A Week of Natural Hairstyles! Get Fit with your hair intact!!

Follow Chary Jay as she takes us through a week of Natural styles and tips while on vacation. Twist outs, protective style, fluff and go embracing, and of course Design Essentials Natural will take Chary through dinner, workouts, meetups and more. She uses Design Essentials Natural Defining Creme Gel, Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner, Honey Curl Forming Custard, Curl Stretching Cream, and Sleek Edge Control to maintain her styles throughout the week

BOOK A NATURAL HAIR CONSULT TODAY

Is Natural Hair for You? HAPPY HAIR CONVERSATIONS featuring Angela Davis

HAPPY HAIR CONVERSATIONS!

LBH : GOOD FOOD EDITION! MAKE CINNAMON DONUTS!

Tips and Tricks to IMPROVING Your Natural Hair Life

CURL TALK with Design Essentials!

8 Tips On How To Improve Your Natural Hair's Thickness?   So you want more strands of hair on your head. The truth is, the density or thickness of hair is mostly predetermined, however, you could have thinner hair than you should have due to the way you 'treat' you hair. I myself had thinning hair in early 2011 and by taking the below simple steps I have recovered my natural health and thickness: 1. Your hair is what you eat You can actually improve the quality of new growth by eating a better diet. Your diet should be rich in proteins, iron and vitamin B. Good foods for hair included lean meats, leafy green vegetables, egg yolks, fruits and vegetables. 2. Get a vitamin supplement There are vitamins marketed specifically for skin, nails and hair. Before you get one, check that it has three times more zinc than iron for optimal iron absorption. Supplements will not make up for a good diet but if you are lacking in something, they'll make up for that deficit. 3. Use essential oils I swear this works. Massage a high quality, low density carrier oil mixed with the best essential oils into your scalp. The best carrier oils for scalp application are jojoba oil, argan oil and avocado oil. All three of these are present in the 6 best oils pack. Castor oil, also included in the pack, is also reputed to improve hair thickness. The best essential oils for improving hair thickness are: rosemary and ylang ylang. Don't feel like mixing your own oil, that's okay, get a bottle of Neno Natural's Hair Growth Stimulator. It is optimally blended improve hair growth and thickness. 4. Stop smoking Nicotine reduces nutrient absorption and smoking can cause premature hair loss. 5. Sleep more and reduce stress levels Stress can cause a massive increase in hair shedding so you appear to have a lower density of hair. Lack of sleep can also lead to increased stress and hair loss. 6. Use a microfiber towel When you dry your hair avoid rubbing. Just squeeze and pat dry using a microfiber towel. 7. Sleep with a satin cap Have you seen how babies frequently have no hair around the edges. Because they have very fine and soft hair their tossing and turning impacts hair growth on the sides. the same thing could be happening to you on a small scale. Sleep with a Satin cap over your head and/or a satin pillowcase. 8. Improve your hair management

Are Crochet Braids a good protective style for you? 15 TOP CROCHET BRAID STYLES

Crochet braids are back. This protective style will help you maintain your textured locks and minimize the stress on your own hair. We love how these women rock the look.

Here are some of the hottest captures we have found on the web! We love black hair!

15 Gorgeous Ways Black Women Rock Crochet Braids

Crochet braids are back. This protective style will help you maintain your textured locks and minimize the stress on your own hair. We love how these women rock the look.

BOOK A CROCHET  TODAY

For a Salon near you  WWW.ADUTALENT.COM

HOT PRODUCT ALERT: COCONUTS, GOOD HAIR and DESIGN ESSENTIALS! What a combo

PRODUCT JUNKIE ALERT: Coconut has long been known to bring life into naturally dry and thirsty curls! Check out what happens with Design Essentials got their hands on it. 

We hung out with Design Essentials to get the scoop on their new Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Collection! Watch as Design Essentials' International Educator, Deshonica Kerrie, takes us through a number of fabulous styles. Click here - http://deshonicakerrie.com/d-kurl-ring/ - for more info on Deshonica Kerrie's "D.Kurl Ring," which is the styling item featured in the video! 

