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.

New Batch of my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix

Hey All!

I made a new batch of my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix, a day or two ago. I am still very much in love with this mixture, it leaves my hair feeling so soft, and moisturized. Now I have an idea of how much use I can get out of one batch. The last one lasted me for 3 1/2 months, which is pretty decent in my opinion.

The batch I made this time is a bit thicker, because I probably used more conditioner, but as I go along, I will dilute it with a bit more water, and maybe some more AVG to get a looser consistency. It will be great if I can stretch this batch for 4 months, but we will see!

I have chunky two strand twists in, that I installed Sunday night, which I will be moisturizing with my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix, and sealing with EVOO or my Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, after oiling my scalp with my new mix. I have yet to name my new oil mix, but for now,I will call it my Super Grow Potion.  be taking out in the morning for a twist out.

I will be taking out my twists in the morning and will wear my hair that way, and will restyle either Thursday or Friday night.


My camera is still on the fritz, so I will have to figure out what is going on with it, if I can I will post pics of my twist out!


~Naomi

New Products, New Leave In= Product Reviews!

Hey All!

For some time, I have wanted to try Aloe Vera Gel, after hearing all the wonderful benefits of using this natural gel. The gel comes from the Aloe Vera Plant, and the gel is harvested from the leaves. It can be drank to help promote a healthy digestive system, regularity, and help muscle and joint function. Also to soothe skin for those who experience sun burn. I do not use it for these reasons....but for my hair!

Aloe Vera Gel is awesome for use as a moisturizer, depends on the brand, but it is 99% natural, and can be cheap depending again on brand, and where you purchase. There are also two types, there is the, Inner Fillet, which is where they only use the middle or where the gel comes from in the leaf, whereas with Whole leaf, they use the whole leaf, where it is believed that it is better because you are getting all the properties of the leaf. I cannot attest to how true this is or not to be honest, nor can tell you what is the difference, as this is my first time using this gel. (Perhaps in the future I will buy Whole Leaf, and draw a comparison then.)

I purchased mine online, through Vitamin Shoppe, as it was on sale at the time (still is). The kind I got was, Lily of the Desert (brand) Inner Fillet 16oz bottle for $2.99 USD , excluding shipping.

(Aloe Vera Gel has to be refrigerated, once you open it/break the seal.)

 I have been using this stuff in a mix, which I will not be sharing until sometime this week, and in a leave in I made, and it is amazing.  It get's a 5/5 rating for me!

The only thing about this product is that it really does feel like gel, but not the thick stuff you and I are use to dealing with like Eco Styler Gel, or Jam, this gel is very watery and loose, so it is slippery. I did expect it to feel this way so it does not take away from it as a product, for me. So this is a heads up for those of you who do not know what to the texture to be like.

 I plan on using this stuff alone as well to be the basis of my wash n' go tomorrow, so I will be sharing that as well.

Moving along to today's topic, AVG in my leave in.Which I will call my Creamy Aloe Olive Mix. As you all know, I make my own products/leave in's when I can, to save money. Not to mention it is a great way 'to know' what you are putting in your hair, at least in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I still suffer, being a product junkie and all, but we also know desires does not always coincide with out pockets!

The Ingredients of my Leave in, is pretty simple. Obviously, AVG, which is the only thing I measured (sort of) I added about 4oz's of that into my spray bottle, then added my conditioner of choice, which happened to be VO5 Moisturizing Milks Passion Fruit Smoothie(one of my favorite cowashing conditioners) I then, diluted the conditioner with some water, and then topped it off with a bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

I tend to use spray bottles for leave in's as it makes it super easy to distribute the product evenly on your hair. So of course I had to go out and purchase another for this mix. I got it from Sally Beauty, for $2.89 USD.

It is Sprayco brand, it is a High Output Trigger Spray bottle, I did not pick this one because of that reason, though. I picked this bottle in particular because it felt sturdier than the other bottles they had in store, was reasonably priced (less than 3 bucks), and purple (my absolute favorite color)!

It holds 16oz of fluid, which I took up all of when making my mix.

 Here's how it looks

This mix is great! It leaves my hair feeling soft, and unlike my Super Moisturizing Coconut leave in, I can use it daily, as it is not protein based. ( I use my other mix weekly, or when I feel my hair needs a bit of a 'pick me up').

