A Staple Product: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I received the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie as a Christmas gift from my sister, Alison. Did I mention I love it? It is definitely staple product, which I love to use for my braids, twists, braid-outs, and twist-outs. So, I pretty much use it whenever I am styling my hair. Well, let me get into the review...

Pros:
1. Great ingredients: No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or animal ingredients
2. It's a product that is geared towards "Thick and Curly Hair" (I hate when products say "for all hair types".)
3. It is great for applying to the ends of my hair to prevent breakage and more fairy knots.
4. Produces a great sheen to the hair.
5. Smells wonderful because it has a subtle but, not overpowering scent.
6. Great texture meaning its not messy or too thick
7. Does not cause a change in the hair meaning it keeps my hair soft and supple

Cons:
I really can't think of any as of now. I love it just that much :-)

INGREDIENTS: De-ionized water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, Macadamia Ternifolia seed oil, Mangifera Indica (mango) seed butter*, Persea Gratissima (avocado) oil, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil*, Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract, silk protein, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) seed oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbitol Esters, essential oil blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract and Tocopherol (vitamin E). *Denotes certified organic ingredients.
Well, that's my review for the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I plan on purchasing some more in the future so, it is officially added to my hair arsenal. I used it just last night while styling my loose twists and I love the results.

Product Review: Oyin Handmade Shine and Define

This past Monday night I re-twisted my hair using Oyin Handmade Shine and Define. This was a gift from my sister Auset and this was my first time using it.

Ingredients: Purified water, Organic flax seeds, Organic aloe vera gel, Sea Vegetable Complex, Coconut Oil, Castor, unrefined shea butter, organic raw honey, Vegetable Glycerine, Palm Stearic Acid, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, fruit pectin, xanthan gum, destrose, Optiphen (preservative) citrus essential oils, fragrance

Here is how I used it:
1. I took random sections of my hair and applied the Shine and Define along the entire section and concentrated on the ends. I then put in medium size twists.
2. I kept the twists in for a day.
3. I took the twists down and wore the hair out on Wednesday.

Pros:
1. The smell was simply wonderful. I loved it.
2. I like that the consistency was great.
3. It did not give my hair a stiff or weird hold.
4. Great ingredients
5. No build-up.

Cons:
1. I actually didn't think it defined that well.
2. I didn't think the shine was that great.

For the product, to be called "Shine and Define" I was not that impressed with the shine or the definition. So, I am still on the fence about this product. I think I am going to try using it with a different method. Maybe on damp hair...
This was my hair after I took the twists down and wore it out.

A Staple Product: Castor Oil

So, as an early Christmas present my sister bought me some castor oil! As I mentioned in a previous post, I have many plans for my castor oil. Listed below I have detailed how I have used it so far.

For my skin:
1. I mixed the castor oil with my Curel lotion to give me more moisture to my skin. It worked really well for my horribly dry eczema skin.
2. I use the castor oil as an oil rinse. I mixed it in a 50:50 ratio of EVOO and castor oil.
3. I also use a small drop of the castor oil as a moisturizer for my face.

For my hair:
1. I use the castor oil as a moisturizer for my hair.
2. I have plans to use the 50:50 mixture as an oil rinse.

There are many benefits to castor oil as previously mentioned but, I am finding other great uses for it also!

Natural Skin Care: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is my skin today. I did not apply any foundation. I simply applied EVOO to moisturize it in this cold weather.

My sister, Auset, has taken an interest to completely natural skincare. I must admit that this sparked my interest also. She said that she went to Moptop Maven's blog and read all her posts her on her skin care so that she may implement them. I do plan on checking out her skin care posts and updating my skin care regimen.

For the time being however, I decided to tell you all a part of my skincare regimen that I have been using for months that I simply adore. I use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a moisturizer for my face. It works wonders!

I know some people do not think putting oil on the skin is a good thing. They think that by adding oil to the skin that it will lead to more break outs. However, I have not suffered from breakouts since using this method.

