In September, we had you submit questions to celebrity hair stylist Ursula Stephen. Ursula read your questions and comments – here is part two of our feature with more answers and tips from the stylist…
Hey ladies! Sorry for the delay, it seems as if I’ve been around the world and back again! From France to London, Milan and even LA, I’ve been working hard, but I haven’t forgotten about you! I’m here and let’s get to some of these great questions! – Ursula…
Q: Hi Ursula, My cousin and sister are both hair stylists, but my cousin wants to do so much more. Right now she’s working as a beautician and she works for MAC cosmetics…how did you get started in this business? Congratulations on all your success Your a beautiful young woman.A: To get started in this business, I actually have been blessed. I attended high school which was where I studied cosmetology and once I graduated I positioned myself in great salons. From there, it was basically word of mouth. A lot of business came to me, allowing me to get myself out there and have opportunities to meet/network with people. God had a plan for me I guess
.
Q: I have semi-thick relaxed hair – what deep conditioners and leave-in conditioner do you recommend to help growth for longer fuller hair? Do you recommend blow dry after roll and set or flat ironing hair?
A: When it comes to leave in conditioners, I prefer ones that are thick and creamy versus thin and runny. Those conditioners that are thin tend to “fall” off the hair and those that are thick add muscle, which protects the hair. Also, I like the fullness of a roller set over blow drying after roller setting the hair. I like it full and sexy, a fresh roller set will give you that effect.Q: When is it time to change from using the same relaxer?
A: Relaxers should be changed when you stop seeing the reaction in your results. Meaning when your hair starts to become resistant to the relaxer’s strength it’s probably time to move on.
Q: What hair colors/hues do you suggest for darker females?
A: It’s sometimes hard to decide colors for skin tones. African-Americans come in so many different shades and each has what’s called a “undertone,” which is usually a red or yellow/gold. These tones play a big part in which colors work best for your skin even in makeup. But in general for a dark skin/red undertone shade I like oranges, reds, cranberries and colors in that range.
Q: I cut my hair to the scalp last year but I decided to let it grow back. It’s long enough for a short haircut in which I’m wearing today. However, I’m not wearing a perm-I’m wearing a press. My question is; “How do I maintain that fresh-from-the-shop shine that blings after a nice press job?”
A: I suggest that if you want to maintain shine, using serums and high gloss sprays work best. Oil sheens tend to have alcohol as an ingredient which dries out the hair. The glosses on the other hand adds a “bling” and “crystalizes” on the hair. It coats versus penetrates.
Q: Can I grow out my perm and go to a ceramic press without cutting my hair off of will this just my damage my hair and make it break-off?
A: Growing out your relaxer to natural hair and switching to ceramic press is fine. Although, be aware that will experience damage either way, but it should be expected and considered normal. Please condition, condition, condition! Also, trim your ends at least once a month.
Q: Hi Ursula, I am 35 years old and I have noticed that my hair is thinning and seriously breaking around the edges , especially right at my center part (on the left side, LOL). I have curly hair that I wear natural for the most part, but the breakage is not a game and I am afraid to press it or get my once annual weave, cause it’s looking thin! I have been advised to use Dr, Miracle’s products and Biotin tablets. Is that good advice?
A: Yes! That advice is great. Using products that focus on hair growth and repair are great. As we get older life changes start to happen with our hair, skin, nails, etc. Also, genetics play a part too. Women pattern baldness may be a hereditary factor as well. Keep using those products and the hair may or may not grow back but some things we may have to get used to.
Q: Hi Ursula, Do you have any suggestions on products to use on big curly hair? My hair is curlier in some parts than others and sometimes it can look dry. I want it to look even all over. I have been using the same cheap gel for the past 20 years! I wash my hair with whatever is on sale and I know this is starting to take a toll on my hair. I have used Mixed Chicks before but it really didn’t benefit me much. If you have any suggestions on stylists..I live in LA. I really need help!
A: 20 years??!! Products have come a long way since then! You have to take a look outside the sale aisle and invest in your hair. It’s your beauty. Look for products that have curl boosting agents. Although great hair products can be expensive–it’s worth it! You wouldn’t skimp on your clothes or eating quality food, so spoil your hair too!