(Side Note: I have also made a new batch of my Super Moisturizing Coconut leave in, I will be refrigerating it this time around, so I will let you all know what is the difference, and how long it lasts)

Now here is what really sold me on this mix.

Mid week, my hair became really oily, as I had been using my JBCO (mixed with regular Castor Oil) on my scalp everyday, and sometimes night, for a challenge I have been participating in on BHP. So I  cowashed, using VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime Conditioner, (which does a great job of lightly stripping my hair of product) but this conditioner, can sometimes leave my hair feeling a bit dry, as it is suppose to strip the hair of products.

For that reason, I wanted to do a mini dc session, but did not want to use any of my actual deep conditioners, so I then the thought of using my new leave in as a deep conditioner came to mind.

I saturated my hair with the leave in, and then covered my hair with a plastic bag (as I do when I deep condition) and left it on while I showered. I would say I kept it on for no more than 15 minutes. It was drippy, which I did not like, but man oh man, did my hair come out feeling soft. It was really easy to comb through while rinsing too.

So this mix can be of double use! Which is why it will become one of my staple mixes. Like I said before, my only complaint is that it drips incessantly, which is a bit annoying, but the result definitely makes it bearable!

(I will not be refrigerating this mix, although it contains AVG, because it is diluted and contains oil, and conditioner.)

Yes this is my own creation, but I'm giving it a 4/5. I like it as it is, and will not add anything to make it thicker, as it will be mainly used as a leave in.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my new concoction with you all!


~Naomi

Braid Removal, Regimen & Reviews!

Hey All.

I recently removed my Yarn Braids, that I kept in for 2 months. To prep for taking them out, I cut all my ends off Thursday night, to make it easier to remove the braids. I started on Friday, and only did about 2 hours that night. I started up again on Saturday, and went at it for about 7 hours, with help from DF, and then finished up on Sunday, which took about an hour and a half.

So altogether it took a little over 10 hours to take them out. Here's all of it...

I say I got about an inch of new growth.

Now washing was a breeze! I did not prepoo, as I usually would because I had so much build up!

I used a Shampoo Bar from Lush, that I received as a gift- Stimulating Spice Shampoo.

This bar is suppose to help stimulate your hair follicles to encourage hair growth.  It was my first time using it, so I cannot speak on that part, but it did have a pleasant tingling sensation. It smells like spiced peppermint, and gives off a lot of lather. To use, all I had to do was wet my hair, and 'stroke' my hair with the bar a couple of times. The lather was a pretty pink hue. 

After only one washing my hair felt clean, but to be on the safe side since I had not washed my hair in a month (Yes, I know I am horrible!) I wanted to make sure I washed away all the build up.

You can order from Lush's site, or pick up a Shampoo Bar from one of their stores. This particular shampoo bar will run you $9.95 USD, and also an extra $3.95 USD if you buy the tin for the Shampoo bar.

I really like it so far, it left my hair clean, without feeling stripped. It's a bit pricier than my usual poo's but this is the first one I like. I really love the ingredients too, it is practically all natural!

Ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerine, Nettle Infusion, Peppermint Infusion, Nettle Absolute, Rosemary Absolute, Bay Oil, Clove Bud Oil, Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Cinnamal,  Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, D&C Red 30, Cinnamon Sticks

Now Cowashing was the pain! I had to saturate my hair with conditioner, (I used Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut)and work on combing out the knots with my wide tooth comb, before even thinking, I could just comb it through under some water. I say it took a good 10 minutes to get most of the knots and kinks out. Here's what came out....

Pretty much a fist full of hair came out, which I am hoping is just shed hair, we will see next wash.

As of right now, I'm giving this poo 5/5! It is everything that I want in shampoo!


Moving along, after that whole detangling session, I did a protein treatment, which my hair desperately needed! I used Tropical Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Mayonnaise Protein Conditioner (from the makers of Tropical Isle Living JBCO) which I also received as a gift.

I used my fingertips to distribute the conditioner from root to tip in sections, and then put on a plastic bag, and let it work it's magic for an hour. Going for that hour started to feel like forever once it started dripping down my neck. That is one of the first things I noticed about this product, it has a really thin/watery consistency. Much like if you used regular Mayonnaise from your fridge, which I have to say disappointed me. It looks creamy in the container, and I expected to go on creamy as well.

