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

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

Queen Helene Super Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream (Deep Conditioner) Review

Hey All!

Remember my previous post about not wanting to wash my hair...well I did, and my curls came back immediately, thank the Lord! What I really want to talk about though is this new deep conditioner I have been using. Well it's more like revisited, because I tried it earlier on in my HHJ, and felt so-so about it.


The new deep conditioner is a cholesterol- Queen Helene Super Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. I have the 907.2g/2 pound one, and it has a pump, which I love, for a reason I'm getting to...

I can't exactly remember how much I paid for this product, but I bought it from Walmart, and I'm pretty sure I got it for less that $7.99 USD, why do I say that, because I am cheap, and have yet to pay $10.00 USD, on any one product!  You can find Cholesterol conditioner, not necessarily this brand, at any BSS or drug store, like Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, etc.  Other brands I have heard of Lustrasilk, Lusti, Hollywood Beauty.

Believe it or not, cholesterol is good for your hair! It is good fat that helps condition and give your hair luster! So this is great for those who have dry/damaged hair!


Now the ingredient's does not sound the best...


Ingredients:  Water (Aqua), Glyceryl Stearate, Mineral Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Lanolin, Myristamidopropyl, Dimethylamine Phosphate, Cholesterol, Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Keratin Amino Acids, Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Yellow #5 (CI# 19140), Yellow #6 (CI# 15985), Red #40 (CI# 16035), Red #33 (CI# 17200).


But believe me it works! I find that it works best if you mix it with oils, or melted shea butter. That is at least what I have used. My favorite combo is to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO). It leaves me with such soft hair, and it's a lot of product for less than 10 bucks! (It also works nice alone, still soft, just not as soft with additives.) The pump makes it worth the money as well because it's less messy, and allows me to get an eye for how much I'm using.


I like this a lot better than the Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol I use to use.


I have been looking for an affordable, moisturizing, deep conditioner, and this is it! Although I love this conditioner to pieces, it will get a 4/5 from me, only because to I have to add oils to get that suppleness I'm looking for!

Check this product out if you haven't already!

~Naomi

Lush Retread (Deep Conditioner) Review

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/solid-shampoos/newHey All!

I received Lush Retread as gift from my dear Mother-In-Law, for Christmas, as she knows that I am a fan of anything hair related!

I have always been interested in LUSH products, because they tend to stay away from chemicals for the most part, so I was really excited to use this conditioner. (I used it along with my Stimulating Spice Shampoo Bar, which I happen to love! I gets my hair squeaky clean but not stripped, it is not filled with a whole bunch of harsh chemicals, and it is also convenient to use and travel with)

 It is a deep conditioner, and it is said for it to be used when "...your hair is feeling rough, harsh, and wrecked". It states that after use it will "...restore sanity and get it under control". Which I can only assume that they were speaking of hair..duh!

It is mostly natural, the few ingredients that are not natural or do not sound like they are

• Propylene Glycol (A synthetic liquid that is tasteless, colorless, and odorless, that acts as a humectant (humectant means to draw moisture) and helps soften hair
• Perfume (Fragrance)
• Cetearyl Alcohol (A mixture of fatty oils that is used to smooth and thicken hair/skin products)
• Sodium Lauryl Sufate (An agent used in cleaning/hair products that enables a produt to have a lather)
• Cetrimonium Bromide (Salt used in hair/skin products that help prevent static build up and fly aways)
• Benzyl Benzoate (This is not a chemical, it is a component from Cinnamon Leaf Oil, which was used as a fragrance for this conditioner)
• Methylparaben (A Paraben used to lengthen a products shelf life)
• Propylparaben (Also a Paraben, but this one is used to prevent or control yeast, mold or bacteria from forming)
• Synthetic Musk (Used for fragrance)
• Lanolin (A natural yellow waxy substance that is secreated from animals that have wool (sheep for example. It is very moisturizing, but can be heavy)

(Complete) Ingredient List

Agar Infusion (Gelidium cartilagineum), Propylene Glycol, Soya Milk (Glycine soja), Cetearyl Alcohol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Fresh Cantaloupe Melon (Cucumis Cantalupensis), Olive Oil (Olea europaea), Perfume, Natural Yoghurt, Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima), Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Bromide, Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Synthetic Musk,Violet Leaf Absolute (Viola odorata), Orange Blossom Absolute (Citrus dulcis), Neroli Oil (Citrus amara), Benzyl Benzoate, Methylparaben,Propylparaben.

