Product Review- Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer

Hey All!

I have been meaning to do this review for a little bit now, so I've finally sat down and made myself do it! This is a product that I have been curious about trying since the beginning of my transition in 2009. I have been using  Elasta QP's Olive Oil & Mango Butter for a few weeks now and I have got to say, I love it! Now it is technically Curly Girl Approved  though it does have natural ingredients, (I'll do a post on what makes a product Curly Girl Approved soon) because it has cones, but I have never been one to only use all natural products. It all boils down to personal choice.


I use it in my L.O.C method, and it works wonderfully. I have very fine 4a hair, so a quarter size dallop is enough to moisturize my whole head, sometimes less. I have used it on dry hair and it perks up my thirsty strands. I can say that it's great for styling as well because I always do the L.O.C method after cowashing.

The product comes in a yellow 8.25oz jar. Apparently not only is it a "New & Improved" formula, but also 80% free. (Lol) So I'm assuming it was once sold in a smaller packaging. Once you open it, is a light yellow, think banana pudding. It actually could fool you into thinking it actually is banana pudding sans the scent and packaging. The scent is of mango, kind of hair product-y, but mango which is something I love. I need something that smells good after using Vidal Sassoon's Color Protecting Conditioner. My hair loves it, but I hate the smell.

Like I said, it smells great, it's good for moisturizing even on dry hair. I would be mindful about the amount you use because it is a pudding texture it's hard to tell how much you need.  It is spreadable, meaning you can rub it in between your hands before applying, it is also a good way to keep track of how much you are using. I would stick to a nickel-quarter size, though really it depends on your hair's porosity. Oh another thing I should mention is the shine/sheen, this products leaves my hair with the loveliest gloss. It is sold in any BSS or your local Rite Aid/CVS etc. It retails for $3.99 USD, so very easy on the pockets of curly/kinkies on a budget!

On the Jar it also states that it can be used as a thermal (heat) protectant as well, I have yet to test this theory as I am staying away from heat since contracting heat damage. Yes y'all I said contracting, because there is no cure for heat damage. (Lol)

The ingredients are as follows...

Ingredients:
 Water/Aqua/Eau, Olea Europoea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Capric Caprylic Triglycerides, PEG-75 Lanolin, Behentrimonium, Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Mangifera Indica (Mango) seed butter, Theobroma (Cocao) Seed Butter, Cocoa Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Unoleic Acid, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Hydrolyzed Silk, CI 19140 (FD&C Yellow 5)


I'm not sure if it will work for my hair during the warmer months, but right now this product and I are best of  friends! 5/5 for me.

Curly Girl Comic

Hey all!

I was browsing Facebook when I really should have been doing homework. Shame on me! Anyway I saw a link for a curly girl comic, and could use a laugh so why not. It was fun-ty y'all!

If I tell you anything I'll ruin it! Just check the link

Curly Girl Comic








~Naomi

Review- Tangle Teezer

Hey All!

I have not done a review in a while, so I figured I finally get around to doing one. Usually I do product reviews, because it is rare when I try a new "tool" but because of all the raves I have heard about it, I thought it would be nice if you guys heard my opinion.

Now I did not pay for this tool (lol) it was given to me as a gift as part of the Christmas Raffle, back on my Home Forum (BHP) I love the ladies over there! Anyway getting back to the review. I have the green one, and it is a seafoam kind of green, which I find pretty. I am not exactly sure where she bought mine from, because Sally Beauty only sells them in the Original Pink, Purple, and Black, colors.

So perhaps Amazon? I am terrible I know. Either way, no matter the color, they are sold for $9.99 USD at most locations. They should be in your, again, local Sally Beauty Supply, regular Beauty Supply Store, or online on websites such as, Amazon.

The purpose of the Tangle Teezer is pretty much in the tool's name; basically to detangle hair. I have been using this tool for a couple of months now, and I absolutely love it! I was afraid that the teeth would snag my hair, because the seemed fine, but with the help of conditioner, it glides through my hair. I also hear very little to know snapping (You know the snap sound your hair makes after it stretched too much, and snaps off), opposed to when I use to use a paddle brush to detangle.