Q: I would like to know which products you think are best for natural hair. I have a very thick kinky ‘fro that i love. however, it can get very dry. I’m a product junkie and am always looking for new ones or tips and tricks to take care of my luscious mane. Please impart your knowledge! thanks =)
A: Dryness is a characteristic of natural hair and especially African-American women. Our hair secretes less oils. Therefore, use a moisturizing cream day and night. Sleeping with a satin scarf will help as well. Any other fabric will absorb the oils from your hair making it dryer.
Q: I have a HUGE problem. I have been putting extensions in my hair for a couple of years and now my hair is really damaged. Can you recommend any new hair styles or treatments for my hair. Im ready to stop wearing weave and i need to know what to do next.
A: Ladies! How can you be wearing the same style for so long and not expect your hair to be mad at you?! So now, your hair needs time to heal. Invest in haircare and start loving your hair back to health!
Q: Help, Ursula! I’ve had a sew in weave for 3 years and just recently I’m wearing my own
hair (it is about 16 inches long). How can I prevent breakage, I don’t want a perm and I can’t keep the hair straight.A: 3 years of the same style, this is all your hair knows! You have to retrain it all over again. It’s time to condition and allow your hair to be on it’s own.
Q: Hello! I love my weave and I would like to pull it up from time to time, but is there are way to do this without leaving extra hair out?
A: You girls want your cake and want to eat it too! Leaving your hair out allows you to pull your hair up without the track showing. If you don’t leave this hair out–the tracks will show and you lose the natural look and your versatility.
Q: I was wondering for a sew-in is it better to s-type braids or a bee-hive? My hair is permed but I want it to look naturally curly sometimes is there a easy way to achieve this without getting a texturizer?
A: For a weave, your braiding pattern all depends on the style you want to achieve and what the hairstylist prefers to do. Also, just to be clear you can’t go back to a texturizer from a chemical relaxer. A texturizer is best suited for natural hair to loosen the curl.
Q: Are the new bobs (shorter in back , longer in front) a good cut for someone w/a round face? Is there a vitamin that’s helps hair grow?
A: The new bob is actually great for most face shapes. The style is versatile but you have to find your “niche.” Meaning, you may want a side part, middle part, length, etc. Also there is a vitamin that you should be able to find easily at your local health food or vitamin store.
Q: I have a question, what styles do you think would be good for natural hair, instead of the same old braids and twists?
A: A great alternative to braids and twists for natural hair is, one push it up into a funky Mohawk, two, headbands and clips are great and molding it into different funky shapes is hot too!
Q: Hi, I have a short cut and no matter what I do I can’t get my hair to lay flat in the back. So besides gel which still doesn’t work what should I do.
A: When you have short hair, first of all you probably need to touch it up/relax it more often and second you may want to have it faded out a little more to keep the back down.
Q: My hair is pretty straight and its flat, I wanna have more volume in it! I’ve tried hairspray and it dosen’t really work on me, it don’t last long. I really need some volume because it looks dead, so pleas help me, what should I do?
A: Start from the beginning with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Then follow up with a volumizing spray.
Q: Hey Ursula! I love Solange’s hair style! My hair is natural, but I’m familiar with sew-ins. So what hair would you recommend for that style?
A: To achieve Solange’s hair style, I recommend using a “wet and wavy” or “French wave/deep wave” weave.
Be sure to check out Ursula on BET’s “The Black Carpet” and find out how to get the latest looks for Fall Hair, airing Wednedsday Nov 5th @ 10:30 pm.
Thanks to all the readers who submitted questions, and keep checking back for more with Ursula on Concreteloop!
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DISCLAIMER: Ursula Stephen is a respected and professional hairstylist, however, you are taking her tips at your own risk. Please make sure to consult other professional hairstyles before doing something drastic.
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She’s DOPE!!!!
wWash your hair often ladies.
……good info, i take the vitamin “hair, skin and nails” my hair is much stronger.
*****Good tips.
I didn’t learn anything new with these questions and answers, but i luvvvvv the cut on Ursula….hair looks shiny and healthy. And of course i love Rhi’s hair.
What I really wanna know who does Malinda William’s cut and style? Anyone know. Her hair aint no joke, it’s cute all the time….she makes me want to cut my hair all off.
Good shit!! But damn…Lookin at Rihanna wit’ all that white make-up on, is a Got-damn shame!!!
