Most people experience a great deal of stress in that period of time between Thanksgiving and the start of the New Year, fondly known as “The Holidays”. Many of us find ourselves becoming irritable, with our patience and tolerance stretched to the limit. The holiday season is just around the corner and with it comes all the joy of dealing with those who just can’t seem to get into the joy of the season.

The Holidays demand a great deal of patience: waiting in long lines at stores to buy that perfect gift, listening to your Great-Uncle story of his “youth” for the umpteenth time, playing yet another family game of Monopoly. Of course we love seeing our family but it’s exhausting and stressful on all – whether a guest or the host. Your mantra to get you through: “It won’t be perfect.”

It really won’t be; not the table center-piece, not the kids’ behavior, not the adults’ behavior, not the food. This time isn’t about perfection, it’s about bonding. The best way to deal with the holiday humbugs without losing your own holiday spirit in the process is to prepare for it.

• Take a warm bath - warm water calms you by increasing circulation and relaxing muscles.
• Breathe deeply - hen anxiety strikes, the heart races; breathing deeply will help you relax.
• Keep your sense of humor – excuse yourself when you feel a tense moment arising.
• Write in a journal - sometimes summing up the day’s highs and lows will help you laugh at them and keep things in perspective.

Then, when you’re rejuvenated, rejoin the loud boisterous group and enjoy every chaotic Holiday moment!

Love Your Hair,

Jane

Miley has been the topic of discussion lately for “twerking”…but we’re more interested in the good hair she has been giving! Her modern take on the classic boyish crop demands all eyes on her – feminine, alluring, classy and downright STUNNING. It’s about short sides and an ever-so-slightly longer top and fringe, with the top and the sides blending perfectly.

The key to pulling off this look? Don’t force it, just rock it. You don’t want to over style, there’s no need. The trick is to play with your hair to achieve texture; twisting, scrunching, smoothing and defining individual sections. Use Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream’s unique formula provides texture with volume and movement. It’s not sticky and is easy to restyle once applied. Ideal for spiking short and medium hair, you can finger style for the ultimate control.

1. Apply Curl Defining Cream to dry hair; use a generous amount and spike hair from front to back.
2. Allow to air dry or use a blow dryer.
3. Spritz with Natural Hold Spray Gel for a firm hold to survive the activities of the day.

Remember, short crops tend to start growing out within a month. To avoid having to visit the salon frequently to maintain the shape, ask your stylist to add texture to your ends so they aren’t as blunt.

Rock that cut, girl!

Love Your Hair,

Jane

Porosity. Let’s talk…porosity refers to how well your hair is able to absorb and hold moisture, aka water. All hair is naturally porous and somewhat permeable to water; it’s determined by the condition of your hair cuticle. Normal porosity hair knows when to take in moisture and how to hold onto it as well.

Porosity can be affected by external factors causing damage to the cuticle – either remaining closed and not retaining moisture or remaining open and letting moisture out as quickly as it is accepted. So what exactly damages the cuticles in those ways?

1. mechanical and heat abuse from combs, brushes, and heat styling tools
2. excessive sun exposure
3. over-processing from chemical relaxers and permanent colors
4. continued use of sodium lauryl or ammonium lauryl sulfate-rich shampoos

Be proactive in avoiding cuticle damage by using the correct products to protect and hydrate!

You can reduce heat damage (#1) by using Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner; it’s lightweight formula allows you to reduce the temperature when flat-ironing or blow drying your hair, the bonus - it also doubles as a sun screen (#2).

Soothe over-processed hair (#3) with the Jojoba and Henna essential oils in Restore Creamy Conditioning Cleanser and rebuild strength with complex Amino Acid and Silk protein in Restore Moisture Mist.

Discontinue the use of your sulfate shampoo (#4) and replace it with Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo SLS-Free; the humectants employed during washing help your hair hold more moisture, which is always a benefit.

Knowing your hair’s porosity can help you choose the right products to keep your hair well-moisturized, supple, strong and shiny. Now you’re in the know and armed with suggestions for the best products for your tresses!

Love Your Hair,

Jane

Twist-outs are one of many hairstyle options one can do to maintain healthy hair. It requires no heat usage, thus preventing heat damage. It can be worn for days at a time, therefore requiring little mechanical manipulation to our tresses. With twist-outs there is no tension on the scalp, and thus no damage to the hair follicle. What’s more? It is a cute hairstyle for any length of natural hair! Here are 3 tips to help your twist-outs last longer…with the use of Jane Carter Solution Natural Twist Out Foam:

• Wear smaller twists to make them last longer.

For some naturals, twisting down to the very ends of the hair can lead to twist-outs with frizzy ends. An alternative method is to twist until just before you reach the ends of your hair and then coil these ends around your finger.

• Twist hair when 25% dry.

Twisting on dry hair will produce a twist-out that only lasts for a short period; it’s important to twist on wet or damp hair in order to achieve optimal definition and a longer lasting style. Avoid twisting on hair that is 100% wet; fully wet hair is more prone to breakage via tension while twisting.

• Protect your hair during your beauty sleep.

Minimize frizz by using a satin bonnet; for those with medium to long hair, put your twist-out into 10-12 big twists and cover with a satin bonnet. In the morning undo the big twists and fluff into your style. For those with shorter hair, there is no need to re-twist prior to bedtime. Simply cover with a satin bonnet; in the morning, remove the bonnet and fluff your hair.

You can enhance your curl definition by mixing Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream to the Natural Twist Out Foam. Finish with Nourish & Shine for a boost of moisture and shine.

Love Your Hair,

Jane

You are not a victim of your circumstances. Self-empowerment creates the courage to break free from the chains of limiting belief patterns and societal or religious conditioning that have traditionally kept women suppressed and unable to see their true beauty and power. Empower yourself now!

“Today I cast out all that’s become too small for greatness and I embrace all which supports my growth.”

Whether you want to generate abundance, find a better relationship, start a new business, get a better job or simply take charge of your life and change it for the better- you must recognize that no one is going to do this for you, it’s up to you to take the first step.

• Physical Empowerment – finding balance between diet and exercise to ensure optimum body performance

• Emotional Empowerment – how to achieve peace of mind and learn to adjust the flow of emotions to enhance our lives

• Mental Empowerment – feed your mind; avoid feeding your head with bad images, bad words, and bad thoughts

• Spiritual Empowerment – understand that we are the co-creators of our world; making an effort to improve our lives and the lives of others leads to evolution

Women should acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, overcome the lows, and assert and honor themselves. You no longer need to settle for the way things are…you can open up to the way things can be - if you dare to tap the power within!

Love Your Hair,

Jane