Book a consult with a Design Essentials stylists today @ www.adutalent.com

All Dolled Up: Training Programs for the Future

All Dolled Up is more than a salon. All Dolled Up is a community. We are dedicated to furthering the haircare industry through a variety of training programs geared at bringing new stylists into the fold. Take a look at some of our course offerings:

Florida Braider's License

Training/Trend Night: (Free Hair Services)

Natural Braiding Apprentice ( NBA ) Internship Program


ADU will select and hire candidates with active cosmetology school enrollment and provide natural hair braiding training through salon ADUcation program. Candidates will work on part time basis in conjunction with cosmetology school enrollment hours.

FOR MORE INFO on our training programs:

email info@aducareer.com
CALL 954-572-4649 ASK FOR RANIA or BAILEY
Visit www.aduschool.com for more information.

We also frequently host workshops for professionals and students to come and learn from celebrity stylists and other major players in the industry. Check out our next event!

Hair Jewelry to Finish Your Style

When you were little, you probably rocked barrettes, bows, beads, or "bo-bos" in your hair at least once. Then somewhere along the way, you decided you were too old for that stuff. NEWSFLASH! You're never too old for a hot hair accessory! It's just a matter of upgrading from barrettes to jewelry. Let's look at some fabulous options that can really set off a fresh hairstyle.

Beads- Beads are still a viable option in adulthood. Just try for a wooden or metal look as opposed to the classic plastic pony bead.
Hair combs- These don't just help with styling, they can be fashionable too. There are some great bejeweled and floral options. You can even find sets connected with beautiful chains for an upscale style.

Head chains- These are popular for wedding styles and other formal occasions, but we see no reason not to rock a crown daily. Go ahead and accessorize your inner queen!
Loc charms- These are great for locs or braided styles. And there are so many options in the world! You're guaranteed to find something you like. Just hop on Pinterest.

What is your go-to hair accessory? And what's a new one you'd like to add to your arsenal? Show us how creative you can be!

A Few Ways to Style Your Tapered Cut

The tapered cut is increasingly popular as the weather heats up, and as more people wear it, more style options are needed to stay looking fresh. We've found some great video tutorials to give you an idea what you can do with this versatile cut. Take a look, then share with us your favorite styling technique.

And just in case you want to try the tapered cut style without actually cutting your hair, try this:

Feel free to post your successful tapered selfies to our Facebook page! We love to see your beautiful faces! (And hair)

A Beginner's Guide to Natural Hair Extensions

This week's blog comes courtesy Design Essentials, a premium line of salon-grade hair care products. It was so informative, we just had to share.

A Beginner's Guide to Natural Hair Extensions

Now it's time to call All Dolled Up (954.572.3336) and book your next sew-in for an incredible price! Schedule your appointment for early in the week for the best bargain.

Protective Styles for Summer Activities

Summer in South Florida is no joke. Sea, sun, and fun can come at a price when it comes to your hair. Protective styling is the key to surviving the summer without frying your strands. Let's look at some styles that can stand up to swimming, sand, and endless amounts of sunshine.

1. Box braids- Keep the styling versatility of loose hair while protecting your hair from the elements. The style takes some time to install, but lasts for over a month with proper care. The best part is, you still have access to your scalp for washing, moisturizing, and just letting your hair breathe.
2. Crochet braids- This style keeps even more of your hair tucked away from the elements, and allows you the opportunity to wear whatever texture, color, and style you can imagine without  making ANY permanent changes to your own hair. it's more secure than a wig, but less restrictive to your real hair than a sew-in.
3. Updo- For maximum ventilation, an updo keeps your hair off of your neck and out of your face. There are so many options that you should never have trouble finding a style you like.
4. Twists- Twists are great! They can be done with or without adding hair in, and the installation and take down are both faster than braided styles.
5. Sew-ins- This is the ultimate in protective styling. Your hair is totally hidden away in favor of the weave installation of your choice. Different techniques allow for different varieties of styling, so consult your stylist for the best options for your summer lifestyle.