Good tips! But lookin’ at Rhianna wit’ all that white makeup on is a Got-damn Shame!!!
Solange’s hair is cute but she puts too much in. She could never get a turtleneck on with that mess.
HI Ursula,
I got my hair cut just like Rihanna about 2 months ago, I love it! its pretty hard to maintain though, do you suggest anything for me to use to keep the look? flat irons? blow dyer? pomade?
Thanks
she didnt really answer any of the questions tho.
TThanks Ursula
I’m the 3 year sew in question. I will
take your advice and condition,
condition my hair to retrain it.
#9, use pomade/hair wax.
Ive been on a hair regimen since September 08.
I’m just now experiencing what may hair is lacking and what it’s getting too much of.
I love the state my hair is in then what it was a few months back when I had my first sew in.
And omg, my hair is way too fragile for sew ins and monthly perms wtf.
So I perm once to twice a year, hit the Dominican shop for a blowout 3-4 times a year and just invest in a little “me” time with my hair.
Did ri always have that bald spot? is it a part of the hairstyle? if not, what will grow it back, ri would look better withov a bald spot.
@ ALEXIZ, that was my thought exactly!
@ LEE, I’m a sew-in chick also! My hair simply doesn’t honor the natural styles! LOL. On a serious note, you’ll have to go to the beauty shop to get your hair trained to look fab w/o the weave. A beautician told me this.
Can we go ahead and submit more questions here? If so…..i used to have permed hair and colored it, damaged it, the whole shibang. Well i cut it off, and started growing it out natural, and i used to put in braided extensions while doing this. I did this for about a year then when my hair grew long enough, i stopped putting in the extensions, cause i was worried that i was braiding it a little too much and that was damaging. So, coming into last year, i used to wash, blow dry and press my hair every month or so. I did this same routine for about a year. I noticed my hair was really thinnning and i recently only stopped doing this, about 2 months ago. All i do with my hair now is wash and blow dry ( no pressing) every 2 weeks. My hair is still soo weak, it breaks off alot and its really dry? What do i do to maintain it? and repair it? I also don’t usually grease my scalp because my hair breaks more when i do so, and i hate having greasy hair, but i have a really dry scalp. Is there anything i can put on my scalp that’s good, but won’t grease out my whole entire head? Also, what kind of shampoo should i be using? I read somewhere that some shampoos strip hair of its naturarl oils, so how do i find the right shampoo? What about conditioner? Sorry, this is like super long, but i really need help with my hair. Thanks in advance.
JSCENE, I HEART MALINDA WILLIAMS HAIR, I CUT ALL OF MY HAIR OFF
CAUSE OF HER. TOOK THE PIC TO THE SALON AND EVERYTHING. I EVEN
WROTE HER ON PAGE AND ASKED….TO THINK THAT SHE WOULD EVEN
WRITE ME…LOL!!!!
@ # 15 thanks for the tip.
Rihanna is making me want to cut my hair! I stopped getting relaxers a year ago…I just get my hair straightened with ceramic irons and you would think I just got a fresh relaxer!
#16, use tea tree oil or olive oil to moisturize your scalp. It’s light and covers, but won’t weigh down your hair. There is also an olive oil line, including shampoo and all, and it works well. Carol’s Daughter has good hair products, too.
I just love the tips and tricks for african american women’s hair!
I live in Belgium and the supermarkets don’t even sell shampoo for curled hair!! It’s such a shame, because I need such shampoos!
But I’ll keep on searching and checking Ursula’s tips!!
Thanks
***********baracks grandma just died ya’ll
WHY did she died the day before the election? horrible
Good section..Very informational..Ladies keep them ends trims..
I heard mixed reviews about Carols Daughters. However, Kids Organics Moisturizing Lotion with Olive Oil (Shampoo and Conditioner) works wonders ladies. Here’s another product that I swear by (and I dont normally swear): http://www.mmproducts.com/products-children-brand.php
Sofn’ Free
TIANA -
YOU DO REALIZE THAT HALLE BERRY’S STYLIST NICO (HOT TO DEATH) IS THE CREATOR OF THIS HAIRSTYLE.
IF ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED AND ANSWERED IT SHOULD BE FROM THE ORIGINATOR, NOT A DUPLICATOR.
