Shea Moisture Repair & Transition Kit Review

Hey Guys,

<--CurlyKeila :)

So, this past September I was the winner for the Naturally Curly 'Grow Out Challenge'  and won free Shea Moisture products!!! Yay!!! So, of course I had to test it out last night. Here are the results:

Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo: I like how thick this shampoo is it's like a conditioner; very sudsy; didn't have an odor; didn't strip my hair and left some moisture. I would recommend this shampoo.

Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner: This is moisturizing however I had to use a lot of product, I hate that its not as thick as the shampoo. This conditioner to me was too light for my taste; I prefer As I Am Coconut Co Wash. This may work on curlies who use lighter products.

Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque: I really like this, it left my hair so soft! I left it in for like 40 minutes, the jar says 5-30 minutes but I was eating gumbo lol. The smell isn't that bad, it smells at first but I had completely forgot about the odor once I started applying it. I would definitely recommend this!

Shea Moisture Reconstructive Elixir: This smells sooo good! I applied this after putting the Tresemme Naturals as a leave in. I think I put a tad bit too much so I would advise to go easy on it.

As far as the next day, my hair doesn't feel as moisturized I know part of it is due to the weather. Also, I should have put the Shea Moisture Enhancing Smoothie in then sprayed the elixir. Not sure, but I will give this a go again and make a video blog next time.

Naturally Curly is still doing the Grow Out contest so go sign up and start blogging and win some free products!!! Check it out here: http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlynikki/grow-out-challenge?utm_source=nc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20121227_grow_out_challenge

Until next time y'all,

XOXO Keila

UPDATE: I recently did a hair tutorial on a few of Shea Moisture products reviewed here, so you can check that out here: http://youtu.be/dB-oH-MxbGI

NATURAL THIS, NATURAL THAT

Sooo, I recently purchased some products from www.butters-n-bars.com and I purchased the Organic Aloe and Green Tea Facial Toner and Australian Olive Green Facial Masque.

Review: The Facial Toner is AWESOME! It really helps when I have breakouts, I just apply the toner all over morning and night and my pimples start to go down the next morning. I'm washing my face with African Black Soap and moisturizing with Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter from Butters N Bars. My blemishes are starting to clear up as well. Next purchase will be their Raw African Black Soap, I love this site!

The Facial Masque works great as well but my skin feels very dry, sometimes a little irritated when rinsing it off. I think maybe the Australian Pastel Pink Masque may suit me better because I have very sensitive skin. Nonetheless, the Olive Green Masque is great but if you have very sensitive skin like I do I suggest trying the Pastel Pink Masque.
*SURPRISE* When checking out your items put in the coupon code: STRAWBERRICURLS for a 10 percent off!

NATURALLY CURLY

So I won the Naturally Curly Grow-Out Challenge sponsored by Shea Moisture for the month of September!!!! WOO HOO!  I won the Shea Moisture Repair and Transition Kit, I am awaiting my package and will update you all on the products!

MY CURRENT STATE OF HAIR

My hair is growing like crazy and I am happy but no so happy with the tangles and knots! My hair has been feeling a little dry, most likely from the weather, and the not so fun tangles are annoying! I have to admit I have not been taking care of my hair like I should be. I need a much needed DT of just plain ol Trader Joe's Raw Honey. I def might need a strengthening treatment and I think I'll use the products I won from Naturally Curly.

I hope all of you are doing better than me in the moisture department and keeping those tresses healthy! Happy Holidays y'all! XOXO Keila

BEFORE I GO INTO 2013...

Hey y'all, it's been a minute since my last post so I have some updates for y'all!

I have officially launched my fundraiser campaign for "I Beez In This Trap"!!!! I am starting a series of web comedy sketches, similar to In Living Color, MadTV etc., so let's bring variety shows back! Please donate to this project and tell all your friends and relatives to donate as well! Here is the link: http://igg.me/p/292690 DONATE TODAY, TOMORROW!!!