Tutorial: Easy Flat-Twist Updo/ Bantu Knot-Out

Every once in a while, you need a classy style that you can pull out of your back pocket and rock for that night out or special event that you forgot about. Flat twists and bantu knots are two easy styling techniques that anybody can do with minimal effort, and when combined, they create a look that could pass for salon-level work. This versatile look can work for your next night out or a job interview!

Don't forget to choose salon-quality products to execute your style. Here are our recommendations from Design Essentials:

Natural Almond and Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
Natural Twist and Set Setting Lotion
Natural Defining Creme Gel

Current Hair Trends: Spring/Summer Color

When the sun comes out, it's time to milk it for all it's worth. A gorgeous new hair color is a great way to take advantage of the light. So what are the on-trend colors this season?

• Blond- We're pretty sure blond will never go out of style. Try it as highlights or a nice ombre effect for a modern look. This year the favorite shade seems to be strawberry blond.
• Gray- The fashion world is fascinated with gray/silver hair right now! Try it on for size, why wait?
• Colored tips- It doesn't matter what color you pick, a little color on the tips of your hair is fun and flirty! 
• Bold Crayola color- Try a pastel or a wild out-there hue like green! Summer is the perfect time to have fun with wild colors. Interchangeable clip-ins mean the sky's the limit!
• Red- The beauty of red hair is that there are so many different shades of it, that anybody can make it work. Let a professional help you choose a shade that compliments your unique skin tone and go from there. This is another classic that will never go out of style.

Is it time for a new color yet for you? Call us at 954.572.3336 to make it happen.

Featured Service: Signature Wash and Style

We are welcoming sunshine and warm weather with some incredible deals this April, and you deserve to know what you're getting for your money. Today, we'll take a look at our most popular service, the Signature Wash and Style.
We regularly allot 90 minutes for this service from start to finish. In that time, we offer clients a shampoo, blow dry, and style on a serious budget. This service is an appropriate choice for natural or relaxed, short or long hair. It was already an incredible deal at $40, and we are currently offering it for 50% off!

We add a personal touch to dolling you up! Visit www.adutalent.com today or call 954.572.3336 to take advantage of this deal!

Natural Ways to Highlight Your Hair at Home

Summer sun is coming soon! It might be a fun time to take advantage of the extra sunlight and do a little bit of chemistry at home. If you don't want to do a drastic color change, or you want to avoid chemicals, try one of these natural highlighting methods! 

1. 3 Natural Ways To Lighten Hair or add Highlights Using Cinnamon
2. Lighten Your Natural Hair with Lemons
3. MANE MAGIC: WAYS TO COLOR YOUR HAIR WITHOUT DYES

Check out this video explaining one naturalista's process and results using a lemon juice- based natural recipe.

Featured Service: Design Essentials Strengthening Therapy System

Our Strengthening Therapy System features Design Essential products to give you a frizz-free style. The finished treatment can be worn curly or straight, regardless of your hair's original texture. It is a long lasting service, with effects lasting up to 12 weeks given proper care and maintenance. Here is a quick video synopsis of the process. And we're currently offering this service at 50% off!

4 Services that are 50% Off Right Now

All Dolled Up loves our Dolls and our Stylists like family. It is important to us that you get to know the people responsible for your most important accessory! We try to make this happen by bringing you featured stylists each and every month and giving you a little more insight into why they do what they do here at All Dolled Up. Our clients are the backbone of this company, so we want to reward you with deep discounts. Get to know us, and receive a 50% discount on any of our most popular services! These Featured Stylist Deals are:

Relaxing Relaxer
Healthy hair is our specialty ! Relax as we take your hair from curly to straight ! Then reconstruct your hair with protein enriched treatments to leave your hair feeling silky and soft ! This bundle service comes with a 6in1 Protein treatment and trim!

Signature Wash and Style
For the client on the move! A shampoo, blow dry and style designed to get you in and out with that awesome style on the go! This 1 hr or less service is a jewel when time is of the essence!