My skin type is combination in the warmer weather and it is dry in the colder weather. After washing my face with simple IVORY soap and drying it. I apply about a nickel size amount of EVOO to my face in the warmer months (I double the dosage in the colder months).

Here are the benefits of EVOO on the skin:
1. Moisturizes the skin--no matter the weather
2. Gives the skin a nice glow that is not oily looking
3. Does not have an overpowering scent
4. Eliminated the dry white spots that I used to have around my eyebrows and cheek area.

In the past, I used St. Ives Collagen Elastin Moisturizer but, ever since I started using EVOO I have very rarely picked up the St. Ives.

Today, I applied the EVOO to my skin and I decided to forego the foundation today. This oil really keeps my skin moisturized in the cold weather. Usually, when I come into the building after being out in the cold air and wind my skin will feel like cracking but, it feels so supple today.

NOT a Staple Product: Cantu Shea Butter Leave In

Now, I know that there are many naturals who are big fans of this products and I am not knocking them at all. This is just a personal review of my experience with this product. But, we must remember we all have different heads of hair and what works for one may not work for another. Now on to the review...

I first bought this product when I began transitioning. I really did not know the results of it on my hair because I kept my hair cornrowed through most of my transition. Then, when I was fully natural I wasn't really feeling the results from the leave-in. I feel a leave-in should leave your hair feeling soft, moisturized, etc. But, this did none of those things. Then, this past weekend I decided to give Cantu another try for my braid-out. And I realized I hated this product! My hair was weighed down, felt so nasty because of build-up, and a white film was left on some parts of the hair that was hard to get off.

Ingredients: Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) (Shea Butter), Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean), Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium 37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG 1 Trideceth 6, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Panthenol, PPG 1 PEG 9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Lanolin Oil, Cinnamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Benzophenone 3, BHA, BHT, Zea Mays Oil (Corn), Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, DMDM Hydrantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)

Cons:
1. Leaves the hair feeling weighed down.
2. Takes away the natural volume of natural hair.
3. Leave a nasty filmy build-up.
4. Contains one of the worst silicones, which means its hard to get off of your hair.
5. This product actually has warnings on the back of it. I just noticed this the past weekend.
6. One of warnings state: "Avoid applying directly to new growth." Uh, my whole head is new growth. Duh.
7. I feel this product is mainly targeted towards relaxed tresses.

Pros:
1. Very economical price (But, I can understand why.)
2. You get a lot of product (But, again, I can understand why.)

A Staple Product: Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Conditioner

You already know that I am a big fan of the Giovanni product line. I did a previous review for the leave-in conditioner HERE. And I did another review on the shampoo HERE. So, now I am moving on the Giovanni Deep Moisture conditioner.

I adore this conditioner. I always use it in conjunction with the entire Giovanni line. Meaning, if I am shampooing with the Giovanni then I will be conditioning with the Giovanni. This conditioner has a creamy consistency and is great for detangling. However, since this is one of my most expensive conditioners I usually mainly deep condition with this only.

Pros:
1. Great consistency.
2. No overpowering scent.
3. Provides great moisture to the hair.
4. Great for detangling.
5. Gives great sheen to the hair.
6. Decreases the amount of frizz.

Cons:
1. Other conditioners can provide these same results. So, there is not a need to purchase this particular brand.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water) With *Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Extract, (Mangifera Indica (Mango) Extract, *Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, *Ginkgo Biloba Extract, *Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, *Salix Alba (Willow Bark), *Macrocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamide Mea, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysulfaine, Decyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disteareth-75 Ipdi,C11-15 Pareth-7, Citric Acid, C12-16 Pareth-9,Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance With Essential Oils. *Certified Organic By Guaranteed Certification Services.


I am a loyal consumer of Giovanni and I will be purchasing this product again. When I go to Target, I just pick up all three of my main products from this line--and the conditioner is apart of it. Now, I do plan on trying some of their other products from this line. So, stay tuned for that...