I’M NOT A STYLIST, BUT I’M AROUND THEM ENOUGH, GET MY HAIR DONE ENOUGH AND KNOW THE BIZNESS ENOUGH THAT URSULA GOT LUCKY WITH RIHANNA AND IS BUILDING, BUT SHE’S NO HAIR GURU.
ASK WITHIN THE INDUSTRY IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY.
hi!
to ursula or anyone here who can answer-
I have big, dry, thick, kinky hair. Many of my friends have gone natural and have suggested that i do so, but my hair is 3 different textures. My first year of college I flatironed my hair everyday. By the evening my hair was back to how it was before i ironed it. Of course it broke off badly and im trying to do my best to revive it. I have tried many different perms and conditioners. Perms dont last as they should in my hair considering i leave it in twice as long and make sure all parts get coverage. Deep conditioning and leave-ins work well in my hair and ive found that hair shampoos and conditioner made for caucasion work best but i use natural oils. I hate sitting under the dryer for 3 hours!…but i know its a must? Are there alternatives that I can use in order to maintain my mane?
@27..
You just have too many damn complications with your hair, I don’t think God could even help with that..lol..I’m just playing. BUT I agree with the under the dryer thing. OH-MY-EFFIN-GOODNESS..I absolutely despise the dryer. The first couple of minutes are okay but then it gets EXTRA hot and toasty then my neck feels like it’s burning/pealing off and if I leave my earings under the wrap they start burning my skin and it hurts like hell. And then I start sweating up I storm and repenting for my sins because I swear I am about to die. I can NOT take it. I was wondering if there is a certain type of hair dryer that you can sit under that’s comfortable and keeps you feeling fine. Well, just one that you recommened. Because my hair dresser just tells me to deal with it.
OK this stuff is pretty much nothing new. She didnt recommend any products. I mean that is pretty important when discussing hair. Ok so thick and creamy versus thin and runny products it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that out. It seems people have a problem with giving others info. My beautician gave me the name of a few hair creams that work for curly hair. Can we get some product names???
I suggest checking out afrobella.com
w
FOR NATURAL CURLS…..
HPHYTOSPECIFIC IS AN EXCELLENT SHAMPOO and HAIRCARE LINE!!!!
FOR CURLS I WOULD SUGGEST – REDKEN CURL ( SHAMPOO,COND, LEAVE IN)
MIXED CHICKS – STYLING CREAM
OR
LANZ PRODUCTS
YOU HAVE TO SPEND MONEY TO GET RESULTS. 5 DOLLAR GEL ISNT GOING TO DO ANYTHING BUT DAMAGE YOUR HAIR!
Carol’s Daughter has done great things for my naturally thick, long, biracial curly hair. However, I have always found it beneficial toswitch up products every now and then. Like Ursula said, your hair can get resistant to things…frequently!
Nah.. she didn’t answer many questions.. If someone asks about how to keep a certain style from being dry, don’t just tell them “moisturize..” DUH. How about you throw out some brands, ingredients we should look for etc.
chile, the kitchen beauticians can make better recommendations than that…
To get Solo’s look………………….grow your hair naturally…
It’s working for me!
Let’s share some tips, you guys. I use T-Tree growth creme on my hair.
I also hear that peppermint works for hair growth, too.
Does anyone have any great tips on growing your hair out? I have a short cut right now but I’m interested in growing my hair back. It’s already grown out a lot…but I’d like to hear tips on how to get it too grow faster and longer. Any feedback would be appreciated.
TASHA RENAE
A very good tip for hair growth is EATING HEALTHY. Vegetables and fruits are our friends
.
Some people take vitamins that promote hair growth. I bought some Biotin, but I never used it because of stories about rash breakouts and pimples.
I’ve heard some women say that prenatal vitamins grew their hair out……. but if you’re not “expecting”… I’d say no to that.
Tasha Renae #34
I suggest you sign up to http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=109305
This website helped me a great deal with achieving that healthy flowing hair I have longed for.
#33, I used that T-Tree growth creme, and it worked well. One time I used African Pride’s herbal growth product, and while I normally have long hair, (well past my shoulders but have chopped it off) between relaxers, it was making my hair grow a little too fast, believe or not. Like my relaxer wouldn’t last long. I believe that product is still on the market. Some of my friends that have fine hair swear by Sunsilk and Garnier Fructis.
does coconut oil work for hair growth? I can never find it anywhere! I use olive oil when my scalp is dry and rinse it out, it feels really nice.