Strengthening Therapy Smoothing System
NEW ! Design Essentials Strengthening Therapy, a state of the art, amino-acid infused, Thermal Reconditioning System that goes beyond strength to fortify, stretch and smooth frizzy, naturally curly, transitioning and processed hair without harsh or permanent chemicals.

The Royal Treatment
Damaged hair? Royal Treatment consultation addresses the main components to fight hair breakage with industry leading expertise in hair strengthening and repair from external steam treatments to internal vitamin solutions !

So call the salon (954.572.3336) and ask how you can take advantage of the Featured Stylist Deal. You can also visit our appointment booking site and review the "Specials" tab.

Unique Carrier Oils and Their Benefits for Health and Hair

Last week, we discussed  the potent effects of essential oils when incorporated into a hair care regimen. We mentioned that they are so highly concentrated, they should be diluted with a carrier oil of some kind to prevent reactions with the skin. Most folks are familiar with coconut oil and olive oil. Both are popular, multipurpose choices for an effective oil-based mix. Let's look at some other great options and their unique benefits for health and hair care.

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is rich in essential fatty acids that strengthen the hair and keep it nourished and lubricated, and the vitamin E it contains also conditions and nourishes, while the proteins in avocado oil can fortify your hair. Applying avocado oil directly into your hair not only keeps the hair strong and beautiful, it is also beneficial if you are experiencing dandruff or scalp psoriasis. Avocado oil acts as a natural sunscreen, and helps to protect your hair and scalp from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

JBCO has a traditionally been known as an all-purpose healing oil. Though it can be used to treat dietary ailments as well as to treat various skin disorders, it is now most popularly used in hair care.
As an unrefined form of castor oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is very rich in nutritive properties. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is processed differently from usual versions of castor oil- it is made by manually roasting and then grinding the castor beans. Then the beans are heated up and the oil extracted from the crushed beans. It’s the unique roasting process that gives Jamaican Black Castor Oil its distinct dark color.
Many people turn to Jamaican Black Castor Oil to aid in hair growth. It has been proven to be extremely effective in this because it increases the blood flow to the scalp while also supplying nutrition to the hair follicles. Because JBCO is rich in vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids, it is also excellent for treating damaged, dry, and brittle hair by providing intense nourishment to the hair and scalp. It also acts as a humectant, so it attracts and locks moisture into the hair shaft.JBCO can treat and prevent dandruff and dissolves any build-up from hair products or from other sources that has accumulated in the pores of the scalp. In its all natural form, it is also safe to use on eyebrow and eyelashes to thicken their volume as well.

Jojoba Oil

Many scalp related problems are caused by a hardened build-up of sebum that clogs the hair follicles and may cause some types of scaling. If this hardened build-up is not removed, it can eventually obstruct the hair follicle’s ability to function properly, jojoba rapidly penetrates down to the scalp and hair shaft, and readily loosens and dissolves this hardened build-up. The scalp and hair follicles are left clean and free to continue their normal function. Jojoba is great for all hair types and has an ability to inhibit excess activity of the sebaceous glands making it the perfect choice for people with oily scalps that still need conditioning. Likewise it can be used for dry hair as it helps to moisturize your hair properly.

Vitamin E Oil

Proper circulation leads to thriving hair follicles which leads to hair growth. Vitamin E contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp. When added to homemade products, Vitamin E extends their shelf life. This oil rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin.

Grapeseed Oil

It protects against moisture loss. Grapeseed oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Research has demonstrated that when applied to the skin, this fatty acid can help combat dryness by providing protection against moisture loss. This may be good news for a dry scalp. It is fairly light. Thus, if you find olive oil to be too heavy or want an alternative to jojoba oil, grapeseed oil may be worth a try. It is also one of the few oils that is completely odorless.