(Ingredients that are bolded are natural)

This product does have an expiration date because it is all natural for the most part.

I used it all of three times, because that is all I could get out of the 8.4 oz jar. I would have loved to get 4 uses out of it, but it could have been that I was using too much at a time. Thing is, this product's consistency is very loose, it is not as thick or creamy as I would have liked it to have been, so I felt I needed more product for my hair to feel covered.

The scent was not unpleasant, it does smell like melon, but it has a musky scent to it. It dissipates after a while anyway. It does not detangle for you, meaning it does not have super super slip. It does have slip, just not the kind where knots just 'melt' away if you get what I mean. So it was still necessary to detangle before or after use.

However, it did do great job at moisturizing and refreshing my hair, especially considering that I shampoo before deep conditioning, and I do not always detangle or prepoo before hand. It would be a staple if it were not for the $24.95 USD price tag.

Call me cheap, but 25 dollars for an 8 oz product is way too much in my opinion, but if that does not deter you from wanting to purchase this product, you can buy it online at LUSH (they have websites catering to different countries, so if you are not from the states, go to Lush.Com, and pick which country you are from) you can also buy from their stores, to find a store near you, use the store locator on their site.

This product gets a 4 out of 5 from me, only because of the price, and it did not provide as much slip as I would have liked.

Anyway, I just wanted to share.


~Naomi

Twist Out Results Using Shealoe

Hey All!

As you guys know, I made my first batch of Shealoe (a mixture of Shea Butter and Aloe Vera Gel or Juice. I made mine with the Gel) not too long ago, and to tell you the truth...I love it!

It works amazingly for definition, for low manipulation styles like Twist or Braid Outs, also for Bantu Knot outs and two strand twists. It has a way of giving hair a nice sheen as well as allowing it to retain moisture for days at a time, which I for one, love! My hair does not like to be moisturized daily. Trust me, I have tried. Which is why I say, everyone's hair is different!

My only gripe is that it is hard to tell how much to use, because if you use to much, it will stick to your strands rather than blending, and being absorbed.

My favorite style to use my shealoe for is twist outs, it could be my length at this time, but this is my go to style.

I do 12 twists, 6 on each side, oil my scalp with my JBCO mixture, and then use my leave in of choice, usually for twist outs, I like to keep it light, so I use my Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer.
I always secure my ends with one my (cold wave) perm rods, to make sure that the ends are uniform with the rest of my hair. My hair is too long for the yellow 5/16th inch rods, so they are perfect on my ends.

The Shealoe comes into play, just before twisting, as I use it as a sealant. I keep my twist overnight and cover my hair with my satin bonnet/scarf, and untwist in the morning.

Here are the results

Here is a mini comparison twist comparison.

March 2010

February 2011

I hope I conveyed how great Shealoe is! So I encourage you to try it!


~Naomi

Skala Avocado Conditioner Review

Hey All!

Last Sunday I used Skala Avocado Conditioner that I was given this conditioner as a gift, as a Deep Conditioner. It is a Dominican brand product, it is for "Dry Coarse Hair", and is for "Revitalizing and Strength". I believe it was purchased for a dollar. (saw price sticker)Not sure from where exactly.

This conditioner is suppose to be used as a cowashing conditioner, but I used this as a Deep Conditioner, and for that I am glad! This conditioner has a thicker consistency than my usual cowashing conditioner (VO5 Strawberries & Cream) so it did not drip, and has a light green hue.

I mixed it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Coconut Oil, it was really easy to apply, and felt great going on. I covered my hair with a plastic bag, and went about my business. I let it sit for a little more than an hour, and rinsed. My hair felt so soft, and was really easy to detangle.I believe it can be found in Rite Aid, or you're local supermarket, it is a bit hard to find though, since this product is not always in stock, so keep an eye out for it!

Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrmonium Chloride, Petrolatum, Glutaral, Parfum, Citric Acid, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, FD&C Blue #1 (CI 42090), FD&C Yellow #5 (CI 19140).

I wish I took a picture of how it looked mixed all together, I did not use more than 3 spoonfuls of each oil.

I like to experiment to see what works, and try and create new 'products', I hope this encourages you all to try making your own DC mix! Please keep in mind that works for me, may not work for you, that is what a HHJ is all about, finding what works for you!!