Join this website…its like the the black myspace for hair. Its great I love it!!! You find people with the same problems and share all their product ideas. http://keepitsimplesista.ning.com/
She aint answer no questions up there…Can we get some real answers, not from someone who’s gonna beat around the bush
#34 After you wash your hair put some pink lotion in it, just enough that the hair is not greasy. Then Cornroll your hair- if it is natural you can leave it in for three weeks at the most but if it is relaxed, safely I would say a week or less; do not add weave- just your own hair so it does not break off. Change your diet- water (atleast 6 cups a day), fruits and veggies, chicken/fish/meat and a little junk food or none if you are strong:). The prenatal vitamins- they do work. I have my natural hair down my back, but right now it is safely in the cornrolls, taken out for special occasions:)
#38
Coconut oil keeps my hair from drying out. Moisturized hair leads to hair growth. I’m not sure where you live but coconut oil can be found at any health food store. Olive oil is good for the hair too.
How can I maintain braids during natural hair transition?
Can we get some PRODUCT NAMES I didn’t learn anything new with this ish, or better yet find a NEW STYLIST who can answer some damn questions.
HELP!!! ANYBODY!!
I had dreads for a loooong time and I just did the take down method. (I did it myself and it took 7 weeks) I now have a head FULL of thick hair. I got my hair hotcombed and it is about 10″ from my butt and I love it. I need to know who makes the best flat iron for natural african american hair. I am looking at the CHI and the SEDU. They are both around $120. Any personal experience with these brands? I refuse to relax my hair but my natural hair is just too much to handle.
#16 I recommend you use Dr. Miracle’s Gro Oil to moisturize your scalp and the Leave in Treatment & conditioner. Now there are some disadvantages. Grow Oil-One in particular is that you would have to apply it twice a day(morning and night[ I usually only apply it once a day at night]) and the other is that it has a very strong odor that smells like vicks. I use the Leave in Treatment & Conditioner once a week after I wash my hair with Pantene Pro-v shampoo and Pantene Pro-v conditioner (leave it in for 30 minutes then rinse). You can also co-wash, this is where you only use the conditioner, this way you can still keep the natural hair oils. I recommend that you wash your hair out every week because your hair will get dirty quicker due to the amount of grease that your using in your hair. It is always recommended to grease( I use Triple Gro anti breakage cream grow) your hair more often in the winter because of sun exposure and cold weather (drier scalp in the winter). Wrap your hair at night and use use a silk scarf, this will prevent the pulling of your hair. Please temporary avoid brushing your hair and use a wide tooth comb.
@RAWR™ i’m growing out my natural hair (it’s in braids now) and am not sure how to get solo’s look with my natural hair. how are you doing it?
btw i have to agree that I would like it if ursula recommended products. what does she use for her clients for instance?
#16 I wanted to also add the fact that I take vitamins for healthy hair, nails and etc. If you don’t want to go that route you can also implement more onions, garlic, scallions, celery, salmon, blueberries, water or walnuts into your meals… and not garlic or onion salt. I really mean some real substance. People would be surprised by the amount of toxins that are in your food that can cause your hair not to grow healthy.
Word! She didn’t answer no damn questions that I couldn’t answer. I wanted to kno what hair Solange had and she tells me that!?!?!
I couldn’t even get a brand name of hair or nothing.
Can someone answer my Question?
Wat brands of hair weave do u recommend to get the “Solange” full look. Thanks in advance
#27
I’ll try to answer according to how you stated your statement. First thing of order, you should never need to flat iron your hair every day if there’s already a perm in it. Flat-iron(once a week) your hair as often as you wash it. You mentioned that your hair would be back to where it was before you flat ironed it, My question to you is what relaxer did you use? how often did you change relaxers? What brand did you use and did it contain any lye or no-lye? What strength was the perm? These are all critical questions because I believe you over processed your hair. When conditioning do you allow the conditioner to set in for at least 10 minutes? You stated that “Perms dont last as they should in my hair considering i leave it in twice as long and make sure all parts get coverage.” You should never leave a perm in your hair long than what’s recommended. My advice to you is that you should go and see a hair stylist (a stick with that one stylist) until you learn how to manage your hair better. You should never sit under a dryer more than an hour, you’ll dry your scalp out completely. You can look at #46 and #49 for some tips but I recommend you visit a stylist and allow them to test an area on your head to see which relaxer would work for you. You’ve already done enough damage on your own.