Tried Something New: Honey Deep Conditioner

So, last week I told yall that I purchased some honey. My sister, Auset, did a couple of posts on the benefits of honey so, I really wanted to try it on my hair. I did not know exactly how I was going to use the honey when I bought it but, I knew that I was going to use it in some method. Therefore, I went back to my sister's blog and then started checking out her posts on honey. I was delighted to find that she did a post that linked me to CurlyNikki's site. On CurlyNikki she provided a recipe for a honey deep conditioner. It sounded pretty simple to make so, I implemented it. All the recipe calls for is EVOO, honey, and optional conditioner.

Check out the recipe HERE.

Changes I made:
Now the recipe only called for 1 tablespoon for each ingredient. But, I increased the amount to 1/8 of a cup. I just don't think a tablespoon is enough for my thick mane. Also, the recipe said that you may add your fave conditioner (optional). So, I added my HE Hello Hydration. Another change I made was I did not put a hot towel over my hair once it was applied. I added a plastic shower cap and then wrapped my towel over the cap. I kept the mixture in for about 35 minutes. It was suggested to leave in for about 30 minutes but, I started chopping some vegetables and the time flew away.

My experience:
1. First off, I put the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Maybe this was too long because that oil was so HOT! I tested it with my finger (which I suggest you do, if you plan on trying this) and it felt like it was going to burn my finger off. So, I kept checking back periodically and it stayed hot. So, not to waste time, I just added a little bit more conditioner to the mixture so, that it may cool it off some. This worked.
2. I applied the mixture section by section in my hair. Then, I distributed the remaining amount over my entire head.
3. After I took off the plastic cap my hair looked shinier and supple. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures. Next time I will).
4. Also, after I mixed the EVOO and honey I had to take a taste. I mean I love EVOO and honey so, I was curious:-) It was good. I suggest you not taste it after the conditioner is added.
5. The smell of this mixture was simply divine. I mean, honey and coconut is a great combination. The sweet smell was in the air and my hair.
6. I will definitely be using this deep conditioner again.

A Staple Product: Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo

I have already reviewed the Giovanni Deep Moisture Leave-in so now it is time to move on to the shampoo.

I have been a faithful user of this shampoo since I first became natural. I heard many great things about it on numerous blogs so, I knew I would definitely be using that shampoo. Currently, this is my only shampoo. I do love what it does for my hair. I do want to try other shampoos in the future but, I am pleased with my current shampoo. So, why mess up a good thing?

Pros:
1. Has no bad ingredients--no sulfate.
2. Does not leave hair feeling stripped and/or dry.
3. Does what it says--provides deep moisture.
4. Does not give too much lather. It just lightly suds up.
5. I only have to lather once (no repeat) to achieve great results.
6. Price is not ridiculous for such a great product.
7. Does not have an overpowering scent.
8. Can be found at Target, Ulta, etc. so, there is no need to order it.
9. No animal products and cruelty free. Vegan.

Cons:
Honestly, I can't think of one con for this product.

Ingredients: Aqua ((purified water)), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Extract (*), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Extract (*), Cymbopogon Schoeanthus (Lemongrass) Extract (*), Ginkgo Biloba Extract (*), Echinacea Angustifolia (Coneflower) Extract (*), Salix Alba (Willow Bark) (*), Marcocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract (*), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract (*), Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract (*), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract (*), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract (*), Sodium C14 16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Decyl Glucoside, Ethylhexyglycerin, Disteareth 75 IPDI, C11 15 Pareth 7, Citric Acid, C12 16 Pareth 9, Glycerin, Trideceth 12, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance with Essential Oils

This is definitely my go-to shampoo. Even if I try other shampoos in the future, I will definitely still purchase this product. It is a must have, in my opinion, in my household.

Next up, the Giovanni Deep Moisture conditioner...