The one flaw I can really say about it is that your hair kind of stays in it (Lol). The best way at least I found, to clean it is to run it underwater with it turned slightly sideways. It helps loosen the hair, so you can use the other hand to grab it out of there. I suppose hair texture has to do with how the hair stays in the tool as well. I am a 4a (with the tiniest part of 3c in the back).

Honestly I do not see me detangling with another tool, it has actually made co-washing somewhat pleasurable, which I have been doing a lot lately for Puffs. (Yes, I have finally ventured off into the world of Puffs!) I would NOT suggest using it without having your hair saturated in some kind of conditioner.

 It is a great product, it definitely works for those with Natural Hair, it is sort of pricey depending on what your view of pricey is, but it is worth every penny!

I give it a 4.5 out of 5. (Only because it takes a little work to get the hair out of it)

~Naomi

February Feature- Meet Amber

Hey All!

I meant to post this feature yesterday, but sleep got in the way lol. This Feature is a tiny special because it is my very own sister. ^_^  I have been helping her with her hair lately so I figured it would be great for her to share her struggles and triumphs with her natural hair.

Where are you from, what are you reppping?

A: Well, I'm From NY! otherwise known as the best city ever. lol j.k No, I'm from the Bronx, but I've lived all over.

When did you decide to go natural?

A: Actually, it wasn't really a decision. One day I just stopped getting perms. It was probably around 2005 ( my freshman year of H.S) and I just never got another one since.

What made you chose Transitioning over going through with a Big Chop?

A: Like I said before, I kind of just fell into transitioning. I learned that term from you lol. My hair has been sort of like a gradual thing. 

Since your decision to go natural, have you experienced any flack or comments from family or friends because of your decision?

A: Oh my goodness. That is the single most annoying comments one can ever hear. I've heard all kind of stuff, from : you look like you got electrocuted, you look like a q-tip. Why doesn't your hair do that(While pointing to a relaxed girl), Can't you fix it? Don''t you ever comb it?....My personal favorite is my mother. She says I look like Michael Jackson from the Wiz. Yup, these are all true. Even my mother makes fun of my afro. Such is life when you're different, I guess.

Has any of those opinions affected how you, if so, in what way?

A: At first it made me want to run straight to the Dominican Hair salon. It felt so weird that people would stare, or always have something to say about. Now, I'm a little better because my boyfriends is very supportive and told me not to let close minded people affect me. So I'm much more confident. Well, you too, because you're my personal stylist. wink.

If you had to describe your hair, how would you?

A: Hmmm, I guess I would say it's curly, and big. It's thick, and I mean thiiick with 3 i's. It definitely has flair, I love my curly afro.

Have you had any difficulties or setbacks since your decision to go natural?

A:  I like twist outs and bantu knots mostly. On a regular day, I just wear it in its natural state. Lately I haven't because I need to cut my ends though.

Do you have any "Go To" products, or a set regimen?

A:  I don't really have any products I use regularly, but I am fond of Shea butter. That provides one of the best shine I have see, and I have dry hair.

What is your staple style?

A: I love what I learned was called Twist-Outs. I gives my big hair soo much definition, and I always get tons of compliments when I wear my hair that way.

What do you love most about your hair, and how does it compare to your relaxed days?

A: I love that my hair is versatile. I can pretty much do anything I want with it. I don't have to pay loads of money as I did when I relaxed it, and It doesn't matter if I get it wet. lol

Is there any tips or tricks you would like to share with someone who is thinking about transitioning?

A: The only suggestion I have for girls trying to transitioning is to MOISTURIZE. My hair had gotten so damaged once when I didn't condition and comb it through it often enough.

How can we keep up with you?

A: I have a Fb and twitter, www.facebook/bambi11791 and  @LuvBambii. Catch me there any time!

Feature February- Meet Alicia

Yes y'all I am doing it! (Lol)   I could not wait until February to do these Features!

 Today's Feature is actually a good friend of mine I meet over on my home forum; Black Hair Planet.  Remember Secret Santa? She was mine! Lol. So she was the one who gave the review on my Bebe Shea'loe, so I thought hey, why not feature her! (LOL) She really is a good friend of mine though, we began our HHJ around the same time so I know her journey is one worth The highs and lows are what makes each individual story unique...

