Vidal Sassoon's Pro Series VS Color Shampoo & Conditioner Product Review

Hey All!

As far as hair goes, I haven't been up to much. Been rocking a slightly altered Wash n' Go Puff. I'll let you all know what I mean but slightly altered in a later post.  What I am here to tell you guys about now is Vidal Sasson's Pro Series VS Color Shampoo & Conditioner.

He is the father of Asymmetrical cuts. Has salons everywhere, has a documentary, the man is legend. Anyway, back to the review.

The VS Color Shampoo comes in a red bottle. The shampoo itself is a pearl white, and has a slightly thick consistency, think V05 or Suave, but just an smidget thicker. It has a perfumey scent. It lathers up wonderfully, but it is a Sulfate poo, so that is what it is suppose to do. After not washing my hair for more than a week, one wash left my strands feeling clean. I shampooed one more time just for good measure. Though my hair was still wet I did like how my hair felt clean, but not completely stripped. Also a whole bunch of my color wasn't washing down the drain, which is awesome, because that was something I was experiencing with V05 Moisture Milks.

Now you guys should know I'm not a shampoo girl, I'll wash my hair with just about anything, but this shampoo, seemed to like my hair, and my hair liked it back. It's filled with stuff I can't name, and though I'm new to color shampoo's, I'm sure is normal. The first ingredient is water, so that's pretty cool.  5/5 for the poo, that is for us colored girls! (That sounds horrible, but you guys know what I mean lol)

Just for those of you who are wondering, here's the ingredient list.


VS Color Shampoo 
 Water/EAU, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycol Disterate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Xylenefum, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-6, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.





Now on to the conditioner. It comes in a white bottle. It has the same coloring and consistency of the shampoo because of that you have to be generous when using. The scent is reminiscent of an inflatable plastic pool. Lol. It smells horrible!At least in my own opinion. If you can get past the plastic smell, the conditioner is amazing! It works just as well if not better than my beloved Suave Professionals Almond & Shea. It leaves my curls bouncy and moisturized, the only thing missing is a lovely scent, but the results are worth it.

I believe I got them on sale, but I think it is individually sold for $3.84 USD, at least at Rite Aid. Which is a more than reasonable price. I rate the conditioner 4/5 just because of the scent, or lack thereof.

The ingredients list goes as

VS Color Conditioner
Water/EAU, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearmidopropyl, Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Nopropyl, Dimethicone Benozyl Alcohol, EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride Methylchloroisothiazolineone, Methylisothiazolione.

Overall, these products are great and work well with each other, or separately and are very easy on the products. I would like to explore other color protecting shampoo's and conditioners, but this one seems like it will be a staple.

Prepoo Overnight, Using Saran Wrap! (+ Sulfate Definitions)

Now I am sure some of you may saying to yourself 'What in the world is a prepoo?'  and 'Why would I use saran wrap?', but let me tell you, if you use shampoo that contains Sulfates, prepooing will make a world of difference.

Before I do that, I'll give you all the run down of what kinds of sulfates are used in hair care products, and what they do.

Sulfates is a short term to describe four common types of sulfates that can be found hair care products. They are, Sodium Lauryl, Sodium Laureth, Ammonium Lauryl, and Sodium Myreth.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/SLS ( also known as Sodium Laurllsulfate or Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/SDS), is an agent normally found in shampoo's and cleaning products, such as car detergents, floor cleaners, toothpaste, etc. This chemical is used in products because of it's foaming/thickening ability. It is also known to be a skin and irritant, which explains why your eyes burn if you get shampoo in your eye.


Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate/ALS (also known as Ammonium Dodecyl Sulfate/ADS) another base in cleaners for it's ability to break down hydrogen bonds, and distribute water evenly. This allows water to penetrate a surface or hair easier. It also has the ability to dissolve anything coming off of the surface applied to. Which could explain the stripped (dry) feeling, you may experience when using shampoo containing this sulfate.



Sodium Laureth Sulfate (also know as Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate/ SLES) another chemical that is found in hygienic products, such as soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc. Similar to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, this chemical is used for its foaming abilities.



Sodium Myreth Sulfate is a clear chemical used in make up, and other hygienic products as listed previously. This chemical is similar to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, because it goes through a process that gives it detergent properties like it's counterpart, except it contains more fatty alcohol. This fatty alcohol is called 1-Tetradenacol or Myristyl Alcohol.

Myristyl Alcohol is a saturated fatty alcohol, it is insolivable in water, but is used for it's emollient properties. Emollients is a substance found in most skin,make-up, and hair products for its softening and soothing ablities. 