A Staple Item: Satin Bonnet

Oh, the importance of a satin bonnet (or satin scarf)!! I am sure you have heard on many natural blogs or from naturals around you (and even relaxed girls) the importance of their satin bonnet. I wear my satin bonnet every night and even when I am taking a brief nap. I can not imagine my hair rubbing against harsh cotton. I know some naturals choose to sleep on a satin pillow but, I love the cool feel of cotton.

Can you believe that last night I forgot to sleep with my satin bonnet?!?! It just totally slipped my mind. This morning I was so annoyed with myself I kept touching my braids to see if any frizz occured. I did have some. So, I smoothed it down and then bobby pinned those pieces in place that were out. I could have avoided all of this if I would've slept with my bonnet.

So, why is a satin bonnet so important? Simply put, our hair can not take constant rubbing or movement against other fabrics (i.e. cotton, wool, acrylic). This can cause friction which can lead to breakage. And that is something we all wish to avoid. This simple bonnet is a life saver.

The bonnets are not hard to find. They sale them at most pharmacies, department store, and beauty supply stores. And the cost is not ridiculous at all. Also, the boneets come with a wide range of options. You can get a bonnet with a tie string, with ruffly elastic edging, or a smooth stretch edging. The smoothy stretch edging is my favorite, however; I do own the ruffly elastic edging also.

Recently, I started to wear a satin bonnet under my slouchy hats. I make my hats with an acrylic yarn and I have always been nervouse that the acrylic would rub against my hair. So now, I simply put the bonnet on and put my hat over the bonnet. So simple.

Where would I be without my satin bonnet???

A Staple Product: Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner

So, I have had the Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner since I first became natural. I really didn't know how I felt about the leave-in, which is why I have been hesitant to review it. However, this past weekend I used it again and I realize that I do like this product. My initial hesitant feelings was mainly due to the frothy white residue that is on the hair after you apply the leave-in. I guess I was used to leave-ins that don't leave any type of residue. Yet, what's amazing about this residue is that is soaks into the hair and eventually disappears. So, here's my thoughts on this leave-in conditioner...

Pros:
1. This product has great ingredients.
2. This product promotes moisture in the hair, which is always good.
3. There is not an overpowering scent to this product.
4. This product soaks into each strand of the hair once applied.
5. This product does not leave a build-up.
6. This product gives control to the hair but, it keeps the hair soft.

Cons:
1. There is a white frothy residue on the hair but, it eventually leaves.
2. The price may be considered too high--considering that you can get these same results with some cheapie conditioners.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Purifed) Water, Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Oil, Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Birch (Butela Alba) Leaf Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis Flower) Oil, Clary (Salvia Sclarea), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Fargara), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, Mallow (Malya Sylvestris), Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Oil, Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Cetyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Tocopherol (*Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (Corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Derived)

Overall, I am pleased with this product. Will I be buying it again? Most likely. I am loyal to the Giovanni line of products. They have some great products. So, I know that when I go to my local Target to restock on my Giovanni I will be repurchasing this product. Also, I think its good to spoil yourself sometimes.

There will be more reviews of the Giovanni line coming in the future...

A Staple Product: Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight Conditioner

Do not be afraid of the title of this conditioner. It will not straighten your hair. However, I will tell you what it will do.

I used the Herbal Essence Dangerously Straight conditioner last Sunday when I was putting in my twist for a twist-out. I used this conditioner as a leave-in. I am already a fan of the Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and the Herbal Essence Totally Twisted conditioner. So, I decided to give the Dangerously Straight a try. I may not be a product junkie but, I do adore conditioners.

These are the pros of this product:
1. The scent is simply divine. It is pear flavored.
2. It provides great slip for the hair.
3. Helps with detangling the hair--very easily.
4. This has a thick consistency so, it distributes in the hair perfectly.
5. This product really helps control frizzy hair. My twist-out was much more defined for a longer period of time.

These are the cons of this product:
1. This product will leave more residue in the hair when used as a leave-in. I apply oil to eliminate the residue but, I still has some residue. This may not be a problem if you do not use conditioners as a leave-in.
2. I adore the scent however; some may think that it is too strong.

