Product Review: Alter Ego Garlic Treatment

Hey ladies,

If you have been hanging around the healthy hair care world for a little while now, then I'm sure you've heard of the Alter Ego Garlic Treatment. It's touted as one of the top ways to reduce hair fall; along with tea and coffee rinses, garlic when either applied to the scalp or taken internally via tablet, has been shown to reduce excessive shedding. To be honest, shedding is less of my concern than breakage because shedding is a natural process, some circumstances like stress, hormonal changes, illness and dietary changes can lead to excessive hair fall which goes directly against the goal of fuller, longer hair. A few months back I suffered an massive shedding incident (hormonal causes, more on that soon), which I knew I would have to wait out, but I figured I would at least try to decrease any additional/unnecessary hair fall during that time. I wasn't expecting much from this conditioner, but it certainly blew me away with its ability to decrease shedding.

I absolutely never use it the way the ingredients suggest lol. I typically leave it on overnight as a pre-poo treatment and then shampoo it out the next day. There is usually considerably less shed hair after using this treatment than my normal conditioners or any other conditioner when left in overnight. It has somewhat of a lotion-y consistency (similar to that of the Neutrogena Triple Moisture leave-in), and a strong, cologne smell which I really like. The Garlic Mask also has pretty good slip, but it's a little strange while rinsing. When I apply the conditioner to dry or damp hair, it is great at easing detangling, but upon rinsing it does little to keep hair detangled in the shower and after the wash process is complete. This may be due to the fact that this product is not pH balanced (ideal hair product pH is 4-5.5); were it not for this fact this would've been the perfect conditioner. That aside, I still like the conditioner a lot, and would happily recommend it to anyone that would like to reduce their shedding temporarily. 

Rating: 4/5
Claims: This special cream, rich in peptides, vitamins and mineral salts which derivate from wheat and garlic represents an excellent substitute for hair treatment with animal extract. It leaves hair soft and strong and it is ideal to use on treated hair, such as bleached, dyed and permed.

Instructions: Use after shampooing the hair, apply the treatment all over the scalp, wait for a few minutes then rinse with water. Recommended to be used after shampooing, leave it on for about 15 minutes to have the best results.

Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, centrimonium chloride, dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, parfum, methoxy PEG/PPG-7/3 aminopropyl dimethicone, limonene, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, linalool, amyl cinnamal, citric acid, triticum vulgare sprout extract (wheat extract), yellow #5, methylchloroisothiazoline, red #4, methylisothiazoline, allium sativum extract (garlic bulb extract), cochlearia amoracia extract (horse-radish root extract), ferula assa foetida root extract, blue #1
pH: 7
Type: Moisturizing deep conditioner (protein-containing)

Have you tried this conditioner? If so, how do you feel about it?

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: Jane Carter Nourish & Shine

Hey there :)


Throughout the course of my hair journey (almost 18 months!), I have battled with solving various hair and scalp concerns along with trying to select the appropriate products and techniques to remedy my concerns. I had an easy time finding my staple shampoos, conditioners and pre-shampoo products, but my moisturizers and styling products were much harder to come by. Due to my skin's sensitivity to sulfates, I have to be careful with my use of silicone, and I also chose to avoid mineral oil/petroleum for much the same reason. I finally secured some moisturizers from Bee Mine and Giovanni that fit the bill, but styling products took far longer. Commercial hold products were always a thing I stayed away from due to the high silicone and/or alcohol content. A popular ingredient in many natural styling products is beeswax. I found that beeswax would irritate my scalp and create a lot of buildup in the areas where styling products were usually placed (nape and edges), and I also noticed more breakage in the length when these products were added for textured styles (twist-outs, bantu knot outs, etc).

I gave up on styling/hold products for a while until I saw that my Rite Aid was selling the Jane Carter products and I decided to take a chance. Well I'm GLAD that I did. While I have also tried shea butter in the past, I also found that leads to some breakage in the length (after doing research I found that some people found shea butter based products to be very drying; who knew!?). Nourish & Shine turned out to be the exception; from the day I started using it up until now, it gives me soft and smooth hold and rinses out clean, I don't even have to shampoo it out. My skin loves it too. It has a light grapefruit scent that blends well with the smell of my other hair products. It melts quickly when rubbed in your hands for a smooth application and a little really does go a long way. Nourish & Shine also does a great job of slicking down edges, holding textured styles and moisturizing skin with minimal buildup. Basically I'm saying, I love it and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is in search of a good natural styling product.

Rating: 5/5--Staple!
Claims: Nourish & Shine is made of all natural ingredients. Use a small amount to add shine to hair, to nourish and repair dry hair. It's great on dry skin. It will repair, soften and keep skin moist and supple.