Well after rinsing, my hair did not feel hard, but it did feel stronger, I'll have to use it a bit more to see if my hair really likes it, especially for the $13.99 that it retails for, not including shipping fees. Not to mention it is only 8 ounces!  As these line of products are hard to find in stores! To be honest, call yourself lucky if you can!

Two distributers that sell Tropical Isle Living Products are Sams247 and Jamaican Oils

I like it, I will warn you that it does smell like JBCO. As it is one of the main ingredients, which of course I like. This too is also natural.


Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, Mustard Oil, Grape seed Oil, Lavender, Pimento Oil.

I'm giving this a 4/5 so far, simply because I wish it were thicker, and cheaper.

After my protein treatment, I followed with a moisturizing DC. I used Roux Porosity Control Extreme Pak Moisturizing Treatment. It is meant to "deliver intense conditioning to dry, porous or damaged hair".

This was also a gift. You can find it at most Bss, Sally Beauty, and Drug stores (CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens) and it costs about $1.99 USD a pack.

One pack was juuuust enough to coat my hair, not saturate, but it was good enough, I put a plastic bag on my head and let it sit for an hour and a half, and rinsed.  I deep condition on wet hair, as I like my hair to be clean prior to deep conditioning, also your hair uses less product when it is wet.

It sort of smells like like regular body lotion, like Jergens or something similar. It also had thin consistency. It did leave my hair soft, though weirdly enough, it did not do much to detangle, but like I said before, I did not have enough conditioner to begin with, so should I ever use this deep conditioner again, I will be using two packs.

This conditioner is good for those with relaxed hair to use after doing a touch up, or those who bleach, as this product is acidic, and makes the hair cuticles to lay flat, which causes shine, and hair to appear healthy.

Ingredients: Water, Lauryldimonim Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Glycinate, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Petrolatum, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Stearmidopropyl Dimethylamine, Stearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Ceteraryl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Pantehnol, Lactic Acid, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazoldinyl Urea.

I cannot properly rate this as I did not have an adequate amount of conditioner, but I did like it.

I oiled my scalp with my JBCO mixture, used my Super Moisturizing Coconut Leave In, and then put hair in twist for a twist out, using a product I will review sometime this week!

I did use too much though, so I did not wear my hair out, and just put enough out for 'bangs.

Anyway, that was my wash day!

I will be doing a length check sometime next month, so keep an eye out!

~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~

Hair- Back To School Edition

As you all know, school is back, some of you may have started school already, or starting this week, but that means busy schedules!

If you already have a regimen that works for you, great, if not, it is great time to form one, since you will have limited time to spend pampering your hair. So here are my suggestions for styling and a simplified regimen for you busy ladies & gents.


Shingling- Takes more time than wash n go's , but is similar in that it does give you defined curls. This method you can use a diffuser or a dryer to dry the curls to have it set.

Rod/Roller Sets- My favorite, depending on the size you can get tighter or looser curls, and can last for a week.

Two Strand Twists- A great style because it is two in one, it takes some time to install depending your hair density and length, but it is worth it, because this style can lasts for weeks with proper upkeep. The second style from these twist, is the twist out! Which can also last a week,with the proper care, or retwisting at night


Flat Twists- Like two strands, can lasts weeks if cared for properly. You can also do the twist out style.

Bantu Knot/Twist/Braid Outs- Are styles that can be installed overnight, and can last up to a week, and can be worn in different ways. Bantu Knots gives you curls, twists gives more of a wavy curl, and braid/plaits give you more of a crimped look.

There are also quick styling options like

Puffs- Forever simple, all it takes is a headband, and maybe a leave in for shine and moisture, and you are set for the day.

Wash n Go's- Are a life saver if you are looking for defined curls, but are in a rush, because this style can be worn damp and dries during the day. To achieve this style you can use Kinky Curly Curling Custard, or use a cheaper alternative, Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, which is what I use. It does not flake, but I recommend using an oil or conditioner on the hair before applying.

Ponytails & Buns... which goes under the category of protective styling, as your ends are not brushing up against anything and are protected.

 There are other protective styling options such as Individual/Box Braids, Kinky/Spring/Senegalese Twists, and Cornrows. With these I would pay careful attention to how it is installed, if not done by yourself, as if it is two tight, it can cause more damage than good. However, it is a good option because it eliminates most of things done in a weekly regimen, like cowashing every other day, etc.



