Back in 2007, I had an idea to invent what I call “The Scomb”. I was very passionate and excited about it. I spent a lot of time and money shortly after I had the idea to design the thing and figuring out logistics. I have several technical illustrations of it, but I’ll just show you the basic design for now. A few months ago I came across the Roots Only applicator comb. I was a little upset that my idea was similar, but also relieved because it’s something I wanted to use so badly. Roots Only doesn’t have all the features of my Scomb, but it works for what I need.

First here it is, “The Scomb”.

What’s the purpose? Well, most highly textured hair is prone to dryness. Some say it’s because the scalp’s oils have a hard time getting to the length and ends of hair because of all the bends, curves and kinks in textured hair. Some say it’s because curly hair produces less sebum than straight hair. All that being said, I found it beneficial to focus my cleansing/shampooing on my scalp. I also found it beneficial to oil my scalp. My Scomb and the Roots Only applicator comb make reaching the scalp so easy. I used to use a single-tip applicator bottle until I found the Roots Only Applicator Comb a few months ago. I use it for cleansing my scalp with diluted shampoo and for oiling my scalp with my favorite stimulating hair oils. I gently scratch my scalp with the tips of the comb piece when I wash and when I oil. It’s one of the best things that I’ve found for hair in a long time. It was actually invented for and is marketed as a root touch up tool for hair coloring. Recently, the company began to market a “Hair Growth Oil & Moisturizing Kit”, but if you have the basic applicator comb, you can use your favorite oil. It’s only about $5.99 and they are sold at beauty stores and Wal-mart.

Here is the Roots Only Applicator Comb. You see a bit of my Lisa’s Hair Elixir in there.

So, besides my Jilbere shower comb and Denman Brush, this applicator comb is definitely the latest and greatest addition to my hair care arsenal and I love that it was invented by a woman who just had an idea one day and acted on it. That said, if you have any ideas in your head about whatever, make them happen. Act!

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Look at what I got in the mail today! Chicoro’s new book Hair Products 101. You see that there are four books in the photo. Well, one is for me and the other 3 could be for you. Want to win Chicoro’s new book? I hope you’re following me on Twitter. If not, follow twitter.com/maneandchic. Next, tweet me your favorite hair products using the hashtag #naturalhair or #curlyhair. I will assign your tweet a number and randomly select three tomorrow (9/26/11) at 6 PM CENTRAL TIME to win the books. That means your deadline for entry is 9/26/11 at 6PM CENTRAL.

Your tweet should look like this…

@maneandchic My #naturalhair loves Suave Shea Butter & Almond Conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today and Jojoba Oil.

Mane and Chic has a new mascot! Though her hair is not curly, it does have a lovely fluffy texture. Ladies, allow me to introduce you to Khloe Ksubi!

This weekend I announced on Twitter that I was getting a puppy. After wanting one forever, I just woke up Saturday morning and made the decision to just get one. Luckily, my aunt knew a breeder and I had my puppy by 3PM that day. I grew up with dogs around: Cocker Spaniels. At one point I think we had 4 dogs. How Oprah is that? I love Cocker Spaniels but I have a very small space, so I needed a very small dog.

Are you wondering where her name come from? My mom is a perfume connoisseur and when I was growing up, she always had tons and tons of perfume around. One day I stumbled upon a bottle of Chloé. Don’t remember what it smelled like, don’t remember anything about it except that name. Ever since then, I decided if I ever had a daughter I’d name her Khloe. My name begins with K, so of course my daughter’s name has to. This is NOT Khloe Kardashian’s namesake! Ksubi is Khloe’s second name and it’s from an Australian fashion brand, I just thought it was unique and fun to say. If I get another puppy, I’ll most likely name it Ksubi and yes, I do want another. I’ll be content with two. The breeder actually had 5 left and it took everything in me not to get another right then.

Did you ever see the photos of Tracee and her dog, I love it.

That’s it for now. I’m a little bit on a hiatus and working on a few projects and of course a new puppy that keeps me busy. I’ll probably create some sort of blog for Khloe. I haven’t had a dog in over 10 years, so I’m learning a lot and I think it would be helpful to others for Khloe and I to document our journey.

Cheers!

- Kai

Today marks the 3rd Anniversary of my big chop after a 17 month transition! To mark the occasion, I’ve redesigned http://www.maneandchic.com and published an e-book.

The E-Book is out, please see Everything You Could Possibly Want To Know About My Transition To Help You Get Through Yours. It is a 35 page e-book. You name the price that you’re willing to pay by clicking the button below.

All the best,

Kai

Meet Christina Daly from Brighton, UK.

On being natural… I haven’t always been natural. I used to straighten my hair a lot when I was younger. It led to breakage. I’ve only ever relaxed my hair once. It damaged my hair so much and my curls took ages to come back.

Hair care regimen… I tend to only wash my hair like once a week sometimes two. My hair is easier to style when it’s not fresh. I like to deep condition my hair whenever I wash.

Trimming… The last time I had a trim was the other day, but before that I’d say about 6 months ago. I slack when it comes to trimming my hair. I tend to forget about trimming my hair because it is so wild and big, I don’t notice the split ends.

Heat… I hate heat! They messed my hair up big time when I used to straighten. Also, it takes hours to straighten and once it’s finally done it’s so hard to mantain.

Color… I coloured my hair for the first time last summer. I wanted to do it for ages, but I kept putting it off as I didn’t know what colour I wanted. I decided to get a non – permanent. It wasn’t so ‘non – permanent’ and never washed out after 20 washes. I don’t mind because I like the colour, but I don’t so it often. I’ve dyed it once since the first time.

Favorite products… My favorite hair product chages all the time. At the moment, I really like Le Kair Cholesterol for extra dry hair. My favorite shampoo and conditioner is Frizz eez and my fav hair gel is Pink.

Salons… I can’t remember the last time I went to a hair dresser. They are way too expensive and I don’t trust anyone with my hair. I buy my hair products from my local African Carribean Hair Shop called T&Z’s.

Go to hairstyles… I like my hair best when it’s down, big and wild or slicked up in a massive ponytail. I love the Rihanna’s hair at the moment and Amber Rose, but I’m no where near brave enough to go there.

Out of the ordinary… Once I was so deperate for hair cream that I used Johnson’s Baby Lotion ( I do not recommend)!

Photo Credits

Headshot by Paul Simmons.

Meet Ingrea from Dallas.

On going natural… I’ve been natural continuously now for 3 years, but I first shaved my head and started from scratch when I was 13 and went through all kinds of hairstyles from there. I got tired of the maintenance of having a relaxer and felt I would have the freedom I wanted and needed by going natural.

On her hair care regimen… I wash my hair 1-2 times a week with conditioner, and I pick it out while conditioning in the shower 1-2 times a week if that often.