about two years, and yes! My hair flourished and remained thick and healthy.
But, after a while, I got tired of not having a car and being forced me to wear micro braids all the time. So, I saved my cash, put a down payment of some new wheels and said "hello!" to the open road. But, with my new found freedom, I still had to find a beauty salon that would pamper my tresses, cost little money and isn't too far.
Eventually, I was referred to Jay, at the Hair Cuttery and the rest is history. She prefers to texlax hair, she knows about saran wrapping, and hates to trim. She realizes the balance that is needs between protein and moisture. I go to her when I need a touch up or if I am in dire straits with my do. Not to mention, her hair is natural and in a precious teeny-weeny Afro.

Not everyone gets the happy ending when I comes to finding someone who understands your hair needs. I have five sure-fire tips to helping those decipher if someone is out for your locks best interest or not.

Also, I'm still working on the hair and Black-owned beauty salon directory. Let me know if you want to recommend a salon/stylist for me to add to the listing.

1. Visit the inside of the shop before you sit in the chair.
Go a week before you schedule the appointment and see how the shop is run. Talk to the stylist beforehand. Ask questions about what products they exclusively use, how often do they recommend someone come in for chemical treatments, and what are techniques for growing and maintaining healthy hair. If those beliefs don't agree with your views, I recommend you don't return to the shop for service. Bad stylists usually give you hints that that suck before you even let their hands touch your scalp. If you don't trust the neighborhood or even the decor, then don't sit in that chair. You are paying them for their service, not the opposite way around.

2. Look at the stylist's hair.
Anyone who selling a service should be a proficient in their field. Would you trust a mechanic who has his own car broken down, sitting on cement blocks in the front of his shop? Or one that takes the bus? Would you get a manicure from a nail technician with raggedy toes?Then why would you trust someone who cannot maintain her own hair? Your stylist needs to be able to find the time and put in the effort in her own appearance. If she does weaves, then she should have an amazingly natural-looking one on her head. If she is natural, then her hair should be in great condition. After all, you don't know her abilities so you only have her looks to go by.

3. Ask around.
Next time you see a woman with the perfect hair cut or gorgeous gleaming hair, ask about her routine. If it includes visiting a particular salon, ask them where it is, who did their hair and about the location. Ask a family member or a friend with great hair. It is how I found Jay!

4.Don't be afraid to leave the instant she does something you don't like.
If you don't like rat tail combs, then don't let her use a rat tail comb on your hair. Ask if you can bring your own relaxer if you are particular about a special brand. If she says no, then find someone who is willing to do things the way you want. Speak up and let her know specifically what you want her to do. Nothing more and nothing less.

5. Make sure your stylist is flexible and compatible with your life.
The person should be easy-tempered and close so that if an emergency occurs, you know she has your back. You don't want someone who is never available when you want them or hates walk-ins. You don't want someone who is so stubborn that they cannot take new ideas. A close-minded stylist is never a good one, because just as your wardrobe changes, your style of hair will, too. You want someone who can roll with the punches, give you firm advice about your hair, but still allow you to do your own thing. Don't go to someone that makes you break the bank with every visit. If you can only afford her on special occasions, then this is a stylist that isn't very compatible with your budget--an important aspect of both of your lives.

American Beauty Tour travels to Five Cities

Jane joins celebrity stylist, DIANE DACOSTA, author of Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair on the American Beauty Tour 2007 as she transforms the looks of American Beauty sweepstakes winners in an all-over transformation that includes a complete hairstyle, makeup, and wardrobe revamp.

Jane will serve as a guest panelist, providing hair care knowledge, dispelling the myths of hair care products, advising of natural ingredients, and answering any questions you may have.

The dates and cities are as follows:

Cities 2008 Dates

New York City Sat - February 9

Atlanta Sat - February 23 - Sun February 24

Austin, TX Sat - March 1 - Sun March 2

Chicago, Il Sat - March 8 -Sun March 9

Indianapolis, IN Sat - Mar 15

Los Angeles, CA Sat - March 29 - Sun March 30

For ticket information,times, venues, or to just check out the American Beauty site, go to

www.dianedacosta.com

for tickets American Beauty Tour

The VITAMIN SHOPPE NOW FEATURES TJCS

250 new locations now carry five products For over thirty years and with over 300 stores in 33 states, the Vitamin Shoppe has been featuring some of the world's top producers of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and natural hair and body care. We are very excited to announce that the Jane Carter Solution will be featured in 250 Vitamin Shoppe stores. The following five products can now purchased by simply driving down the street: Nourish & Shine, Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, and Condition & Sculpt. To find the nearest vitamin shoppe location click the link: Vitamin Shoppe. To find the nearest location featuring our products click the link: Jane Carter Vitamin Shoppe Location

JANE IS TAKING APPOINTMENTS

Jane is doing HAIR COLOR in Atlanta and New Jersey For those of you that are interested in seeing Jane for hair color, she has a couple of appointments available on a first come, first serve basis. She will accepting appointments in Atlanta on Monday, October 29th from 10am until 7pm and in New Jersey on Fridays 3pm to 7pm and Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Please call 973-761-6192 to schedule your appointment. Leave your name, date, and desired appointment time. Someone will get back to you.

Hair Types Redefined
HoneyFig takes the guess work out of identifying Hair Types.

