Hair Talk: Meet My Hair Inspirations

The stunning LeoBodyC5

A 'hair inspiration/idol' may mean one of two things or even both to some people:

• A person whose hair you just wish to have and constantly swoon over.
• A person who has a similar hair type to yours and are actively pursing your goal to getting your hair to their length.

I don't wish to have my hair inspiration's' hair 'type' at all, their length is my first goal, which  if I actively keep going the way that I am now with my regimen, then 'Diana' (my hair, named after the diva Ms Ross, paying homage to her long & bushy wigs) could be there in the next 12 months or less.

Gabrielle Union Posts 'Weave Free' Pictures on Twitter at The Salon

Academy Award winning Actress Gabrielle Union took to her Twitter page a few days ago [yes I'm late] and posted pictures of her weave free hair. 

Review: Redken Hair Cleansing Cream

I use 2 shampoos during every wash. A cleansing shampoo [Elasta QP Bodifying Shampoo] to remove all of the product build up on the hair and scalp. I then follow up with a moisturing shampoo [Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo] as cleansing/clarifying shampoos leave the hair dry and tangled. Of course I always condition after both shampoos.

On Saturday the lovely KP recommended Redken's Hair Cleansing Cream as a good clarifying shampoo. Being a former product junkie who hasn't quite completed the 12 step program, I thought why the hell not, considering my Elasta shampoo had just run out and I had so much crap on my hair that day I had to wear it wrapped because I couldn't do a damn thing with it.

So last night, or should I say the very early hours of this morning, I tried it and loved it. Compared to the Elasta it's 4 times more expensive at £8.99, it lathers on the first application, it's not as drying an doesn't leave the hair feeling totally stripped, it gets rid of ALL of the crap on my hair. Even when using the Elasta I used to have a sight gummy feeling left on my hair wash after wash after wash**shakes head** not with this...

So after all of the washing and conditioning I used my Tangle Teezer [which had me toss my 3 Denman brushes away] and my hair felt even more soft and lush than usual even 9 weeks post relaxer. It was very easy to brush through and detangle when wet.

At £8.99 a bottle compared to my £1.99 Elasta shampoo, it's worth every penny for me and a definite staple product now. What makes it even more appealing is living in a hard water area, the removal of mineral deposits in the hair. A huge thumbs up from me!!

Ideal for swimmers and product junkies, Redken Hair Cleansing Cream works to remove accumulated mineral deposits and styling product build-up on your hair and scalp, leaving it cleansed and purified.

Formulated with fruit acids to strengthen your hair cuticles and add shine and moisture, Redken Hair Cleansing Cream will leave your hair purified and refreshed. Product build-up and excess mineral deposits will be gently removed without stripping the hair to leave it soft and shiny and ready for the next day!

Will 'Tangle Teezer' Be The End To My Hair Tangle Woes?

I saw this guy on Dragon's Den over a year ago. He had a simple product that de-tangled wet hair with ease that minimised breakage and seemed to effortlessly glide through hair with no problem.

Right now I have a K Cutter comb, Bone comb, Denman brush just to do the same damn thing after a hair wash. Tired of it to be honest. And when I go away I don't want to be taking all that crap with me in a suitcase.

Isn't it about time I bit the bullet and paid under £10 for one of these to see if it works. My hair is longer and thicker and as well as length, health is paramount to me.

He didn't get the backing from the Dragons, but he went on to do very well in his business.

You can get the Tangle Teezer on eBay for £9.75 [FREE postage] or direct from the Tangle Teezer Website £9.77 [PLUS postage]

I will be a guinea pig and I'll keep you informed of my progress with the Tangle Teezer on my 4B 'texlaxed' hair.

Here is the video of his pitch on the Dragon's Den. I actually thought they were idiots NOT to get on board with this product. The Black haircare industry ALONE is worth over $1 Billion, and the last time I checked, Asians, Hispanics, Whites and Indians all had hair.

The Tangle Teezer pitch to the Dragon's begins at 2:32. Dude was pulling on the mannequin head with some menace, but out of his 2468 feedback on eBay plus it being at 100% I think I'm gonna part with my cash and have a go!

....Off to order mine!

So Fake To The Point Your REAL Hair Makes The News!