Ingredients: Organic illipe, mango, kokum, and shea butters, grapefruit, (vegetable derived) sources of vitamins A, D & E, squalene.
pH: 7
Type: Sealant (butter)

Thanks for reading :),

 

Product Review: Silicon Mix Bambu Leave-in

Good morning gorgeous :),

If I could rate the most important part of my hair regimen that has drastically cut down my breakage, before deep conditioning, moisturizing + sealing and protective styling, I would have to rate no direct heat as the #1 thing that really changed the game for me. Along with the elimination of direct heat, comes alternative methods of drying the hair in less damaging ways. Since I'm far too lazy to sit under a hooded dryer, I quickly became acquainted with air drying. When I first began air drying, I was faced with  poofy results that led to detangling and breakage issues. Rusk's Smoother leave-in conditioner was the first leave-in cream that I fell in love with for giving me sleek, detangled results from air drying, my one issue with it was that it wasn't pH balanced.

Silicon Mix Bambu Leave-in

The Silicon Mix Bambu Leave-in for me is comparable to the Rusk Smoother Leave-in in terms of ability to detangle, smooth and soften. It has a lotion-like consistency, is pale yellow in color and has a persistent, yet light, fresh scent. In addition to it having the qualities that i usually look for in a leave-in, it's also pH balanced so it closes my cuticles while my hair is damp leading to sleeker air dried results. This leave-in is easy to spread and a little bit goes a long way to ease detangling on t-shirt (or towel) dried hair. I will say that it feels a bit heavy when it is first put on the hair, but as it dries its weighless. I would say that the perceived heaviness when first applied is what makes detangling go even faster. I am a huge fan of this leave-in, I haven't yet tried it when doing a magnetic roller set, but it works just as well for flexi-rod sets as it does for air drying. For my protein and silicone sensitive ladies, this leave-in contains both. However, since this leave-in contains silicone and protein I would suspect that it could be used in heat styling as well. I would absolutely recommend this leave-in conditioner to anyone who needs help detangling damp hair or wants smoother results from air drying or rollersetting.


Rating: 5/5--Staple!

Claim: Contains Bamboo Extract a natural product to regenerate and nourish the hair and Silicones to smooth and give shine. Prevents hair breakage and split ends. Vitamins A, E, F, H (Biotin), H, Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), H8 (Inositol) and Horse Chestnut Extract improve the health and beauty of the hair, helping it to grow longer.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclomethicone (and) Dimethiconol, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-70 (and) Dipropylene Glycol, Silk Protein, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, aqua, Polysorbate 20, Alcohol Denat, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, PABA, Inositol, Panthenol, Linoleic Acid, Biotin, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl UREA (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance, FD&C No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6.

pH: 5.5
Type: Protein containing leave-in conditioner

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: Carol's Daughter Tui Moisturizing Hair Smoothie

Good evening gorgeous!

One of the major issues that I've had since the start of my hair journey has been tangling. My hair tangles all the time, wet or dry and sometimes it's just one giant mess :p. In fact, relaxer stretching has always been a bit treacherous for me because of my issues with detangling. It was only during my last stretch that I finally figured out a technique that melted my tangles and helped my hair retain the moisture that it desperately needs during a relaxer stretch. After about 6 weeks post relaxer, I begin to use my detangling method to help me manage my new growth as well as my relaxed ends. My favorite conditioner to use for detangling is the Tui Moisturizing Hair Smoothie; this conditioner contains a ton of moisturizing and smoothing elements to ease detangling and soften the hair. Since I leave this conditioner in and apply heat (for 30 minutes or more) after detangling, I found it important to make that while this is a moisturizing conditioner, that it has some protein/strengthening aspects to ensure that my hair doesn't become over-moisturized and weak. The Tui Moisturizing Hair Smoothie completely fits the bill; it detangles, smooths and still leaves the hair feeling somewhat strong. It has a fresh smell, a lotion-like consistency and it spreads really well through the hair. I must confess, I have never used this conditioner the way its directions state lol. I typically use it during a stretch, on dry/moistened hair rather than on freshly shampooed hair. I will try it on wet freshly shampooed hair after I relax in a few weeks.
I truly do enjoy using this conditioner, it certainly makes stretching easier and it also smells amazing. As with all Carol's Daughter products, this also lacks mineral oil, petroleum, artificial fragrance and a number of other irritants. This conditioner isn't a staple just yet (have to try it on wet hair before I can give it that honor lol), but so far I've been very pleased with its performance :o).

Rating: 4/5
Claim: Deeply moisturizes to rescue extra dry and dull hair. The rich blend of Shea Butter and Pro-vitamin B5 intensely conditions your hair so it has a healthy texture and natural shine. Quickly absorbs into your hair so you’ll notice an immediate difference and hair will not get weighed-down.
PLUS, No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Helianthus Annuus ( Sunflower) Seed Oil, Amodimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol ( Pro-vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aspartic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-37, PEG-40 Castor Oil, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)
pH: 7
Type: Moisturizing Deep Conditioner (protein containing)

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: Nexxus Signature Line

Good evening!

