Product Review: Organix (OGX) Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

Price: $4.99 for 4fl oz. 

Purchased At: Walgreens

Product Claims: Indulge your senses with this exclusive blend of organic coconut milk to nourish your hair, while ultra whipped egg white proteins add strength and elasticity, along with weightless coconut oils to add hydration and balance. It's tropical, luxurious, silky and works to smooth, condition, strengthen and instantly repair your hair.

• Weightless coconut oils blended with silk and keratin proteins create a silk repair therapy
• Instantly repairs dry, damaged, coarse and chemically treated hair.
• It helps resurface the hair, repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness
• Promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone , Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane , C12 15 Alcohol Benzoate , Silk Amino Complex , Shea Butter , Coconut Milk , Coconut Oil , Egg White Protein , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) , Fragrance

Directions: Apply a small amount of Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum to palm, rub hands together, then apply evenly to surface of damp, towel dried, hair working through ends. For best results use in conjunction with other Organix Coconut Milk products.

My Experience: I LOVE this stuff! I don't know if I'll be able to find a con about it. I use this serum to seal my hair regularly. I'll use it on wash days as a leave-in, as a sealant when moisturizing my hair throughout the week, and even as a heat protectant - even though that is not a listed use for it. I think it has enough cones in it to do the trick for me. I especially love using it on my heat-styled hair. I notice a significant difference in little broken hairs when I use this vs. when I don't. So the proteins, silk amino complex and egg white protein, that are contained in this serum pack a powerful punch. That fact alone is enough to make this a staple for me. But wait, there's more!

This serum is sooo light! I can use it repeatedly on my flat ironed hair and it will not weigh it down at all. And by repeatedly, I mean daily. Using this has never given me that gross, greasy feeling which other serums can produce. That is another thing I love about this product. A little goes a long way, too. So if you're noticing that you do get that feeling, you are probably using too much. With that being said, this bottle lasts me for months even with my very regular use of it. I just love how soft my hair feels when I use it. It's like it revives and gives my hair life over and over.

This serum has a light coconut scent to it. It's smooth and slippery like most serums. Now let me just say - I do not like coconuts; not the flavor, not the smell, I don't like anything outside of the oil that they produce. However, this scent does not bother me one bit. I actually like it. I think it's because it's just not strong enough to cause the usual adverse reaction I have to the smell of coconut. Even if you pretty much hate coconut like I do, you can still love this product.

Moral of the Story: If you need a (light) protein pick me up, buy this stuff! $5-6 for a quality product that lasts for months can't be beat!

Have you ever tried this product before? Love it, hate it, never want to use it again??

4 comments OGX, Organix, product review, serums

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Product Review: TRESemmé Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

Price: $4 for 25fl oz

Purchased at: Walgreens 

Product Claims: This silicone free conditioner is hypoallergenic, dye-free, safe for colored hair and is infused with aloe vera and avocado extracts, delivering softness, strength, and shine. Results in hair that's 10X stronger - after just one use.* This conditioner can protect all hair types from damage and breakage.  

Ingredients: Water , Cetearyl Alcohol , Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine , Behentrimonium Chloride , Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil , Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Fragrance , Dipropylene Glycol , Potassium Chloride , Lactic Acid , Disodium EDTA , DMDM Hydantoin , PEG 150 Distearate , Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Lauroyl Lysine , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone

Directions: Start with TRESemmé Naturals Nourishing Moisture Shampoo. First apply an adequate amount from mid-shaft to ends. Work anything that's left through roots. Run a wide-tooth comb or fingers from roots to ends to detangle and fully coat hair. Leave on 2-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Finish with your favorite TRESemmé styling aids as needed.