Essential Oils and Your Hair

Essential oils, simply put, are the highly-concentrated essence of plants. They are extremely potent and all-natural, making them useful in a variety of ways, including personal haircare. It is important to know that you should never use essential oils in their purest form. They have potential to be abrasive because they are so highly concentrated. You should always mix them with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before applying to your hair or skin. Let's look at a few essential oils and how they can benefit your hair.



Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a cleansing and purifying oil that comes from tea tree leaves. By diluting tea tree oil with a carrier oil and massaging into the scalp, you can stimulate hair growth. Tea tree oil can also be used for spot treatments for acne breakouts. It’s a healthier option than using acne skin products containing alcohol and other drying agents.

Peppermint Oil
The refreshing peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant. The scent of peppermint oil can aid in alertness and help retain focus. Aching from a hard workout? Rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil on aching muscles can help relieve soreness.

Rosemary Oil
The fresh scent of rosemary oil can be used for aromatherapy. Rosemary oil can also be used during scalp massages, as it stimulates the scalp to promote hair growth.

Yarrow Oil
You can tell yarrow oil apart by its deep blue color. Add it to your shampoo and massage the scalp as it is known to regenerate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Argan Oil
Women in Morocco have been using argan oil for generations to achieve more youthful, healthy skin. It reduces inflammation and redness, improves hydration, and can even been used to treat scars and acne. You can also use argan oil as a hair treatment for deep conditioning or as a pre-styling product-it restores shine to hair and helps mend split ends. It’s packed with twice as much Vitamin E as other oils so it’s also amazing for your nails and cuticles.

Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is known to soothe the nerves and it does the same for your hair and scalp, in fact it is the most soothing of the essential oils for the hair and scalp. Chamomile helps to retract skin cells that have been inflamed from chemical procedures, and harsh weather conditions and helps with itching scaly scalp and dandruff.

Essential oils often come in very small bottles because they are only used several drops at a time. The ideal container is dark colored, glass bottles, because they allow the oil to retain it's strength and integrity for longer periods of time. Store them away from sunlight, and check out  our Pinterest boards for recipes!

Trimming: When You Need It and How

People are often skeptical of the fact that in order for hair to grow, you have to cut it from time to time. It's very true, however. Old hair is weaker than newer hair, and the oldest parts of your hair are the ends. These parts are worn and tired. They split and break and knot up on themselves. And if they are not removed, that damage travels further and further up the hair strand. This are not reversible, only preventable.
Trimming the damaged ends from your hair gives you an overall smoother style, improves your length retention, and generally refreshes your hair. So do you need a trim? Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs.

• Your ends lose their curl.- Let's say you straighten your hair. If the ends have trouble reverting back to curly after you shampoo, they may be damaged.
• Your ends lose their shine.- If your hair is generally healthy and shiny but your ends are very dull, it could be due to splitting strands. Time to trim.
• Your ends are thinner than your roots.- To some degree, this is normal simply due to the age of your ends compared to new growth. But, if your ends are noticeably thinner than the rest of your hair, they need trimming.
• Your ends are uneven.- This is a sign of breakage. Hair doesn't break off nice and neat at a set length. It breaks where it is weakest. You need a trim to even it out, and then some moisturizer to prevent future dryness and breakage.
• The dreaded fairy knots.- grab a section of hair and closely examine your ends. Do you see a lot of individual strands that have tied themselves in knots? This is more prevalent if you wear your hair loose on a regular basis. Fairy knots only lead to more knots and tangled, frizzy styles. Your fastest solution is to cut them.
• Your ends stay frizzy.- If your styles never look smooth anymore and no amount of product or detangling will fix it, your ends are split. This is incredibly obvious when wearing straight styles, but split ends can also sabotage an otherwise fabulous twist-out.

If you've never trimmed before, the first few times may seem more like a haircut when you see how much damage needs to be removed. But once that is removed, you'll find yourself needing only a small trim every few months. If you wear your hair loose on a regular basis, consider increasing the frequency of your trims, since your ends are exposed and wear out faster.

A simple trim can be done easily at home, but you may want to consider a professional if your hair is an awkward length, or you've never been trimmed before. A stylist can evaluate your hair and accurately determine just how much needs to be trimmed.