Andre Walker famed stylist to celebrities such as Barbara Bush, Maya Angelou, Debbie Allen, Jackee, and Halle Berry, to name a few; also landed the coveted position as Oprah’s personal stylist. They, however, are not the only reason for his renowned fame. In 1997, Andre Walker wrote his best selling book; - Andre Talks Hair. In his book, Andre gives insightful information, on how to maintain and enjoy your tresses and ways to take your look to new heights. Additionally, he categorized what is now known as Hair Types, for easier understanding. With the help of the internet, his Hair Type classification, gained immediate and widespread acceptance due to its straight forward approach. Not until now, has there been any alteration done to this reference chart.
Recently the Marketing Team at HoneyFig, a full service ecommerce website - www.honeyfig.com, with their mandate to provide naturally enriched beauty care products; made a distinct addition. They redefined this reference chart, by adding another tier to the spectrum. HoneyFig argues that hair, that is chemically altered to achieve a straighter, smoother, sleeker look, needs to be classified in its own category. Commonly referred to as “hair relaxation”, this process when done correctly, breaks the original disulfide bonds and once they re-form, the curl pattern of the hair is reduced or removed. For this reason HoneyFig elected a new hair type, which they aptly deemed as Hair Type 5a. Incidentally, it is also the most fragile of all of the hair types.

For more detail on this new Hair Type inclusion and for a visual and easy to understand synopsis of the other hair types, visit http://www.honeyfig.com/en/products/hair_care/hair_types/index.html. They have taken the guess work out of this new way to shop for hair care products.

Industry Story:Jane comes to Atlanta book your appointment now

Jane comes to Atlanta book your appointment now
ATLANTA,GEORGIA - October 1, 2007- Beginning Today, Jane brings her hair color talent to Atlanta.
It all started with Jane Carter's desire to reward clients with beautiful, healthy hair. An expert in taming frizz, soothing scalps, twisting, wrapping and locking as well as coloring ethnic hair, her years of hands-on experience have made her a respected expert in the field. Highlights in her career include traveling with Clairol's National Style Team, where she taught color techniques throughout the country and training thousands of stylists as an educational director for Avlon, one of the nation's leading ethnic hair care companies. Jane also owned her own successful, bustling salons, Breezin Hair Salon and Ethnicare Hair Spa in New Jersey for over 20 years before she created the Jane Carter Solution natural hair care line with her own talented hands.

Jane will be taking hair color appointments one Monday per month beginning today. As she will only be there one day, I suggest you don't drag your feet. Whether your hair is natural, relaxed, locked, or gray...your hair will truly thank you after an appointment with Jane.

Call her @ 973-715-5467 or contact her via e-mail jane@janecartersolution.com.
# # #

Swirls And Curls: How Manisha Dillinger turned her hair into profit

20 Questions with…

Mahisha Dellinger
Hair Type (According to Andre Walker's system): 3b
Biggest Hair Vice: frizz
Introduce your line(s) of products: CURLS – Creating Effortless Curls for Women and Girls with Quality, Certified Organic Curly Hair Care Products.

1. How long have you been in business? 5 Years
2. Your top 3 Favorite products from your line:

FROM CURLS (Adult Line)
1. Quenched Curls Moisturizer - daily curl refresher
2. Coconut Sublime Conditioner – super hydrating rinse off conditioner
3. Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream – sulfate free cleanser

4. How did you come up with the concept of your line, Curls?

Truly, CURLS was born from a need of my own; I had a hard time finding products for my hair. Ethnic products were too greasy and mass-marketed products were too drying. I needed more than the market had to offer…so I created CURLS!
5. Are you bi or multi-racial? Can I ask your background?

Multi ethnic

6. Many women don’t understand what makes multi-racial/curly hair so hard to take care of. What is your opinion on this.

Well, it isn’t so hard to take care of…rather, it is mostly misunderstood. Also, the lack of quality choices for curly hair posed the biggest challenge.
7. At first, did you have a lot of supporters? How did you manage to fund this project? A beauty line is a very expensive feat!

We had a lot of supporters in the term of spirit backing. I used personal funds to finance CURLS from top to button. It was very expensive, but worth it!
8. Who did you first test your products on? Were you the mad scientist who tested her creations on herself?

I hired a Cosmetic Chemist to create our formulations and I was the first tester. My friends and family were also very active in testing all of our products.
9. How did you know your products were successful in their claims?
Well, we tested all of our products before we launched.

10. Tell us about what new for Curls?

We are launching a new organic baby line, “It’s A Curl” this December. VERY exciting!!

11. What big events have been propelling your line to platinum status?

Not sure if there have been any big events, rather CURLS finally getting our recognition for a job well done.

12. Do you have any products in this line that can help Chemically-treated or Relaxed ladies? How would I use these products?

Champagne Curls & Kaviar Kinks is great for chemically treated hair. It replenishes the natural protein(keratin) lost during the chemical process. Keratin is responsible for maintaining strength, health, elasticity. Champagne Grape extract contains a high concentration of Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and amino acids. They help regenerate and stimulate the scalp to combat the effects of free radicals. Caviar Extract nourishes the hair and promote healthy keratin formation.

13. What exactly do you put into your products that make them so distinguishable from your competitors?
Natural and organic ingredients coupled with high performing ingredients to maintain will create beautiful curls.

14. What’s the best advice you can give women about hair care?

Treat it like a fine silk blouse with gentle, loving care. Incorporate quality products and a good hair care regime--this is very important!
15. How can we become one of the girls in your demo videos?

All of our models are friends…,local girls that we can use whenever needed.
16. Who is your personal hair muse?

Stacey Dash!

17. If you could style any celebrity’s head, whom would you choose? Tracey Ellis Ross

18. Who do you think could benefit the most from your advice on hair in the world of Hollywood?

Macy Gray

20. Tell us more about your community efforts to help adopted children?

I sponsor hands on hair care seminars and demonstrations for adoptive parents with black and/or biracial children. These seminars have been wildly successful. I also answer daily questions from adoptive parents and provide assistance as needed.

21. Be honest, what is your definition of “good” hair? What would you like to say on that issue?

I do not believe in the hype of good and bad hair. All hair is beautiful, unique, and different.