L A D I E S ! ! ! ! !
The BEST moisturizer in the world for NATURAL, CURLY, KINKY Hair, is….
MISS JESSIES!! Hands down. It’s expensive but worth it (59.00 a jar). The product was created by two bi-racial sisters (African American/Asian) and it was designed for natural hair. Their product has been featured in many magazines and talk shows. We all know with natural hair you really need a GOOD moisturizer, and with Miss Jessies you can comb through any kinky hair. My hair grew so much using their product.
Visit their website: http://www.missjessies.com for before and afters, hair testimonies and how- to- do hair styles, such as two strand twist and many more! I LOVE IT! BTW MANDY, I own a CHI ceramic flat iron and I love it. It has tourmaline in it, they use that in Japanese hair straighteners!
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE. URSULA REALLY DIDN’T GIVE ANY HELPFUL ADVICE! I also have some good hair tips if anyone would like them.
Great Q&A… thought this would be like 5 general questions
@33 peppermint oil is used for dandruff on the scalp. dandruff is formed from yeast overgrowth in your body, which insists that your lacking EFA’s (essential fatty acids[good fats]), vitamin B6 or selenium. What should you use besides peppermint oil to get rid of excess dandruff? Reduce sugar intake(refine sugars, candy and etc.), eat more spinach and watercress (naturally not boiled down to the plant looks like strands), take some hair nourishing supplements 1 selenium, 1 biotin and 1 reishi mushroom capsule. Wash your hair with camomile or tea tree shampoos. After washing rinse with 1 cup of cider vinegar, then add 10 drops of peppermint oil in your hair. there you go, dandruff is gone and you only need to do this twice to see results, instead of that brand Head n shoulders (what a joke). I’m glad I love chemistry cause that’s what saved me on some of these hair remedies.
lmao@ these comments, i wouldnt be surprised if she didnt answer shit else for ya’ll(even though she didnt do much of that anyway) , too funny!
i like that pulled back hairstyle.
Hi Ursula, I recently cut my hair, in hopes of having it grow stronger and more healthy, and it was doing fine until I used a semi-permanent color. It was really cute in the beginning, but now it went from a ruby rage to a goldish-brown and its breaking off extremely bad. I brought some Nubian Silk products but I don’t know if its right for my hair, What do you suggest to get my hair growing and stronger?
Thanks!!!
thanks 28 and 51! yeah i do switch all my hair products frequently.. yeah i learned ther hard way about flatironing. Well i have to sit under the dryer for 2, sometimes three hours or my hair wont dry( it sucks..). Ive tried elasta q, optimum, dark and lovely, dr.miracle,motions, tcb, isoplus, creme of nature… I switched from lye to no-lye a few years ago. No I leave my conditioner in for 30 and my perm in for 25-45 min. It stays straight for like a week and I dont know if its because my hair is growing that fast or my perm is worn. A lot of my friends have recommended a kids perm or getting it straightened. Im kind of a tomboy so i dont like to do complicated styles, i like to comb out my wrap and go. But deep conditioners, protein treatments and hot oil treatments work great for me. I use carols daughter maugerites magic and thats good too. Before then I used the regular greases, yall know- carrot oil, blue magic, that coconut stuff, castor.. The oils are waaay better than the grease.I can grease my scalp and either my hair sucks it dry or it doesnt do anything, just sits on my head. I was it like every 4 days b/c after that its really dirty and my style is gone. Im basically screwed when it comes to my hair….
I appreciate yalls help!
OK @TISHA
Thanks!
Now you have me all over that damn site.WOW:-) I purchased the curly pudding and buttercreme. I am willing to try anything. I spent hundreds@ Carols daughter and my hair just laughed at that shit. It smells good though. I went ahead and purchased the CHI AND SEDU from Folica just in case.
There are so many alternatives to a relaxer. I refuse to ever use that fire cream again.