Saturday, April 27, 2013

We Are At The World Natural Hair Show: Booth 632


We are in Atlanta, Georgia at the World Natural Hair Show and want to see you! Stop by our Booth 632 to meet Kurlee Belle's CEO Terri and Special Guest MeechyMonroe!

If you visit us between 1PM and 3PM you will receive a FREE T-SHIRT with the purchase of our entire product line! 

You do not want to miss out on all of the excitement! We have just unveiled 3 NEW TSHIRTS & TANKS!!!!!!! That's not all....they are only $12-$17 and we carry more sizes than ever! 

 S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL!

If you are not in Atlanta, check out our website. 





Wednesday, April 24, 2013

It's Hashtag Wednesday on Instragram for all Natural Hair Ladies!



It's Hashtag Wednesday at Kurlee Belle. We love to see your face. 

Tag us in your pic on Instagram using #kurleebelle and we will follow you and post your pic! 

What are you waiting for? 

Go on now and get discovered with that beautiful face....By the way 

Congrats on your face & hair beautiful! 


Monday, April 22, 2013

Happy Earth Day!


Happy Earth Day! 

Kurlee Belle offers eco-friendly high performance hair care products for curly hair, natural hair and relaxed hair with a Tropical-Caribbean theme inspired specifically by hair recipes from the Islands of The Bahamas.


How Do You Support the Environment? 

How To Avoid Heat Damage on Natural Hair.



In our post "How Do You Get Your Curl Pattern Back After Straightening", we examined how heat can change the structure of hair. Since then, we have gotten a number of messages about how to avoid heat damage.

The most obvious way would be to avoid using heat appliances on your hair. Heat appliances include blow dryers, hooded dryers, flat irons, press combs or any tool that is heated and applied to hair.

For those that prefer to alternate between straight and natural hairstyles, here are a few tips that you may find helpful.

Use a thermal protectant before applying heat. Thermal protectants usually come in a spray bottle and can be applied to sections of the hair before it is straightened. As the name suggests, thermal protectants, coat the strands and protect from heat by reducing friction between the hair and heat plates. When shopping for heat protectants look for the ingredient Dimenthicone. Dimenthicone is a silicone and works a heat conductor. Silicones and water work together to protect against heat damage by slowing the rate of overall heating in the hair fiber. Another useful ingredient that is a close second to Dimenthicone is Cyclomethicone (either one of these ingredients in your thermal product will suffice).

Monitor the temperature of the heat appliance. Keratin in hair tends to melt at approximately 233C or 451.4F. If you plan on flat ironing your hair at home, invest in a flat iron with a digital temperature gauge. Most flat irons operate in 100-170C (212-338F) range but burning or scorching can occur at lower temperatures so it depends on your hair's heat tolerance. An added precaution would be to avoid going over one section of hair several times. Thicker or coarse hair can be hard to straighten, so we may run the flat iron over one section 3 or 4 times, repeating heat at low levels can also cause heat damage.

Properly conditioning your hair can prevent heat damage. Moisturizing the hair with water based conditioners that include proteins will adequately prepare the hair for its new style. Protein deep conditioners create cross links within the hair fibers making it stronger. Water, the number one moisturizer, serves as a protector. Water helps maintain hydrogen bonding between keratin proteins and helps absorb heat through the hair fiber. If your hair is severely dry or lacking moisture, it will be more easily damaged because in this case water serves as a protector. Therefore, we recommend using a deep conditioning treatment with hydrolyzed proteins before applying heat to the hair.

Keep heat appliances clean. It is important to clean heat appliances like flat irons before and after use. Product or debris build up left from previous use can scratch or abrade the hair cuticle. Once the cuticle is damage the effects are irreversible.


Did we miss anything? Was this information helpful?




Sunday, April 21, 2013

What's Missing In Your Life?


Hello Kurlees! If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook then you know that every Sunday, we post a message. Most of you may follow the blog and not our social media pages, so we have decided to extend our sunday messages to the blog. 

