So Walgreens was having a sale on Shea Moisture products, a BOGO 50%off sale. As you can imagine with any product junkie, I couldn't resist the urge to indulge considering I've been waiting for a sale like this for months, since I missed the BOGO free sale. Everywhere I look I see people talking about the sale on Shea Moisture, and what they purchased. So here is what I purchased- Organic Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask, and The Coconut Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk. I was in hurry to get home and try these new goodies.
First for the Deep Treatment Mask- It is of a very creamy consistency, and boasts some good ingredients to include argan oil,neem oil,coconut oil, shea butter,horsetail extract. The scent is a very strong perfumed, gardenis , monoi type scent. I wanted so much to love this product. It appeared to be very promising, until I got it on my hair and it just sat there. It did nothing to soften or contribute to the detangling of my hair. My hair instantly felt hard and dry,despite being wet and full of product. The product on my hair was as if I'd mixed Elmer's school paste, and flour to make paper mache. I ended up washing it out and having to use another product to deep condition and detangle my hair.
So then I moved on to the part that recomended the product be used as a styler, or leave in. I applied my regular moisturizer and a little of this on top to do twists. The hair was super soft and super fluffy,but it looked like a cottony unkept afro that hadn't been combed in years even though I'd just untwisted it, so this product really did nothing for me. I hsve since passed it on to a family member who is a new natural.
Now for the Coconut Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk- This product is a thick creamy lotion, that is not greasy or watered down. It has a very pleasant scent that takes on the characteristics of the coconut,hibiscus, and honeysuckle. It boasts a good list of ingredients to include, shea butter, coconut oil,neem oil, sugar starch, silk protein, carrot seed oil, honeysuckle, and horsetail to name a few. Now it is important that I note this product doesn't create curl, it helps to hold and accent the existing curl pattern. So whatever curl pattern you have this is to hold it.
The product claims to detangle, which did not exist in my case. It would be hard for me to see this as a detangler because it has no slip to it. It did nothing to even make my hair feel conditioned, which it also claimed to do. The oils in it are really light and not coating as to seal in moisture.
I will use this product up, but I don't thing that I will buy either of them again. Neither did anything to impress me on the quest to find products on the ground that I could use on my hair. I have the Hold and Shine Moisture Mist, and the Curling Souffle, I plan to fully experiment with these two products and give an honest review.
Monday, November 7, 2011
ITS JUST GREASE!!!
So here is my opinion on this whole thing about using hair grease. I was reading a blog post by Curly Nikki and how she used hair grease to seal her hair for a twist out. Mind you this is something that was posted by a YT vlogger JCokes, and everyone is screaming that
CN stole her idea, and recreated it into her blog post. In actuality I have seen numerous YT vlogs, blogs, and videos on using good old fashion hair grese and they are older than JCokes' video. So does this mean that she also stole the idea from someone? No, this means that each of these YT postings and blogs are sharing info, opinions, and instructions on their experiences with this method. The people making all of these outrageous accustions are taking it too damn far.
Now, that brings me to this. Who the hell sat down and wrote the natural hair rule book? I thought being natural, as a part of how God made you, being an original, not conforming to an idea of what someone else considers beautiful in straightened hair, gave you a freedom. So now some judgemental chic is telling me that if I use grease or choose not to spend $20 on a bottle of water and shea butter mixed my natural is not good enough. I certainly did not go natural to be bound by some rule book that doesn't exist. The only rule should be to do what's right for you and your hair. Do what keeps you rocking a banging, healthy, natural head of hair. Share all that info, and all of those experiences because there are people that love to hear about new things on a daily basis and we look forward to the sharing.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
New Passion
So as a natural, I have developed a passion for all things natural. Now to establish one thing, I am no natural fanatic. But I am very interested in how treating the body and nourishing it in the proper and safest manner can promote overall health and well being. My natural lifestyle change began with my transition from relaxed hair, and using synthetic hair products, to wearing my hair in its natural state without heat or chemical straightening. Thanks to forums like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Naturally Curly.com, Nappturality.com, etc. I have found some very useful information and guidance in all things natural. These are rersources that were not available in 1998 when I initially went natural. I have no doubt that this change in lifestyle has helped me to maintain my health and remain relapse free in dealing with Devics. Devics disease itself is a very misunderstood condition and little is known about how the disease behaves as far as the trigger of relapses, and the initial onset of the disease. However, it is common knowledge that diet, exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle helps manage diseases and health issues.