So I would love nothing more for you guys to learn hers!  =)

If you don't mind, where are you from, and what are you repping now?

A: I was born and raised in Massachusetts but I've been living in Georgia for 12 years.

How is the natural scene there?

A: The naturals are in great abundance in Metro Atlanta. There is not a day that goes by where I won't see at least 1 natural....In fact I usually see more than 3 a day. I see lots of ladies who are just starting out on their journey with TWA's or longer. It is a wonderful feeling to know so many ladies are trying a different route in caring for their hair.

Was that a determining factor that lead you to go natural?

A: No. I didn't see as many naturals around when I first started transitioning. The final straw for me was being tired of finding someone I trust to give me a relaxer. I didn't trust salons and my friend who normally relaxed my hair moved away. I was already 5 months post and instead of searching for someone to do my hair; I decided to continue on relaxer free and try natural. It was always something I said I would like to try.

Did you automatically do a Big Chop, or did you transition and what made you chose that route?

A: My initial goal was to transition for 18 months. I was afraid of what I would look like with short hair. A little after a year, I was over the transition. I was tired of fighting the two textures and was too anxious to see my true texture. So I BC'd after 13 months.

How long have you been natural?

A: It will be 2 years on February 9th. I have been relaxer-free for 3 years.

Do you follow Andre Walker's hair typing system? If so, what do you consider your hair type to be?

A: I do follow Andre Walker's hair typing system. My hair is 3C/4A.

Is caring for your natural hair any different  or more difficult, in comparison to when you were relaxed?

A: I think that caring for natural and relaxed is hard work. When relaxed, I spent a great deal of time straightening my hair, and keeping my hair straight. And the whole relaxer process was a nuisance for me. With natural hair, the detangling, and styling keeps me quite busy. But if I had to absolutely choose, I would say that caring for my natural hair is less difficult. I style my hair in twists so that I don't have to manipulate it too much. In the mornings I literally get up, and go.

Have you had any setbacks?

A: Yes, lol. After I BC'd I did not cut, trim, dust my hair for almost a year! I went a year and a half with only 1 trim! I had about 4 inches of dead ends that were just hanging there. Not even my best moisturizers and oils could penetrate into these ends. They had to go so I cut my hair from APL back to almost SL. But I have come a long way since then. I am now BSL. I also struggle with a never ending battle with my edges. They are on the thin side and are very sensitive. I keep my hair twisted 80% of the time to avoid having to pull my hair back tightly.

Do you follow a set regimen, if so what are your staple products?

A: I do follow a regimen that I've been experimenting with over the past couple months. Many may not agree with my regimen but so far it seems to work for me. I wash my hair every 3 weeks with a Sulfate Shampoo like TreSemme Moisture Rich. I DC every 3 weeks after my wash with coconut oil mixed into either Lustrasilk Cholesterol Shea Butter & Mango, Silk Elements Megasilk, or Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner. I rinse and will moisturize with either Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner or a homemade spritz. Later that day or the next day I start twisting using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothing or Curl & Style Milk and ORS Lock and Twist Gel. Sometimes I like to apply my castor oil mix on my ends. I use a lot of product when I twist because I can't re-moisturize while my twists are in or I will experience heavy frizzing. I wear the twists for 2 weeks and the twistout for 3-4 days. Then I will cowash with Trader Joe's (and also moisturize with it) and a couple days later start the process all over again!

Is there any tips, tricks, or advice you would like to offer to someone who is thinking about transitioning or doing the Big Chop?

A:  1. Invest in lots of conditioner, lol.

2. Understand that transitioning is not a walk in the park. It takes work and can get very challenging. At the same time it is very rewarding in the long run. As long as you stay focused and keep a realistic goal, anyone can do it! Transitioning is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Where can we find you?

A: I am always on Black Hair Care Forum (forum.blackhairplanet.com). Otherwise, you can find me at http://public.fotki.com/ac22ford/

Product Review of my Bebe Shea'loe (Homemade Shealoe)

Hey All!


As most of you know on my home forum BHP, we did Secret Santa. I had trouble finding the other items listed on my SS's list, so I substituted (Lol). 


Here is what I sent her. 