Today's message is for those that are struggling in areas of their lives whether it be finances, love, education or any unmet need. 

Matthew 6:33 says " But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

We hope that this message encourages you! 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Join Us At The World Natural Hair Show And Meet MeechyMonroe


WHO:
 MeechyMonroe will be our Special Guest at the World Natural Hair Show!!!!!!! 

WHERE:
The show will take place at the Georgia International Convention Center on April 27th-28th in Atlanta, Georgia! 

EXACTLY WHERE: 
Booth #632

WHAT: 
Oh and that's not it! 

We will also be unveiling 3 NEW NATURAL HAIR SELF EXPRESSION T-shirts and Tanks! 

You may remember our Kiss My Kurls and Kurlee Girls Rock Afro Tees were a hit last year! 
Well prepare to be WOWED! 

EXACTLY WHAT TO EXPECT:
Photos with MeechyMonroe
Lots of Giveaways
 Kurlee Belle Product Discounts
A whole lot of SURPRISES!!! 

WHAT'S MISSING: 
YOU

Will You Be There?


Thursday, April 18, 2013

We Ship Internationally!




We Ship Internationally!

 Our products include: 
Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo, Thirsty Kurls Leave-in Conditioner, Kurl Defining Creme, Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment, and Kurlee Tropical Oils Blend! 

Products DO NOT contain: 
Parabens, sulfates, animal ingredients, gluten, paraffin, phthalates, mineral oil, PABA, DEA, synthetic color,  propylene glycol, petroleum. 

SHOP NOW!

Retro Thursday: Sometimes Things Look Better in Black and White









Follow us on Instagram for more great pics. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Natural Hair Is Priceless!


Want to be featured on one of our quotes? 

Tag Us on Instragram: #kurleebelle

or 

Email Us at Info@kurleebelle.com

Natural Hair is Priceless! 

Hashtag Wednesday at Kurlee Belle


Random Person: "Oh so you model huh?" 

You: "Yes!" 

Random Person: "Who is your agency?"

You: "KURLEE BELLE!!!"

It's Hashtag Wednesday at Kurlee Belle. Tag us in your pic on Instagram using #kurleebelle and we will follow you and post your pic! 

What are you waiting for? 

Go on now and get discovered with that beautiful face....By the way 

Congrats on your face & hair beautiful


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Stay Tuned! We Have A Big Announcement!


Can you guess what the announcement is??? 

HINT: It has something to do with the World Natural Hair Show. 

Monday, April 15, 2013

How Do You Get Your Curl Pattern Back After Straightening?



Milkalah asks:

"How do you get your curl pattern back after straightening your hair?" 

Answer:

It would be beneficial to understand the make up of the hair strand, so that we can see the effects of heat on hair. The hair is made up of the cuticle, cortex  and medulla (fine hair may not have a medulla, coarse hair most likely has a medulla.)

The diagram below shows the make up of a single strand.


Source: www.exploratorium.edu

The cuticle which is the outermost part of the strand protects the cortex from damage. When heat is applied to the hair, the cuticle can be (will discuss in a later post so stay tune) completely removed resulting in heat damage. Once the cuticle layer is damaged, it cannot be repaired. Cuticle damage is most evident in split ends. When the ends of the hair split, the hair takes the form of a "Y". Split ends expose the cortex and the only way to prevent further damage to the strand is to cut off the split ends. 

The cortex is made of keratin-which is a protein. When heat is applied to a protein the structure changes through a process called denaturation. For example, when an egg (protein) is scrambled using heat, it cannot return to its original form. The same rules apply to the protein found in hair. 

Heat strips away the cuticle that protects the cortex then reforms the cortex by breaking the bonds that make the hair strands curl.  Once the characteristics of the cortex are changed, it cannot be undone. Therefore, if you shampoo or wet your hair after it was straightened by a heat styling tool and your hair does not return to its original curl pattern then your hair is permanently heat damaged. 