My Experience: I loved this stuff the first time I tried it, although I wasn't ready to admit it right away. I try not to fall in love too quick. I started out using my little sister's and ended up going to buy my own shortly after she left. It has yet to disappoint me since then so I really do love it. Let me count the ways. As always, when a product tells me it can be left on for 3 minutes to yield great results, I have to test it out. It's probably more like 5 with me, but either way, it's the truth. I can feel the difference in my hair the moment I start applying it. The moisture it gives lasts, too. The soft feeling doesn't disappear after the conditioner is rinsed out. I've "co-washed" with it and my hair felt great. It also works well as a pre-poo, deep conditioner and... I've even used it as a leave-in/moisturizer before. Yes, I know it's a rinse out conditioner. But sometimes, I throw rules out the window. I'm sure I'm not the only one, right? My hair was extra thirsty (like I just needed to wash it, but I wasn't ready yet) so I put some of this in and my hair just melted. Winner winner chicken dinner.

It smells SO good y'all! Gah! I just stopped typing to smell it some more. I'm a sucker for a yummy smelling product. It has a sweet scent, but it's not overpowering and it doesn't linger. It's a creamy product with allllll the slip a girl could ask for. It sinks right into my strands. Even if I'm using it on top of another conditioner. Did I mention it's full of slip? Yes, a tangle's nightmare. I don't detangle in the shower anymore, but if I did, I would use this every.single.time. I love having a great cheapie conditioner in my arsenal and this one has become my staple. 

Moral of the Story: This has become my favorite cheapie conditioner. No competition. $4 FOR 25fl oz?! Yes, please! It's very moisturizing and full of slip - more than worth a try. Especially if you don't already have a cheap conditioner love affair. 

Has anyone else tried this conditioner? Love it, like it, never want to use it again? Share your experience below!

4 comments conditioner, product review, Tresemme

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Product Review: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Price: $9.99 for 12oz

Availability: Target & Walgreens

Product Claims: "Our Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie defines curls, reduces frizz and smoothes hair for a soft, silky feel. Restores moisture, creates brilliant shine and conditions hair without weighing it down for bouncy, healthy curls.

- Coconut Oil hydrates and protects hair while reducing breakage. 
- Silk Protein smoothes hair for a soft, silky feel. 
- Neem Oil controls frizz while adding brilliant shine.

All Shea Moisture products boast of being all natural with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no paraffin, no gluten, no propylene glycol, no mineral oil, no synthetic fragrance, no PABA, no synthetic color, no DEA, and no animal testing."

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut ) Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Magnifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avacado) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silk Protein, Ammonium Salt, Melia Azadiratcha (Neem) Seed Oil,Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed oil, Sorbitol Esters, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Caprylyl Glycol, Essential Oil Blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hibiscus Flower Extract

Directions: Section hair and apply product sparingly to damp or dry hair. Do not rinse out. Style hair as desired. For best results, use as a styling cream for twist-outs, braids and wash-and-go styles.

My Experience: I LOVE this stuff! I've been using it for well over a year now. My mom started using Shea Moisture products and, of course, I had to try them out. I use this product when protective styling and doing braid/twist outs. Not only is it very moisturizing, but the moisture it gives is long lasting. I like that it works well whether I'm using it on damp or dry hair. When I'm protective styling, I like to use it to help mold my hair the way I want it. For example, when I do my chunky twist bun, it helps give me the perfect twists and keeps my hair moisturized for days. 

The product itself is thick and creamy. It has a sweet scent to it, which does tend to linger after it's been applied. I do not mind the lingering scent though because I really like the way it smells. With this product, a little goes a long way. Using too much definitely weighs down my hair for twist/braid outs. I can really tell the difference when I use this versus when I don't as far as the reduction of frizz and having smooth, soft hair is concerned. This product does a great job enhancing curls for me, too, although I still have to use a gel for hold. It doesn't claim to be a holding product thought so I'm okay with that.

Moral of the Story: I think this is a great styling product at a great price especially since it is very moisturizing and has quality ingredients.  

