Product Review: Pretty AnntoiNet's Silk Hair Lingerie

A few weeks ago, I misplaced my silk hair bonnet. I think its in the house, but I can't find it (although I fear I may have inadvertently thrown it away). The website I bought my old bonnet from years ago went out of business. So I ordered a new bonnet from www.prettyanntoinets.com.

Product Review: Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Conditioner

A few weeks ago, I used this conditioner to co-wash my hair. My mom used this in my hair when I was in high school and it was great. Back then, my hair was relaxed bone-straight and the conditioner made my hair super soft. I was interested to see how my texlaxed hair would respond to it.

Product Review: Argan (Moroccan) Oil

When I washed my hair this weekend, I tried this free sample of Redken Argan Oil that I got from Beauty Brands. This was my first time using Argan Oil.

Argan (Moroccan) Oil

I just went to Beauty Brands to use a gift card and they gave me this sample Argan (Moroccan) Oil from Redken. I'm about to wash my hair, so I decided to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. I will keep you posted.

I actually got a sample from another brand but never used it.

Have you used Argan oil? How did it turn out?

Huetiful Hair Steamer Review (Video)

Product Review: Oyin Hair Dew on Relaxed Hair

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Back in March, my stylist suggested that I try Oyin Hair Dew to help make my hair more manageable during my stretch. Here is my review of this product on my relaxed hair. I ordered the Hair Dew and tried to use it a few different ways with the hopes of it working for my hair.

Huetiful Hair Steamer

A representative from Huetiful contacted me about doing a review on their Huetiful Hair Steamer! I was very excited that they wanted to hear my opinion, so I agreed to use the steamer and post a video review. I just received the steamer and will use it this weekend when I wash my hair.

Update: Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo

My scalp is behaving well considering that it has been 2 weeks since my last wash day. As a reminder, I didn't get to wash my hair last weekend because of my birthday plans.

In the past, if I wait more than 7-10 days to wash my hair, my scalp goes crazy. The issue seems to have worsened with me wearing a helmet to ride, because I sweat under the helmet. On the other hand, the exercise helps to promote healthy growth.

Ideally, I would love to co-wash after my riding lesson and then do a regular wash on the weekend. But the time needed to dry and style my hair is too demanding for a mid week co-wash.

The Neutrogena T-Sal Shampoo I reviewed has lived up to its promise to prevent scalp build up. Just to be safe, I'll use it for my first wash this weekend and then resume my usual wash day routine.

Has anyone else missed a wash day this week? Or was I the only "delinquent" one? (smile)

Product Review: Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo

I washed my hair today for the first time in two weeks. You guys know how my scalp "rebels" when I go longer than one week without washing it. Without getting graphic, I had buildup on my scalp that was neither itchy nor flaky. I avoid scratching my scalp to remove debris, because it is not healthy for the scalp. So, I decided to try this shampoo. I went to Target looking for the other Neutrogena shampoo that has coal tar in it. But this bottle was marketed for scalp build-up, which is exactly what I had. 

Product Review: Target Aloe Vera Gel

So I did this hairstyle on a Friday after a very difficult biochemistry test. Buying things for my hair (or my pets) make me happy, so I figured it was a good idea. I bought a few hair products that day, but I'll review them (and others) in a later post or two. Promise.

For this, I want to focus on the finishing touch - Aloe Vera. Or, as a Jamaican (and maybe other Caribbean islander) would call it - Sinkle Bible. I purchased the Up&Up brand (Target's store brand).

Product Review: KS Moisture Conditioner

Now that the weather is warming up, I plan to implement conditioner only wash ("co-wash") as needed. Yesterday was a day that needed it. I went riding and afterward, my hair was so sweaty that I had to wash it. I did a co-wash with the Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner. The first time I used it was in Jamaica to co-wash my hair after going to the beach.

Oyin Hair Dew: What Do You Think?

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My stylist suggested that I try Oyin Hair Dew on my new-growth during my relaxer stretch. She uses it on her natural hair and loves it. I plan to order it when I get back from vacation and give it a try. But I wanted to hear from you about your experience using it.

The ingredients look great:

Ingredients: purified water, castor oil, olive oil, organic aloe vera gel, behentrimonium methosulfate (emulsifier), coconut oil, olive squalane, optiphen (preservative), cetyl alcohol, and love!

It is water based but has a few oils and no "fluff." Don't worry about the "cetyl alcohol" it is not the drying alcohol. So, what say you?

Product Review: Mizani H2O Intense Nighttime Treatment

Product Review: Goody Updo Maker

A few weeks ago, I posted that I found a replacement for my claw clips.  Well, that didn't last very long.

I've been using the Updo Maker daily since then, but now the coating on it is peeling.  I'm not sure whether the problem is the coarseness of my hair, or the oils I use that is causing it to peel. But now when I insert the Updo Maker, it no longer glides in smoothly and it feels like it will break or cut my hair in the process.  So now I have to find another way to pin my hair up while at home.