I was recently interviewed by the popular hair blog site Curly Nikki! Mrs. Nikki is so cool for this and I am grateful she gave me the opportunity to tell my story! Check out her site NOW as well as my interview: http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/12/on-couch-with-actress-keila-hamilton.html#comment-form

I was recently on "Key and Peele" season finale for their second season as the Bikini Girl, check out the hilarious sketch: http://youtu.be/4SUoi_9asBU

So, "Wassup En LA" was shy 15k from our fundraising goal. However, the producers are working on another way to get extra funding for the project. This show is amazing and we will get this project going so continue to have faith and patience! Please stay connected with us at our FB page https://www.facebook.com/wassupenla?fref=ts and LIKE us!

The project "Release" that I've been cast in is also working on a fundraiser campaign so I will keep you all updated on it once it is launched.

You all remember the superhero project I did called "Real Heroes LA," right? Well, our fundraising campaign was not successful so the film's release date will be pushed back to 2014. On a brighter note, we were invited to speak at "Bent-Con 2012" and it was a great turnout! The audience were receptive to the webisodes of my amazing sidekicks! Check them out here: http://youtu.be/18j1BPvMtwQ

BENT-CON 2012 "REAL HEROES LA" CAST WITH COSTUME DESIGNER ANDREA

Thank you all for tuning in, keep checking back for more updates! Happy Holidays everyone, XOXO Keila!

A Natural Curly Girl's Journey...Part DEUCE

Okay so in continuation of my hair care routine... I know it seems like a lot but it's really not! LOL

Protein Treatment: This is essential for have "strong" hair. I do this every 3 weeks but if you feel like your hair is getting brittle and breaking easily then you might want to do this more often.

1 Egg (I use the egg whites)
About 6 Tablespoons of Mayo (This ish STANK)
About 6 Tablespoons of yogurt ( I use Greek plain)

I stir this stank pot and apply evenly from root to ends. Cover with a plastic bag, then wrap with a towel and leave on for about 30 minutes.
Then, I rinse with COOL water (don't rinse with warm or hot water or you'll have an omelette on your head) and I do a co-wash.

Deep Conditioning Treatment: I follow up with this after my protein treatment but I also do this once a week (when I'm not slacking :/ )

2 Tablespoons of Trader Joe's Raw Honey
2 Tablespoons of Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

I first warm up the honey then add the oil and stir. I apply it evenly from root to ends, then I cover with a plastic bag and wrap with a towel. I let it sit for 30 minutes, try using warm heat if you can.
I rinse with cool water and VOILA, trust when I say your tresses will feel amazing!

HAIR LOSS: I have a small bottle of Rosemary oil I usually add two drops in my conditioner or my Pre-Poo treatment. Rosemary is suppose to stimulate hair growth. When using an essential oil like Rosemary make sure to use a carrier oil ie. Coconut oil, Sweet almond oil, since Rosemary is highly concentrated.

Here is a recipe that I got from CURLY NIKKI : Check the site for more info on this remedy
3 drops cedarwood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops thyme essential oil
1/8 cup grapeseed oil
1/8 cup jojoba oil

A Natural Curly Girl's Journey...

Yerooooo ( In my Scooby Doo voice)!!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful (HOT) summer so far and I see the heat is starting to cool down. Well October 5th will mark my SIX MONTH BIG CHOP ANNIVERSARY....wow, it's already half a year! Any who, I wanted to share some pics of my hair growth as well as my hair maintenance routine for you curlies and future curlies. Enjoy :)

 This is from April when I BC'd.

 This was in June, when I use to do the Tightly Curly Method (More on that below)

 This was the beginning of September, I did a twist out.

Again September, I did a twist out and tried my take on the "fro-hawk."

This is my current hairstyle as of right now, maybe I'll discover a new one.

Here is the front view, so much growth :). Yes I did a twist out; my FAV.