Has anyone else tried this product? Love it, hate it, never want to use it again?? Let us know your experience below

6 comments product review, Shea Moisture, styling product

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Product Review: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Conditioner

Price: $13 for 1L

Purchased At: Ulta (during liter sale)

Product Claims: "Put hair and mind at ease with the comforting fragrance of lavender, mint, and tea tree oil. Ideal for dry, coarse, and unruly hair, this rich conditioner soothes sharks and quenches moisture-starved locks while helping to improve manageability and thwart split ends. Safe for color treated hair."

Directions: Apply a small amount to clean, damp hair. Massage. Rinse completely.

Ingredients: Water, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Quaternium-52, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Bis(C13-15 Alkoxy) PG-Amodimethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Glycerin, Panthenol, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate/Tetracaprate, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Acetamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutyl-paraben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trimethylsiloxy-amodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth, Trideceth-12 

My Experience: If you don't already know, let me tell you now: I LOVE products that make my scalp tingle! That was part of the reason I wanted to try this product. Another part? Hype. People rave about this stuff. So when I saw it on sale at Ulta, I went for it. Even though it might not look like it in the picture, I have used it a number of ways, a number of times. 

The directions - apply, massage, rinse - make it seem like this conditioner is one that does its job in a few short minutes. Yea... no it doesn't. I tried just leaving it in for 5 minutes or so in the shower and it left a lot to be desired. Nothing compared to what my beloved Aubrey Organics conditioners do in that amount of time. I ended up deep conditioning with a different conditioner after that.  As for deep conditioning with it, I have to use heat in addition to my usual plastic cap in order to get good results. And by good, I mean my hair just feels fine. It's not extra moisturized or very soft like it would be with my favorite moisturizing conditioners. Nothing wrong, but nothing that great either. 

The product itself is very creamy and is not too thick at all. It does have a lot of slip, which was great when I used it to help rinse out my henna treatment. It smells just like its name: tea tree, lavender, and mint. Seriously, it's kind of herbal/medicinal to me. If you're not a fan of those particular scents, you should stay away from this. I don't mind them, but I don't really like how long it lingers. The packaging is great- having a pump for conditioner makes things so easy.

I was pretty much ready to give up on it before I decided to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. Here's where it shines. It only really sinks into my hair when I use it this way on dry hair. My hair feels great when I use it like this. Like so great it tempts me not to shampoo after. But come on... I didn't buy this expensive conditioner to use solely as a pre-poo! Which is exactly what I'm going to be doing with it unless I can give it away. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I'm sure some of my disappointment was because I had high expectations, but a conditioner that I have to use with another better conditioner to get my desired results or can only use as a pre-poo is never going to make my favorites list. I probably would have returned it quickly if I would have payed regular price for it, which is around $30.  

Moral of the Story: I'm not too impressed with this conditioner ladies. Sure, it works great as a pre-poo, but for me, that's it and that's definitely not worth it. Especially when you compare that fact to its to the regular price. I definitely won't be repurchasing. 

Has anyone else used this conditioner? What was your experience??

Leave a Comment conditioner, Paul Mitchell, product review

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Product Review: Conair Bonnet Dryer

Price: Gifted, found it for $24.99-42.99 online

Availability: Wal-mart, Amazon

Product Claims: "Pamper yourself with a hot conditioning treatment for healthy-looking, shiny hair any time you want with the Conair Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer. For long-lasting styling results, this soft bonnet Conair hair dryer can be used with rollers of all sizes to create beautiful curls and waves. You can also use the hot air vent brush to create salon-type results in the comfort of your own home. This 400 watt hair dryer comes in a compact case with a handle for easy portability. It features an easy lock system that allows you to fold and unfold it by just pressing a button. This Conair hair dryer with its small footprint does not occupy much space in your room.