So the second phase of my natural lifestyle change was dealing with what I use on my skin. I am very blessed to have healthy skin that is for the most part tolerant. However I do have a large cache of products from Bath and Body Works, that smell absolutely delectable. So I have made a resolution not to purchase any other non-organic products. I am indeed a label reader and I am pleased with the fact that the products are mineral oil, petroleum, and parrafin free, for the most part. My soaps are also naturally made soaps that I order from a company in Ohio called Chagrin Valley Soaps. They offer a wide variety of products not just soap. They offer natural deodorant, facial creams, skin moisturizers, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, Sugar scrubs, body butter, etc. Having resources like these make it easier to live a more natural lifestyle.
My new passion is to began making and mixing my very own line of hair, and body care products. I have managed to find a very good resource from which to obtain the bulk ingredients, and packaging materials. I am really looking forward to putting this passion I have to create into something concrete and hopefully profitable.
So the second phase of my natural lifestyle change was dealing with what I use on my skin. I am very blessed to have healthy skin that is for the most part tolerant. However I do have a large cache of products from Bath and Body Works, that smell absolutely delectable. So I have made a resolution not to purchase any other non-organic products. I am indeed a label reader and I am pleased with the fact that the products are mineral oil, petroleum, and parrafin free, for the most part. My soaps are also naturally made soaps that I order from a company in Ohio called Chagrin Valley Soaps. They offer a wide variety of products not just soap. They offer natural deodorant, facial creams, skin moisturizers, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, Sugar scrubs, body butter, etc. Having resources like these make it easier to live a more natural lifestyle.
My new passion is to began making and mixing my very own line of hair, and body care products. I have managed to find a very good resource from which to obtain the bulk ingredients, and packaging materials. I am really looking forward to putting this passion I have to create into something concrete and hopefully profitable.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
My Natural Hair Regimen
Okay so nix the fancy word, regimen. All this word means is my routine, nothing too scientific but I think that all naturals have different routines. Here are my routines and products.
Products:
Chagrin Valley Neem and Tea Tree Shampoo and Body Bar, Summer Sunshine Shampoo Bar.
Komaza Hair Care: Califia Care Leave -In Conditioner, Califia Moisturizing Spray,Califia Moisturizing Cream, Shea Butter Hair Lotion,Jojoba Hemp Balm,Olive Moisture Mask.
Natures Way: Organic extra virgin coconut Oil
Eco-Styler: olive Oil Gel
Oyin Handmade: burnt Sugar Pomade
Regimen:
Wash Days- these for me are every 7-10 days depending on the condition of my hair. I will not sugar coat the fact that I hate washing my hair. I was with the shampoo bar of my choice. Neem and Tea Tree if its itchy, summer Sunshine if its just routine washing.
I follow up the was with a rinse out conditioner that I add olive oil, honey, and coconut oil to. This conditioner is most likely Herbal Essence Hello Hydration. I detangle with the conditioner on, and then rinse. Because I wash so infrequently, I use the Komaza Care Olive Moisture Mask as a deep conditioner every 7-10 days, which coincide with my wash cycle. I apply the Olive Moisture mask, and a conditioning cap, cover with a scarf and sit for about 30 minutes -2 hours depending on how much help my hair needs. Then I rinse.
Detangling- I go through a second round of detangling by applying the Califia moisturizing Spray, finger combing, and applying the Califia Leave-In conditioner to separate sections,and combing it from tip to root with a wide tooth smooth comb to detangle.I then pin or twist these detangled sections in place.
Moisturizing- the Califia Care Leave-In is very Moisturizing but on wash days I like to add Shea Butter Hair Lotion, to each section and moisture seal it with Califia Care Moisturizing Cream. It has a high oil content so use if with care, a little goes a long way.
Finally, I take my moisturized hair and part it-the parts dont have to be perfect and secure it in two strand twists or flat twists, until it is dry, while I'm sleeping, until I rock a twist out, or style.
