Love it or hate it, Basketball Wives LA is one of the biggest reality spin-offs on TV, and newcomer Brooke Bailey jumped into this second season with the drama and styling of a vet. Just a glance at Brooke’s social media reveals hundreds of questions, comments and even arguments amongst fans over her hair, smile, skin, body and beauty secrets.
I sat with Miss Bailey to expose a some of her beauty secrets and set the record straight on some of the most frequently asked questions by BBWLA fans. —Vanessa Veasley
VIBE Vixen: So let’s get the most intrusive questions out the way first. Is your hair real?
Brooke Bailey: Yes. My hair has always been naturally long. Currently it touches my back bra strap. On the show, my hairstylist has added pieces for my side ponytail or braided looks, but I keep it natural otherwise.
Do you use relaxers? Dyes?
No relaxers. My hairstylist, Darryl Wyatt, does a dark brown cellophane on my hair every few months or so.
And your voluptuous body? Is it all natural?
I have had a breast augmentation. That’s it. I was a D cup before my breast augmentation, and after I had my first 2 children, I decided to restore my breasts match my youthful body.
If a girl wants to grow her hair long, strong, and healthy like yours, what can she do?
I believe in natural healing and supplements. I try to drink at least a gallon of water a day, and I eat a balanced, home-cooked diet. I know that diet and lifestyle definitely effect not only the inside of your body but the outside as well.
Keeping as much heat out of your hair whenever possible is a big plus. Even a blow dryer is damaging. At least twice a month, I use products out of the kitchen to deep condition my hair. It’s just a simple mixture of one cup of room temperature mayonnaise, a half cup of olive oil and three egg yolks. Try it! You may have to play around with the measurements depending on the length and thickness of your hair of course.
On Twitter, you mention Dr. Sebi and his products often. Who is he?
Dr. Sebi is a world renowned healer who has an office here in LA. His herbal and mineral remedies are all-natural, and my friends, family, and I have sworn by them for years. I regularly use the Viento, Green Food, and Seamoss tea.
We all saw your very sexy shoots on Basketball Wives LA for urban magazine covers. What is your workout routine?
I try my best to stay active and keep my workouts fun. In LA, we have hiking trails that I walk or run a few times a week. When I can’t make it out, I do simple sets of squats, push-ups and crunches. I keep a jump rope in my suitcase, so I have no excuse when I have to travel. I’m also a full-time mother of 3 so running around behind them burns plenty of calories [laughing].
Do you step up training before these shoots that show a lot of skin?
I try to double my water intake, limit sugar and cut salt out my diet before a shoot, but that’s pretty much it. I think the best strategy is to stay prepared. In entertainment you can get called at any time for a gig.
Do you use any special products or skin treatments on your body to achieve tight, glowing skin?
I don’t want to sound redundant but drinking more water is key. It really doesn’t matter what you slather on top of your skin if you aren’t hydrated. But on top of that, I do indulge in body polishes at the spa from time to time, and yummy smelling body scrubs as well. I’m loving the Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub from Carol’s Daughter.
What travel sized makeup/beauty products do you have in your carry-on?
VV: What travel sized makeup/beauty products do you have in your carry-on?
BB: In my little security baggy I have Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Herbal Essence’s “Honey I’m Strong” shampoo, Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls weightless spiraling creme, Essie nail polish in “Snap Happy,” MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in “Girl About Town,” Smashbox Cover Ready BB Cream and Supersmile whitening toothpaste.
Who is your celebrity beauty crush? Why?
I would say Kimora Lee Simmons and Nia Long. They’re both hardworking phenomenal businesswomen. Super-moms, running behind children like me. It’s hard to find the time to do laundry, workout, raise children and maintain flawless beauty. I respect how easy they make it look.
You’re quickly becoming a new beauty icon for girls of deep chocolate complexions. Have you always embraced your skin tone as beautiful?
I’ve never doubted that my skin tone wasn’t beautiful. My family is like a rainbow with members of every color, and I’m blessed that they never made me feel less than amazing about my looks. We live in a society were chocolate women are underrated, and it’s important to me that women know that beauty comes in all shades. My daughter’s complexion is even deeper than mine, and every day I remind her of how beautiful she is.
Reality show divas always seem to link up with makeup companies or put out brands of hair extensions with their fame platform. Are there any Brooke Bailey Beauty products in the works?
Currently, no. I’m very passionate about natural hair, skin and nail health, so if I ever team up with another company, or put out my own products, I want to do it right and only endorse or create products that I’d religiously use myself. Until then, I’ll continue to share tips on my twitter (@BrookeBaileyInc) and my new website: BrookeBaileyInc.com.
Photo Credit: Jankula Images