Thursday, October 31, 2013

Carol's Daughter-- Mimosa Hair Honey (Remixed)

Back in June I purchased a new product with high hopes, the Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey I was so excited about this product even though I'm familiar with ingredients and know that there is no miracle or wonder product. I read all the reviews I could find online, watched the YouTube videos, went through the forums, you name it. I got my product and I couldn't wait to use it.

I rushed the box inside and opened it up. I grabbed the 8 oz. jar and twisted the top off to smell that wonderful scent that everyone spoke of in their favorable reviews.  Huh, yeah right.....first issue- I live in South Florida and my package had been in my mailbox, in the summer sun so it was a runny mess. I nearly poured it from the jar in my eagerness to smell it, and the smell wasn't all that. Take it from me the lady with the nose of a blood hound. It was a pleasant smell but the majority of hair products have a nice scent, that's part of the allure.  I popped it into the refrigerator for a few hours to get it temperate and firm.

Upon removing the Mimosa Hair Honey I was left a little underwhelmed. It was the consistency of a thick, runny, liquid pomade. It in  no way had the consistency of a traditional pomade, not even the light, thin versions.

Package Claim: Mimosa Hair Honey is a shine- boosting pomade that helps control frizz for smooth styles. The blend of Nettle Extract with Cocoa and Shea butters nourish your hair to replenish its natural strength, give it softness, and improve its manageability. Made with beeswax to seal in moisture for better shine, and made without mineral oil or petroleum so your hair will not be weighed down.

I tried to use it on my scalp but managed to create a greasy, oily mess. I tried it on my daughters hair and it was too light. However in both cases it did yield a decent shine/sheen. Next I tried it as a sealant in the L.O.C. method. it was only okay. It was now time to brainstorm and figure out what to do with this product to make it usable to me.

As a product maker and mixstress, I immediately went to the ingredient list to try and figure out what could improve the product. I figured that it only needed a little added firmness, something to make it less runny, and more like a traditional pomade/ hair grease. I had just the right ingredient in my  supply stash, beeswax. I rely on it in many formulations to add body and firmness to product texture. It helps to hold these formulations together, and homogenize butter and oil mixes in pomades.

I must say that after remixing the product to the desired consistency, I have been using it with satisfaction. It is very oily, and you can easily apply too much. Having a light hand is essential to using this product. I  apply it mostly to my daughter's dry scalp because she wears her hair in protective styles 90% of the time.  I use it to add shine to her styles and my twists and a little goes a long way. I have barely made a dent in this jar.


To sum it all up the product does exactly as it says, adds shine as a 'shine pomade hairdress." It is definitely an investment at a price of $17.00 for an 8 oz. jar. It has good ingredients that are commonly found in quality hair products and is available both on ground and by internet order. I'd recommend waiting for a black Friday sale, or purchasing a membership which gives you a 10% discount and free standard shipping for one year. The membership sometimes goes on sale for less than the regular $25.00 price(I paid $5.00).  If you can get this product on sale, try it.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

REVIEW- Hot Head Thermal Deep Conditioning Cap

I am super excited to announce that my Hot Head heated conditioning bonnet has arrived, and just in time because today is wash day for me. A few weeks ago I contact the owner of the Hot Head brand via her Etsy store and expressed my interest in her brand. I'd previously seen many YouTubers and forum posts and reviews on the Hair Therapy Wrap but very, very, few on the Hot Head. From my observation the Hair Therapy Wrap appears to be bulky, and requires the user to insert and remove gel packs which can burst when over heated, or can be punctured and damaged.

The Hot Head is a self contained, microwaveable unit containing flax seed. It is heated in the microwave for no more than one minute and ten seconds. It is then placed over applied conditioner that is covered with a plastic conditioning cap, and worn as you would wear any other bonnet.

Statement from merchant:
Dry, Frizzy, or Damaged Hair? Looking for the best way to bring your hair back to life? Specially created Hot Head Thermal Hair Care are reusable, microwaveable caps made with comfy terry cloth and cotton designed with special flax-filled pouches to distribute the heat effectively and moisturize your hair like never before!

More info at: www.thermalhaircare.com

Hot Head is designed to improve your hair's ability to absorb deep conditioner. The moist heat provided by Hot Head allows your hair follicles to open up and maximize your deep conditioning treatment. This is a great option for helping to eliminate numerous hair "challenges". Thermal hair repair is the best way to truly amplify your conditioning treatment and get a noticeable improvement quickly.

The best part about this product is that it's easy to use. Just microwave and wear for the healthiest of hair! Simply place the Hot Head in the microwave for about a minute and place on your head with a plastic cap to fully indulge your hair.