Overall, I do like this product. I like the control it gives to my hair. I will be purchasing this product in the future because of the many benefits it has. This is another staple conditioner in my line of conditioners. This is my hair on Day 1 with the HE Dangerously Straight. This is my hair on Day 6 with the HE Dangerously Straight. There was a light drizzle on this day and my hair still held up.

A Staple Product: Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil

This is my second review for a Hollywood Beauty product. I bought this HB Castor Oil because of the ingredients that were listed--they're very good and understandable. I must admit that it is not a product I use a whole lot. However, I do use it.

This product claims to do the following: Provide Moisturizing, Healing, Strengthening, and Conditioning for the Hair and Scalp.

I mainly use this product on my scalp. I use it only when I feel my scalp is very dry, which is not very often. I also use it on my missing patch of hair. (Click HERE for that blog post). I must say that I really appreciate this product.

Here are the pros of the product:
1. It is great for a dry scalp.
2. It really does help with problem areas of the scalp--my hair has begun to grow back in this area in a little over a month.
3. If you like to apply "grease" to your scalp or your child's scalp, this is the better choice.

Here are the cons of the produt:
1. This product can get a "greasy" feel to it when used on the hair.
2. If applied to the hair, it can feel as if there is build-up from the product on the hair. It has a heavy feel and I like my hair lightweight.

Ingredients: Hollywood Beauty Oil Complex , Castor Oil , Mink Oil , Sweet Almond Oil , Tocopheryl Acetate- Vitamin E , Jojoba Oil , Paraffin Oil , Safflower Oil , Lanolin , Cocoa Butter , Propylparaben , Fragrance

Overall, I do like this product. I feel it is a great product for providing moisture to the scalp. This is not a product that I use everyday but, it is a product that is used. I try to apply it about every 1-2 days to my problem are to promote conditioning, healing, and strengthening. So far, I feel it is a great aid in this area.

A Staple Product: Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Conditioner

In a previous post, I discussed the importance of buying cheapie conditioners. I am an avid co-washer and it is imperative that I am always stocked with my conditioners. I have a few of my staple cheapie conditioners and I am usually reluctant to try new types. However, my sister Auset, is an avid buyer of conditioners and she bought me this Herbal Essence Totally Twisted (it was a 2 for $5 special).

I must admit that I simply adore this conditioner and it will be added to my list of conditioners that I regularly buy.

These are the pros of this product:
1. It has a thick and creamy consistency.
2. It leaves the hair with a nice sheen.
3. It is great for leaving in because it gives a nice hold without being hard.
4. It is made specifically for hair that has curls and waves (my twist-out is super defined today).
5. The smell is just divine. It consists of lavender and jade.

The cons of this product:
1. Because the texture is thick and creamy it will leave some white residue on the hair. However, I alleviate this by applying my olive oil after my hair is fully dry. (This may not be a con for most people because they may wash their conditioner out, but I leave it in my hair.)

Below is the result of my hair from using this conditioner as a leave-in.

A Staple Product: Grape Seed Oil

I must admit that I have never really thought about grapeseed oil until my hair loss. It was suggested on some sites/blogs/vlogs that grapeseed oil really helps with hair loss. It was for this reason that I bought it.

I initially used grapeseed oil on my scalp, but this did not work out at all. See...grapeseed oil is a very lightweight oil (not like the EVOO or the cocount oil). The oil was running down my face ALL DAY. I felt like I had a Jheri Curl and the juice kept leaking. I thought maybe I used too much and the sun (I was at a cookout) was making it do this. So, then I put on a lighter amount. It was still running down my face (and this time I was in a building). My sister, Alison, was like "you have something on your face". Aargh! So, then I thought maybe I should only use the oil in that spot--where the hair loss is. And it still leaked onto my forehead! I said, "I can't do this. I don't want to walk around with a cloth to soak up the oil on my face/neck." So, I stopped using it all together. But, since I am a thrifty chick I started thinking maybe I could use this oil for something else. I now apply it to my hair after my twists have been put in and on the twisted out hair. It works wonderfully for application to the hair only--NOT the scalp. And I still use a small amount. I simply spray it into my hands, rub them together, and gently distribute it through my hair. It gives my hair a nice sheen and makes it feel so soft. The brand of Grapeseed oil I use is Spectrum Grape seed oil.
These are some of the known benefits of Grapeseed Oil:
Grapeseed oil is popular because it is odorless and full of minerals and vitamins that help strengthen your hair. It is an odorless oil, and can help add shine and moisture to your hair. Grapeseed oil is known for having a high content of linoleic acid, an important fatty acid that supports cell health.(CareFair.com) Also, because it is lightweight it is better able to penetrate the scalp.