400 watts 

Vent brush attachment

Extra long 4' flexible hose with lock-and-release system

Bonnet is large enough for jumbo rollers and secures around hair with a drawstring

On/Off switch and four heat settings: hot/warm/low/cool

Extra small footprint stands up for space-saving storage"

Directions: Click here for a pdf of the actual instructions that come with this unit. The instructions detail how to set the dryer up; use it various purposes like just drying wet hair, rollersets, deep conditioning; using the attachment; and putting it away.  

My Experience: When I received this dryer, I was so excited. I love bonnet dryers and my Gold N' Hot was on its death bed. I've been using it for a few months now and I think it's great! I've officially used it for everything it's supposed to be good for, too.

When it comes to hot treatments, I've done everything from hot oil/pre-poos to henna to deep conditioning with it. I only use it on the low setting for these treatments because that level of heat is completely sufficient to get the job done. The heat this little unit puts out is not a joke. I don't even bother to use it on high because it's way too hot (for my personal use) and medium is enough when I want hotter air. I don't think it's a problem that the high heat setting is very hot - that's what it's supposed to be, right? I just feel like my head gets so hot, I start sweating, my hair's gona dry out... blah blah blah, so I choose not to use it. When I've done rollersets, I've used it on both low and medium depending on how wet my hair was: low heat for a rollerset done the night before still a little damp in the morning & medium heat for pretty damp hair right after rollersetting. It doesn't take hours for my hair to dry either, even on medium. I've never had to use it for more than an hour. I will admit to falling asleep with it on (during deep conditioning) though, probably not the safest thing to do. The air heats & circulates evenly around my whole head so I don't feel like I need to shift the bonnet around because one area isn't getting the attention it needs. 

The bonnet cap fits well and even has a draw-string in case it doesn't fit as snugly as you would like. I've never needed to use that though. It's described as being large and although it doesn't look that way, it is. It has fit over allll my flexi-rods (35+) multiple times with no problem at all. I've used the vent brush attachment a few times to stretch my roots on both low and cool. I didn't use it on the length of my hair, but it worked great on my roots and didn't cause breakage either. 

The hose can be extended pretty long and shrinks back up just by pulling the draw-string. One thing I really like about this hose is that I don't feel like it's going to burn me. The hose on my old dryer would get really hot and I would have to make sure I kept a towel between it and my neck. As for the case, it is pretty small and easy to store. I usually put the hose and power cord back inside, close it and keep it under my vanity. The bonnet and cap I keep in a drawer solely because I don't want to make the effort to get them to all fit in the case. 

Even with all those pros, I have experienced one con. The connection between the hose and the bonnet is not as secure as I would like it to be. It has a twist and lock feature, but there are times when I feel like I locked it, have it going, get comfy and it comes out! Now THAT, is annoying to me. After it happened a few times, I started putting the hook-up on the side of my head instead of in the back to see if that would help. Problem solved! For some reason, it never happens when it's on the side of my head, therefore, it is always on the side of my head now. I'm not sure why that worked, but it did so that is definitely not a deal breaker for me. 

Moral of the Story: I think this is a great bonnet dryer, especially if you're not looking to make a serious investment for a hair appliance. It's definitely worth a shot if you want to try out bonnet dryers, need a new one, or are looking for an alternative to hooded dryers. All for an affordable price!

Has anyone else tried this dryer? What was your experience?

6 comments bonnet dryer, Conair, product review

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Product Review: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Price: $9.99 for 13 fl oz

Purchased at: Walgreens (also available at Target & CVS)

Product Claims: "Our leave-in or rinse out conditioner detangles, moisturizes, repairs and restores lifeless, dry, damaged or over-processed hair. Our special blend of organic Shea Butter, nourishing Argan Oil and mineral-rich Sea Kelp is perfect for transitioning chemically treated hair to healthy natural hair.

Sea Kelp - mineral-rich nutrition seals and smoothes hair cuticles

Argan Oil - restores shine while helping promote hair elasticity

Shea Butter - deeply moisturizes while conditioning hair and scalp

All Shea Moisture products boast of being all natural with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no paraffin, no gluten, no propylene glycol, no mineral oil, no synthetic fragrance, no PABA, no synthetic color, no DEA, and no animal testing."

