Keeping our natural hair straight with no frizz can be an ongoing challenge.  Well, Huetiful has come to the “hairescue “with the release of their newest product the nanoSMOOTHING™ System.  Hair Sugar was on duty at the product launch event and got to talk in depth to the Huetiful CEO and creator of the product, Ken Burkeen.  A live demonstration of the application of the product was a treat to see.  This product is a great alternative to the traditional Keratin smoothing treatments that leave harmful chemicals in our hair and the atmosphere.

Hair Sugar with Huetiful CEO & Founder Ken Burkeen

First, let’s talk about how the system works.  It only takes four steps to get smoother luxurious hair using the nanoSMOOTHING™ System.  Note, this product is to be applied by a licensed hairstylist to ensure the job is done right!

Step 1 – Cleanse the hair to remove all product build up using the Huetiful Clarifying Shampoo

Step 2 – Apply the treatment to hair in sections

Step 3 – Spray in leave-in protectant and blow dry

Step 4 – Flat Iron

Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about the system.  Many of us protect our hair like the Holy Grail so it’s important that products like this don’t damage our hair.

What is the Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System?

The Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System is designed to silken, elongate and smooth wavy, curly, natural or processed hair.  The result is stronger, healthier, beautifully manageable hair that can be worn straight or in its natural wavy or curly state.

Is the Huetiful Smoothing System a chemical?

No, the Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System is not a chemical.  It is neither a relaxer nor keratin system.  The Smoothing System does not use any harsh or permanent chemicals and does not break the disulfide bonds like a relaxer.  Unlike many keratin systems, the Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System is certified Formaldehyde Free.  Because the molecules are smaller than a keratin molecule, the Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System does not rely on harsh chemicals to facilitate the penetration of the smoothing system.  If you notice your stylist wearing gloves when applying the product, it’s only because the product has a pH level equivalent to lemon juice.  Playing in lemon juice all day will just make your hands a little wrinkly .

How does the Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System work?

The Huetiful nanoSMOOTHING™ System’s amino acid based formula temporarily elongates the bonds of the hair.  When proper heat is applied it creates a reaction that infuses essential hair proteins inside the hair and rebuilds the hair from the inside out.

Eniya McCullough, owner of Eniya Anise Beauty Bar is a talented hairstylist who is also a Huetiful Professional Educator.  Visit her salon if you would like to try out the system http://www.enyiaanise.com/beautybar/

Hair Sugar with Eniya McCullough, owner of Eniya Anise Beauty Bar

Huetiful also makes a line of maintenance products to care for your hair after you get the system.  Eniya Anise Beauty Bar carries these products for your home styling needs! The sulfate-free maintenance shampoo allows you to cleanse your hair without stripping the Smoothing System off your hair.  The maintenance conditioner contains small amounts of the Smoothing System in it, so it refreshes your hair each time you condition.

So now you have the important information you need to feel comfortable about this product.  Another great product from our favorite hair steamer company!  Be sure to visit Huetiful to learn more about this and other great products by Huetiful.

Source: Huetiful

Hey Sweets! It’s been a long time since we last spoke but I am still here.  I stopped wearing my weave about two months ago and have given my natural hair another chance.  I had been wearing weaves non-stop for the past six years (hmmm maybe longer) and wanted to see the benefits of letting my hair rest for so long.  I started wearing weaves to transition my hair out of a relaxer.  I didn’t want to do the big chop so wearing weave and gradually cutting off the relaxed portion was a better option for me.

I first took my weave out in 2007 and my hair was strong, healthy and about 85% natural.  I could manage the two textures better because the relaxer was only on the tips of my hair so I knew those would eventually get trimmed off.

THENNNN….I decided to have my hair colored.  I had my hair colored years before when I had a relaxer and it really damaged my hair.  I thought since my hair was natural it could handle color.

I was wrong…the color did well for about two weeks and then I started noticing extra shedding and breakage.

My hair got so bad and nothing was saving it.  Deep conditioning, trims, nothing it just kept splitting so I said BACK TO WEAVE!  I had to grow my hair out all over again. All those years of wearing weave to transition to natural went down the drain after I got that color.  You live and you learn.  I love weave as a protective style but you still have to take care of your hair underneath.  I got my natural hair cut in between weave installs so I could get that colored hair out of my life!

Weave Heaven (With Indian Hair)

I wore weave again from 2007 – 2011 and my hair was finally back to life.

Now here I am today all natural and loving my hair again.  You really have to learn all you can about your hair and what it needs.  Natural hair is beautiful and needs lots of moisture so I deep condition once a week and use a variety of different oils and products to give it what it needs.  I also make sure to eat right and drink plenty of water to make sure I am taking care of it on the inside of my body as well.  I also take the Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex vitamins to keep my hair growing strong.

I love my hair now. It is so versatile and I finally figured out a hair regimen that works well for my hair.  I really love my natural curls too when I wear wash and go’s.  Check out the products I use in my hair regimen and watch the video below for more info.  PRODUCTSShampoos

• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Control Shampoo
• Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo (used sparingly when I wear wash and go’s)

Leave-In Conditioners

• Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
• Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner

Conditioners

• Shea Moisture Yucca & Boab Anti-Breakage Masque
• Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
• Raw Unrefined Coconut Oil

Oils

• Raw Unrefined Coconut Oil
• Moroccan Oil (Argan Oil)

Curl Defining Gels (Gels work better for defining my curls than creams)

• Kinky Curly Curling Custard Styling Gel
• Shea Moisture Curling Souflee

Watch more on my transition to natural

Hi Sweets!