~Naomi

Shealoe (Melt & Blend Method)

Hey All!

Yes I did say Shealoe! It is a mixture of regular (unprocessed) Shea Butter, mixed with either Aloe Vera Gel or Juice. Hence, the name.

I made mine using Aloe Vera Gel.

If you are looking for a moisturizer or something that will be good for hairstyling, (two strand twists, bantu knot outs, twist/braid outs) this is it!

I am definitely not the first person to think of this recipe, but I have been wanting to try it for some time. Mainly because you can make it yourself, and it is all natural, which is the best part! I am really getting into making my own products, I love knowing what is in my products, and being about to try new recipes, and of course share with you all!

Anyway, moving along, many people who make Shealoe, will add AVG to their desired amount, and then blend the two, so it will have a nice whipped buttery texture. Some may like it a bit looser but that is all up to the persons discretion.

I did not use this method. I had to do the Melt & Blend method, since I do not own a blender or a hand mixer.

I used the 8oz clear tub thingy my Shea Butter came in before. I purchased a 16oz block this time around, so that is why I was able to split it up. I used 4oz of Aloe Vera Gel, and 4oz of Shea Butter.

(In case you are wondering, I buy my Shea Butter from ebay. this is my second time buying from this person, their Shea comes from Halo's Soaps and Bars, they also make natural soaps, with different scents and flavors if you will. The Shea is of good quality, not crumbly, softens easily, smells nutty, as it should, and she delivers quickly! I purchased my Shea Butter on a Monday, and received it on Thursday. Oh, and I would like to add that it was very reasonably priced, altogether for the Shea plus shipping and handling, it came out to $10.50.)


I used the microwave to soften the butter, no more than 10 seconds at a time, just enough to loosen the texture, and then add the aloe.

Here is how it came out

I repeated this process probably around 5-8 times I cannot remember how many exactly.

I heated it a bit too much at some point and it became a pool of Aloe & Shea.....

so I put it in the freezer for about 20 mins, checking and mixing it every 5 minutes.

I think I may have popped it in the microwave maybe 3 more times after to make sure it was the right texture, and then it was all done. I would say it took me about an hour to complete. Here is the finished product ( I let it sit for a while before taking the pic, so it hardened a bit)

Like I said before, it is great for simply moisturizing your hair, or to use for styling. It also leaves my hair feeling nice and soft!

The only thing about the Melt & Blend method I do not like is that I have to keep melting and blending so I can get that pudding texture I need for the Shea and Aloe to be fully mixed. Just for 5 seconds though , so it is not too bad.

Also keep in mind that it also can be deceiving! It may look like a little bit, but it is a lot, I over estimated the amount of Shealoe I used in my hair, and I had to go cowash! As it does not take much for me to get buildup. Of course it get's a 5/5 from me!

So that was my experience with Shealoe.  I love it to pieces, I would like to whip it next time though, so I guess I will have to invest in a blender or hand mixer.


~Naomi

Ultimate Deep Conditioning Challenge 2011

Hey all!

As you all know, I am a member of many hair forums, but Black Hair Planet has to be my favorite. I am running an Ultimate Deep Conditioning Challenge for 20ll (until Dec.10th, 2011).

The purpose of the challenge is to help enforce healthy hair habits for the new year. Deep conditioning is a vital part of healthy hair care, as it helps restore moisture into the hair, or protein, depending on the type of the conditioner you use. (Tip: Conditioners like Hair Mayonnaise, or contains eggs are considered hard protein)

Protein based treatment/conditioner should not be used on a weekly basis, or you may experience protein overload. Protein overload results in excessive shedding/breakage. Too much moisture results in limp, gummy, hair, so you really have to make sure you do not have too much of moisture or protein in your regimen. As well as what is in your leave in's.

Like for instance, my 'Super Moisturizing Homemade Coconut Leave In' can be considered protein based because of the coconut oil. It is okay to use, and alternate between a purely moisturizing leave in. Which is something I learned, I did not realize that my conditioner was protein based, and could not figure out why my hair would sometimes feel hard.

For now I will be alternating between my coconut leave in, and diluted VO5 Moisturizing Milks mixed with Home Health Castor Oil.