"Tyra Banks has given fans a sneak peak of her new haircut. The model-turned-presenter has now posted a picture of herself on Twitter - but blurred the photograph to avoid her new look being properly unveiled before the return of her talk show, 'The Tyra Banks Show', next month. Alongside the picture, she wrote: 'Here's me rockin my REAL hair, had 2 blur it so its still a surprise on Sept 8! Who else is sportin their real hair that day? (sic)' Tyra has previously declared September 8 'National Real Hair Day' in honour of her new look. Speaking about the show, she vowed: 'No fake hair at all! Will be the hair coming out of my scalp! 4 all 2 C! No ponytails, no ballet un head. Hair will be out and free"

Oh Lord Ty Ty Baby Banks, give me strength sweetie. I really wish her rich banker boyfriend would just wife her and she goes and has some babies somewhere. The general consensus about Tyra is that she's not all that nice, personable, self involved and her show hinders rather than helps black women and issues. Seems like a lot of the topics she does on her show pisses a lot of people off. And here's another one....

So to remain even more relevant Tyra is revealing her natural lace front free hair for the whole season of her new show.

Who actually cares? What is the world coming to when a woman takes off her wig and it causes this much controversy. Is this the best that Tyra can do? She gets a doctor to come on to her show to prove her breasts are real and now she's got to show us she has hair too.

....waiting for the surgeon to confirm the rhinoplasty surgery. That's nose job..... From the look of it she's had the bridge narrowed and nostrils made smaller. And probably had more than one surgery over the years as well. If there are pictures from yesteryear, why do these celebs continue to deny it. And no that's not a make up contouring job, there's only so much make-up can do.

Good surgeon though!

My take on the whole story...."Whatever Tyra! Although I respect your hustle and your futile attempts to remain relevant."

More Information On The Milstan Feather Flat Iron

I contacted the man himself yesterday regarding shipping and information on the irons themselves especially after I saw the Golden Supreme irons which looked like Milstan rip offs. My mind is still made up, I'm going for the Milstan. Here is what Mr Stan (Milstan) Nash replied in an e-mail to me last night. His e-mail address is listed publicly on his website. [Hence me leaving it in]

To Order: milstan1@yahoo.com
Email Stan (Milstan) Nash: stannash@milstan.com

Please note when referring to the Milstan irons they are made from superior Blue Steel.

-----Original Message-----
From: Stan Nash

Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:55:36
Subject: Re: Feather Flat Iron

Hello Ms. LondonDiva,

Thanks for your interest in the Milstan Feather flat Iron.
The shipping cost using FedEx 7 day delivery is $21.00.

The Golden Supreme Irons are not made of stainless steel they are made of carbon steel that is chrome plated similar to an electric curling iron finish. With that said it is not only the steel that is superior it is also my design.

Many of the designs that I make: Multi-T, Feather flat, flat bump, slide bumps and the flat curl irons are not made by any other company except mine.

Feel free to contact me directly at (909) 754-1955 for any additional questions or comments.

Thanks for your inquiry,

Stan (Milstan) Nash

OK That's the easy part done. Now I had to source a stove and a heat controlled one at that. Every site I went on was a US based site that sold the Stoves with a UK plug, but I don't fancy US shipping + UK Customs charges. Sooooo....me being the research queen and refusing to be undefeated, found the Golden Supreme Professional Dulux Thermal Stove on Savage Lily.

Golden Supreme Professional Dulux Thermal Stove.
Large mouth stove fits 70T and 80U irons
6-month guarantee
Durable high gloss and black & gold finish
High internal temperature
Low external temperature
firm and fixed iron rest
Thermostat heat control with 10 heat settings
Tilted angle for ease of access and security
Stable base
On/Off Indicator light
Made in U.S.A

£94.95 + 15% VAT = £109.19

For those that are worried about the irons being too hot. Golden Supreme also do Heat Testers. I haven't yet sourced a UK source for these, where I've seen them on US sites they run at $80.

Please don't get it twisted ladies, heat is heat is heat. There is no such thing as 'safe heat' just safe hair care practises. Ceramic and tourmaline irons can get HOT. Even my hair has smelt burnt after using one, and these can go up to 430 degrees. There is no way I'd even get a Milstan Iron without getting a heat controlled stove and I wouldn't recommend anyone using any kind of thermal straightening appliance to use one without heat control of some kind. I may even opt for the heat tester too. I take my hair care very seriously and consider these an investment. Just think how much money this saves compared to salon visits. Probably after 2 or 3 salon visits I would have spent the equivalent.

There maybe some 'snobbery' between marcel and flat irons, but just because one comes with a plug doesn't make it any safer.

Good Luck and happy hair growing.

Birthday Gift #2 - Milstan Irons

OK, so it's not a typical present, present. But I figure I'd buy myself something I could use other than a new pair of shoes.