Directions: Work conditioner through hair from roots to ends. Leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For deeper conditioning, leave on for up to 15 minutes. As a leave-in, work a dime-sized amount through damp hair, then style as desired.

Ingredients: De-ionized water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, Argan oil, coconut oil*, Behentrimonium chloride, essential oil blend, vegetable glycerin, emulsifying wax, sea kelp extract, Panthenol (vitamin B-5), avocado oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract, Tocopherol (vitamin E) and Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil. *Denotes certified organic ingredients.

My Experience: I was a little leery of trying this since I had a bad experience with the deep treatment masque from this same line. My little sister (who is natural) uses it and loves it though so I decided to give it a shot and I'm so glad I did. It proved that just because you don't like one product from a certain line, doesn't mean you won't like the rest of the products in that line. Initially, I tried it as a rinse out conditioner. I really liked the way my hair felt after rinsing - soft and smooth. I always know when I like how something treats my strands when I just want to keep touching my hair and running my fingers through it. While that was great, it did not compare to what this does to my hair as a leave-in. The moisturizing effects last so much longer, for dayssss even. This is the first creamy leave-in that I have fallen in love with and now that's the only way I use it. It is the cream when I use the L.O.C. (liquid oil cream) method to moisturize and seal my hair. I also make a moisturizing mix with it either using just water or with aloe vera juice. Best creation ever. 

When it comes to the claims of this product, I find that it moisturizes, smooths, and even helps me finger detangle during the week. Because of the lasting moisture and smoothness, I'd say it does seal the hair. I can't really speak to the added shine from the argan oil because I can't say that I noticed my hair being MORE shiny just from the use of this product. Overall, I think it does a great job of doing what it says it will. 

This conditioner is creamy, but it doesn't have a very thick consistency at all. So it was kind of surprising to me that it not only moisturizes my hair very well, but also keeps it moisturized for an extended period of time, especially in comparison with like every other creamy moisturizer I've tried. I like that it's not as heavy,too, because it doesn't weigh my hair down with repeated use throughout the week. It smells like straight shea butter, nothing special to me. I guess if you don't like the smell of shea butter then you won't like the smell of this. It's not a strong scent though and it doesn't linger. When using it as a rinse out conditioner or as a leave-in, it always sinks right into my strands and gets to work. It's almost time for me to repurchase as I've been using it for a few months now. I consider myself heavy handed when it comes to using products so, when it lasts for awhile AND does a good job with my hair, I think it's worth its cost.

Moral of the Story: This is a great leave-in, moisturizer, conditioner! Especially if you have a hard time finding leave-in that produce lasting moisture like I do. Even if you've used the deep treatment masque from this line and didn't like it, you could still fall in love with this product. I recommend trying it out!

Has anyone else tried this conditioner? What was your experience??

4 comments conditioner, product review, Shea Moisture

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Product Review: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo

Price: $7.99 for 8.5 fl oz

Availability: Walgreens, Walmart, Ulta...

Product Claims: "For all hair types. Contains botanical oils of cooling peppermint, conditioning rosemary and clarifying eucalyptus

• Increases scalp circulation for a refreshed, renewed feeling
• Removes all traces of dirt, oil and build-up
• Alleviates dry, flaking scalp with organic peppermint botanicals
• Contains no laurel/laureth sulfate
Shampoo should clean hair.  Really good shampoo should make you tingle from head to toe.  With Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo, invigorating ingredients wash in rejuvenating while washing away the previous day.  You're left with something rich, something clean.  Something incredibly stimulating.... for hair and mind.  Think about it." - from bottle and website

Directions: Massage rich lather into wet hair and rinse.  Follow with Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), **Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Menthol, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, *Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, *Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Officinalis) Oil, *Thymjs Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Urtica Dioca (Nettle) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Sativa Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Leaf Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Chamomilla Recutito (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Achillea Millefolium Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil). *Certified Organic By Guaranteed Certification Services. **Certified Organic By Quality Assurance International.