As for a regimen, I say get it Simple

Wash Weekly or at least Every 2 weeks-as product can build up on the scalp, clarify once a month to get rid of product that is left over in deposits

Cowash according to your styling Schedule- For instance, if you do a style and it lasts 3 days, cowash on the last day, or on the day you intend on restyling.

 Deep Condition weekly- If you are short on time, investing in a hooded dryer may be a better option, as the time is cut in half because the heat is helping the conditioner penetrate the scalp faster so instead of an hour without heat, you can do an half hour with heat. You can always heat up the conditioner, or just put on plastic bag/shower cap, and leave it in for an hour or two if you are not pressed for time.



Anyway, I hope those tips help you curly/kinky ladies and gents out there!


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

Homemade Coconut Leave In Conditioner & Bantu Knot Out

 A couple of days ago ago was my cowash day, before cowashing or shampooing, I always do a cayenne pepper treatment (for growth), and then I cowash. I detangle while cowashing, it is the only time I detangle, as I cannot do so on dry hair, as I'll end up ripping my hair out! I oiled my scalp using my favorite oil mixture of Lavender JBCO and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (ABUHO) (usually it would also contain Home Health Castor Oil, which is regular Castor Oil, but I was out of it at the time) then it was time to decide what low manipulation style I wanted to do. Since I had not done Bantu Knots in a long time, I decided that that was what I was going to do.


 I discovered Bantu Knots( also called Chiney Bumps) back when I was still relaxed. It gave me the curly/wavy look without having to use rollers, or a hot curler. The reason the hair curls, is because of the method of which the knots are created.


You take a 'strand' of hair, and you twist it (not two strands), but all together twirl it around, I use my finger to twirl, it's easier that way, at least in my opinion. and then you wrap the hair around itself to form a little knot.

 Like this

Now that part was tricky when I was still learning, what really helped me, is of course is practice, but also watching tutorials on youtube. The one video that truly helped ME was a tutorial (how to bantu knot) by crownofHisglory. Her video's are great, and are really helpful!

After oiling my scalp, I used my Homemade Coconut Leave in to moisturize, and Shea Butter to seal.

The problem I encountered, the next morning, was realizing that my hair had not fully dried. I believe I kept them in overnight for about 8 hours or so. It could have been the size of the knots that caused them to dry slower than expected, but I prefer them that way, because my hair tangles when they are small, and that can form single strand knots, which I do not need!

It also could be that the combination of using my coconut leave in, and shea butter, made my hair too heavy. I sprayed the leave in, and then sealed with the shea butter. My hair was very oily when I took my knots out.

Here's how they looked when I unraveled them

Then with my fingers I separated the knots, again because they were not fully dry, my hair did not curl/wave like I wanted it to.

So I added a headband!

Next time, I will not use Shea butter on top of my Homemade Coconut Leave in, because that already contains oils, which could be the reason as to why my hair did not dry fully, as well as it being a bit oily to the touch.

This style is an easy low manipulation style, that generally lasts me 2-3 days. It could last longer if I slept better! Definitely one of my go-to styles.

I'm into my second day of the style, and will wear it for a third time, before wash day this Sunday.

I'm still in love with my leave in, it just can't be combined with any other products, or spray too much, as it contains oil, which is why I call it a moisturizer & sealer in a bottle!

This is not my best Bantu Knot Out, but I hope this still encourages you guys to try this style for yourself. (It also looks great on relaxed hair! Not just for the natural ladies!)



Until Next Time, Naomi~

Super Moisturizing 'Homemade' Coconut Leave In Conditioner

As promised, I'm back........ to tell you guys about my Homemade Coconut Leave In Conditioner I made with stuff lying the house. I always wanted to invest in a good leave in conditioner, but for some reason I have never gotten around to doing so. I usually end up using my cowashing conditioners as a leave in, which is there is nothing wrong with, I'm just saying that it is something I've yet to do.

Now that I have my Homemade Coconut Leave In,  I don't think I'll ever need to!

It's purpose is to moisture my tresses after cowashing.

It consists of, (canned) Coconut Milk ( did not use the whole can, the 'milk' separated itself from the rest of the liquid, so I used the 'milk' part, and discarded the water), Probably close to if not half a bottle of Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner, Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil, and Castor Oil, I also put a pinch full of Shea Butter, not sure how much it contributed, being that it was such a tiny amount. (Pic of products used below) ( You do not have

 I chose those products because coconut milk to be moisturizing, and since it was the base of my leave in, I wanted to make use of the Coconut Oil, and 'Coconut' conditioner I have, I find that Coconut Oil softens hair, and is great for sealing, I added the Castor Oil for it's hair thickening properties, and it also gives hair a nice sheen! So this Leave in is Moisturizing & Sealing in one!