HAIR CARE
Pre-Poo: I detangle my hair with water and Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil; takes almost an hour :/

Co-Wash: I don't shampoo because of the harmful sulfates. However, to clarify my scalp/hair I use a cup of AGUA aka water and TWO(2) Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. I do this "rinse" once every two weeks or when my hair feels like it has a lot of product.

CO-WASH I wash my hair with conditioner only! YES, you heard right ladies you can wash your hair with conditioner by itself. I like Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle conditioner but I just discovered Tresemme Naturals and GAWD it's amazing! Super moisturizing and lots of slip, curly girls dream!

LEAVE-IN: I use giovanni 50/50 weightless and it smells soooo freakin good! But I will be searching around to see what else is out there.

Stylers: After the Leave-In, I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie(the smell, YUM) then Eco Styler Gel and then seal with Shea butter. VOILA, there's my routine lol!

I mentioned the Tightly curly method, here is the site to get more info: Tightly Curly Method

I think I ran my mouth LOL, so I'm gonna do a PART 2....

WHAT'S GOING ON???

Hello people! I hope everyone is enjoying their hot summer so far, well I decided to do a new post to fill you all in on what I've been up to. I did an internet clip for an inspirational website called, Spirit Clips. The title of the project is, Move In Day and I play Bethany the peppy character. I am waiting for the project to be completed but I encourage all of you to check out the site, www.spiritclips.com . This June, I finished filming for the indie comedy, Real Heroes LA!

I had a BLAST with the cast and crew. This was my first full feature film and I couldn't have been any happier nor blessed. It'll be due out next year and I will update you on the movie.

I have recently been cast in a short film titled, Release and I play the strong-willed character Monica. The film is about a young college student suffering from depression and self-mutilation due to a childhood of mental and sexual abuse. Currently, we are raising funds and it is greatly appreciated if you can donate and tell your friends and family. Remember anything counts! http://igg.me/p/159046 DONATE here.

In regards to the status of Wassup En LA, we are aiming to shoot this Fall however, we are seeking funding for the project as well. Your donation means a lot and we would love for you to pass the good word around! Here is the site where you can donate: http://kck.st/T1rLUq

Thank you guys for reading my blog I appreciate it and stay tuned for more info and great news! Have a blessed day! XOXO, Keila

Big Things Poppin', no T.I!

Hey everyone, hope all is well with ya! I'm overdue for a post plus there are a lot taking place. First, I just relaunched my website, www.keilahamilton.com and I love it! So, after reading this please take a look at it and see all the new up dates! Plus, I just launched my website for my production company, 3XEntertainment www.3xentertainment.com take a look at that as well!

My new web comedy sketch show, KO.TV is officially launched as well, http://www.youtube.com/user/OFFICIAL1KOTV?feature=guide this is the preview teaser until the first sketch drops so check it out and laugh!

I am also working on a pitch for a short film I wrote that I plan on filming in the summer. This is a very important pitch because I am seeking funding and pushing for it to be turned into a feature film!

Other projects I am working on: I just signed a contract for the indie film I will be shooting in June and I had my first fitting for it, super exciting!

"Wassup En LA" will be filming in the summer, I know a lot of you have been inquiring about it and thank you for your interest! The original scheduled shoot was in April but has been pushed to summer, so it's still going down y'all and I can't wait! Please check out our site, www.wassupenla.com and LIKE us on www.facebook.com/wassupenla !

In addition to all of that, I am currently rehearsing for a short film that will be shooting in the summer as well! More details soon but I will be playing a teacher!

It's a lot going on and I'm just trying to keep the creative juices flowing and stay productive! There are other projects that I'm not ready to reveal yet but please keep checking back! I really do appreciate your support it means so much to me and I want to thank all of you for rooting for me. I am humbled. Until next time y'all, XOXO Keila.

THE BC!!!