( Look out for Soy/Silk/Wheat Proteins, they're not bad by any means, it just means your product contains a bit of protein)

Anyway, getting to the point, the challenge is mainly about just that, finding YOUR balance. Although I think it is best for people to do a hard protein treatment, once every 4-6 weeks, it depends on the person. (Tip: A quick homemade recipe for a hard treatment... Eggs and Mayo, how much of each depends on you, you can also add a bit of conditioner for a thicker consistency) Some people cannot take hard protein, so they will do a light protein instead, or twice a month.

Moisturizing Deep Conditioners
Alter Ego Energizing and Rebalancing Cream
Alter Ego Nourishing Rebalancing Conditioner
Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner
Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Green Algae Hair Rescue Conditioning Mask 
Aubrey Organic Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner Aubrey Organis Isand naturals Conditioner
Aveda Sap Moss Conditioning detangler
Biolage Hydrating and Ultra Hydrating Conditioning Balm
Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie
Creme Of Nature Nourishing ConditionerFederic Fekai Hair Mask with Shea Butter J/A/S/O/N/ Sea Kelp Conditioner
Freeman's mango Papaya Conditioner
GVP Conditioning Balm (from Sally's)
Hairveda Sitrinillah Deep Conditioning Mask
ICON Inner Home Moisture Mask
Jason Natural Biotin Conditioner 
Jason Natural Jojoba Conditioner
Jason Natural Thin to Thick hair &Scalp Therapy Extra Volume Conditioner
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment
Joico K Pak Intensive Hydrator Conditioner Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm
Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner
Keracare Humecto
Loreal Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture ConditionerLustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus Mango
Mizani Microfusion Conditioner
Mizani Moisturefuse
Mizani Thermasmooth
MOP C-System ConditionerNeutragena Triple Moisture Mask
Nioxin Intensive Therapy Weightless Reconstructive Masque
Nioxin Scalp Therapy
Ojon Ultra Hydrating Conditioner
Pantene Relaxed & Natural Breakage Defense Hair Conditioning Mask Pantene Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask
Phytojojoba
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream
Shapely's Mane N Tail
Shescentit Banana Brulee  
Silicon Mix Conditioner
Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing Treatment
Silk Elements Megasilk Olive Moisturizing Treatment
Tresemme Natural Conditioner
Ultra Black Hair Deep Conditioner (by Cathy Howse)
Ultra Sheen Duo Tex Protein Conditioner

Light Protein/Moisturizing Deep Conditioners
Biolage Fortetherapie Cera-Repair Treatment
Biolage Hydratherapie Cera-Repair treatment
Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner Mizani Fulfyl Conditioning Treatment
Organic Root Stimulator Replenising Pak/Conditioner
Queen Helene Cholesterol

Protein Deep Conditoners/Treatments
 Affirm 5 in 1 Reconstructor
Alter Ego Garlic Treatment Oil Conditioner
Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
Creme Of Nature Conditioning Reconstructor 
Jason Natural Lavender Strengthening Conditioner
Joico K Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor 
Kenra Platinum Shea Butter Reconstructor
LeKair Cholesterol 
Mills Creek Keratin Conditioner
Miss Key 10 in 1 ConditionerNature's Gate Biotin Strengthening Conditioner
Nexxus Emergencee
NuNaat Keratin Conditioner
Organics Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise Treatment for Damaged Hair 
Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayaonnaise
Rene Furtere Karite Intense Nourishing Mask
Salerm 21 Wheat Germ Mask
(Credit for list due to Godiva)

Those are just examples (and suggestions) of what conditioners provide what kind of treatment for your hair. You can also create your own deep conditioners from scratch, or use one of your cowashing conditioners as a base for a dc.

Here are the rules of the challenge
The DC challenge is back in full effect for the new year! The Ultimate Deep Conditioning Challenge 2011, will Begin Monday, January 10th, 2011.

To Join: Please post a starting picture if you can, or just list the two deep conditioners (protein & moisturizing) that you will be using. You have the option of switching any of your two main dc's, until Monday, January 24th, 2011. Please just be sure to post what you will be switching two, so I can update the list.

Also while signing up, let us know a few things about your hair, ie. whether you are relaxed, texlaxed, transitioning, or natural. Also your hair length, and whether you will be deep conditioning with/without heat, or using a cap. Again, listing conditioners that you will be using is mandatory.