Oiling my Scalp- I do this as needed to facilitate scalp massage. I'm not a fan of a very oily scalp so I use the Jojoba Hemp Balm and Coconut Oil together to oil my scalp.The jojoba Hemp Balm is also great as a finishing, shine, and anti-frizz balm.
Retwisting between washes- for this I wet my hair slightly with water from a spray bottle. use a little Califia Care leave-In and Shea Butter Lotion, and retwist with a little Burnt Sugar Pomade on my finger tips. Depending on the moisture level of my hair I use more products to moisturize and this can include the Califia Care Moisturizing cream. In this Florida weather you need moisture. My hair is very porous and very dense. I sometimes mist with an oil and water mixture of Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, or my new favorite Califia Moisturizing spray. I use the Olive oil gel on my edges and to enhance curl when wearing curly styles.
Remember that moisture comes from water, not oil. In order for a product to moisturize it must contain some amount of water. In my experience the more water the more moisturizing. The oil products work to seal the moisture, so they go hand in hand.
OTHER PRODUCTS THAT MAY BENEFIT YOUR REGIMEN- inaddition to the above listed products I have found some success with Oyin Handmade Products, the first line of natural products that I tried. They have lots of products and offer sample sizes.
The Komaza Care Line that I use now has a large selection also, and they offer sample sizes. They also have people available to answer your calls and help point you in the right direction as far as what products may be right for you. Hope this helps in establishing a regimen that works for you.
In addition with these products being natural,they have no cones,pthalates,mineral oil, petroleum products, and no sulfates. All of the previously listed ingredients can damage the health of your hair and body to some degree.
Products:
Chagrin Valley Neem and Tea Tree Shampoo and Body Bar, Summer Sunshine Shampoo Bar.
Komaza Hair Care: Califia Care Leave -In Conditioner, Califia Moisturizing Spray,Califia Moisturizing Cream, Shea Butter Hair Lotion,Jojoba Hemp Balm,Olive Moisture Mask.
Natures Way: Organic extra virgin coconut Oil
Eco-Styler: olive Oil Gel
Oyin Handmade: burnt Sugar Pomade
Regimen:
Wash Days- these for me are every 7-10 days depending on the condition of my hair. I will not sugar coat the fact that I hate washing my hair. I was with the shampoo bar of my choice. Neem and Tea Tree if its itchy, summer Sunshine if its just routine washing.
I follow up the was with a rinse out conditioner that I add olive oil, honey, and coconut oil to. This conditioner is most likely Herbal Essence Hello Hydration. I detangle with the conditioner on, and then rinse. Because I wash so infrequently, I use the Komaza Care Olive Moisture Mask as a deep conditioner every 7-10 days, which coincide with my wash cycle. I apply the Olive Moisture mask, and a conditioning cap, cover with a scarf and sit for about 30 minutes -2 hours depending on how much help my hair needs. Then I rinse.
Detangling- I go through a second round of detangling by applying the Califia moisturizing Spray, finger combing, and applying the Califia Leave-In conditioner to separate sections,and combing it from tip to root with a wide tooth smooth comb to detangle.I then pin or twist these detangled sections in place.
Moisturizing- the Califia Care Leave-In is very Moisturizing but on wash days I like to add Shea Butter Hair Lotion, to each section and moisture seal it with Califia Care Moisturizing Cream. It has a high oil content so use if with care, a little goes a long way.
Finally, I take my moisturized hair and part it-the parts dont have to be perfect and secure it in two strand twists or flat twists, until it is dry, while I'm sleeping, until I rock a twist out, or style.
Oiling my Scalp- I do this as needed to facilitate scalp massage. I'm not a fan of a very oily scalp so I use the Jojoba Hemp Balm and Coconut Oil together to oil my scalp.The jojoba Hemp Balm is also great as a finishing, shine, and anti-frizz balm.
Retwisting between washes- for this I wet my hair slightly with water from a spray bottle. use a little Califia Care leave-In and Shea Butter Lotion, and retwist with a little Burnt Sugar Pomade on my finger tips. Depending on the moisture level of my hair I use more products to moisturize and this can include the Califia Care Moisturizing cream. In this Florida weather you need moisture. My hair is very porous and very dense. I sometimes mist with an oil and water mixture of Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, or my new favorite Califia Moisturizing spray. I use the Olive oil gel on my edges and to enhance curl when wearing curly styles.