My pros:
1. Gives a great sheen to the hair without weighing it down.
2. It claims to strengthen the hair (I still need to use it over a period of time to note any change). I am seeking to have stronger hair.
3. It is odorless and does not compete with any scents from my other oils or perfumes.
4. Provides moisture to the hair and therefore, makes my hair feel so soft!

My cons:
1. May be too lightweight for the scalp because it will run into the face/neck. Not a great oil for the scalp.
2. This oil has a relatively short shelf life of 10-12 weeks. So make sure you put the date that you bought it on the bottle.

A Staple Product: Fantasia IC Olive Gel

I must admit that I am not an avid user of this gel. However, recently I have tried to increase my use of this gel (since I bought it). In the past, I used it about 2-3 times on my edges before I went to bed. Then, I stopped using it. However, since I am wearing twist-outs more often I decided that I could test out this product and provide a review of it.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Dimethicone Copolyol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polysorbate-20, Benzophenone-4, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum).

Pros:
1. Gives great hold to the hair.
2. Brings out the curls in the hair.
3. Does not give the hard, crunchy feel to the hair that some gels do.
4. This gel does not contain any alcohol which can be very drying to the hair.
5. Gives a great hold to the edges of the hair.

Cons:
1. It is not the most moisturizing gel.
2. It claims to provide a sleek shine but, I have to add oils in order to obtain a sheen.The shine it provides is not the best--my other hair gel has a better shine.
3. It makes my hair feel dryer which is another reason I add oils to my hair.
4. The smell is average--this is not a major con.

I can say that I will most likely continue to use this product. I am still on the fence on whether I will re-purchase it. I think I may stay on the hunt for a moisturizing gel that gives great hold. So far, my favorite gel is still the Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking gel. Look at my previous post here of my twist-out with the JML gel. There is a much better sheen.

I mainly used this product to set my twists when the hair is wet. And I must admit my twist out today is looking beautiful to me. Below is my hair today. I wet twisted it with the Fantasia IC Olive Gel yesterday after I co-washed it.

A Staple Product: Shea Butter

If you are familiar with the natural world then, I am sure you have heard a lot about the benefits of Shea Butter. Even before I was fully natural, I bought a thing of Shea Butter. Many people use shea butter for their hair, but some also use it for the skin.

The definition of Shea Butter: Shea butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored natural fat extracted from the seed of the African shea tree by crushing and boiling. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and salve. (source: www.wikipedia.org)

These are some of the known benefits of shea butter: Daily skin moisturizer (face and body),Dry skin relief, Dry scalp, Skin rash- including diaper rash, Skin peeling(after tanning), Blemishes and wrinkles, Itching skin due to dryness, Sunburn, Shaving cream to reduce razor irritation, Small skin wounds, Skin cracks, Soften tough skin on feet (especially heels), Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, Minor burns, Eczema, Sun and wind protection, Even skin tone, Reduce blemishes and scarring, Eliminating scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing, Preventing bumps after shaving, Reducing acne (especially in combination with African Black Soap), Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, helps restore elasticity to skin, Restores luster to hair (source: www.treasuredlocks.com)