Check In dates will be the 10th of every 3rd month.
Thursday March 10th, 2011
Friday June 10th, 2011
Saturday September 10th, 2011
Saturday December 10th, 2011

RULES

1. You are required to deep condition for at least once a week!
2. You can deep condition on wet or dry hair (whatever your preference)
3. Deep condition with heat for at least 30 minutes
4. If deep conditioning without heat, leave it in for at least 1-2 hours
5. You can make any additions to your deep conditioner, just post what you added(Oils, honey, eggs, or any ingredient of your choosing)
6. You can also make your own deep conditioners
7. Passes are to be used when you do not use one of the two conditioners you listed to be your main conditioners for this challenge
8. You are allowed 2 passes a month.
9. Please post when a Pass is used

You can join on BHP from the link provided above, or simply just comment that you will be participating.


For now my main Dc's for this challenge will be LUSH Retread & Tropical Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Mayonnaise Protein Conditioner. I may be changing again by the 24th, we'll see.


I will have to use a pass this week, because of my braids, but I will be able to start participating next week, as I plan to start taking down my braids next Friday (Jan. 21st), which I am super excited about, but also nervous. I will also be doing a strand test to see if I have gained any growth in the past two months.

I hope you all will consider deep conditioning at least once a week, if you are not already!

~Naomi

Soybean Oil for Skin!

As you all know, I recently found out that the 'Vegetable Oil', I use to cook, is actually Soybean Oil, with after doing research, I have found that it can be very good for hair. Soybean Oil for Hair.


So I have been using Soybean Oil to prepoo, as well as adding it to my deep conditioner/treatments, but then I thought it would be a could idea to use it as a sealant.

I recently purchased a new spray bottle from Family Dollar, and wanted to test it out, so I poured a bit of Soybean Oil into the bottle, and the rest with water. I shook the bottle, to get it to mix a bit, and went to spray, and come to find out, the bottle does not work!

I do not know if it is the pressure or what, but either way, the trigger does not work, and it does not spray, so I have bought a useless spray bottle (pictured below). Thankfully it only cost me $1.00 USD, so I was not too upset about it not working.

In bottle: Soybean Oil mixed with water.

I did not want to just toss it out, so I decided to try it out on my skin!

Once mixed up the consistency was much like baby oil, and I would say it has done a good job of keeping my skin feel moisturized and smooth. Of course, like baby oil, I apply it to semi damp skin, that way it can seal in the moisture.

Baby oil really is Mineral Oil with fragrance, which we know is acts as a barrier, and does not allow moisture in or out. Which is the reason it is applied to damp skin.

So my mishap has lead me to learn another use for this wonderfully cheap, and useful oil. Just wanted to share my discovery.


~Naomi

Product Revisited: Suave's Professionals Shea & Almond Conditioner

As you guys know, I have done a product review on this conditioner a while back. Well yesterday I decided on doing a cowashing since my scalp was itching like crazy. I planned on using Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner, but changed my mind, and used Suave Professionals Shea & Almond.

Man, have I been missing out!

First of all, I looove the consistency! It's thick and creamy and easy to apply. (Creamy conditioners can be heavy, but it is great for those with thick hair. I myself do not consider my hair thick, but I have fine natural strands.)I had no problems distributing the conditioner, and it gave my hair so much slip! I could literally run my fingers through my hair without even detangling (of course with the conditioner still in my hair) It also left my scalp feeling clean. Which I liked as well!

I rinsed out, and used Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut, which has bee a staple of mine, to compare. Now I still love my Tropical Coconut, but I did not get nearly as much slip, nor did my hair feel as moisturized, compared to Suave Professionals Shea & Almond.

I also like this conditioner because of the ingredients. It has a lot of natural components, which is great for a product so cheap!

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice [Aloe Vera]*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil [Lemongrass]*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Dimethiconol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, PEG-150 Distearate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

I purchased this conditioner from Walmart for $1.84  USD! You can get the 32 ounce for $2.84 USD.

I even went as far as to use the conditioner as a leave in. I oiled my scalp as usual, coated my hair with conditioner, and sealed with Shea Butter.

I dried my hair in twists, covered in a silk bonnet. My hair feels so soft, and moisturized, and my curls are nice and defined.

I think this conditioner may replace my beloved Naturals Tropical Coconut. Or will be my alternate cowash and leave in, mixed with some other things.