The Magic of Locs: Coloring and Styling

Locs, or dreadlocks, are a unique subset of the texture of natural hair. There are many methods to start locs, but the end result is strands of hair that matte and lock together to create a hanging, rope-like appearance.
It is important to understand that locs, while just as versatile as any other hair type, do not behave like loose hair. We are offering a one-day clinic to educate loc wearers and loc stylists alike on how to approach two popular techniques: Coloring locs, and Cutting them.

World-renowned loctitian Thierry Baptiste will discuss:

1. Theory: What are Locs and how does this TEXTURE of hair react to the chemistry of color
2. Forms of Color: rinses, demi, semi, permanent, and bleach alternatives. 
3. Cutting Locs: The taboos, The fear, The Truth. Long layers, bobs, and bangs - how to cut them properly. 
4. Color Applications: highlights, partial heads, whole heads, lowlights, reverse highlighs
5. Stylings - Thinking outside the box techniques. 
6. Bonus for Professionals: "I cover Internet marketing via social media networking and how to get published without paying magazines. My business being world renown is a product of social media and I have been published in magazines around the world and have not paid a dime nor have I ever entered a Loc Competition, which is the traditional way of getting recognized and rising to the top in our industry. I represent The New Era of Locs!"- Thierry Baptiste

Tickets for this unique course available now for Class in South Florida on March 22nd and Thierry Baptiste will be taking clients the next day at All Dolled Up Salons !


If you have any future inquires, emails can be directed to: GetBaptized@me.com


For Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unlocd-loc-theory-custom-cut-c…

Facebook Event Page:https://www.facebook.com/events/945579552153254/

The Benefits of Steam Treating your Hair

The single constant in hair is this: hair NEEDS moisture. Hair without sufficient moisture is weak, brittle, crunchy, and dull. Everything about it is sad. Moisture itself boils down to one thing: water. Which brings us to the increasingly popular steam treatment. A steam treatment is exactly what it sounds like. You sit under a machine that looks like a hair dryer, but instead of hot air, steam comes out. The steam opens the cuticles of your hair, allowing it to absorb water and other products to it's maximum potential. A 30-minute steam treatment can make all the difference in how your hair receives a deep conditioning, or even a new color. How else does it help your hair?

• Moisture Retention- Moisturized hair is cooperative hair. It will hold the styles you want better and for longer periods of time. Take your twist out from 3 days to 7!
• Curl Definition- You know that gorgeous curl pattern you have fresh out of the shower that disappears in a ball of frizz once your hair is dry? That's moisture at work! This is why it's so important to infuse your hair with moisture.
• Hair Strength- Dry hair is brittle and weak. It breaks off when it's manipulated. Moisture gives your hair the strength to bounce back to normal after it's manipulated. This is the key to length retention.

There are multiple hair steamers on the market in a variety of price ranges. It is understandable that any healthy hair seeker may want to try the technique before making the investment, so visit All Dolled Up during the month of February to get a FREE steam treatment included in your service appointment. All you have to do is book your appointment with our Featured Stylist, Anthea Rolle.

ADU Client Corner: Desi James

Desi has been an All Dolled Up customer since the 'Davie Blvd days' - for over 20 years. Even during the eight years she worked in Chicago, she would always get her hair done at ADU on her trips home to Ft Lauderdale. Her loyalty is due to the professionalism, knowledge and personal caring and attention of the staff.
Since retiring a year ago after 34 years in the banking/insurance fields, she has been having a great time with her husband, daughters and 7 year old grandson - from eating Sunday dinners together to visiting Legoland to going to the circus. She enjoys giving back to the community and volunteers with the United Way Reading Pals program. Desi is also trying new activities such as chair yoga and 5K walks/run with her daughter. She plans to continue looking for volunteer opportunities along with doing more traveling. 

Desi's favorite service is All Dolled Up's Signature Wash and Style. The combination of great value and style cannot be matched anywhere.

