Ok, so I was coming home from my Commerical RE course today and passed by Aveda’s warehouse sale and couldn’t resist going in.  Afterall, it did say upto 75% off.  Normally, I don’t really believe those types of “sales” – espcially in Toronto – they never really are 75% off – but this one was.  If you are interested in checking out – they happen every Wednesdays on Lesmill Road (Leslie and 401 area).  Anyhow, I picked up a few goodies – Sap Moss ($8), which is a pre-poo treatment healing treatment for dry hair.  I also picked up Hang Straight ($7)-  a straightening lotion with marshmallow root.  And I picked up two packs of Grip Cips from FHI Heat.  I’ve been looking every where for them – 2/$5 (normally 2/$13).  I’m very excited about trying out my new goodies – I will add them to my long list of products to review.

This video might be disturbing to Curlista readers -- please view at your own risk.  Comments and discussions welcomed.

First he was on the Today show, then he opened up his new salon and now dickey is making his way to HSN.  For product and hair tips – check him out.

Hey Ladies,

I’m a lady who loves a great deal and I’m happy to share this great opportunity with you – Shoppers Drug Mart is giving away 55,000 in Shoppers Optimum Bonus Points if you purchase $25 worth of stuff on August 10-12th.  Earning 55,000 SOBP equals approximately $100+ to spend as you will.  Now for anyone who is a PJ and wants to pick up some hair goodies, baby stuff, food or whatever, this might be a perfect chance to participate.  All you have to do is register you and your friends.  Happy Shopping!!!  Contact me and I can forward you the link.   (Big thanks to Millicent W who brought this deal to my attention)

Who doesn’t like a sale or a discount?  Frankly, its the best way to shop.  Here’s a couple of July sales that are happening right now – Happy Shopping!

KAREN’S BODY BEAUTIFUL – BUY 2 GET 1 FREE (until 7/20)

• On the following products: hair butter, hair nectar, and super silky.
• If you are interested in buying the Fanatic Size – 16 oz use the following code “B2G1F” in the search block
• Free shipping on orders over $75 (I think only in the States)

DONNA MARIE 35% off SALE (until July 31st)

• use the Code “Moisture Max” if purhcasing Cocoa Hemp Hair Buttermilk and Yanni Juice: Hair Growth and Shine Enhancer

AFROVEDA BIRTHDAY SALE (until July 31st)

• on all items for Him and Her
• including hair oils, butters, shampoos, conditioners, gels, pomades and all “Seven” products
• use code ‘AVBDAY09′

JASMINE’S BATH AND BEAUTY 20%OFF SALE

• sale!! using discount code “hairluv” at checkout will give you 20% off your order subtotal

NASAB 1/2 OFF SALE (July 18th only 6 AM-6PM CST)

• for those who use their black soap or shea butter

All sales are final. Products will be 50% off retail prices and not sale prices. This sale cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons or sales. You cannot add or subtract from your order after the order has been made. Please make sure you have all you need before you order. Orders will be shipped according to queue. Some out of stock items may be substituted. (e.g. 5lbs Black Soap Block may be substituted for 5 1lbs Black Soaps) NO MAIL ORDERS. ONLINE & PHONE SALE ONLY! Orders will start shipping on August 3^rd. Thereafter, allow 4-6 weeks for orders to arrive. International orders allow 6-8 weeks for orders to arrive. Sale will not apply to Discount Sets, Gift Baskets, What’s on Sale, Goodie Bag, Arts & Craft, GNLD

Ok, so what’s up with H-wood?  Why is everyone and their mother razoring their hair off on one side?  Honestly, who knew that Ms Spears would have really started this trend – first it was Cassie, then it was LaLa and now RiRi.  Peronally, I dont think I could do it – maybe if I was a celeb and had a fab hair dresser by my side that could quickly glue in a track, etc – maybe – but me right now.  No way!!!  I wonder who’s next to jump on this half bald bandwagon.  Thoughts?

Alright, so I’m not sure if anyone has ever had an experience…the other day I was at work and I was proudly rocking a pony puff (2nd day hair from doing a wash and go with CJ’s Curl Assurance).  Anyhow, this guy was like what’s up with your hair today its so frizzy and out there.  In my head I’m shocked because I was so proud of my curls and I definitely wouldn’t call them frizzy.  He then went on to call my hair a CHIA PET!!!!  Gasp!  Oh no he didnt – a chia pet!  I’m not going to lie, I was a little hurt and I was hoping that everyone at work wasn’t looking at me thinking Chia Pet – but honestly its not going to stop me from wearing this style and rocking my curls.  I’m proud to be natural even if I look like a chia pet!

I just came across this Clutch magazine article and it reminded me of a post that I posted on the NaturallyCurly hair forum – and boy what a fire storm that created.  Initially I only posted that question because I was watching that Tyra Bank show on Good Hair and there was a woman who was natural who kind of reminded me of some natural women that I have encountered who are so “Pro-Natural” that they frown upon women who relax or straighten their hair.

I’m glad that I do  I pass no judgment on women who choose to relax, I relaxed for most of my life and the only reason I went natural was because their was more versatility and I really didn’t need my hair relaxed to get it straight – so why put my hair through the stress and spend the money.  Plus since my hair curls and kinks up – why bother! 

Even though I may be natural it doesn’t mean that I can’t put heat in my hair or use products that may have harmful ingredients (ie. silicones, mineral oil) etc – its all my choice and what works for me might not work for some.  And really and honestly just like people don’t have the right to judge you for the many decisions you make in your life – the same should apply here.

I do not think if you relax your hair it’s because you are trying to be white and I don’t think that because you decide to go natural that means you are being pro-black.  You choose what’s right for you and your hair. 

This site definitely talks about natural hair care – but there are a lot of tips and product reviews that relaxed ladies can benefit from as well.  If anyone wants advice on my favorite relaxers or how to transition to natural please email me and I’ll gladly advise.  Our community really needs to stop letting things divide us and needs to relish in the fact that our hair has created such a sisterhood and community and that needs to be celebrated!  There is so much negativity out there already, about how and what we do to our hair – let’s embrace our versatile and beautiful locks!

Looking to make a lil’ extra cash? Or maybe you are in the market for your next weave…

Well  I was reading this story about this new website Hair Trader where you can literally sell your hair to the bidding masses.  And in this dump of an economy some long hair ladies are cashing in – one person made close to $3 000 USD for her healthy virgin hair.  Hair Trader has been dubbed the craigslist of hair selling and recently has noted a steady spike in users.  A spokespersons for Hair Trader told CBS11 that there listings for African American hair and there is demand for “kinky” hair.  So for all you curlistas – if you are looking to make a buck or two and are willing to part with your kinky curly hair – get your cutting shears out and sell that hair.

In just because news…BET’s annual Rip the Runway event is taking place in the NYC this Saturday, February 21^st at the Hammerstein Ballroom.  Oh how I miss NY!  Hosted by the lovely, yet no make up wearing Joy Bryant and Derek Luke the event features designers Akoo, Protégé’ and Project Runway’s Korto Momolu (yay!) and Johnny Vincent Swimwear.  They have a slew of artist on deck set to perform including TI, The Dream and gangsta for life Mavado (big up the reggae massive).  Guaranteed for fly fashion and of course fly hair – must watch.  (Anissa, I’m sure we will watch together as usual).  Hopefully I can post some new pics on Monday.

Rip the Runway will premiere on BET on Monday, March 2 at 9 PM ET/PT and will re-air on Thursday, March 5 at 8 PM and Friday, March 6 at 10 PM