I plan on using the matching Shampoo this week, and will review it as well. I am hoping my hair likes it, since the ingredients are good, as well as the price. My fingers are crossed!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Update & New Discovery! Vegetable Oil = Soybean Oil!

Hey guys, just wanted to give you a quick update. I flat ironed my hair a week and some days ago, and finally got around to washing my hair. I was worried because I flat ironed more than once in the week period, and thought I could have some heat damage.

Thank goodness that was not the case. My hair started to curl up right after I Clarified (using VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime) and cowashed (w/ matching conditioner). I made sure to prepoo before clarifying, so my hair would not feel completely stripped.

I Dced with protein mixing mayonnaise into Organics Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise, I let that sit for about an hour and a half, and used a plastic bag to cover my hair instead of a plastic cap ( I ran out lol).

My hair felt great afterwards, super soft. However to make sure I don't experience any unnecessary shedding, I followed with a moisturizing dc.

Thing is I ran out of my moisturizing dc (Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol) so I made one. I just used one of my cowashing conditioners, Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut, and decided to try using Vegetable Oil. I decided on giving it a try since I am running low on Coconut Oil. 


I left it on for an hour and a half as well. My hair felt really soft, and detangling was a breeze!


For some reason I looked on the back of my (Crisco) Vegetable Oil bottle, and looked under ingredients, and found out Vegetable Oil, is Soybean Oil!


Reading up on Soybean Oil, I've learned that it has many benefits. This oil helps moisturize hair because it contains Omega 3 fats and lipids, that can penetrate the hair shaft, which results in hydrated hair. Soybean Oil also contains proteins, and vitamins, which can help strengthen and nourish your strands as well.

I have not used it as a hot oil treatment, but I have heard it is great for that as well. 

I like this oil! It is light in comparison to Castor Oil, so I may use it as a sealant. My hair seemed to like it.

Anyway, I just had to share my discovery with you all!

Deep Conditioning Challenge For Balance!

Hey all! I am conducting a Deep Conditioning Challenge for Balance, on Black Hair Planet, (I encourage you all to join me!) for a three month period. This time around I really want to focus on on balance since I was suffering from single strand knots, and shedding.

To have balance you need to use both moisturizing and protein based deep conditioners. It depends on the person as to how many times they decide to use protein and moisture based dc's. It is healthy to deep condition weekly, and that is what the ladies participating in this challenge and myself will be doing.

The Deep Conditioning Challenge For Balance will Begin Saturday, October 16th, 2010. This Challenge will run until December 16th for a break during the holiday season, since I know how hectic it can be!




In the challenge we have check in dates. It is so we can post about our experience, and any results we've been getting from our weekly deep conditioning. The dates are

Starting Date: October 16th, 2010
November 16th, 2010
December 16th, 2010 (Check Out)
 Everyone has two main deep conditioners that they will use for the challenge (1 protein/1 moisturizing) if you would like to use another dc that is not one of the two of your main conditioners, you can use a pass. You are allowed two passes a month.


Here are the rules

1. You are required to deep condition for at least once a week!
2. You can deep condition on wet or dry hair (whatever your preference)
3. Deep condition with heat for at least 30 minutes
4. If deep conditioning without heat, leave it in for at least 1-2 hours
   
5. You can make any additions to your deep conditioner, just post what you added(Oils, honey, eggs, or any ingredient of your choosing)
6. Passes are to be used when you do not use one of the two conditioners you listed to be your main conditioners for this challenge
7. You are allowed 2 passes a month.
8. Please post when a Pass is used.

You guys are more than welcome to join, or to incorporate weekly deep conditioning as well!


Until Next time, Naomi~

Another Do It Yourself (DIY) Deep Conditioning Treatment- Carrot for Hair!

As you all know, I have not been home these past few weeks, so that means I have no access to my products! I know, it's terrible, however, it really has turned me into a DIY-er which is great because it forces me to be creative!

Staying with family, they have little product, which make me seem like a total junkie, but what they do have is, Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner. I do not use this at home, but it's conditioner none the less.

