So if you’ve gotten tired of hearing me prattling on about hair, fear not! I do have something else to talk about.

It sort of involves hair….only a little bit, I promise.

Some folks watch a movie while doing their hair…I listen to music. And I have TONS of music on hand at all times. Literally, I keep my iPod by my side (as seen in the last post with me underneath the dryer at the Ouidad NY Salon!).

For the most part it’s commonly known that I have a ton of hair products, the amount rivaling the amount of books and CD’s. Let’s not start on my computer, literally I have everything from Aaliyah, to The Kinks, Fela Kuti, The Stereophonics, Nina Simone, Coldplay and the Gorillaz…just to name a few.

So what’s on my nearly filled 160 gig iPod right now??

The songs on repeat right now include (mind you this is merely a taste, a prelude to the mishmash of madness):

Jaidene Veda – Liar

Awa Band featering Tony Allen- Bababatteur (Quantic remix)

Kings of Tomorrow featuring April – Take Me Back (Sandy Rivera remix)

Empire of the Sun- Standing on the Shore

Amy Winehouse – You Sent Me Flying

MGMT – Electric Feel

Broken Social Scene – Anthems for a Seventeen Year OId Girl

Jack Penate – Pull My Heart Away

Shannon – Let the Music Play

Grupo Gale – Micaela (I actually danced to this in the middle of a restaurant, midway during the meal. I know, no shame)

Slave featuring Steve Arrington– Watching You

DJ Mitsu featuring Mark de Clive Lowe – Rendezvous

Hopefully this is enough to wet your appetite. I need music like I need air. I sometimes fancy the idea that I should have tried my hand at playing DJ…but I’m entirely too clumsy and would have most likely ended up knocking over the turntable and getting tangled up in wires.

Paz y amor, and don’t forget to dance like no one’s watching!!

Xoxo,

EmpressRi

Winter equates to two things in my world: Caramel Brulee and Peppermint Mocha Lattes at Starbucks, and moisturizing my hair and skin at every given opportunity.

It is imperative that I deep condition once a week using my hair steamer or a heating cap (which I take the opportunity to do with music blaring and my right hand clutched firmly around my Starbuck’s cup!). If I don’t…I might as well bring out the welcome wagon for dry hair and lots of knots and tangles.

Me at the Ouidad New York Salon with Luxe Mediterranean Bay Leaf Treatment and a hot mug of green tea!

Now what to do afterwards? Braids and twists are preferred by some when it’s cold out. I recommend using thicker products, this includes your hair butters and heavier hair creams with emollient butters and oils.

For those that don’t feel like devoting an evening to braiding or twisting, use Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner and a moisturizing gel like Curl Quencher on top! You get the style without the crunch or dryness.

Now tomorrow is Valentine’s Day so if you want to be really fancy, leave your Deep Treatment in your hair and then take a shower or bath. Take the time to use a sugar or salt scrub, depending on your preferences. Afterwards I love using an after bath oil or body butter.

Since you’re multitasking use the extra time to spend with your loved one, be it someone else or yourself. Have a chocolate or two (or the whole box, I won’t judge).

XOXO Empress Ri

So let me tell you about my forays into using Ouidad’s Climate Control line and what made me a believer.

Last summer, I went to a curly pool party (how cool is that?!) and the only thing in my hair was a little of the Moisture Lock Leave-in Conditioner and some Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel on top. I got into the pool (not completely though) BUT I did go into the steam AND sauna room.

My curls stayed intact. COMPLETELY intact. I couldn’t  believe it, and I kept telling everyone that would listen about Climate Control.

Fast forward to know they’ve added a Shampoo (which is lovely! Non-stripping and you only need a little) and a Conditioner (got through my tangles like no one’s business) AND…..*drumroll* a Frizz & Flyaway Fighter Spray.

If there’s one thing my hair can use it is something to tame the frizz and the flyaways! Not only is it easy to use, but it smells delicious to boot. It’s lightweight enough that you’re able to spray it on and you can use it throughout the day.

Or you can do what I did, spray enough throughout your hair (I won’t lie, I’m sure I used more than was necessary but it smelled so great! My hair didn’t seem to mind either) and scrunch out your crunch. I was even able to smooth down the frizz on my canopy with just my fingers. Usually I have to use a pomade i.e. Ouidad’s Clear Control water soluble pomade, to lay down anything on this head, but this little gem in a spray bottle worked alone and quite well.

So this makes me thrice a believer!