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Kurlee Belle Sunday Message

Good Morning Kurlees! 

Every Sunday, we post an inspirational Sunday message on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Follow us for your Sunday dose of inspiration. 

Today's Message goes like this....

Saturday, April 13, 2013

In Case You Missed This Awesome Tweet By Solange Knowles!


Scrolling through our twitter feed, we could not help but notice this interesting conversation between the REAL Solange Knowles and the RealBarbieSlutz. 

I think Solange said a mouthful! 

Kurlee Belle's Instagram and Facebook pages, have been flooded with comments over the last few days, when we posted a statement from Derek J, Real Housewives of Atlanta extra and Celebrity Hairstylist, who stated that "He is not a fan of the natural hair movement and that natural hair is not for everyone."

...and now yet another natural hair hater gets put in their place. 

Have a seat RealBarbieSlutz. 

Solange told you. 

Thoughts kurlees?

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

PRODUCT REVIEW: Onyx Rose Reviews Kurlee Belle Products


 
Almond and Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo
 
Description: Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo gently cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping natural oils. Almond nourishes the hair to help it grow long and strong. Shea Butter deeply moisturizes while repairing damage to the hair and scalp. Citrus contains vitamins that cleanse and increase scalp circulation.
 

 Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Apple Cider Vinegar, Polyquaternium- 10, Polyquaternium-7, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-150 Distearate, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum).

My Experience: When they say "moisturizing," they are not kidding. Just about every shampoo I have tried, with or without sulfates, leaves my hair feeling clean, yet a little stripped. As I applied the shampoo, there was something about the consistency that made me believe once I rinsed it out, my strands would feel soft and hydrated-- and they were! Needless to say, I was impressed and pleasantly surprised by this shampoo. *kisses bottle*
 
Rating: 5/5
 
 
Banana Nut and Avocado Deep Treatment
 
Description: Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment is just what the doctor ordered for dry, damaged hair. Bring those tresses back to life with our smooth concoction of Banana, Avocado, Honey and Coconut. Banana is rich in potassium and hailed for its moisturizing properties. Avocado contains fatty acids that nourish, smooth and soften hair. Honey provides shine while conditioning to make hair soft and supple. Coconut hydrates, conditions and softens.
 
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Stearic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Basil Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Honey Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum).
 
My Experience:  I used the entire Kurlee Belle right after I took out my Marley Twists, so my hair was in dire need of quality moisturizing products. This deep treatment has a medium consistency (good slip) and the smell? So good. Makes me want to eat a whole loaf of banana nut bread (please don't judge me *Chris Brown voice*). Anyway, I applied the deep treatment and let it work its magic for about an hour (without heat). The result was moisturized kinks and curls that popped.  
 
Rating: 4.5/5
 
 
 
Thirsty Kurls Leave-In Conditioner + Kurlee Tropical Oil Blend
 
Description (leave in): Thirsty Kurls Leave-In Conditioner provides "lots of slip" and moisture that detangles and softens curls. Hibiscus penetrates the cuticle to maintain acid balance. Aloe Vera soothes and moisturizes dry, damaged hair. Honey hydrates and helps the hair retain moisture.
 
Description (oil blend): Kurlee Tropical Oils Blend is a lubricating blend of essential tropical oils that is formulated to restore dry, damaged hair. Castor Oil is an emollient that contains fatty acids and encourages hair growth. Coconut oil strengthens and deeply moisturizes. Jojoba oil moisturizes and softens. Avocado Oil contains essential nutrients that promote hair growth and nourishment. Argan oil hydrates and strengthens for enhanced growth. Moringa oil leaves hair feeling silky.
Ingredients (leave in): Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Simmondsia Chinsensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Hibiscus Rosa-Senensis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Honey Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum).
 