I did not use measurements ( I think everyone's hair is different, so I would just use according to how much YOU need), I just put what I thought would be best, and put it in my spray bottle I got from Sally Beauty, a while ago. I can't remember how much it cost at the time, but I don't believe it exceeded $5.00 USD. The spray bottle is $3.59 USD on the Sally Beauty website, $3.29 USD if you own a Sally Beauty Club Card.


After putting all my ingredients, I put my finger over the spout so it would not leak, and shook the bottle to mix it. Here's how it looked in the bottle.

It has more of a watery consistency, than creamy, but it makes a great spray leave in, which I find is less heavy, and easier to distribute than that of a creamy conditioner. It left my hair extremely soft, with a really nice sheen. I think I am in love!

The oil does separate from the rest of the ingredients, so you have to shake it up before use.

You guys can try making this leave in yourself, or try making your own concoction with your favorite hair products!

(I think everyone should have an applicator bottle, and a spray bottle in your arsenal for mixing oils, refreshing your hair, etc.)


Until Next Time, Naomi~

Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner Review

Sometime last week I went to Walgreens on lunch break to get another bottle of VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, and the PJ (product junkie) got the best of me, I broke down and purchased Suave's Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner. Their 15 ounce was on sale for $1.00 USD, so I figured I was not loosing much if my hair did not like it, also I have been wanting to try this for myself since this conditioner is a staple for many natural and transitioning ladies.

I wore rod set curls all of last week, which has been the longest time I've ever kept a rod set. I believe I can contribute that to using  (Olive Oil Eco Styler) gel. I usually use Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion, which is great, and holds my curls well, does not leave my hair crunchy, but it does not give my hair sheen. The gel left a little crunch, but that could be because I did not use anything on top of the gel, but I like curls to be a little crunchy because I think the last longer that way, and my hair had nice sheen.

Anyway, back to the review. Since single strand knots usually decide to come along when I wet my hair and it has not been combed or moisturized in a few days, which was the case yesterday. So, I decided to use Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner as a pre poo by saturating my hair in the conditioner, and wearing a shower cap, for a little over an hour. 


I would say it did a fairly well job at softening my hair, I also did not have to do much work in terms of detangling my hair, I think it would be better if you add an oil to it, for extra moisturizing properties!


I went about my regular wash day regimen...cayenne treatment, clarifying (1-2x a month). I conditioned with Suave again to see how it would  do after my hair had be clarified. Now it did not do so great hair, it was not horrible, but there was a few kinks I had to work out with my wide tooth comb. It could be how I washed my hair that affected how tangly it was, which I will have to try again to see if my theory is true.


So far I like the product, I think it will serve as a better prepoo, than a cowashing conditioner, but again, we'll see, it could be that I just have a bad shampooing method that causes tangles, I'll post again sometime soon to see if my experience differs next time.

Ingredients: Water , Cetyl Alcohol , Cetrimonium Chloride , Potassium Chloride , Fragrance , Distearyldimonium Chloride , Disodium EDTA , Glycerin , 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Propylene Glycol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Silk Amino Acids , Honey , Urtica Dioica Extract , Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract , Cocos Nucifera Extract


So far I'll rate this product: 3 maybe 3.5 out of 5


If you have any suggestions or recipes for or using this product, please share! I'd love to hear what you guys have to say.


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

Rod Set+ Heat= Curly Afro

Yesterday I decided to do a rod set since I had an interview today, which went well as far I as can tell. Anyway, I had to do a bit of walking, and I believe it was close to 80 degrees this morning, so of course I start to perspire, and that means moisture on my scalp.

So of course the roots which were straight for the most part, started to curl up, and the ends started to frizzt  Since I cowash every 2-3 days, I wanted to keep my hair styled in some sort of way, so I decided to pick apart my curls, using my fingers.

Will keep this style until Wednesday night, or Thursday. 