Black History Month and the Hairstory

February is recognized in America as Black History Month, a time to celebrate and educate on the rich history that is black culture. And while the civil rights movement tends to be a main focus, being an invaluable part of black history, it is not the only topic out there. How much do you know about black HAIR history in America? 

1619: The first slaves are brought to Jamestown. African language, culture and grooming traditions are discouraged and begin to disappear.

1800s: Without the combs and herbal treatments used in Africa, slaves rely on bacon grease, butter and kerosene as hair conditioners and cleaners. Lighter-skinned, straight-haired slaves command higher prices at auction than darker, more kinky-haired ones. Internalizing color consciousness, blacks promote the idea that blacks with dark skin and kinky hair are less attractive and worth less.

1865: Slavery ends, but whites look upon black women who style their hair like white women as well-adjusted. "Good" hair becomes a prerequisite for entering certain schools, churches, social groups and business networks.

1880: Metal hot combs, invented in 1845 by the French, are readily available in the United States. The comb is heated and used to press and temporarily straighten kinky hair.

1900s: Madame C.J. Walker develops a range of hair-care products for black hair. She popularizes the press-and-curl style. Some criticize her for encouraging black women to pursue white beauty standards.

1910: Walker is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the first American female self-made millionaire.

1954: George E. Johnson launches the Johnson Products Empire with Ultra Wave Hair Culture, a "permanent" hair straightener for men that can be applied at home. A women's chemical straightener soon follows.

1962: Actress Cicely Tyson wears cornrows on the television drama "East Side/West Side."

1966: Black Model Pat Evans defies both black and white standards of beauty and shaves her head.

1968: Actress Diahann Carroll is the first black woman to star in a television network series, "Julia." She is considered a darker version of the all-American girl with pressed and curled hair.

1970: Angela Davis becomes an icon of Black Power with her large afro.

1977: The Jheri curl explodes on the black hair scene. Billed as a curly perm for blacks, the ultra-moist hairstyle lasts through the 1980s.

1979: Braids and beads cross the color barrier when white actress Bo Derek appears with cornrows in the movie "10."

1980: Model-actress Grace Jones sports her trademark flat-top fade.

1988: Spike Lee exposes the good hair/bad hair light-skinned/dark-skinned schism in black American in his movie "School Daze."

1990: "Sisters love the weave," "Essence" magazine declares. A variety of natural styles and locks also become more accepted.

1997: Singer Erykah Badu poses on the cover of her debut album "Baduizm" with her head wrapped, ushering in an eclectic brand of Afrocentrism.

1998: Carson Inc., creator of Dark & Lovely and Magic Shave for black men, acquires the black-owned beauty company Johnson Products of Chicago in 1998. L'Oreal purchases Carson two years later and merges it with Soft Sheen.

1999: "People" magazine names lock-topped Grammy award-winning artist Lauryn Hill one of its 50 Most Beautiful People.

2001: Rapper Lil' Kim wears a platinum blonde weave, while singer Macy Gray sports a new-school afro. Some black women perm, some press, and others go with natural twists, braids and locks.

2007: MSNBC Radio Host Don Imus loses his job when he calls the Rutgers' women's basketball team "some nappy-headed hos."

2006: Black hair-care is officially a billion-dollar industry.

2009: Comic Chris Rock unveils "Good Hair" at the Sundance Film Festival, exploring the way black hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of black people.

2010: The popular children's show "Sesame Street" airs a skit featuring a song entitled, "I Love My Hair", showing an African American puppet with natural hair.

2011: Overall, chemical relaxer brands noticed a 67% decline from the previous year in Black women purchasing their products.

2012: News anchor Rhonda Lee is fired for defending natural hair on air.

2014: Today, natural hair care for African American women is one of the biggest growing industries in the world.

What to Look for in a Quality Shampoo

It is well-known that you get out of your hair what you put into it. This means that it is very important to select quality hair products to maintain healthy hair. Even though shampoo may only be in your hair for a few minutes once a week, it is still important that it deliver on your hair's cleansing needs. There is definitely a lot to choose from, so let's go over some key features of a great shampoo.