Ingredients (oil blend): Glycine Soya (Soybean) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Ricinus Cummunis (Castor) Oil, Moringo Oleifera (Moringa) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum).

My Experience: I used the leave-in to moisturize my hair for two-strand twists, as well as for a twistout on the kinky-curly weave I'm currently wearing. This leave-in, in conjunction with the Kurlee Tropical Oil Blend, left my two-strand twists moisturized and soft with a little sheen. Another plus is the scent of both products-- tropical and perfect for the summertime. As for the weave, the Kurlee Belle leave-in is the only leave-in I used that the hair responded well to. Peep the twistout below.




Rating for both products: 4/5




Kurl Defining Creme

Description: Kurl Defining Creme moisturizes, de-frizzes, and defines curls. For soft, shiny, 
elongated curls. Cupuacu Butter promotes moisture and elasticity. Argan oil contains vitamins and fatty acids that strengthen and encourage growth. Shea butter moisturizes while repairing damage to the hair and scalp.

Ingredients:Terrinque, the owner of Kurlee Belle, informed me that they are reformulating this product, so the ingredients list is currently unavailable. 

My Experience: I'm usually not a huge fan of curl-defining cremes simply because I've learned that no "curl-defining creme" is going to define or elongate these kinks and curls of mine. While this creme didn't define my curls, it was similar to the leave-in-- the difference, to me, is that the creme is much thicker than the leave-in and my hair retained moisture better with the leave-in.

Rating: 3/5
More from Onyx Rose visit her site: OnyxRoseOnline

Monday, April 8, 2013

A Healthy Cuticle is Crucial

Photo of Mahongy Curls of YouTube

If you examine the hair shaft under a microscope, it is easy to see these tiny scales called cuticle. The cuticle are overlapping tiles that protect the inner most part of the hair shaft called the cortex. When the cuticle tiles lay flat, they reflect light and your hair shines. When they are ruffled, they repel light and the hair appears dry and frizzy. 

What flattens the cuticles?

Cold water
 Rinsing out product with cold water rather than hot water will help the hair retain moisture and seal the cuticle. 

Downward application of product
Manipulating the hair in a downward motion when applying product will flatten the cuticle because they are naturally positioned to lay down. 

Cleaning or shampooing the hair
 Wash the hair with shampoos that restore moisture and body. Once a month, use a clarifying shampoo or Apple cider vinegar to remove product buildup. Try not to shampoo the hair too frequently as this can cause dryness. 


Regular conditioning treatments
Weekly deep treatments are a great way to maintain hair health. Using oils and butters daily to seal in moisture is also helpful.   


What causes the cuticle to stick up? 

Chemicals, detergents, hot water, flat irons, brushes, wind and cold weather are just a few elements that cause the cuticle to stick up. 


The Pinecone on the left would be an example of a sealed cuticle which resembles smooth and moisturized hair. The pinecone on the right is an example of a raised cuticle or dry, frizzy hair. 


What other suggestions do you have in maintaining the cuticle? 


Friday, April 5, 2013

How To Shampoo Curly or Natural Hair



Shampooing natural hair can be tricky. 

Ever feel like you haven't completely cleansed your hair after a wash? 

Most women with natural hair, have thick and compact strands that makes it hard to fully get rid of all the dirt, sweat and product that builds up over time. 

During the shampooing process we tend to concentrate on the scalp more than the strands. 

To avoid this, apply shampoo directly to the ends of the hair and work your way up. Many of us were taught to apply shampoo directly to the top of the head and work our way down. By reversing this sequence, we will ensure that all build up is rinsed away for cleaner healthier curls. Strands that are not properly cleansed will break from continual product build up. 

 Applying the shampoo to the ends ensure that the product is evenly distributed throughout the hair. Rinse out the shampoo by following the same pattern. Start from the ends and move upward to the scalp. 

*BENEFIT:

 Shampooing your hair using this upward motion will stretch out your curls, which makes them easier to detangle. 

 
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