[Coiffure]
Delux: Who is the target audience for Mo Knows Hair? Mo: My target audience is everyone who is interested in healthy hair care and styling tips! Whether you’re natural, color-treated, relaxed or transitioning, there will be something for you at Mo Knows Hair. My blog will feature hair of all types, textures and lengths. Delux: What is the purpose of Mo Knows Hair? What are your goals/intentions? Mo: The purpose of Mo Knows Hair is to share what I’ve learned in my experiences with my own hair and that of friends and family. It is my hope that I can inspire you to try new things and help you have the best version of your hair! You can expect lots of tips on maintaining healthy hair through care and styling methods I use frequently. There will be tons of product reviews and video tutorials on styling and maintenance. I really want to create a place where everyone, regardless of hair type or stage of growth, can find something helpful. Delux: Are you a licensed cosmetologist? How did you get into hair? Mo: I have not attended beauty school. I learned a lot from watching my aunt and cousin who have both owned salons. But, the ability to “do hair” just sort of happened. I remember cutting and curling my dolls’ hair as a kid. Over the years, I learned to cut, color and style by watching other stylists, doing my research and trying things out on others and myself. It’s definitely one of those things I can just do with ease…not sure why, but I’m glad about it! Delux: Briefly describe your natural hair journey. Mo: I have had natural hair off and on throughout life. I would relax my hair when I wanted a short cut to lie nice and sleek. Whenever I would start to grow it out again, I would forego the relaxers and just let my hair do its thing! My last relaxer was in 2009. I had cut some color out of my hair back in 2008 and into a short, tapered cut. From there, I allowed my hair to grow naturally. I did a few sew-ins as a way to keep myself from cutting it again during the growth phase (I realized my patience level for awkward hair growth phases had decreased since I was a teen. LOL). But once I got to a length that let me “bun” easily, I was good to go! I am currently using an ammonia-free demi-permanent hair color to achieve my bright red coils. My natural hair color is a medium brown, and I have type 3A hair with medium porosity, so I am able to achieve brighter colors without additional lift or bleach. Delux: Approximately how many products have your tried during your natural hair journey? Mo: So very many. I’d say around 20-30? I remember using Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue for my wash-n-gos back in 2010 and the results weren’t nearly as great as what I get now with Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioner. It takes time and lots of trial and error to find what works for you.
100% PURE JOJOBA OIL I chose jojoba oil because it’s the oil closest to the oil that your skin makes. It’s a good refresher for the scalp and It’s that’s not heavy to the touch. available at drug, beauty and health stores, prices vary
Delux: What are your favorite hair products? Mo: My three favorite hair products are the Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Shampoo and Conditioner, Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioner and Chi Deep Brilliance Reflect oil. These are products that help my wash-n-go to be soft, shiny and full of defined, fluffy curls. Delux: What general products do you recommend for everyone? Mo: I recommend that everyone have a leave-in conditioner that makes their hair manageable. Whether it is to help with detangling or frizz on the styling end, leave-ins are key to any styling process because they protect the hair. I also recommend the use of 100% pure oils. My favorite is jojoba because its makeup is much like the oil found in human skin naturally. It’s lightweight and can help seal in moisture and stimulate growth. Delux: What essential styling tools you would suggest? Mo: If you straighten your hair, always do so with ceramic tools…blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron. Whatever it is, make sure it’s ceramic and has adjustable temperature settings. Also, make sure you have brushes and combs for different purposes. For example, the Denman 9-row Styling Brush is great for detangling dry hair and the Ouidad Wide-Tooth Comb is perfect for detangling while you condition your hair. Soft boar bristle brushes are ideal for smoothing edges into buns and other protective styles, and classic rattail combs make styling easier! It is important to remember to replace bristled brushes every six months (just like replacing your toothbrush every three months). Bristles split due to regular wear and tear and will snag your hair and possibly pull it out. Also, clean your combs and styling clips often to remove bacteria and product build up. A little of your favorite shampoo to clean combs and clips will work just fine. www.moknowshair.com Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube: moknowshair
CHI DEEP BRILLIANCE SILK REFLECT The oil acts as a heat protectant. I use a diffuser blow dryer and the oil protects my hair from heat damage. Beyond the silk, it has silicon, so it keeps my hair soft and manageable. It protects and shines. $19.99 (12 oz), www. beautydrama.com
DENMAN 9 ROW STYLING BRUSH It’s a great detangling bush because it doesn’t take your hair out. You can use the brush on your hair wet or dry. It glides through the hair easily. $9.99 (medium), www. folica.com
DELUX MAGAZINE
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