Now here's my take (experience) on shea butter: I have tried in the past to use shea butter on my skin because I have eczema. However, the shea butter has made it even more irritated. So, I use shea butter solely for my hair. Shea butter has a very thick texture and has to be melted down in order to use it on the hair. In the past, I would transfer some to a microwaveable safe bowl and just melt it down with no added products. Now, I add olive oil to it and then melt it down and mix the two together. The benefit of adding olive oil is that it softens the shea butter so that I may use it again without having to melt it down. Adding olive oil also gives me the benefit of having even more moisture and sheen.The pros of this product are: (1)it provides a great sheen/moisture to the hair (2) it softens the hair (3) its thick texture allows for me to control frizzy hair--like around my edges. (4)it works wonderfully for sealing the ends of my hair. The cons of this product are: (1)it has a hard texture that must be melted down or mixed with other products in order to make it soft. (2)the smell is not the best (not the worse either).

This is a staple product for me and it is very beneficial to the hair. Additonally, shea butter is growing in popularity so much! You can walk down the hair product aisle at any store and find so many shampoos, conditioners--even relaxers--that boast about having shea butter in their product. However, I have always felt it best to eliminate the middle man and go straight to the source. That is why I buy shea butter in its pure form. This way, I can gain all the nutrients of the product without it being diluted with other ingredients that I know nothing about.

A Staple Product: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

My, oh my! How I love EVOO!

I have heard about the many wonderful benefits of EVOO on a number of blogs. But, I did not fully understand the joys of this product until I used it on my own hair.

Pros:
(1) Gives a great sheen to the hair that lasts for days
(2) Does not give a oily/greasy feel to the hair
(3) The smell is very subtle and does not compete with other fagrances
(4) Leaves hair feeling wonderfully soft
(5) It is great for the hair and skin as a moisturizer and leaves a wonderful glow
(6) Controls frizzy hair
(7) A little goes a long way
(8) And though this pro does not relate to hair...it is one of the most healthy oils to cook with!

Cons:
(1) None

According to the Global Healing Center: Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first press only and is the highest quality olive oil with perfect flavor, aroma, and balanced acidity.

Because of this description of EVOO, I choose to use the extra virgin form of olive oil compared to Pure Olive Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, or Cold Pressed Olive Oil. It is best that we use the oil in its highest quality because only then can we gain all the nutrients and full benefits of it.

EVOO will definitely be a staple product and added to my regimen.

A Staple Product: Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel

Even though I am not starting any locs (at least no time soon) I must admit that this is a great product. I will be using this product mainly for my twists. As mentioned previously, I put some twists in my hair this past Sunday and this set is so much better than the last. Last time I used Cantu Shea Butter on dry hair. This was probably not the best choice because my twists did not last that long and they kept unravelling. By using the Jamaican Mango & Lime, I have not had this problem. My twists are still in and I love how they are looking today. Each night I would simply sleep with a satin bonnet and oil my hair every other day. Refer to the pic below to see my hair today...this is day 5 with the twists.



Here are the pros of this product:
(1)It does what it says it will do...I have no buildup, and my twists are still looking great and held up wonderfully. (2)The smell is so blissful (i am a sucker for great scents). (3)This product also promises that it is great for starting and maintaining locs and this is true. Even though I don't have locs my sister did for 4 years and I she was a faithful user of this product--which, is probably why we have random bottles of it in the house.(4)I love the texture of it...it does not feel like your typical gel. It feels kind of bouncy and lightweight (rather hard to describe).

Here are the cons of this product:
(1)Some people may not like the texture of the product if they are expecting it to feel like a typical gel. (2)I don't really understand the ingredients of the product, however; there isn't a long list of ingredients (which is a good thing).

Ingredients:
Deionized Water (Aqua) , Polyquaternium 37 , VP DMAPA , Acrylate Copolymer , Propylene Glycol , Diazolidinyl Urea , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Fragrance (Parfum) , Yellow #10 (CI 47005) , Red #33 (CI 17200)

Overall, this will definitely be a staple product for me. I love that it maintains my twists. And considering that I will doing more protective styles like twists on my hair, this product is a must.

