Protein - Why Our Hair Needs It, And The Right Way to use it.

Hello Everyone!!!

No excuses for my loooong absence yet again so I shall just go straight to the point of today's post!

I will be switching things up a little bit in my posts from now on - using incidents from the salon as a backdrop for addressing what I see as issues people still struggle with, don't understand and are doing wrongly.

SCENRARIO
A lady came into the salon and was being attended to by one of the stylists. I was in the back doing other things and the stylists came to up to me visibly confused and wanted to clarify somethings with me. She said her client had asked for a 'dry protein treatment' and when she tried to explain to her that she had no idea what a 'dry protein treatment' was but what we have are different strengths of protein:
Light
Medium
Heavy/Reconstructors

the client was adamant and said she had done it in the salon before and that was what she wanted. I went over to the client to speak with her and try and explain things. I explained that I have never heard of a dry protein but there are different strengths of protein to which she said she had one she used but couldn't find it to buy so we should use ours.

So I asked the stylist to wash her hair so we can determine what exactly the hair needs. Client shakes her head emphatically - nope she doesn't wash her hair before using the protein treatment. She will apply the treatment to unwashed hair, then shampoo the hair, then do a moisturising deep conditioning treatment.

I'm like - so how will we know exactly what the hair needs if we don't assess it free of product? She goes 'okay my hair is breaking so I need a treatment'

I could see I was getting no where so I asked the stylist to do what she requested to satisfy her.

Caring For Your Hair, Skin And Nails From The Inside Out: Focus - MSM and Vitamin C

Sometimes we're so focused on using products topically to enhance the health and promote the growth of our hair; or products to get rid of acne on our skin or nail hardeners to give strength to brittle nails. However, what most people don't realise is that applying products topically is never nearly enough, taking other things like our eating habits and lifestyle into consideration.

So did you know that your hair, skin and nails are the very last parts of our bodies to get nutrients from the food we eat? What this means is that if you eat a lot of junk or your diet doesn't have as many nutrients as it ought to; the body will distribute what little nutrients it can get from the food to the other more important organs and parts of your body. By the time it gets to your hair and nails - oops! Nothing left to give nourishment!

This is why it is very important to ensure that we eat healthy meals, drink lots of water for hydration and if you are deficient in any kind of mineral (like some people are iron deficient) then a supplement will be really good.

Apart from being deficient in certain minerals, it is possible to support your diet with a few supplements to ensure that you are getting the best that certain minerals have to offer in the maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails.

Some Natural Hair Styles To Beautify Your Week Ahead

Good morning beautiful people! I trust you've all had an amazing weekend so far and are looking forward to the new week ahead.

Just thought I'd bring you a few of the gorgeous hair styles we've created on some of our lovely clients, just to encourage someone out there that natural hair is beautifully versatile and you can achieve soooo much!!!

Happy viewing

luscious thick hair styled into this simple yet gorgeous roll effect

This next one we named the 'Glowreeyah" (Go figure loll). Some intricate weaving and crochet on top with some colored extensions; styled into this gorgeousness.

Pictures From Our Recently Concluded Natural Hair Workshop

Hello beautiful people! It's been tooooo long!!! My goodness. I have so much to fill you up on as so much has been happening, but today we will start with our recently concluded Natural Hair Workshop,which held on the 20th and 21st of April.

Part of our mission at KL's Natural Beauty Bar is to equip stylists and hands on Naturalistas with knowledge and techniques, and in fulfilling this mission, we try to organize regular workshops to educate and train people in the science of hair, proper ways of handling hair and styling tips/ techniques.

Our recently concluded workshop focused on maintaining, nurturing and growing natural hair; and building regimens for different hair types.

My Weird Online Bullying Experience.

It's funny how some things happen and you literally laugh it off but later you realise that it actually was not cool in anyway and even though you let it slide, how about people who are more vulnerable to such negative behaviour?

Such was my experience over a 3 week period last month - I had posted a video on Instagram showing me with Henna in my hair and initially the comments were questions about henna and its benefits etc. The video then got featured on the Naturalista Channel and thus got more views from men and women alike the world over and that's when the nastiness started.

I had people saying I looked 'nasty' or 'ewwwww' 'yuck' or  I should go take a bath; or I had poop in my hair, or my favourite 'wash your nappy hair, thanks' lolllllll Like seriously!!!

It now got to the point where I had other people championing my cause so for instance in response to
the 'wash your nappy hair thanks' message, someone said 'kill yourself. thanks. To which he replied 'at least my hair will be clean when I die'

Our Beautiful Brides (and bridesmaids) Slaying Their Natural Tresses!