Remember that moisture comes from water, not oil. In order for a product to moisturize it must contain some amount of water. In my experience the more water the more moisturizing. The oil products work to seal the moisture, so they go hand in hand.
OTHER PRODUCTS THAT MAY BENEFIT YOUR REGIMEN- inaddition to the above listed products I have found some success with Oyin Handmade Products, the first line of natural products that I tried. They have lots of products and offer sample sizes.
The Komaza Care Line that I use now has a large selection also, and they offer sample sizes. They also have people available to answer your calls and help point you in the right direction as far as what products may be right for you. Hope this helps in establishing a regimen that works for you.
In addition with these products being natural,they have no cones,pthalates,mineral oil, petroleum products, and no sulfates. All of the previously listed ingredients can damage the health of your hair and body to some degree.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Finally- Komaza Hair Care Review
Okay so about 12 days ago, started a post topic for Komaa Care but I didn't do a review. I have now had enough time to sit and use the products and evaluate just how they work for my hair. So without further delay here is the full review.
1st- Komaza Care Califia Leave-In Conditioner: This is a very moisturizing, light, non-greasy lotion. It has a wonderful amount of oils, no parabens, cones, mineral or petroleum products, and a good balance of water(moisture) to oil ratio. this product was used after I washed with my regular poo-bar, and on towel blotted hair. My 3c,4a hair soaked this stuff up. My hair ranges from 3c, which is normal porousity- to 4a which is highly porous. It is very dense, and has thick and thin individual strands. this product was a good detangler and moisturizer.
2nd- Komaza Care Califia Moisturizing Spray- This to me is the same as the Leave-In with a little more water in a spray form. It has all the same ingredients of the leave-in only with a few added ingredients which could be added to make this a better form of spray. It is great for detangling and moisturizing before the leave-in. It also has that great scent. Smells like a fresh pina-colada drink.I will be using it as part of my regimen before the leave-in to detangle and to add moisture on an every day basis as a spritz.
3rd- Califia Care Moisturizing Cream- This is the thickest and most oily Califia product. It is a rich whipped cream intended as a moisture sealant, to seal in moisture. It has a light fluffy texture and is high in oil content because it contains no water. It has the same scent as the other Califia line products and works well. The key to using this product is not to overdue it, too little will not seal it properly, and too much is greasy and weighed down. My hair loved this product and I used it on my edges to pull my hair into an afro puff.
4th- Shea Butter Hair Lotion- bottle says that it is a good heat protectant, and works well for relaxed and natural hair. It is heavier than the Califia Care Leave In and it also contains moisture in the form of water. It has a good scent also and works great for moisturizing, detangling, sealing on normal porousity hair, and heat protection. I used this to flat iron my daughters permed hair. This gave her hair a silky straight texture and helped it to resist reversion.
5th- Jojoba Hemp Balm- this oil balm is very good. It is a light oil balm, with hemp Butter,Jojoba Butter, Macadamia Butter, Almond Butter, Hemp seed oil,jojoba Esthers, almond Oil, Sandalwood essential oil, Vanilla,Vitamin E.I love the herbal smell of this balm and it states that it can be used as a sealant. I like that it adds shine, and is a very good heat protectant. Did I mention that wonderful fresh herbal smell, oh I did, LOL. This is a good finishing product to add shine, and sheen. It also helps fight reversion and frizz for my styles.
6th-Olive Moisture Mask- A deep penetrating moisture hair mask for treatment of dry hair.
This is a thick conditioner that comes in a jar, and is the consistency of a cream. It is very wet and good for detangling. I put this on after washing, detangled, and wore a plastic cap under my scarf for about an hour. My hair was lush, soft and moist. I love this stuff. The sample size should provide about 3 uses for me.My hair is noticably softer and much more moist than I've noticed with previous conditioners.
7th- Califia Care Styling pudding- this styling pudding is to enhance curl for curly styles, and smooth edges for light control and curl straightening. It is a brown pudding with the consistency and smell of an edible chocolate pudding. It works well for my hair. When I used it to curly style it did elongate my curls, just a little more than with the Eco-styler gel. However it didn't knock my socks off. I don't know how it works to straighten curls.