We have Taffy hair back in stock in 12, 14 and 16 inches. If you are new to Hair Sugar, our Taffy hair is premium virgin Indian hair that has a slight wavy texture to it when wet. Head over to the boutique and get your Taffy hair before it’s gone!

Taffy (Straight) Virgin Indian Hair

HS: What is your name and where is your salon located?

RM: My name is Ree’C Maye. I operate my business, Shear Perfection by Ree’C, at Shazzi Salon 12124 Central Ave, Mitchellville, MD 20721

HS: Great get so many inquiries from people in the DC/MD/VA area looking for hairstylists. How long have you been doing hair?

RM: Hair as been my passion since the age of 10. I have been working as a professional Hair Stylist for 13 years.

HS: That’s great, you have a lot of experience. What is your specialty? Do you do mostly weaves these days? Do you specialize in quick weaves and natural hair care as well?

RM: My specialty is hair care, hair weaving and hair cutting. These days I do a lot of cuts and weaves. I specialize in a number of different types of weaves including, partial weaves, full weaves, quick weaves, invisible part weaves, net weaves, lace weaves and bonded weaves. I also do natural hair care which includes, but is not limited to, two strand twists, loc maitnance, gel twist, cornrows and feed in cornrows, with or without hair added.

HS: You offer a lot of other services! Many of the Hair Sugar fans have natural hair underneath their weaves so it’s great to know you can tend to the hair underneath as well. What other services do you offer?

RM: I offer wrap & curl, shampoo blow dry & curl, roller wrap, silk wrap, flexi rods, spiral curls, press & curl, full relaxer, touch up relaxer, semi perm color, demi perm color, permanent color, cuts, trims, lace wig, hair treatments, eye brow and makeup services.

HS: You do it all! Makeup too? As a hairstylist and expert weavologist, what do you feel the most important thing is to you when it comes to your clients’ hair?

RM: The most important thing to me when it comes to my clients hair is health. My main goal with every client is to get them to or help them maintain a healthy head of hair.

HS: Healthy hair is key. How do you achieve such natural looking weaves with no lumps?

RM: My ability to achieve natural looking weaves without lumps starts with the foundation(braid pattern). A good foundation is the key to all smooth natural looking weaves.

HS: So tell us something about your braiding patterns. What size braids do you usually use to get a flat lump-free weave?

RM: To get a flat lump free weave, my foundation patterns consist of small cornrows. I do a variety of braiding patters which include the swirl and the horse shoe. I also do patters that are extra small in the front closest to the part and changing up the patter in other areas. All braid patterns that I create, depend on the look that I am creating with the weave.

HS: Can you share with us what braiding techniques you use for middle parts, side parts and no part at all?

RM: For middle part weaves, I use very small braids moving backward across the head or very small on an angle moving diagonally across the head. For side parts, I pretty much use the same techniques, sometimes making minor adjustments, depending on the size and shape of an individuals head and hairline. For weaves with no part at all, I always insure that the top of the braid pattern is very close together insuring that the weave will look as flat and natural as possible.

HS: Braiding patterns are so important and you have lots of great techniques! What type of hair do you like using on your clients?

RM: I like using hair that has a natural sheen look and light weight, such as Remi, 100% Virgin Indian or Malaysian. On the low end, I like to use Milky Way and Bobby Boss.

HS: It’s great you provide some lower-end recommendations as well for those who just want something quick and simple. What is the most popular style your clients are requesting these days?

RM: These days my clients are loving the bob in all lengths and styles and the invisible part weaves, sewn and bonded. The A line bob seems to be the most popular( short in the back and gradually gets long in the front.

HS: The A line bob looks great with a weave. We love Toya Carter’s A line bob she rocks. Tell us a little bit about how you style and cut the weaves after you have worked your magic?

RM: I always style and cut a weave based on the shape of a clients face and her lifestyle. Women who work out typically prefer shorter weaves and women with more day to day flexibility tend to get longer weaves.

HS: Are you offering any specials for new clients or in general?

RM: I do offer a special to all first time clients. Full weave service at $200 which includes the cut and style.( reg. $250 and up).

HS: How many clients do you usually take during the week?

RM: I usually take 2 to 3 weave clients per day averaging out to 12 – 18 weave clients per week. I do this to allow time for other clients with different services.

HS: Are you accepting new clients?

RM: I am always accepting new clients. I love meeting new people and meeting their expectations. The best new clients to see are referred clients, because they already have a good idea of what to expect when the visit Shear Perfection by Ree’C.

HS: We love hairstylists who are so welcoming! What is the best method for new clients to reach you and make an appointment?

RM: The best method for clients to reach me is on my cell phone, 240-898-8731 or email which I receive directly on my cell phone reec78@tmail.com.

It’s been a pleasure talking to you Miss Ree’C! We know the Hair Sugar fans find this very helpful and we look forward to sending some clients your way. Make sure you give Ree’C Maye a call at the number above or shoot her an email to set up your appointment today!

Hairstylist Ree’C Maye showing off her Invisible Part Weave

Has everyone seen Willow Smith’s new video for her single Whip Your Hair?  Make sure you check it out!

Hair Sugar just loooves Willow because she is such a poised little girl and the video is very appropriate for her age but still edgy enough for adults to love. You know we love this video because of all the fabulous hair whipping around representing individuality and creativity in beauty. Remember to make your style your own and don’t worry about what people say! Make sure you follow Willow on Twitter @OfficialWillow. #whipyourhair !!