Anyone that knows me knows, I know a fair about haircare etc and take care of it myself from cutting, colouring, relaxing to braiding. And flat ironing too. These ceramic irons are bloody awful. I don't care what new one comes out, none of them are great for my hair. I preferred the old school hair tools that have gone way out of fashion. I thought about hair care back in the day and the girls at school who had healthy long hair, marcel irons or pressing combs were usually the hair choice before ceramic irons were ever thought of. Shiny and straight. With me ceramic irons not that straight and quite dull. I've had enough of my hair snagging in these things. I've tried two. I'm through. I'm going back to basics.

I stumbled across Milstan flat irons, watched You Tube videos as well as scouring the forum from some people who had used them. Those that had, loved them. There were a lot of women scared literally to use any type of marcel or flat iron that didn't come with a plug.

**Twists corner of mouth**

Ummmm I don't call myself the research queen for nothing. Had they taken less time to be scared and sourced the net, primarily Google, they'd find that you can actually get heat controlled stoves for irons. But whatever, that is their choice to be cautious. It's cool.

I've been using a hot pressing comb since I was about 14 doing my own hair on the stove itself, so have no worries or issues in these types of irons. That coupled with almost a decade of online hair care knowledge I should be no more worse off than a ceramic iron user.

So the feather flat and Slither iron are my gifts to myself for February. I toyed with the idea of shoes, sneaker, sunglasses but I buy that for myself anytime and to be honest the thought of getting the Milstan irons excited me more. So I'm going with that. I posted a You Tube video in the link below so you can see the irons at work. And if you watch the video long enough you'll see why the slither iron is being bought. For the hairline and kitchen areas this iron is perfect to catch all of those tiny hairs you can't catch with a ceramic iron.

Milstan Feather Flat and Slither Iron Video

You can check out the whole Milstan range here if you're interested or type in Milstan on You Tube and check out his video tutorials on the different irons.

If I ever decided to go back ultra short again, I'd definitely purchase his [Stan Nash] irons from the The "Master Short Hair Iron" Collection.

**GASP** If I was all for cosmetic surgery and had a low self esteem [which I'm not and don't have] I'd get those boobies...but I digress.

I'm not going to relax and flat iron my hair again until June, I'm currently braided, well kinky twists, and giving my hair a rest, but you'll know I'll post pictures and my results as soon as I use them.

The Feather Flat & Slither Irons are $79.99 each.

Birthday Gift #2 - I'm Stuck

I have no idea what to get myself this month.

As far as I'm concerned all of my gifts have to be practical. There are no rules except I buy myself a birthday gift each month.

I want the Feather Flat and Slither Milstan Irons. Which also means I'll buy myself a heat controlled stove. I'm done with ceramics. I'm going back to old school methods.

Then there are the Reebok New York Freestyle kicks, I've wanted for the longest.

Then there are these Bvlgari sunglasses. I already have the 651B model which I love and want these ones as well.

Now whilst writing this blog I stumbled across a celeb sunglasses site. I want the glasses for the glasses, not because the celebs are wearing them [although no can wear sunglasses better my girl Mimi], now this has made my Feb choice that bit harder. Grrrrr!!

And she just so happens to be wearing the Bvlgari sunglasses I want 8016B. These came out last summer. All the better for me which means they aren't in. But these sunglasses don't date anyway, and I don't wear sunglasses for a season. Unlike last years ever so popular Prada's, no one was wearing Bvlgari around here so they wouldn't even have a clue when it came out let alone the model name. I really try to steer clear from things in fashion/trends and go with what suits me, and which I know I can wear in 10 years time without looking like a fashion reject. I'm sure I'll be blessed with a daughter who will be calling these vintage one day and stealing them from my collection.

Mimi workin it

Dior

Valentino

Tom Ford

Marc Jacobs

Dior

Salvatore Ferragamo

I want those Salvatore Ferragamo ones **SWOON**

Self Relaxing Tips

I've moved this to a public domain for those that want access instead of requesting my password.

This tutorial is a few years old [note how jacked up my hair is in some of the pics] **cringe**

Before & After

3 sections may take a while and be time consuming but once every 4 months is worth it for me. No burns, No Breakage & an even relaxer all over. Good Luck ladies.

Step 1

Part the hair in either 2 or 3 sections. I work in 3 sections. This is the top half parted in 2.

