One Big Hair Product Mistake!

Taking Care of Our Hair By Taking Care of Our Hair Products

I read an article a few months ago that I thought had some good information in it. I didn't really think it applied to me, so I didn't pay it too much mind. I'm sure we all do this. We think we can beat the odds, so we read the information but don't retain it. Right?! The article was about expiration dates on a number of things, including hair products. It encouraged users to get rid of hair products according to their expiration dates.

A Few Quick Tips For Crochet Braid Maintenance

How I'm Caring For My Senegalese Twists

I've had my twists for a month. I haven't had a hairstyle like this since the 4th grade when I had box braids! Before leaving the shop, I made sure to get some maintenance tips so I could be informed about how to care for the hair before being sent off to tend with it on my own. With that being said, here's a few things I've done to care for my natural hair during this first month.

Moisturize & Protect The Hair

One of the perks of having crochet braids has been accessibility to my scalp. I'm able to moisturize my roots and keep my scalp oiled. My hair didn't need much attention during its first week. I started moisturizing my roots and edges with one of my staple moisturizers, Creme of Nature Argan Buttermilk. Two days after I moisturized my hair, I oiled my scalp using Creme of Nature 100% Argan Oil.

The Second CoWash Experiment

Creme Of Nature Pure-Licious Co-Wash Product Review

I recently did a product review for the first cowash product I tried. I don't know what I expected but I'd heard so much about that particular product that I couldn't resist.

I've always shampooed my hair about every two weeks. Now that I think about it, that may be a part of why I think my hair is always dry! I don't have a staple shampoo but I think I may have found one with the ORS shampoo I tried recently. I shampoo so often because of product build-up but after defining my hair type, I learned I don't need to pile on products AND that cowashing might be the way to go for my type of hair.

I know many naturalistas use conditioner to cowash but I guess brands are getting "hip to the game" because I've been seeing many products advertised as cowashes. I usually don't think twice about trying new products because they're new, but I'm still subscribed to curlBOX and they recently sent this product. I figured since I had it, why not try it...especially after that last attempt.

My Naturalversary

3 Years Natural

Hairstyles from the 1st half of the year

It's already been another year. Does it feel like it?? YES! I know I've said this many times over the past few weeks, but I've been through the wringer this year with my hair. In last year's Naturalversary post, I had a few updates then, let's see where I stand on those now:

1. I didn't do length checks every other month like I was supposed to. After the year rolled in, I decided to try and get proactive about my damaged hair. I tried different styles like flexi rods and heatless curls, then I revamped those styles when they got old. That worked for me until...

Shampoo For Dry Hair

Shea Moisture & ORS Product Review

I think I have dry hair. I try everything I can to hydrate my hair. I've tried different moisturizers, I've tried the LOC method, I've even consulted with my cosmetologist. She tells me that it's a mind thing but in between wash days, my hair just looks and feels so dry! Because of that, I'm putting forth a concerted effort into helping my hair get and maintain moisture.

When fell into this fiasco I had planned to review a new shampoo (Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo). We all know that didn't happen!!

July Curlbox & Product Review

Herbal Essences 'The Sleeker The Butter' & Pantene Hair Masque and Custard Product Reviews

If you're not getting a curlBOX, you might just be missing out!!

Getting these boxes is like getting Christmas presents full of goodies each month! I wouldn't try a lot of these products if they weren't being sent to me but (like I've said before) you can't find what you like unless you try different things! I'm still getting over split ends but most of the products are treating my hair well, so I'm not complaining about that part.

July's box was a Beach Box theme! This box was packed with a trip to the beach in mind. All you'd have to do is throw this box in your suitcase and you wouldn't need much else. It included:

• Herbal Essences 'The Sleeker The Butter' Shampoo
• Herbal Essences 'The Sleeker The Butter' Conditioner
• Herbal Essences 'The Sleeker The Butter' Creamy Hair Milk
• Pantene Pro-V Stylers Texturizing Sculpting Wax
• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
• Covergirl Queen Collection Jumbo Gloss Balm
• Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
• Secret Clinical Invisible Solid Antiperspirant
• Crest Be
• Ivory Soap

June curlBOX & Product Review

Lottabody Product Review

You guys know I get a curlBOX every month and every month curlBOX hosts a chat to talk about the items in the box for that month. I always participate. Most times the brands participate and it's a good opportunity to connect with the brands and other naturalistas about that months products.