FYI: I used the same method as usual for my rod sets. The only thing I can say that differed was that I used coconut milk mixed with oil as a leave in before adding my Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. I also sealed with my mixture of oils (jbco,abuho, hhco)

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Coconut Milk for Moisture

I know the idea of using Coconut Milk for your hair is a bit out there, but I thought, since Coconut Oil is so moisturizing, why can't the milk be? So last week in the supermarket I decided to grab a can of Coconut Milk, can't remember what brand I used.

Anyway I was really eager to try it so I decided to incorporate it in my wash day, to mix with my deep conditioner. I think I mentioned this in a previous post, but since Coconut Milk is a liquid, it made my deep conditioner a bit runny. So in all honesty I could not truly say that I had fabulous results from using it with my deep conditioner. My hair felt stronger though.

I used it again as a leave in, again, drippy, so I mixed it with conditioner, this is all after sealing with Africa's Best Ultimate Oil, and put my plaits in. Results were posted in last entry, my hair came out super soft, and shiny, could have been the oil, or the milk, or the combination, who knows, but I think it is great as a leave in!

I used it again as a leave in, after sealing, mixed with VO5 Free Me Freesia, and just pinned my hair in three sections, as I had errands to run today, and tossed on a hat. I have also taken a nap with no scarf or bonnet, and my hair still feels soft and moist.

It is definitely something to try if you are willing to experiment! I love it, so it will become a part of my regimen!

V05 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia Review

I'm sure that you all aware that whether you are relaxed, texlaxed, transitioning, or natural, hair needs moisture! So it's always a great idea to follow cowashing (to cleanse hair by using conditioner as you would while shampooing, ie. saturate hair, rub scalp, and make sure it gets on hair and ends, and detangle while rinsing. This helps hair stay moisturized and clean in between washes) with a leave in conditioner.

Now I have never invested in an actual leave in conditioner, but double my cowashing conditioners as leave ins. I have not experiences film or build up using cowashing conditioners, but up until now, I have always used VO5's Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream, which I absolutely swear by. However, VO5's Free Me Freesia, also does a great job at leaving my hair feeling soft and moisturized. Now if you have ever used Alberto-Culver Products, you would know that their conditioner, is a bit thin in consistency, so it something that you cannot use sparingly, which I feel is fine, because if it's price, it is 99 cents at CVS and some drugs stores, but some try to Charge 1 (USD) dollar and change, so I always try to get it where I can get it for the cheapest.

I was long due for a shampoo and cowash last night, as I had been using Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, for a good portion of the week, for shingling, and slicking my hair down for pony tails. So I shampooed and cowashed, and used Alberto-Culver's VO5 Free Me Freesia, as a leave in, and decided to put my hair in chunky twists overnight, with a satin bonnet. My hair felt like silk in the morning! Very soft, but not mushy, smells great, if you like the smell of lavender/floral , and it helped my hair hold some curl! The ingredients are pretty decent as well, better than some more expensive products, in my opinion.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Stearoyl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Glycerin, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Freesia Refract Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Biotin, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Benzophenone 4, Disodium Edta, Dmdm Hydantoin, Fragrance (Parfum), Ext. Violet 2.

 This product will definitely be a staple in my arsenal! 5/5!

 Until Next time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Review and Results of using Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel

I have tried shingling with cheap dollar store gel, and it left my hair a stiff mess. Now that I know I am to add moisture in my hair like an oil or a leave in, that could have then the reason it turned out crunchy, but it also turned out flaky, and I am sure it would have still turned out flaky.

Everyone has always compared Eco Styler Gel, with Kinky Curly Curing Custard, so I wanted to give it a try myself. I went out to CVS and purchased a 32 ounce tub of Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel, (for 4.99) because I felt that it would dry my hair out a bit less than one without it. I went to a Beauty Supply Store, and found  that the same one I had cost 3.49, so I would look around before buying it somewhere, because it is priced differently, depending where you go.

It does not have a very pungent scent, which is pleasant. It was thicker in texture/density, than I thought it would have been, but it was not very hard to distribute. It gave me great curl definition, but, not air drying could be the reason my hair came out slightly crunchy, and maybe not as elongated, or simply me not adding moisture to the top layer,  and drying with a blow dryer. I am going to try again sometime soon and test my theory.

I think Eco Styler Gel is an awesome alternative for those cannot afford KCCC, or are simply on a tight budget, (and people like me who cannot bring themselves to spend 20 dollars on one product) (lol). 

4.5/5- I am going to try it another time to see if I like it any better by air drying.

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3