It's been too long since I did a bridal post so I have decided to do a long overdue one - bringing us up to speed on all our gorgeous brides (and bridesmaids in some instances)

Meet Jennifer - gorgeous bride with simple tastes. She had a train of 5 and we helped style them all!

KLS Lekki Branch is Now Open!!

Praise God!!!

Goodness me! It's been such a whirlwind of activity in the last month! We had originally planned to open late December but trust artisans in Nigeria - that was not to be!!! "We will finish today", "no it's tomorrow", "no the wood is not ready", "the sand was not received". Honestly, exasperation doesn't even begin to explain how I felt (and still feel actually) with these workers!

Anyway, we have been able to overcome most of the delays and opened up shop! We're at Flat 1, 11A, Kayode Otitoju Street, Lekki Phase 1. On Admiralty way, turn at Tantalizers unto Admiralty Road and take the 2nd right. That's it!! We're on the ground floor in the building adjacent to Edgewood College (right under Just Gerry's)

I decided that we'll start now and overcome our teething problems before the place gets really busy and thank God we've been good!

Loving My Inverted Braids Plus Cornrow Combination

Hi everyone and Merry Christmas!!! Trust we've all been eating and having a merry time this holiday season! I'm sure I've gained a few pounds already but I shall not think too much of it - I shall go into operation melt the pounds off in the days to come :)

It's been such an incredibly busy time what with the season, trying to get the new place ready and a million other things happening at the same time! I knew I wouldn't have time to worry about my hair so decided to put it away in a protective style - but this time I wanted something a little different from what I would usually do.

KL's Natural Beauty Bar Is Coming To Lekki!!!

I am beyond excited to share this news!!! Our expansion plans for the year have finally taken root! It has been such an interesting journey - one which I will share soon.

Our Beautiful Brides, Brides To Be and Bridesmaids Wearing Their Natural Crowns!

Hi everyone! It's been a minute!!

So I kinda broke my laptop (covers face) and it's been a nightmare doing anything.

see how flat it now lies?  It couldn't stay upright anymore!

The truth is that, it could well have been avoided if I'd done something when it first happened - I had mistakenly kicked it off my centre table months ago and one side of it cracked. I took it for repairs and was told they would have to hold on to it for about a week! I kept thinking what would I do without a laptop for a week??

Well needless to say, I didn't drop it off and kept putting it off and the laptop went from bad to worse. Things got to a head when the screen was now affected and I would have to hook up my HDMI cable from DSTV to the darned thing so I could see what i was doing on my TV screen.

Anyway, thankfully I've been sorted with a new laptop now so I'm back in business!

Just thought I'd show you what we've been up to in the last couple of weeks (months even!) with our gorgeous brides, brides to be and bridesmaids.

Happy Anniversary to Us!! We're 3!!!

source:youtube.com

Honestly I can't believe how much time just flies!!! I remember just like it was yesterday - the mix of excitement, fear, panic and sheer joy. God has truly been faithful - in the past 3 years we've expanded our range of products and services, grown from 3 staff to 10, grown our client base and there are so many more things that God has in store for us!!

August 9th 2013 - My friends supporting me on the opening day even though they weren't (and still aren't lol) natural.

In the beginning - we had a small generator and couldn't put up a sign yet. Spot the small airer for our towels?

We started with whipped shea butter in 2 scents - Lavender and Jasmine

2 styling stations was what we first started with

'Dream, Hustle, Achieve' - My Diamond TV feature!!!!

I was so stoked yesterday when a friend tagged me on Diamond TV App's post  yesterday showing that I'd been featured on their Dream Hustle Achieve Series which showcases female entrepreneurs. (To go to their site, click here )

They had actually approached me in June or July last year and shot this then; so I had practically forgotten about this until I saw it on their instagram page and went and watched the video. Another amazing thing is that the friend who tagged me on instagram is the same friend I speak about in the video who helped me create KL's Naturals!!

Hair Not Retaining Length? A Few Tips To Help.

Source: Thirstyroots.com

I have spoken about this a few times in the past but it always helps to re iterate.

The most recurring complaint I get when I speak to naturals is 'My hair is not growing'!!! or 'My hair has stopped growing'! And I always say, barring any medical conditions or medication that may truly be stopping your hair from growing; hair is ALWAYS growing. HOWEVER, if your hair is breaking off at the ends at the same (or faster) rate at which it is growing, then it is only logical that it remains at the same length and feeds your belief that your hair is not growing or has stopped growing.