Step 2

The back half is parted, this will count as 1 section. Base the edges, parting and as much on the scalp as possible with either petroleum jelly or a basing product specifically for relaxing. You can also add a conditioner or protectant on the previously relaxed parts of the hair to avoid over processing is accidentally overlapped.

Step 3

Make sure you are wearing Latex or plastic gloves, and are using a tinting brush to apply the relaxer. Start at the top part of the hair near the parting. Leave the finer sections till last to apply the creme to and smooth. If you do this at the start by the end it may become over processed and lead to breakage. Always over base the finer sections of your hair if you are worried about this happening. I always part with my fingers along the way. or the tail end of the tinting brush. Make sure the hair has been separated as much as possible prior to relaxer application as this will make it easier to apply the relaxer and cut down on the processing time. Try and avoid vigorous tugging and pulling trying to comb through the hair during basing. I find the best method is to finger separate when basing my scalp.

You can either work vertically or horizontally whichever is more comfortable for you. I work both ways during the touch up process. Apply cream to the underside of the new growth and the repeat this process for the top side of the same section of hair. You should have 1 section with relaxer applied to the top and bottom, or left side and right side. I separate at about 1/3 to 1/2 of an inch of hair when applying the cream. Don't worry about the cream not yet being on every strand, this will be rectified when smoothing, and by applying the creme to the underside and top part of the same section of hair it will speed the smoothing process up and get a better relaxer result. Apply the relaxer to as much of your hair as possible. Apply a generous amount but not too much. What will end up happening before you've finished is the creme seeping through the hair onto your scalp which is already very warm causing scalp sores and a possible need to rinse earlier than necessary. I always apply down the side closest to my ears and the very nape last. I would say these are my fine areas and need less relaxer time.

Step 4

Smoothing now begins. Drop that tinting brush and smooth baby smooth. No combs are required just the fingers. Imagine you are flipping through a ream of paper using your index (pointer) fingers rapidly, that is the same motion I use to smooth. I smooth constantly right up until jumping in the shower. If you have a coarse hair type like mine it's probably best advised. You will be left with a curl/wave pattern and body to the hair but it won't be bone and lifeless and stretched beyond belief. If your hair is finer, then you may not need to smooth constantly. I start at the top and smooth down using the motion I just described. I finger part ever so gently and smooth every section down. Until it looks like the picture above. The reason why I applied creme to both sides was to make this process smoother. The creme has a better chance of reaching all the in between hair strands by 'melting' through when you smooth it down. You can apply more creme if necessary during this process. You yourself will know if you need to. Do not go over your time limit for your hair type and strength of relaxer used. Once you feel that tingle or the clock strikes it's time to rinse.

Do not use a comb to comb the relaxer through, this is time consuming and damaging. The relaxer is already breaking down the bonds of the hair, when you couple that with dragging a comb through each coated strand, what you are doing is stretching the hair which is already being broken down, it's like a double process. You may get straighter hair, but it will definitely be weaker. I do not advise this. I also find the back of the comb method a waste of time. I've done all of these. Nothing works better for me than the finger method. With the back of the comb I find it scrapes the creme off. You have a better coverage with fingers as you can feel what needs to be smoothed out and it can get into every 'nook and cranny' far easier than a comb. You can also put more pressure on the hair with the pads of your fingers for a better smoothing than if you were to put the same amount of pressure on with a comb.

Just a side note from looking at the picture. I treat this as one section but still relax it in 2 parts straight down the middle. The choice is entirely yours.

Step 5

Rinsing. Just pretend the relaxer is on my hair OK.

Place the shower cap over the top section of your hair. You can use clips to hold it in place. Your parting should be straight in order to fit the cap. If you don't have 2 mirrors to see the back then please get somebody to assist you. When you part to base your scalp you can see if it fits your partings before you start the relaxing process.

You see the shower head in the pic. This can be removed from the wall? I can actually place this on my parting with my head tilted backwards in order to rinse out the relaxer. With my head tilted backward in the shower I use my other hand to lightly lift the hair away from the scalp in order to be rinsed in light circular motions. My aim is not to have the creme seep into my scalp in order to burn it. Make sure the water is a mild temperature anything hotter will be unbearable and potentially damaging to your scalp with a chemical already on it. Rinse for a good continuous 5 - 8 mins or until you are sure all traces of the relaxer are removed. Do not tilt your head forward.