Did this happen to anyone else? Any other suggestions?

Product Review: Curlformers

I washed my hair on Tuesday and decided to try out the Curlformers.  It was an impromptu decision, so I didn't record this time, but I'll use them again and do a tutorial.  I used 16 Curlfomers in the Long and Extra Wide size.  I bought them from Sally's a few weeks ago. 

How I used this product:

1. Washed, deep conditioned and lightly blow dried to about 95% dry (I was tired, so I didn't blowdry completely)
2. Using the 8 sections I wash in, I split each section into 2 sections, and applied a Curlformer for a total of 16 Curlformers used.   I alternate the colors, so the curls weren't going in the same direction. 

Curlformers

As you can see in the picture, I didn't apply the Curlformers close to my scalp.  There are two reasons for this: 1) I only wanted the ends to be curled, and 2) My hair is so long that if I start at my roots, the ends would stick out the bottom of the Curlfomers.

Having the Curlformers on the ends of my hair, also allowed me to pin up my hair so I could sleep comfortably. 

Hair pinned up in the back

Front pinned up

Covered with my silk bonnet

Removed Curlformers

Curl

My Experience
The Curlformers were very easy to use and I was able to apply all 16 in about 30 minutes.  Since my hair was only lightly blow dried, the thickness of my hair posed a challenge to pull through the roller.  I can definitely see how not taking your time can cause damage and leave you with broken pieces.  I had minimal breakage which would easily be avoided if my hair was flat ironed or blow dried straighter.  I certainly would not be able to use the smaller width on lightly blow dried hair, because the opening is smaller, and would cause damage when I pull my thick hair through.  So I plan to use the Long and Wide on flat ironed hair only.

I really liked the Curlformers and I'm looking forward to using them on flat ironed hair.  The curls didn't last very long (maybe a couple hours), but I think that's because I lightly blow dried.  My hair tends to hold curls better when I use higher heat.  So after I flat iron, my hair is more receptive to holding curls without using additional heat. 

Test period - First time used.

Like/Dislike? - Like.

 

Product Review: Mane n' Tail Detangler

 

Product claims and suggested usage:

• The solution for hard-to-comb hair
• Provides a rich, luxurious shine
• Hair becomes easily manageable
• Restores lost moisture
• Prevents breakage
• Reduces split ends

After showering, while hair is still damp, spray Mane 'n Tail Detangler liberally on hair. Work formula through, making sure it covers and reaches all of the hair. DO NOT RINSE OUT. Comb out hair with a large tooth comb or brush. Results are a super slip that allows hair to respond to styling effortlessly. Style as usual. If pump becomes clogged, run under warm water.  

How I used the product
I bought this detangler to use on my dry hair to help me detangle before I washed.   I also use it lightly after I washed my hair. 

My Experience
I experienced no real improvement in being able to detangle my hair.  To the contrary, I experienced excess shedding after the second time I used it.  My hair started clumping together while I washed and was coming out in knots.  I literally had to cut the shedding hair that was hanging down below the ends of my hair in order to limit breakage. 

Since it was the only new product I used, I attribute the shedding to the detangler, but I also recognize that the seasonal change may have been a factor.  Granted, I didn't follow the directions exactly but I did also use it on my wet hair after I washed and didn't find that it helped detangle my hair very much.  I've also noticed a loss in the bulk of my hair and my hair feels straighter when wet than normal.

I suspect that I may have had a bad reaction to something in the detangler.  It didn't occur to me at the time because I went 2 weeks without combing or washing, so I thought the shedding was the accumulation of 2 weeks worth of normal shedding.  However, if it were normal shedding, then my hair would not feel less bulky or straighter when wet, which is now does. 

This is an example of how what works for one person, may not work for another.  I read great reviews on this product melting away tangles and leaving new growth soft and manageable.  Unfortunately for me, that was not my experience.    
  
Test period - Four uses over the course of 3 weeks.

Like/Dislike? - Dislike.

Product Reviews Coming Soon...

Hi friends,

As many of you know, I am very reluctant to make radical changes to my regimen because of the possibility of a setback.  Unfortunately, the products you use and love may not always be available.  Companies sometimes change their product formula and what you once loved might not give the same results with the "new and improved" formula. Or worse yet, a company might discontinue your staple product altogether.  Both instances have happened over the course of my hair journey, so I know the value in trying new products in moderation.  You always want to have an alternative product just in case. 

That being said, I'm going to start doing a Product Review feature.  The feature will detail the following:

• Product claims and suggested usage,
• How I used the product, 
• Pros and Cons, and
• Test period - Some products I will use for weeks before I give a review and others I will review after one use. 

I'm also open to suggestions for products to review.  Keep in mind that I will not try anything that I believe might compromise the integrity of my hair and hair goals. 

Stay tuned for my first product review...