I feel that my twists could definitely last for about 4-5 more days, however; on Sunday night I will be doing a new set on dry hair. I will be co-washing on Saturday and deep conditioning on Saturday also.

**I included a bonus pic below because I am in love with her hair and she is very beautiful.

A Staple Product - Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Oil

Product reviews will be a recurring theme on this blog. I will begin by focusing on the products that I use most often. This product review is on Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Oil. I must admit that I did not purchase this product. My baby sister, Auset Abena, purchased it while at school and when she brought it home during Spring Break she left it by mistake. Since she left it, I decided to use it on my hair and observe how it worked(I did let her know I would be using it).

This is the description of the product from Carol's Daughter website, www.carolsdaughter.com: Tui Hair Oil soothes dry scalp while adding shine and softness providing hydration and moisture for styling and healthy hair growth.

I must admit that I adore this product for a number of reasons. First off, the smell is simply divine. It is a perfect "perfume" for the hair and I love it. It is a mix of guave, mango, and passion fruit! Secondly, this product gives my hair the most lustrous sheen. I usually apply it only twice a week and the sheen will last throughout my week. Thirdly, this product really does add softness to my hair. Since using this product my hair has never felt dry, brittle, or hard to the touch. And lastly, I love this product because of the moisture it provides for my hair. I am always seeking products that provide moisture b/c type 4 hair has a tendency to dry out.

It should be noted that this product is paraben free, with no petroleum, no mineral oil, and no artificial color. What great perks!!

These are the ingredients:Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Fragrance, Calendula officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract. May Contain: Dried Angel Wings (Assorted Colors).

I will be purchasing this product in the future because it will be a staple. I have not tried any of Carol's Daughter other products, but I must admit that I am curious about the hair milk. The only thing that deters me from her products is that she advertises them as "Excellent for all hair types." I just don't believe that products can cater to hair types across the board. Because everyone hair differs and what works for my tight coils may not work for a person with bone straight hair. But that just my opinion...

I do love this product!

A Staple Product-Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil Creme

I know some naturals admit to being a PJ (product junkie). However, I can't say that I suffer too much from this affliction:-) I admit that when I'm in Ulta, Target, or even a Bargain store I walk down the hair aisle just to check out new products. And every blue moon I will try something new. But, this is one product that I tried and is now a staple.

I started using Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil Creme (HBOOC) while transitioning but, I wasn't paying attention to its effect on my hair. But, when I was completely natural I would use this product on my hair about 4 times a week whenever I would braid my hair for the night. After about a week I noticed that my hair and scalp would be so moisturized. This product does not experience build-up. (For example, have you ever scratched your scalp with certain products and had all this gunk under your nails??? Well that doesn't happen with this product.) Someone even asked me once how I get my hair to look so moisturized and I will have to say that this is one of the products that helps in that department. Another great use for this product is that it helps with my nightly detangling session. I will put just a dab of this on my ends and gently detangle any fairy knots that may have occured throughout my day. And I have to say that I have very little shedding/loss of hair.

I usually purchase this product from my local bargain store, which is called Maxway (part of the Bargain Town chain). It only costs me $4 at Maxway. However, I have noticed this product at my local CVS also but, it is about a dollar and some change higher there. You have to admit though, that this is a great value.

The ingredients include: Water , Isopropyl Myistate , Soybean Oil , Olive Oil , Stearic Acid , Stearyl Alcohol , Glyceryl Stearate , Vitamin E , Matricaria Extract (Chamomile) , Calendula Extract , Vitamin B , Macadamia Nut Oil , Vitamin A , Coconut Oil , Rosemary Extract , Sage Extract , Vitamin C , Great Burdock Extract , Triethanolamine , Methyl Paraben , Propyl Paraben , Imidazolidinyl Urea , Fragrance , FD&C Yellow No. 5 , FD&C Blue No. 1

If you feel like trying a new product but, at a great value then go out and try this. I love it!!