Thermal Treatment is one reason salon conditioned hair looks so fabulous - with Hot Head you can now do it in the comfort of your home! Plus it’s reversible… so why not mix it up!

Stylists know you can’t beat the heat for luscious, hydrated hair.

It’s as simple as…
1. Conditioner
2. Plastic Cap
3. Hot Head
For the healthiest of locks!

Get ready to see your hair look healthier than ever.

My Experience:

I washed my hair as I normally would and used a sulfate shampoo, the Suave Everlasting Sunshine Shampoo. I then proceeded to apply my deep conditioners starting with the Komaza Care Olive Moisture mask, which I had very little of and needed to finish off. It provided some slip/lubrication to the hair for finger detangling. Next, I applied my Crece Pelo Treatment and finger combed through my hair while it was sectioned to ensure complete coverage. I then gathered my hair at the crown of my head and put on a plastic conditioning cap, and covered my head with the Hot Head Thermal Deep Conditioning  Heat Cap. I'd previously heated my Hot Head in the microwave for a total of 1 minute 10 seconds in accordance with the manufacturer directions. It may be heated longer if you prefer, however it is advised that you heat it in 10 second increments,and reposition it to ensure even heating.

It remained warm for approximately 35-45 minutes. However I was able to wear it for little more than an hour because the heat that it generated while it was warm, had been trapped underneath. When I removed the caps, I allowed my hair a cooling period and I must say that my hair felt as it did when I'd sat under a hooded dryer at home or in a salon. Previous to the Hot Head, I would wear a conditioning cap for a long period and wrap it with something to hold heat in. This was done for a minimum of two hours, and sometimes overnight. I am more than thrilled to have  the Hot Head as a conditioning aid. I received the maximum benefit from my conditioning session. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to improve upon their conditioning experience. It can be purchased by accessing the link below and is available in different styles.

www.thermalhaircare.com












Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Review: Silicon Mix Bambu Treatment

The Silicon Mix Bambu Treatment is a Dominican manufactured product. It's made by Avanti and is widely popular in Dominican salons, and among the Hispanic and natural community. I purchased this product to use on my daughter's and my hair. She is transitioning, and mostly natural. I've been keeping her hair in protective styles.

A. Ingredients- the ingredients in this product include, water, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, mineral oil, glycerin, behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, propylene glycol, Bambusa Vulgaris extract (Bamboo), polysorbate 20, alcohol denat, horse chestnut seed extract, retinyl palmitate, tocopherol, PABA, inositol, panthenol, linoleic acid, biotin, cyclomethicone, dimethiconol, citric acid, polyparaben, methyl paraben, diazolidinyl UREA, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, fragrance, color.

Bamboo extract is the ninth listed ingredient from a total of twenty eight. The product also contains mineral oil (4th), parabens, and true to its name silicones. This is not a natural or an organic product. Other ingredients include biotin, panthenol, and horse chestnut extract.

B. Aesthetics- This product is creamy and of medium thickness. It is a light orange color, with a very strong, perfume like scent. It is not as thick as I'd prefer but the amount of slip it offers is good for detangling.

C. Cost & Availability- I purchased this product in an 8 oz. jar from my local beauty supply store for $5.99.  It was also available in 16 oz. size for $9.99. It is readily available at both my local beauty supply stores. Larger sizes of 32oz. for $14.95, and 1/2 gallon for approximately $26.99, are available online. I've used Bluebeez.com and received really good service, a fair price, and low shipping.

D. Product Promise & Practicality of Use- Nutritive Hair Treatment Bambu contains bamboo extract a natural product to regenerate and nourish hair, and silicones to smooth and give shine. Prevents hair breakage and split ends. Vitamin A, E, F, H, (Biotin), Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), H8 (Inositol), and Horse Chestnut Extract
Improve the health and beauty of the hair helping it to grow longer.

It is very practical to use, the directions instruct the user to wash hair and apply with massages. Leave on 3 or more minutes depending on the condition of the hair. Rinse.

D. Effectiveness & Results- The product effectively softened my hair, left the cuticles feeling smooth, clumped my curls,and added slip to aid in detangling. It gave the same results for my daughter and left a healthy shine on her hair.
The results were satisfactory considering the less than stellar and inorganic ingredients. I don't frown upon certain ingredients being in a rinse out product because its not left in my hair.  I will purchase this product again. I've only gotten two uses from this small jar so my next purchase will be 16oz. because I love the slip. The results are comparable to more popular, expensive and "natural" brands. Haven't really found any negative reviews. Any complaints were in relation to the strength of the fragrance. It is a perfume like fragrance that is really strong. It lingers a little after rinsing, but soon wears off. The product is not a miracle product but is definitely worth trying. Keep in mind everyone's hair is different and responds differently to products, and techniques.