The word Emollient means to soften. While Moisture means to add moisture to something.

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 ~

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 ~

Rod Setting Natural Hair

                                         (Ignore the date)

I had a wedding to attend, and I already had my dress and shoes together, my accessories, but I still needed to do my hair. I don't go to salon's nor do I know of any good one's. I also don't like spending money on something I can do myself! The problem was, I was having a hard time deciding whether to flat iron, or do a roller/rod set. My boyfriend said it didn't matter, but he never really has an opinion when it comes to my hair.

I then turned to my sisters on BHP and asked what they thought would be the better choice. As it turned out, a lot of them, including those who were relaxed suggest that I do the roller/rod set instead. Another thing that factored in my decision was that I am part of a no heat challenge, and I want to try my best to stay away from using direct heat on my hair.

I use perm rods and Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion for my rod sets. If you ever wanted to try this rods out, my only suggestion is that if you prefer a looser curl, go for the bigger sized rollers, the smaller the roller, the tighter the curl will be. I like small curls but I plan on purchasing more of the gray colored rods for when I want a looser curl.

I only mixed them because I ran out of yellow/blue rods lol.

I prepooed the night before, then I did my cayenne pepper treatment, washed with diluted V05 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream Shampoo, cowashed with matching conditioner, and then deep conditioned with a cap, without heat, for two hours with, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner. (In the bottle, same formula, make sure to buy see through bottle, the solid colored one has a different formula)

I sealed with my mixture of oils, and then did my hair in four sections, put Motions Foam Wrapping Lotion in the section I  was doing, and did that for all four sections, and put the rollers in downward, and made sure the roller was close to my root,( do not bunch the hair in one section of the roller, actually make sure it wraps around the length of it) and got the results of the picture above.

I left the rollers in overnight, so it would be fresh for the wedding which was the following day, and I split the curls, and it was done! The style can last a whole week, but I usually keep it for 3 days or so.

(The left side is where I split the curls, the right is how it looks when it comes out of the roller)

Try rod/roller setting at home, the results are rewarding!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! <3 Naomi

Wash Day/Regimen

I love wash day because it gives me a chance to feel pampered and baby my hair! To me it is like going to the Salon, because it takes hours to get to the results I want (by choice) but in the comfort of my own home, which is the best part! Who like sitting in a salon for 3-4 hours? Not Me! lol

 My wash day comes once per week, and that is the day my hair gets the works. Everybody does not have the same washing ritual, whether natural, relaxed, or texlaxed. Some people wash once a week like me, some people twice a month, or once a month, so it varies depending on the person an the hair type.

I decided on once a week because I found that after two weeks my scalp is dirty, and hair is limp, and packed with product I have been adding over the days. Plus it starts to itch then lol.

I start by prepooing. Prepooing is a lot like deep conditioning, except that it is done on dry hair before Shampooing. It depends on my mood, but I do oil only prepoo's, and conditioner prepoo's. For my oil only I use Home Health Castor Oil, and Africa's Best Organics Ultimate Herbal Oil. For my conditioner prepoo I use V05 Tea Therapy Calming Chamomile with a few drops of the same oils I use in my oil prepoo. I like to leave it overnight with a plastic cap, if not done that way I do my prepoo a couple of hours before I plan on shampooing, same method.

I then rinse, and then do my Cayenne Pepper Treatment for an hour or two, rinse, then shampoo. I clarify 1-2 times a month using V05 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime, if I clarify I use the matching conditioner to cowash, if not I use V05 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream.  Cowashing can be done in between wash days, as it helps keep your hair moisturized and clean. When I am not using my clarifying shampoo, I am using my moisturizing shampoo, V05 Moisturizing Milks Shampoo Strawberries & Cream. I tend to wash my hair in one big bunch, some braid their hair in plaits and wash their hair in sections. 

I then deep condition using one of my three conditioners which I alternate, Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise, which I use as my protein, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner as my in between, meaning it contains both protein and moisturizing ingredients, and Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol, which I use as my moisturizing. I believe Mineral Oil is an ingredient in the (bolded) conditioners I use, but I does not bother me if it is far down in the list of ingredients. Many people try to stay away from mineral oil, and petroleum in products, because it is said to coats, and acts as a barrier, but it works fine for me. I have great results using all three of these conditioners.

After, I seal with my mix of Home Health Castor Oil, Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I put pure LJBCO on my balds spots and edges.

Sometimes I use V05 Moisturizing Milks as a leave in, and then I style!