1. Sulfate-free- Sulfate makes the suds in shampoo. It also strips large amounts of natural oils from our hair. It is worth it to check your ingredients list for sulfates when choosing a shampoo, especially if you wear your hair's natural texture. (Check out: Design Essentials Natural Hair Cleanser)
2. Moisturizing/Conditioning- These shampoos are designed to be gentle on your hair and infuse moisture. They smooth your cuticles to leave your hair healthy. (Check out: Design Essentials Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo or Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo)
3. Peppermint oil/ Tea tree oil/ Pyrithione Zinc- Look for these ingredients to control dandruff and flaky, dry scalp. The tingle means it's working! (Check out: Design Essentials Therapeutics Rx Anti-itch Shampoo)
4. Protein- Hair strands are made of proteins, and a lack thereof will find your hair breaking at alarming rates. A regular dose of protein can improve the structure and strength or your hair. (Check out: Dudley's Q Deluxe Shampoo)

So review your current shampoo with these key points in mind. Is it doing what you need for your hair? And while you look for ingredients to help your hair, keep in mind that there are also ingredients that do more harm than good. Aside from sulfates, avoid alcohols, parabens, formaldehyde, and sodium chloride (yup, that's salt). Choose wisely!

How to Make Your New Hair Color Last

Have you ever treated yourself to a fun, new hair color only to have it dull on you in a matter of weeks? It doesn't have to be that way! Watch this short video to find out how to keep your color for as long as possible.
                           

So the short answer is: choose the right products!! This applies before and after you get a new color in your hair. Make sure your hair is fully moisturized prior to a new dye job, and use products formulated for colored hair after. Here are some of our recommendations:

1. Design Essentials Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo- This non-stripping, gentle formula is a great option for color-treated hair.
2. Design Essentials Silk Essentials- A great protectant full of amino acids to strengthen hair.
3. Dudley's Q PCA Moisture Retainer- This leave-in works to restore your hair's natural oils, incorporating humectants and emollients for maximum moisture.
4. Elucence Silk Hydrating Elixir- Moisturizers and protein combine to keep your new color strong and shiny.

The single most important thing that you can do to maintain lasting color, is choose the right coloring product. This is why it is worth the investment to have your dye done by a professional using a professional-grade brand of hair color. Box dyes simply do NOT match the quality of products available to salons. All Dolled Up Salons use the Goldwell Color line. For examples of these vibrant colors, see our Pinterest boards. 

How to Make Your Hair Shine

One of the major signs of healthy hair is the fabulous sheen it reflects under light. Shiny hair is a sign of smooth cuticles and moisturized strands. So how do you make sure your hair shows off all the hard work you put into it? Let's go over some tips and techniques.

1. Cool it down.- A quick rinse of cool water at the end of your wash routine will encourage your hair's cuticles to close, creating smooth hair strands that shine. A blast of cool air after your blow out will work the same way.
2. Don't forget to deep condition.- Dry strands are dull strands. A deep conditioning or hot oil treatment once a week will infuse the kind of moisture that your hair needs to maintain bounce and shine. For an example of a conditioning routine, click here.
3. Stay hydrated.- You get out what you put in, so stay hydrated and your hair will grow accordingly.
4. Easy as ACV.- Apple Cider Vinegar is useful for a great many things. Diluted with water, it's a great rinse to remove product buildup and close your cuticles. 
5. Choose great products.- There are several serums, sheens, and other products that can add shine to your finished style. Strive for alcohol-free products like this one and this one.

One important thing to remember is that style and texture are also huge factors in how your hair reflects light. Straight hair is all laying in a uniform direction and therefore creates the ideal surface for max shine. As hair gets curlier or kinkier, light gets reflected in multiple directions and doesn't create the same sheen. These hair types can still shine, but it will take a little more effort.

Don't forget, if you're having trouble making it work, visit your friendly neighborhood All Dolled Up and let the professionals give you styling advice customized to your unique strands.