Overall I have chosen to stay with the Komaza Care product line because it has provided me with the most bang for my buck. I get the maximum results with Komaza care than any product line so far. Now that you know my products my next post will be about my regimen. Thanks for reading and God Bless.
1st- Komaza Care Califia Leave-In Conditioner: This is a very moisturizing, light, non-greasy lotion. It has a wonderful amount of oils, no parabens, cones, mineral or petroleum products, and a good balance of water(moisture) to oil ratio. this product was used after I washed with my regular poo-bar, and on towel blotted hair. My 3c,4a hair soaked this stuff up. My hair ranges from 3c, which is normal porousity- to 4a which is highly porous. It is very dense, and has thick and thin individual strands. this product was a good detangler and moisturizer.
2nd- Komaza Care Califia Moisturizing Spray- This to me is the same as the Leave-In with a little more water in a spray form. It has all the same ingredients of the leave-in only with a few added ingredients which could be added to make this a better form of spray. It is great for detangling and moisturizing before the leave-in. It also has that great scent. Smells like a fresh pina-colada drink.I will be using it as part of my regimen before the leave-in to detangle and to add moisture on an every day basis as a spritz.
3rd- Califia Care Moisturizing Cream- This is the thickest and most oily Califia product. It is a rich whipped cream intended as a moisture sealant, to seal in moisture. It has a light fluffy texture and is high in oil content because it contains no water. It has the same scent as the other Califia line products and works well. The key to using this product is not to overdue it, too little will not seal it properly, and too much is greasy and weighed down. My hair loved this product and I used it on my edges to pull my hair into an afro puff.
4th- Shea Butter Hair Lotion- bottle says that it is a good heat protectant, and works well for relaxed and natural hair. It is heavier than the Califia Care Leave In and it also contains moisture in the form of water. It has a good scent also and works great for moisturizing, detangling, sealing on normal porousity hair, and heat protection. I used this to flat iron my daughters permed hair. This gave her hair a silky straight texture and helped it to resist reversion.
5th- Jojoba Hemp Balm- this oil balm is very good. It is a light oil balm, with hemp Butter,Jojoba Butter, Macadamia Butter, Almond Butter, Hemp seed oil,jojoba Esthers, almond Oil, Sandalwood essential oil, Vanilla,Vitamin E.I love the herbal smell of this balm and it states that it can be used as a sealant. I like that it adds shine, and is a very good heat protectant. Did I mention that wonderful fresh herbal smell, oh I did, LOL. This is a good finishing product to add shine, and sheen. It also helps fight reversion and frizz for my styles.
6th-Olive Moisture Mask- A deep penetrating moisture hair mask for treatment of dry hair.
This is a thick conditioner that comes in a jar, and is the consistency of a cream. It is very wet and good for detangling. I put this on after washing, detangled, and wore a plastic cap under my scarf for about an hour. My hair was lush, soft and moist. I love this stuff. The sample size should provide about 3 uses for me.My hair is noticably softer and much more moist than I've noticed with previous conditioners.
7th- Califia Care Styling pudding- this styling pudding is to enhance curl for curly styles, and smooth edges for light control and curl straightening. It is a brown pudding with the consistency and smell of an edible chocolate pudding. It works well for my hair. When I used it to curly style it did elongate my curls, just a little more than with the Eco-styler gel. However it didn't knock my socks off. I don't know how it works to straighten curls.
Overall I have chosen to stay with the Komaza Care product line because it has provided me with the most bang for my buck. I get the maximum results with Komaza care than any product line so far. Now that you know my products my next post will be about my regimen. Thanks for reading and God Bless.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
New Hair Products
Today I'm going to write about the new hair products that I purchased. First of all,my decision to go natural was due mostly to my health and me battling Devics disease and doing small things to change the way I live, the things I eat, use on my body, in my home, etc. My new hair products are made by Komaza Care. I ordered the products in sample sizes and they are Califia Care Leave -In Conditioner, Califia Moisturizing Cream, Jojoba Hemp Balm, and Shea Butter Hair Lotion. They are all good products but I haven't used them on stripped down naked hair yet, so to observe how they really work I'm going to wash my hair, and then apply the products in pairs, the moisturizer with the sealers, and then tell you all how they work. So keep up with the Blog and look forward to the review and I will walk you through my regimen. Peace, Grace, and Good Health.
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