My experience: I have mixed emotions about this shampoo. When I first got it, I was unimpressed and my hair felt blah after using it. It's only redeeming quality was the tingling on my scalp. I'm a sucker for the essential oil tingle on my scalp. So, I tried using it with my staple shampoos: CON Moisturizing Argan Oil and Shea Moisture African Black Soap and I felt like it brought my favs down! Strike #2. I gave up on it until I was having issues with my scalp while I had my box braids. I reached for it for some help relieving my scalp and it worked like a dream. My scalp loved this shampoo during my box braid wash days. That made me decide to try it again after I removed them and that was the last strike. (You can read more about that experience here.) My hair felt so gross after that. It just seems to me that my scalp loves this shampoo, but the length of my hair hates it. It's problematic. 

The shampoo itself has a strong, mint & menthol scent. Just like with the conditioner, the scent of the shampoo makes sense based on the ingredients. I don't think it's quite as medicinal smelling as the conditioner is though. It's clear and very soapy like, read: it has a lot of lather for a "sulfate free" shampoo. Now, I am not a girl who's all against sulfate shampoos or anything, I just happened to try out a couple sulfate free shampoos and loved them. This shampoo, however, doesn't compare to those two... especially when it comes to the ingredients. There are a number of organic, plant-based cleaning agents & bubble producers in this shampoo, and they're all higher up in the ingredients list than the essential oils and extracts that the shampoo boasts about. So perhaps my hair does not like these eco-friendly cleansers? I really don't know. Either way, I'm definitely only cleaning my combs and brushes with it now. 

Moral of the Story: I won't be repurchasing this. The cons outweigh the pro for me. If you're looking for a sulfate-free, clarifying treat for your hair and scalp, I'd say you should keep looking. Unless you know your hair loves those ingredients already :)

Has anyone else tried this shampoo? Like it? Love it? Never want to use it again?

2 comments Giovanni, product review, shampoo

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Product Review: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner

Price: $7.99+ for 8.5 fl oz

Availability: Walgreens, Walmart, Ulta...

Product Claims: "Contains organic oils of conditioning rosemary, cooling peppermint, calming eucalyptus

• Increases scalp circulation for a refreshed, renewed feel
• Strengthens hair with a three-organic-oil-blend to stimulate, condition and calm
• Alleviates dry, flaking scalp with organic tea tree botanicals
• Encourages natural shine and resilience

You expect a conditioner to moisturize, smooth and detangle. You expect it to create a silky, sexy feel. You probably don't expect it to make you tingle all over. With Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner, an incredible plethora of stimulating ingredients provide all of that plus a real treat for hair: excitement. Who knew that conditioning could be so top of mind?" - from back of bottle and website

Directions: Apply after Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo. Massage into hair for 3 to 5 minutes for optimum tingle. Rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water) With *Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil,*Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, *Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Officinalis) Oil, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Achillea Millefolium Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Menthol, Polysorbate 80, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Includes Essential Oil). *Certified Organic By Guaranteed Certification Services.

My experience: Well, the description is better than the actual performance of the conditioner. Which is sub-par at best. I am, or maybe I should say my hair is, indifferent to this stuff. Meaning it does nothing for my hair! Like I truly believe when I put this in my hair, once I rinse it out, there's little to no change to my hair. It's so weird to me. It does no harm, but it does not do any good either. Sigh. It is a waste. 