I what is called low manipulation styling, which means to style without direct heat. Styles such some featured on my blog, and others such as braid/ braid outs, (two strand/flat) twist/ twist outs, bantu knot outs, puffs, pin curls, roller/rod sets, etc.

Every once in a while I may do a protective style, which is styling that keeps ends protected. Such as individuals, and kinky twists, but you can also do buns, pony tails, wigs/lace fronts, cornrows, etc. This type is styling is suppose to help in retaining length.

My low manipulation styles usually last me two to three days. Unless it is wash day, I then cowash, seal, and style again!

I find that it is good to have a regimen to know what products works for you, and to know what treatments your hair may need throughout the week. Remember it is different for everyone, and some products may work for others, may not work for you, so it is trial and error, but at least it gives you a chance to get to know your hair!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Shingling, Mini Product Review

Not sure if you guys know, but, today was hair day! I prepooed with V05 Tea Therapy Calming Chamomile, mixed with a couple of drops of Home Health Castor Oil, Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and Herbal Infusions Hair Mayonnaise. The concoction was mixed in my spray bottle, and I put it through out my hair, and put on a plastic cap which I left on for about two hours.

Then I did a cayenne Treatment ( I have to remember to take a pic of!) and left it on for close to two hours as well. Then I washed with Miracle 7 Color Protect Shampoo. I never tried it before, nor is my hair colored, I got it free with my sally's order, I guess to replace the fact that they did not ship my Roux.

Anyway, the Miracle 7 Color Protect Shampoo was pearly white, and thick, and had a really nice lather. My hair did not feel stripped after using it, it actually felt soft. I do not know how good it is as far as maintaining color treated hair, but my hair felt clean, so I am pleased, but I would not purchase this product only because it is pricey in my opinion. From Sally's it is $12.99 USD for a 10 ounce bottle. I would give it a 4/5 based on it's cleaning ability, not as far as protecting/preserving color on color treated hair.

After Shampooing I followed with my Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol (moisturizing dc) I left it in for an hour with a cap, and rinsed and detangled. I then put LJBCO on my bald spots, and then used my applicator bottle to put my oil mixture to seal. (mixture of Castor oil, LJBCO, and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil).

Then I used New York Style Gel (14 X-treme hold) which I purchased for $1.19 USD from a store called Conway, in New York City, to shingle. Put it throughout hair, and then combed through. I blow dried my hair, did not dry, it is actually still drying. Anyway here are the results.

Until Next time, HHG to all! Naomi <3

Hair Day

I prepooed overnight with a mixture of Home Health Castor Oil, and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal  oil, after saturating, my straight hair melted into curls, which gave me relief. I am always afraid of getting heat damage.

 My Hair felt strong, I then did a Cayenne Pepper Mixture, left on for a half hour, will post a pic of mixture, when I remember lol. Then I used my samples from Frederic Fekkai, which were the glossing shampoo and conditioner. I hated the scent of both, way too perfumey, the shampoo's consistency was thick, and had a decent lather, and my hair felt soft afterwards, but the conditioner was not too great. Maybe it was because there was not enough, but my hair felt hard after rinsing it out.


I was so glad to deep condition, used Organic Root Stimulator Conditioner, the one in the bottle, for a couple of hours with a cap. Hair came out great, and well moisturized. Sealed with Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Used Redken Curlwise14 to define my curls, it was okay in doing that, but it left my hair hard and crunchy! It also feels dry, at least my ends anyway, it could be the mixture of the castor oil, and the curlwise, but I don't think I will be using this product again anytime soon.

Will cowash either Tuesday or Wednesday, and will be trying my new V05 Tea Therapy Calming Chamomile. That is all until then.

Review of V05 Moisturizing Milks Shampoo & Conditioner, Strawberries & Cream.

 

V05 Moisturizing Milks( with Soy Protein) Shampoo and Conditioner can usually be found at any drugstore, or supermarket, and comes in 15FL bottles.

 I first purchased V05 Moisturizing Milks Shampoo & Conditioner, simply because it was cheap, which I purchased for 99 cents each (at CVS), my being frugal, has helped me find a true gem!

The Shampoo has a slightly thick consistency, and is a bit creamy in my opinion, which I love. It smells of Strawberries, as it should. It leaves my natural 4a/3c hair soft and smelling good.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycol Stearate, DMDM Hydantoin, Polyquaternium 7, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Guar Hydroxypropyltriminum Chloride, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Red 40 (CI 16035), Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 4 (CI 14700), Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soy Milk, Panthenol, Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract (Strawberry), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Niacinamide, Biotin.

Rating: 5/5! Only wish it came in a bigger bottle.