Once all traces of the relaxer have been removed apply a conditioner. I use Porosity control at this stage or you can use anyone of your choice. Most people think at this stage you neutralise, that comes afterwards. Leave the conditioner on for about 5-10 mins. I make sure to massage conditioner well into my scalp something I don't actually do on regular wash days, only the hair. Rinse out the conditioner and proceed with your neutralising shampoo. Shampoo about 2 - 3 times removing all traces of relaxer. If you have a colour indicator shampoo shampoo until the shampoo has returned to white. You MUST use a neutralising shampoo. If you don't have one GET ONE. But NEVER relax without it. The purpose of the shampoo is to bring the hair back to to the normal PH level. I think it's about a 7 for our hair. On a relaxer application it's about a 12 or 13, very alkaline. Never shampoo just once. I think in a case of freshly relaxed hair ever twice is cutting it fine. Don't forget the area around the ears and the ears itself ladies.

This pic is just to show you an example. REMEMBER TO REMOVE ALL JEWELRY BEFORE RELAXING!

Step 6

After shampooing I added Mane N Tail as a leave in conditioner before moving onto the next section of hair. Towel blot the hair, do not rub vigorously, your scalp may be tender, but you shouldn't do this anyway. Remove the excess water and use your styling aids to detangle and add the conditioner of your choice. Pin or clip this section of hair within the back half like in Step 2 before moving onto the next section. I ALWAYS leave the bathroom at this point to cool down and close my pores before starting the next section.

Step 7

I positioned the shower cap around the parting of the top half and clipped this in place. This would not stay on it's own. It does for me for the top half only but this requires 2-3 clips. Make sure none of the clips are in your way for relaxing the top half.

Step 7

Another View. I always double base the edges at the front.

Step 7

Top View.

Trust me this method has never failed me yet. I have never gotten a drop of water on any of the untouched hair.

Step 8

Repeat the relaxing steps, always leave the side by the ear and the front till last, these are baby fine areas that don't need a lot of time.

To rinse tilt your head to the side holding the shower head at the base of the parting. Condition, neutralise, leave in conditioner then pin up and move on to the final section. You won't need the shower cap on this part as 2 thirds are already done and it doesn't matter about the rest of the hair getting wet from the water as it has already been relaxed. When rinsing the top 2 you shouldn't get any relaxer rinsing away on any of your previous relaxed tresses. If you do simply rinse those off also.

When the whole head has been relaxed I will neutralise just once more all over (still in the 3 sections) and then proceed with a deep conditioning with heat. Rinsed out and then start styling as desired. I usually put it in a damp pony post relaxer with my hair products applied.

TIP:
Before relaxing how about practising with the shower cap and jumping in the shower (without the water on of course) to see how comfortable it feels to do these motions before you start relaxing. Or you could practise this method on a regular wash day pretending the shampoo or conditioner is actually a relaxer!!!!!

Step 9

Style as desired. Here I flat ironed lightly to see my relaxing results. I'm very proud of this as it cost me NOTHING and I did a good job.

TIP:
Wash your hair within the next day or 2 with your neutraliser shampoo again.

Step 10 - All Done

The hair can be very flat and limp post relaxer but a few hair washes soon changes that before the body seems to bounce back.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Hair Growth Update

If I start to write a blog about hair it will just go on and on and on. So let me just zip it up before I even begin.

Picture #1 taken in March 2008 after a big chop. Cut off a lot of uneven damaged ends so it was a blunt cut all the way around. I loved this cut and wouldn't be afraid to go to that length again.

Picture #2 taken in May 2008. Exactly 2 calendar months after picture #1. I got a massive growth spurt from Mega-Tek a high protein based product, like Mane n Tail which is safe for human use as well as horses. Anyone can use it, men and women, black, white or Asian. They recently did a marketing campaign and launched a product called Ovation Cell Therapy. This is Mega-Tek in an Ovation bottle for double the price. Made by the same people and contains the same ingredients. People felt uncomfortable buying/using Mega-Tek due to the horse/human crossover. Good for them. I'll save my money thanks.

You can read all about it on LHCF a hair forum I've been a member of for just over 6 years. For those not in the know about hair care there is nothing in the ingredients of shampoo or creme rinse created by Eqyss that are different to the ones you find in the shelves of your local beauty supply store. So get informed before you mock or even think to, there is no horse hair growing out of my head nor hooves on my feet. I use the shampoo, creme rinse and serum which is better than most serums I've ever used. It's all safe for human use.