I've even used it several different ways to make sure I wasn't crazy. And... still nothing. The conditioner itself is smooth and creamy. It smells almost medicinal... slightly like VapoRub, which is understandable when you look at the first eight ingredients. Perhaps I could rub it on my chest to open up my airways and get more use out of it? Lol seriously, I don't know how I'm going to use this stuff up. I'm glad I got it on sale though. It might just go with the cheapie conditioners to do stuff like wash out my henna treatments. The only thing I can say it that you will get that tingle on your scalp when using this. I'm all for tingling scalp treatments, but it doesn't say much when you can't get any conditioning along with it. 

Moral of the Story: This conditioner just isn't worth it for me. When I have figure out ways to make something work for me, it's probably better left on the shelf. 

Has you tried this conditioner? How did your experience compare with mine?

5 comments conditioner, Giovanni, product review

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Product Review: Aubrey Organics GPB Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner

Price: $10-11 for 11oz (I got it on sale for $2) 

Availability: Amazon & Whole Foods.

Product Claims: "For All Hair Types. Feed your hair a healthy, balanced diet with our #1-selling conditioner. Nutrient-rich, protein-based GPB rehydrates and reenergizes your hair, strengthens hair fiber and repairs damage from salon treatments to restore softness, manageability and shine. Our most popular product ever.

Milk Protein - Rich in cysteine and methionine; strengthens and mends damaged areas

Organic Aloe - Replenishes moisture

Glycoprotein & Horsetail Extract - Balance & fortify hair & scalp

Directions: Shake well before using. After shampooing, apply to damp hair and work through, concentrating on the ends. Leave on for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse. For deep conditioning: Apply to dry hair and distribute from scalp to ends. Leave on for 15 minutes, then shampoo and condition hair as usual.

Ingredients: Aqua, cetyl alcohol, alcohol denat. (38b, lavender*), triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, milk protein, fragrance‡‡, glycerin, brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, citrus grandis (grapefruit) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil*, salvia officinalis (sage) oil*, ascorbic acid, glycine soja (soybean) oil, glycoprotein, alcohol denat. (38b, lavender), tocopheryl acetate, alcohol, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, beta-carotene, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, equisetum hyemale extract, tocopherol, tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) leaf extract, urtica dioica (nettle) extract.
*Organic

My Experience: I really like this conditioner! This is something I go for when I want a little strengthening, not an intense protein treatment. It's something I use in my alternating protein and moisturizing conditioners rotation. I really like the fact that it strengthens my hair, but moisturizes it enough to leave it soft, too. I could use it back to back to back and it still not stiffen my hair or overload it with protein. I think this is because even though it has several different protein ingredients, it also contains aloe and glycerin which help balance those proteins out. Makes sense with it being titled a "protein balancing" conditioner huh?

The product itself is smooth and creamy. It has a scent that I think smells good, kinda reminiscent of cream soda. The scent doesn't really linger after it's rinsed out. This product sinks right into my hair. I love when conditioners do that! I've used it both ways described in the directions and I've deep conditioned with it after shampooing. It works well all three ways. Like this is another one that when it says you can leave it on for just a few minutes and rinse, you actually can. I can still feel a difference in my hair afterward. I think my favorite way to use it is on dry hair for a pre-poo, usually paired with an oil. I just love how my hair feels when I rinse it out - stronger than before and softer, too. I also find that if I start my wash day with this, I have less issues with tangles throughout it. So, as far as the promises of this go, it comes through as far as my head is concerned!

Moral of the Story: I think this is a great protein conditioner! It's a great one to try out if you're looking a light/medium protein or a balanced conditioner, especially because of its moisturizing properties.

Has anyone else tried this conditioner? Like it, Love it, Never want to use it again??

6 comments Aubrey Organics, conditioner, product review

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Best Products for Protective Styling [Box Braids]

I believe that the techniques that you use to maintain your protective styles are very important, but I also believe that choosing the best products for your hair during this time is valuable as well. Especially because you most likely have little to no access to your hair, and therefore, are unable to truly evaluate how your hair is reacting to the products. If things are going well, you're in great shape, but if they're not - fast forward six plus weeks and you may be in for trouble.