I squeezed a few globs of the conditioner into a bowl and added Filipo Berio Olive Oil, of course you do not have to use that specific brand, I usually use what ever is around the house. This particular brand

Before recently I had no intentions of trying carrot in a conditioner, but I have heard many good things about it, and we all know it is good for our eye sight because it contains vitamin A, but it is also full of antioxidants and minerals.I used Earth Best First Carrot (baby food). It is an organic brand, so it only contains only carrot and water, and is finely pureed, so saved me the hassle or trying to blend carrots, which I have heard can turn into a stringy mess! On their site it is sold 6 to a pack in 2.50 ounce jars for $4.14 USD excluding tax, which is about $0.69 cents a jar.

I mixed my ingredients together, and it sat in the fridge overnight in a plastic tupperware bowl, with a lid.

Before showering, I took my mixture to sit with me in the bathroom while bathing, hoping that it would warm up a little due to the steam. I did not want to ruin the texture of it by putting it in the microwave.

I Shampooed, and then added my deep conditioner mixture to my hair in sections (four) while finger combing it through, and put on a shower cap.

My hair was still a bit wet, so the mixture dripped a little, but I still kept it on for 2 hours. I rinsed while detangling, and it was a breeze! My hair felt really soft and moisturized! It also had a nice shine, which I am assuming came from the Olive Oil, which is surprising, because my hair did not like Olive Oil too much back when I was transitioning.

I used the same Olive Oil on my scalp and hair, and used setting lotion to do a rod set. My hair has hold, but it does not have a crunch, and it still very shiny.

It is definitely something that I will try again, I encourage you to try this recipe out, or create your own concoction!


Until Next Time, Naomi~

Update: Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut

I like it! I cowashed with it yesterday and it left my hair soft, moisturized, and fluffy! I think it gives my hair a different kind of soft feel, than VO5 conditioners, I'm going to cowash with VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, on Sunday, and see how my hair feels afterwards, and will compare the two, and ultimately decide of the two, which I like better, which will be difficult because I love a lot of the VO5 conditioners, but we'll see, stay tuned!





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 ~

Single Strand Knots- A Natural's Nemesis

Lately I have been experiencing Single Strand Knots also called Fairy Knots. A single strand knot, is hair that has tangled itself into a ball on the end of a single strand of hair. (I have been getting rid of them though!)

This knot forming, is usually a sign of dry hair. When the hair is dry it rubs against itself. Another way is through shampooing. When Shampooing, you are suppose to add the shampoo to your scalp, and not pile the length of your hair on top of your head (I am guilty of this). Cotton Towels can also cause dryness in hair, however, I have heard of those using cotton T-shirts, which does not take as much moisture out of the hair, as a cotton towel would.

Hair accessories can also cause knots, if your hair becomes tangled in them. If you like to bun or wear pony tails often I suggest using Goody's Ouchless Hair Ties, or any brand of hair ties without metal.


To get rid of these troublesome knots, it is best to snip them off with hair shears, you want to make sure to use hair shears, as these are sharp and are made to cut hair, regular scissors can cause more damage due to the blade's bluntness (it can bend hair, and cut jagged/unevenly). You can try to untangle the knot possibly with a needle, or if you catch it before it tightens, otherwise, I would try the search (for single strand knots) and destroy (remove) method. I have been guilty myself of snagging knots, but that is not suggested! Remember, the ends of your hair is the oldest, and most delicate, you want to hold on the them! Of course not if damaged, it is not good to hold on to damaged ends, but if it can be salvaged, then so be it.


Ways to avoid getting Single Strand Knots, is Moisture! It is important to keep your scalp as well as your ends moisturized.

Make sure you are shampooing properly (not piling hair on top of head), if using a cotton towel to dry hair, try squeezing excess water out of hair instead of rubbing vigorously, or try the T-shirt method.

Cowash in between wash days, as this helps keep hair clean and moisturized, it is also important to detangle (using wide tooth comb, or paddle/denman brush) while cowashing.

Deep condition regularly.  Using moisturizing and protein based conditioners, as it is good to have a balance to avoid moisture or protein overload. (protein overload will result in shedding/ breakage, and moisture overload will result in limpness/loss of elasticity)



Seal & Moisturize. To seal means to lock in moisture from a water based conditioner with an oil. This helps hair to retain moisture. (It is not necessary to seal if your conditioner is oil based)


If you have a regimen, you should be doing these things on a daily/weekly basis, which means you should be knot free, congrats! If not, then just follow the tips listed, and it should prevent future knots. Hope that helps!

Until next time, HHG to All! Naomi ~