Picture #3 taken in November 2008 [last night] after a relax and a very small trim. I'm nearly back in 7 months to where I originally started before I cut my hair. Even after daily use I think the growth spurt has slowed doen considerably, but the product still works in speeding up the growth rate I usually have. I had no energy to bump the ends as this was taken purely for comparison purposes. I rarely wear my hair out or down, and it's grown a lot more thicker and fuller. I have no idea when the next relaxer will be I'll give it 4 months minimum before the next one or depending on how much new growth I get, but will get back on the Mega-Tek bandwagon and see how much I can grow into early 2009.

Not bad for 7 months.

Say What?: Part 4 - Stop The Ghetto Madness!

I get to work via the over ground and underground trains. So whilst I'm standing up reading my book squashed like a sardine on the Southern Service to Balham I see a young black woman get on. She looks very presentable and from her attire is going to work she looks very smart except she has her headscarf on still laying down her edges. Now blog readers I am a headscarf at night wearing sistah, you know how it goes, we've been conditioned from birth to protect those tresses, and I know the difference between a scarf worn for hair care purposes to a head wrap or scarf worn for a decorative African inspired style. No this sistah with her anorexic ponytail was protecting those edges on the morning train journey. I'm sorry but her hair wasn't all that great looking for her extra-ness on her journey in. If I see her again I'm going to tap her on the shoulder and say "I think you forgot to take off your headscarf this morning" knowing full well that her intention wasn't down to forgetting. It may sound cold but some people need to be embarrassed from time to time.

After Balham I hop on the underground. Again reading my book in an ever tighter space, and then a well suited and booted brotha right down to the overcoat gets on. This fool is wearing a doo rag. This can't be right? Twice in the space of 10 minutes of each other? I look up at him occasionally and then further up at the black satin doo rag tied at the front with the bit at the back flapping like a Superman cape in the wind.

Did I miss something when I went on my holiday? Is this a new trend for the working class in Black London, doo rags and headscarves to work to professional environments. I am up on my hair care like no other, shoot I've been a member of a black hair care forum for 6 years and even have an online photo album chronicling my hair care journey, but never would I even think about wearing a headscarf in public ON SHOW. Under a wool hat yes where nobody can see but this is taking the piss.

The only thing I could think of seeing a black man and woman dressed in bed time head wear was nothing short of ghetto and yes if I saw any other person of any other race doing exactly the same thing I'd give them the ghetto label too. Ghetto is for everybody who fits that description not just us.

But it was ghetto as hell!!

Beautiful, Acceptable and definitely NOT ghetto.

White Men Can Braid!

I saw this site from my online hair forum and how cute and OMG. The story goes something like this...

...White family adopt black Ethiopian baby, learn about her hair texture and how to care for it and every week daddy does little Miriam's hair.

Brad and Angelina please take note Zahara could do with a little pruning.

Kudos to them for not taking her or her hair for granted.

At one point, Clifton Green stopped trying new styles on Miriam before church, because haste led to bad hairdos. "We wanted her to know her hair isn't a burden, but something really wonderful, something beautiful to be celebrated," her mother says.

To see more pics go here.

Time To Relax

The hair...it's about that time. I was going to hold off until year end but to be quite frank, battling with 2 textures can cause more damage than if you relax it. I can't remember when I relaxed it although it was around late June/early July.

I've been getting great results with MegaTek although I've been inconsistent of late [vacation and all] and to be honest am just dying to give my hair a nice even trim.

I'll be leaving work at 6pm on the dot and rushing home to my own personal hair salon [LondonDiva] to get to work.

The beauty at being able to style one's hair yourself is you don't have to make any appointments or plot to kill any hairdressers that decide to eff up your wig.

I WILL be back later on with progress pics.

Edited to Add: It's now 21:35 and I have no energy to do it tonight. I'll 'prep' it tonight and do it tomorrow.**YAWN**

Edited to Add AGAIN: I don't know what I was thinking. I'm leaving it until the weekend I need to relax each section seperately, give myself a trim, wash and deep condition, blow dry, flat iron and dress my hair, take picture, post them and do a little write up....yeah after work of course I'm gonna manage that....NOT!!! I was knackered as soon as I walked through the front door.

Is Vanessa Hudgens Biting Halle Berry's Style...

...but not quite getting it right?

The High School Musical cast caused quite a bit of a frenzy in London this week by appearing at the London premier for the 3rd installment of the musical franchise.

As soon as I saw Vanessa Hudgens something said to me I had seen this look or something very similar before, right down to the leather jacket. I didn't need to search far as months ago I saved this picture of Halle Berry to my hard drive as I loved this particular hairstyle.

A little styling influence perhaps, or sheer coincidence?