This is my list of "brief" reviews of all the products I used whille protective styling with box braids. I purchased 6 products and made two of my own. I found all of them at my local beauty supply stores for about $3-6 each. There are websites listed in case you would like to check out the ingredients. There was only one product I didn't like at all, but everything else I used pretty much the entire six weeks of wearing this style. These are products that helped make my protective styling very successful and many of them I picked up based on the reviews of others on blogs, YouTube and people I know personally. So, while there is always a chance that some of these may not work as well for you, I think it's safe to say that a number of these products are pretty popular among healthy-haired ladies while protective styling.

African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray (website)

My experience: This braid spray was awesome! It smells really good, doesn't leave a sticky feeling or film behind, and does a great job moisturizing my hair. I used it every other day and sometimes daily. I also diluted it some with water (3:1 ratio) after awhile and still loved the way it treated my hair. I did this for two reasons: 1) I felt a lot of the product was going on my extensions (read: being wasted) and not just my actual hair, and 2) using it as frequently as I was, I wanted to make sure it lasted the duration of my style.  My only complaint about this product was the packaging. It could have just been a fluke, but my pump was terrible. It spit all over me and dripped down my arm everytime I tried to use it. I ended up just transferring it to one of my own spray bottles... problem solved.

Mane 'n Tail Hair Strengthener (website)

My experience: This product, I felt, was my risky one. I've never tried any products from Mane 'N Tail, but I know people looove them. I think that was what made me comfortable with going for it. I wanted this spray to kind of balance my extreme use of moisturizing products. I am never this product heavy with my hair on a day-to-day basis, so, I was a little concerned with taking my braids out and dealing with moisture overload if I didn't add some kind strengthening/protein treatment in at times, too. I didn't use it as often as the braid spray, probably just a couple times a week. I like the way it smells, it wasn't sticky, and it didn't stiffen my hair. I think it worked well because when I took my hair down, it still felt pretty strong; like it wasn't weakened from the style. 

ORS Herbal Cleanse "Dry Shampoo" (website)

My experience: I've mentioned this product before because I bought it to keep my scalp clean while prolonging the time in between my wash days. It did exactly that. Initially, I was a little skeptical about it because it's gel-like, unlike the spray form of most salon brands I've read about, but it worked very well. It doesn't leave any kind of residue behind either. It's easy to use and there are several different ways you can use it to get clean your scalp, the length or your hair or both. It smells antiseptic, which isn't really surprising when you consider its ingredients and purpose. It pretty quick start to finish, too. I think a main difference between this and most salon brands is that it is formulated for braided, twisted and extension styles. That is why I chose it. A little goes a long way so I feel like I'm going to have this stuff forever. 

Vitale Itch Relief (website)
My experience: This is the one product I didn't like! It was so weird to me. When you spray it on, you do feel like the itchiness goes away almost immediately. But the problem is that that relief is very short-lived. Yes, I know you shouldn't expect too serious of a solution for itchiness from a spray, but it was like I would have had to spray this on hourly for continued relief. Once, maybe twice a day would have been fine, but never that frequently. Also, it left a weird filmy-like build up on my hair and scalp. It was a little sticky, too. So, this was just a fail for me. 

Satin Braid Bonnet
My experience: Loved it! This was a life saver! I tried so many different ways and used multiple scarves night after night to tie my hair up before I got this. My scarf would either fall off or my braids would fall out of it before the night was over. This bonnet made it so easy to just put all that long hair right into it like a sack. Then you just tie it up in the front or back. It worked wonderfully. 

I also made an oil mix to apply to my scalp and a moisturizing mix to give my hair an extra boost when I felt I needed it. You can read about how I did those here and here. They both worked great for me. Of course, you can always use the oils and conditioners of your choice.

Have you used any of these products? Let me know how they worked for you!

4 comments box braid maintenance, box braids, product review, protective styles

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