The June curlbOX was full of goodies. It included:

• Cantu Sulfate-free Cleansing Cream
• Cantu Sulfate-free Hydrating Cream Conditioner
• Softee Extenshine Morrocan Argan Oil Perfecting Serum
• Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer
• Lottabody Control Me Edge Gel
• Organix Kukui Shampoo and Conditioner

May curlBOX & Product Review

Creme of Nature Product Review w/ Nov 2015 Update

I know it's June and my next curlBOX is probably halfway to me by now but May was a busy month for me. There was my vacation, then family reunion, then playing catching up...I was exhausted! I still managed try the curlBOX out, so let me share my views on the products. In this month's box were: 

May curlBOX

• Crème of Nature Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner
• Crème of Nature Pudding Perfection Curl Enhancing Cream
• Ojon rareBlend Moisture-Rich Cleansing Conditioner
• U R Curly Soya Shampoo
• Grandma's Pure and Natural Lye Soap
• Earth's Nectar Coconut Curls Conditioning Detangler
• and a curlBOX Postcard

I tried two products out of this box. The first product I tried was the Crème of Nature leave-in. I couldn't tell a difference between using this leave-in versus using other leave-ins, therefore I can't really give an extensive product review about this product. I know, I know...boo to me. But if it helps, I've used it about two or three times, and nothing negative has come from it!

This product review is mainly for the Crème of Nature Pudding Perfection Curl Enhancing Cream. I'm going to preface this by saying I didn't want to use it because I love my Pantene custard so much, especially for twist outs; but what else is the curlBOX for other than to try new things?!

The product was very light and didn't have a hard hold, so when I untwisted my hair it absorbed so much moisture from the air. The product has a decent smell so that wasn't an issue. As a matter of fact, most of the products I'm exposed to these days has a decent smell, so I think brands are being more cognizant of that. If I had to use this product again, I would use it as a moisturizer for a wash and go, rather than use it as a holding agent for my twist outs, because it didn't work at all!!!

Of course I didn't take good pictures of the final result. I didn't really like how it turned out, so I wasn't in the photo snapping mood. I kept meaning to get at least one good picture for the blog, but I'm still in off-the-grid mode so my phone (and other devices) stay out of my hands more than they stay in my hands. From the outside looking in, most people would say it looks fine...and it does, I just prefer the more defined look Pantene gives me. This look was too puffy and shrunken for me. The humidity played a big role in this look (and I have to remember that for future styles), but I only kept this look for about a week before throwing some Pantene on it!

NOVEMBER 2015 UPDATE

The only products I've used out of this box, still, are the two mentioned in this post. This was the first time my hair was exposed to the brand, so I'm thankful to curlBOX for the exposure. Back then, I had no goals for my hair so I didn't know any better. I was trying products just to try them. Now with my goal of having healthy hair, I'm more cognizant of what I'm putting in my hair.

I don't use the Pantene custard anymore. My NC cosmetologist told me that product wasn't good for my hair because the pH was way to high. Since then, it's been on my to-do list to start testing the products I use for pH.

I have used the Creme of Nature leave-in a lot since this post. It's one of my favorite spray leave-in conditioners. It's a great moisturizer and very light, so it doesn't weigh my hair down. That's also what I love about the Pudding Perfection Curl Enhancing Cream.

When I tried this product the first time, I was more interested in getting length out of my twist-outs. Now, I don't stretch my twist-outs, I wear my twist outs as pictured here. Also, my wash day technique has changed. Perfecting my technique has a lot to do with how my hairstyles turn out. So, while the products I use play a large part of that, the technique is key.

Creme of Nature is one of my go to brands now, I use many of their products and would highly recommend them to anyone. I guess the next thing I should do is test these products for pH!

What's your favorite hair product??

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Trying Again

My Third Wash and Go

I tried this wash and go style for the third time in my natural life. I'm not a fan of SHRINKAGE!! Summer's coming and I know I'll have to battle very hot weather and humidity. I wanted to jump out in front of the ball by figuring out some styles now that I can wear to combat with the elements!

Since this is a wash and go there aren't too many products or steps to achieving this style, but I'll reveal what I did to get the look along with how I preserved the look overnight.

April curlBOX & Product Review

Pantene Defining Curls Styling Custard

April's curlBOX came while I'm at an impasse with my hair. I started going to the salon and found out that the stylist I chose works more comfortably with straight hair, so now I'm not as encouraged to go. My two weeks would have been Easter weekend but now I'm starting to feel like every two weeks might be too frequent.

That's definitely a conversation for another time, so let's get to this curlBOX. The items included in this month's curlBOX were full size Pantene Pro-V products. They include:
~ Curly Hair Series Moisturizer + Styler, No Crunch Curls Whip
~ Defining Curls Styling Custard
~ 2 Minute Moisture Hair Masque Deep Conditioner
~ Stylers Heat Protection Spray
~ Truly Natural Hair Shine Serum
~ Expert Collection Keragloss Oil Mist

Coming into this experiment, I was worried about using Pantene products. I've heard a lot of naturals talk about how Pantene's natural hair products weren't for them BUT everyone's hair is different, so I wasn't going to let what I heard form my opinions. I needed to try them out myself!! Out of the items listed, I decided to try out the Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Defining Curls Styling Custard first...to hold me over until my next hair wash. I got flexi rods the last time I went to the salon, so I decided to use my revamp method to preserve the look. I followed a very similar method this time around.

I didn't want to invest too much time into revamping the hairstyle because I knew it would only be temporary. I separated my hair into medium sized sections; used a water bottle to dampen each section, applied the custard, then twisted each section.