The ends are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair and so need the most (and gentlest) attention. If you treat them right, they don't break off and sabotage your length retention goals. If also you invest a ton of money in hair growth products or vitamins, you will be wasting that money because hair grows from the roots but breaks off at the ends. So if you're increasing your growth at the roots but you neglect the ends, you'll still end up at the same place you started!

Some Fabulous Natural Hair Styles To Get You Going!

This month has been such that sometimes I'm not sure if I'm going or coming lol!! I thought I'd bring a little peek into what I've been up to in recent times... but before that, a quick update about my hair:

So, this year I've been doing a lot of wig wearing - it's enabled me take better care of my hair as I'm now able to cleanse and deep condition weekly and moisturize more effectively.

I've also started doing more ayurvedic treatments (yay!!) as I'd really missed the extra pampering and nurturing my hair gets from them. My hair is definitely thicker, and my curls are popping even better!!

Look at those gorgeous waves!!! 

So I'm definitely feeling this wigs as a protective styling option - As long as the wigs are short and off my face and neck that is!! The heat in this Lagos has not been fun at all.

Working And Having A Blast At The Wed Expo!!

My models for Friday (extreme left) Omozo of O Naturals and her models, Tuke Morgan and moi :)

So, I decided to take KL's to the Wed Expo this year - and I'm glad I did! It was my first time attending and participating and it was definitely something to see.

One of my models in the thick of things!

The wedding business in Nigeria is NO JOKE!!! My eyes were popping all over the place from all the amazing decor, settings, food, party favours, accessories etc that were on offer.

amazing flower arrangements

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful - The KL's Natural Chic!!

I've always loved that tag line from Cover Girl cosmetics - Easy, Breezy, Beautiful: makes you think of something effortless, sweet and charming. Lately we started creating quick, easy styles that were still eye catching, and I think this tagline goes perfectly!

So here are a few of my creations from the last couple of weeks - natural hair can NEVER be boring - all you need to do is get some moisturizer, butter, pins and your fingers!!


The first is what I like to call a triple treat!! This will definitely get heads turning and tongues wagging!

I'm Actually Wearing A Weave - And Loving It!!!

Anyone who knows me will know that I've never really been a weave person - give me braids any time!! However sometime late last year, I saw this lovely natural textured weave on the cousin of a bride I was working on, got the details and decided a few weeks ago that I was ready to have it in.

So I got 3 bundles in 14, 16 and 18 inch lengths and after a good wash and deep condition, I went ahead and had the bundles sewn in.

Trichology Consult In The Salon March 4th!

KL's Naturals is collaborating with African Naturalistas again for another in salon trichology consult!! If you have thinning hair, hair loss, scalp disorders, alopecia or any scalp/hair issue that's been bugging you and  you either have been putting off doing anything about it; or have no idea what to do or who to see, then this is a great chance to speak to someone, and get help.

Afri Naptural Definition Braid - The best feeling hair yet!!

Because of the business I'm in, I'm always on the look out for extensions that not just look as natural as possible but also FEEL great. During one of such hunts, I came upon this Afri Naptural Definition braid which is 100% Kanekalon, modacrylic fiber.

It states it's benefits as:
- Soft Human like texture
- Light weight
- Full of Volume
- Hot Water Set Styles
- Tangle Free
- Flame Retardant
- No Irritation
- Finger Friendly
- More Defined Braids
- Versatile

I got a few to test out and I was definitely impressed!! The hair is soft, DOES NOT TANGLE, and looks so much like a blow out on natural hair that I got so excited at the styling possibilities!!

Natural Hair Trends To Watch Out For In 2016

The Natural Hair Community is aflame with creativity!! The versatility of our texture makes it so easy to switch styles and give illusions of varying types of lengths. 2016 has started off with a BANG! and so many hot styles are being served and yes my beloved Crochet braids has gained some more staying power with an amazing array of extensions that are now on offer.

Having said that, these are some of the trends I see gaining ground in 2016.

1. Short Funky Cuts:

Last year I bumped into beauty blogger Barbara of Barbara1923 at the Beauty Africa exhibition  and I gasped in amazement - she had chopped off all her hair! Now I'd had the honor of styling her natural tresses a couple of years back so you can imagine my confusion when I saw her with really short hair. She laughed at me and said 'yea I cut it' I asked why and she said because she wanted
something different! She definitely pulls it off pretty well.

Source: Barbara1923

So this year when popular natural hair YouTuber Miss Kendrak debuted her short cut complete with an absolutely dope undercut, I knew this was something that will probably catch on this year.

Source: @clippergod on IG

Already I've had one of my customer's walk into the store with a shorter look and shaved sides so it's definitely catching on.

I know I don't have the balls for this especially because I look so much like my Dad that I'll probably end up looking like a guy! lolll