So, about two weeks ago I was feeling really stressed and overwhelmed it was so much to do and not enough funding. I know people say hair is not important but I think it symbolizes things taking place in your life meaning making drastic changes to your hair. Well I was so tired of straightening my hair and I continued to damage it by not properly taking care of it. I decided I was done straightening it and I was going to wear it natural. Well my hair had lost some of it's natural curl pattern because I was straightening way too much. So I decided to "man" up lol and cut it off! Since then I haven't felt a single ounce of stress. I feel so renewed and refreshed; I really feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's such a liberating feeling! I just love my hair and I'm really taking the time to care for it so that it can grow back healthier than before (this is my second time cutting my hair). I just think as African American woman we condition ourselves to have that European look i.e straight long weaves, lightening of skin. It's sad that we don't embrace our natural hair. I know plenty of women who would NEVER wear their natural hair out because they are insecure about the appearance. Men scream they want a "natural" woman yet they chase after the girls with the longest weaves, fakest nails, eyes, eyelashes, and unnatural body parts. I'm not trying to bash us I'm just saying take it back to our roots. Don't be afraid to embrace everything that is natural about you, flaws and all! I write this with my best intentions and hope you all feel inspired. Below are my hair pics over the years lol, enjoy. XOXO Keila

This was the longest my hair grew back in 2007. ;( lol

Me after I cut it in 2008. I cut it shorter after this pic.

Me in my process of still growing out my hair to its natural length, 2011.

Me wearing it natural, as you can see the ends are stringy no curls at all, 2012.

Me now after chopping it off! The curls!!!!

...Wait, I Can Explain!!!!!

Why I've been gone for so long! *innocent smile* I'm just trying to keep y'all on your toes! *wink* Well, of course I've been busy! First, thank you for hitting the blog up I appreciate your support! No really I do, even if it's one person viewing its SOMEBODY who cares enough to know what the hell goes on in my bat shit crazy life! Well, I won't waste your time so here's the scoop. Wassup En LA has just announced another character, two more to go, YAY!!!! We will be shooting our pilot next year so stay tuned for the dates! Another spoiler alert...I've been cast in an indie film!!! All I can say is it's a comedy spoof and my character is pretty much my alter ego! If you know me then you get an idea of what the character is like and if you don't know me then you'll just have to wait, SORRY! Also, I'm creating my own web channel based on a character I am creating which is so exciting and I can't wait to share this project with you all! I have finished writing my web series and plan on going into production sometime late next year! As far as the music goes, I finally started playing the guitar! I'm teaching myself all the chords and what not and so far I taught myself how to play Alicia Keys "Fallin", I'll post a vid of me playing soon! That's pretty much what's been going on guys and as always more to come. So, stay in touch and tell a friend, pass the good news around, blast my blog! Thanks for your support! XOXO Keila

Crawled Back to Earth

.... Yeah, it's been awhile! But I promise it's for a good reason! Well, let me update everyone on what's been going on in Hollywoodland! I am currently in the process of submitting to agencies so now we wait to see who responds, lol! KSR contacted me but it was to inform me that they signed someone who looks similiar to me which I can totally understand! However, I was bummed at first but there are other fish in the sea...lol so corny! But, I still have a few more agencies I want to submit to.
Regarding "Wassup En LA," there are two more characters that we are close to casting! I had the opportunity to come and see some of the potential actors audition, had a blast! There are some exciting things that will be taking place so stay tuned!
As far as the music goes, I have not been able to concentrate on vocal training because of my dedication to my acting career. But I did purchase a beginners guitar! YAY! I will be getting it tuned but I love it and it's what I always wanted to do!
Recently, I participated in an actor's workshop and received great feedback from the casting director! I encourage ALL actors to take Casting Director workshops its a great way for the CD's to see you perform and become familiar with you. One place that I suggest is ActorsWest.com! It's inexpensive and the CD's are actually CASTING projects!
Also, I JUST finished my website http://www.keilahamilton.com/ so make sure you check that out! Thanks for checking the blog guys I really appreciate it! XOXO Keila