I was already about to make my own batch, until it dawned on me that I could send her some too! I am really glad I did, because it turns out that she liked it. I am too proud, over here, and yes I call it Bebe Shea'loe, because it sounds like name, and the Bebe gave it a nice ring. (LOL)

"I tried Naomi's shealoe to twist my hair earlier this week. Overall my hair loved it! I started with the front of my head and I noticed how well my dry ends absorbed the shealoe. It left my twists with a neater, shinier look than I've EVER had. The only downfall is that after twisting for hours and hours, I had the container open as I used it and I let too much air  This changed the consistency of the shealoe so I had to switch to SM Curl Enhancing Smoothing for the back. But the front is soooo on point! I finished my twists Wednesday and they are holding up really well and still look nice and neat. I owe that all to the shealoe!!"


Here are her results

"Naomi, you should really look in to selling your shealoe!"




For those curious as to how I made it. I used blender to whip, and the ingredients list goes as


Ingredients: Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil. 




I love it myself, but it feels great to know that it works for someone else too; especially because we are not the same hair type.  I am taking orders :) Oh please look out next month for her feature in February!!! Also if you would like to be featured next month please send me an email at beautifulkinks@gmail.com. 


~Naomi

Natural Hair Self-Esteem

Hey All.

Today I rocked a fro, with a headband. A semi-stretched fro so it was almost at its potential froliciousness (yes I made that word up lol) and I caught quite a few stares.

Fortunately I have gotten to a point of security with my hair, so getting stares does not bother me. However, when I was transitioning, and my first year of being natural, I was really self conscious. I was always wondering who was looking at me, or if it was looking "too nappy" so I always did styles that produced a defined curl pattern; Bantu Knot Outs, Braid/Twist outs, Rod sets, etc.

Then out of the blue one day I just grew a tough skin, and said to myself, "this is my hair, it's okay if others do not like it, because it is not theirs!"

The thought came to mind because when visiting a friend, her boyfriend asked me if I did my hair today, and also that I looked like I got electrocuted. A year ago, those words would have been so discouraging, but now I can genuinely laugh at it, and let the comment roll off my back.

What I also found interesting is that people 4 (a,b,c) hair are those who suffer from texture insecurity. 3's do too apparently! My sister has 3b/c hair who has been natural, but goes to Dominican Salon's religiously suffers from texture insecurity too. Which is ironic, because I use to envy her hair.

I believe that this is due to media in America still trying to live up to European standards of beauty. Straight, or type 2 hair, along with other standards such as skin tone, hair length, etc. It all contributes to how we view ourselves.

This just shows me that we may never be totally satisfied with what we have, but we need to learn to love and work with what we got! Rock that texture with confidence, let those comments fall by the wayside, and do you!

I am interested to hear you guys struggles, or triumphs when it comes to rocking your natural texture, so share! I also hope that this helps encourage those struggling with the decision to go natural, or staying natural.

Just wanted to share.


~Naomi

I Believe It Is......Shedding!

I know I promised you all an update about whether I have breakage or not, and I finally got around to it yesterday, I cowashed, which I am most thankful for, because my hair was super stiff with gel, I'm heavy handed with products lol. I was running out of both my HE Hydralicious Self Targeting Conditioner, as well as my VO5 Free Me Freesia, so I decided to mix them to cowash. Which made my hair feel super soft, but I cowashed again just to make sure my hair was free of product.



Detangling was pretty easy, but hair came out, but it look to be the usual amount. I managed to catch most of it.

The strands did not have a white bulb, which usually is the tell tale sign of shedding, because that means it came directly from the root, however, it seemed to be the length of my hair, so I do not believe it is breakage, I guess we'll see as time goes on.


I was in a rush, so I did not have time to do my overnight low manipulation styling as usual, so I opted for a Wash N' Go. I did not dry my hair, I oiled my scalp with my usual oil mixture (JBCO, ABUHO) in my applicator bottle, and then used what was left of the same conditioners I use to cowash with as my leave in. I was prepared to use gel, but I was satisfied with the curl definition I got from using the conditioners alone. Her is how it came out...

My hair was still damp with product, but it essentially looked the same when it dried fully. We'll that is the update!

Until Next Time, Naomi~