I loved the results. If I had to compare these results to anything I've used before I would say it reminds me the most of Design Essentials Natural Defining Creme Gel. The custard was light weight, it smelled nice, and there were no flakes after a few days! I will definitely use this product in the future!

The results!

Don't mind my mean mug! It was the best picture of my hair!!

Have a great day y'all!!

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March curlBox

Carol's Daughter Sacred Tiare Line

Alright guys. I wanted to talk about this March curlBOX (even though I haven't had a chance to use it) because I was super excited about it!

This month the curlBOX included full size products of Carol's Daughter new line Sacred Tiare! How wonderful is that, right?! This new line of products is for "damaged, fragile, frizzy, and unruly hair". This would have been perfect for split ends!! The line includes:

• Sulfate-Free Shampoo
• Fortifying Conditioner
• Leave-in Conditioner
• Styling Cream
• (the box also included a sample of Carol's Daughter Hair Milk pudding)

If you keep up with natural hair products then you know Carol's Daughter products can be on the upper end of the cost spectrum. The curlBOX costs only $20. All these products together would have easily been about $55. This one reason why I signed up for curlBox! Spend $20/month to try out products that might or might not work on your hair versus spend $55 to try products that probably won't work for your hair!! LOL...because I've "tried" things in the past and they hardly ever worked out. I ended up having to give away so many products (for free) because they were taking up space!

The VIP list for curlBOX opens every now and then. You guys are in a little luck because the April box is up for grabs this Saturday at 3PM (click here)! I'd totally suggest giving it a try. It's just one box so you're not signing up for the monthly commitment. I notified some of the ladies last weekend when the VIP list opened and one of them actually signed up!! So, if you're interested, let me know!

Other than that, I wanted to point out that I follow curlBOX on IG. Each month ladies take pictures of their curlBOX and the products inside. Then curlBOX will pick a few pictures they like, showcase them, and give that IG account a shoutout. I tried last month, with no luck. I tried this month and they picked my picture (the picture above)!! The thing is...they didn't give me a shout out! They used my picture without giving me credit for it! My feelings were hurt...after all, I am trying to expand my brand! I mean, I still got love for curlBOX, because I'm not a hater...lol...but from now on I'll definitely be stamping any picture I'm trying to get used on other accounts!!

Be careful out there y'all. It's a crazy world! LOL
I have not been paid for this post, neither is this sponsored by curlBOX or Carol's Daughter.
These thoughts are totally my own...unpaid and honest!

AND

Don't forget about the Spring Break CASH Giveaway.
Enter for a chance to $200 in celebration for Spring!!
Go NOW and check it out! :-)

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curlBOX Product Review

Aunt Jackie's In Control

I'm finally here with my first curlBOX review! It seems like forever since I signed up. There was a big mix up with delivery THEN I had to wait until wash day to try an item in the box because this was a box full of conditioners!

If I would've known Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter was going to be in the box, I would've held off on buying a new container. Now I have 3 containers but it won't be for naught because I'll definitely use it all!!


Now, let's get to this product. I followed my normal wash routine. There was a difference and that difference was Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils in control "Anti-Poof" Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner - Sulfate-free/Paraben-free/No mineral oil/No Petrolatum: For Natural Curls, Coils, & Waves.

I'll be honest and mention that I was skeptical about trying this product. I've only used products that were well known to me or my cosmetologist. I've never heard of this product or this brand so it made me think twice BUT the world of natural hair is growing and changing every day! How else will you know what new things work for you hair if you don't try?!

Here's what my hair looked like after I applied the conditioner and detangled (to the right).

How does this conditioner compare to past conditioners?

My hair was much softer while and after using this product. My curl pattern was much more defined after putting this product in my hair and it looked like it would be a great product to use for a wash and go. I'm actually tempted to try one when it warms up...all because of this product! You know smell is a big factor for me and this product passed that test. Some would probably consider the smell a bit strong, but after putting other products in my hair (leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, etc.), I could no longer smell it. I also didn't have to use a lot of product. It worked well as a detangler and I can definitely see myself using this product again.

The picture on the left shows my hair after washing out the conditioner. You can't tell me this isn't wash and go material!! The only thing I'd do differently for a wash and go is define the curl rather than combing the curls out!

I'm not going to recommend this product after only one use, but in my next post I'll show you how the style turns out after having used this product!

Have you heard of or used this product?? If so, what are you thoughts about it??

April 2016 Update

I haven't used this product much after writing this post. I found myself in several situations that made me come to the conclusion that I needed to be seeing a professional.

I will say that I've used this product as a detangler but it didn't work well for my situation. It could be because this product isn't a good detangler or it could be that my hair was far beyond DIY detangling when I tried to use this. I would still recommend using this product as just a conditioner. It didn't harm my hair, but I've found better conditioners since writing this post.

Also, my twitter handle changed since making this pictures, so follow me under my current handle!

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