If you have ever read any of my wash day posts, especially recently, you'll notice that any of various Nexxus products are featured on wash days. I have to admit, when I first started my journey in 2011, I was not impressed. I was expecting these products to work magic, but after realizing that there is no magic product, I noticed it was more about determining the proper placement of a product in your regimen to obtain optimal results. After figuring out where Nexxus belonged in my hair care routine, these two of us have been madly in love lol. I use and own the bulk of the Nexxus signature line (excluding the styling products, I don't really use styling products at all) and I have for quite some time. This is definitely going to be a long post, but I promise it will be informative =)...

Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo

This is one of the few sulfate shampoos that I still own. I use this whenever I feel like I have build up or if I have been using a lot of silicone (like if I were to heat style or rollerset). This is a good moisturizing shampoo, with a pearly, somewhat thick consistency similar to that of most moisturizing sulfate shampoos. It smells like fresh coconut and cleans my hair in one lather without over-drying or making my hair feel hard. If you are sensitive to sulfates and silicones, of course this shampoo is most likely not for you. My scalp is sensitive to sulfates so I am just sure to do a hot oil treatment prior to washing and I follow up with my moisturizing sulfate free shampoo (Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo) to ensure that my scalp does not become irritated after use. As far as sulfate shampoos go, this one is pretty good.

Rating: 4.5/5
Claims:  Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo, now enhanced for superior salon performance and advanced moisturization, is specially formulated with Rosemary, Chamomile and Nettle, gently cleanses for nourished, healthy looking hair.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Gylcerides, Fragrance (Parfum), Cocamide DEA, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Coumarin, Panthenol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Methylisothiazolinone, Honey (Mel, Miel), Magnesium Citrate, Allantoin, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 60, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Stearic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Lipids, Ceramide 3, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
pH: 7
Type: Moisturizing Sulfate Containing Shampoo

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner

Nexxus Humectress is a hair forum favorite for a good reason. This is the only protein-containing conditioner that actually manages to moisturize my hair. It always adequately conditions my hair without overmoisturizing. Humectress always comes through in the clutch-- during a stretch, after a fresh relaxer and even works magic for post gym dryness. The consistency is similar to that of a lotion, its more of an instant conditioner, but I've also used it to deep condition with and it does an amazing job. My hair always comes out soft, smooth and moisturized, usually I don't even need to use a leave-in before detangling! Humectress is definitely my go-to conditioner for rollersetting, as it smooths and detangles the hair making rollersetting a breeze :). It's also pH balanced and has an amazing coconut scent, that is particularly persistent when heat is used.

Rating: 5/5--Staple!
Claims: Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner, now enhanced for an elevated level of moisturization, is specially formulated with Vitamin E, Coconut Oil, and Honey Extract, provides nourishing moisture, leaving hair luxuriously soft, manageable, and full of lustre.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Bis(C13-15 Alkoxy) PG-Amodimethicone, Stearalkonium Chloride, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Cetrimonium Chloride,  Dimethiconol, Isostearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, DMDM Hydantoin, C14-15 Alcohols, Alcohol Denat., Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Sodium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Panthenol, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Propylene Glycol, Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 4 (CI 14700), Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Polysorbate 60, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Honey Extract (Mel, Extrait de Miel), Ceramide 3, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Lipids, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
pH: 5.5-6
Type: Moisturizing Deep Conditioner 

Nexxus Keraphix Restorative Conditioner

KerapHix definitely has a special place in my heart lol. During my first moisture overload during my journey my hair was limp, breaking and weak, I wasn't sure what protein treatment to try so I checked the suggested list of products in The Science of Black Hair (if you haven't read it yet, you should read it soon!), and opted to try Nexxus Keraphix to fix my moderate-severe breakage. I skated over to my local rite aid, purchased it, used it and 3 minutes later my hair was soft but STRONG, the breakage stopped and I've been in love with this product ever since. This protein conditioner has saved my hair multiple times and has helped it withstand daily wear and tear without that horrific hard feeling a lot of protein conditioners can give to the hair. Keraphix also has suprisingly good slip and it's pH balanced so the hair comes out stronger but super smooth. It also works in the 3 minutes suggested without heat. Since Keraphix is a medium (can be heavy for some) protein conditioner, if used too often it can put your hair into a protein overload, I would suggest using it no more than twice monthly. This conditioner was a staple from the first time I used it and hopefully they won't change the formula so we can stay together for a long, long time lol.

Rating: 5/5--Staple!
Claims: Keraphix Restorative Strengthening Conditioner, specially formulated with Collagen and Keratin Amino Acids, gently repairs damaged hair for softer, stronger, healthier looking hair from root to tip.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Aspartic Acid, Quaternium-18, Fragrance (Parfum), DMDM Hydantoin, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Citric Acid, PEG-9, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, DNA, Panthenol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Sodium RNA, Zinc Chloride, Rhodochrosite Extract, Magnesium Citrate, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Polysorbate 60, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Myristic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Lipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ceramide 3, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
pH: 5.5
Type: Medium Strength Protein Conditioner/Protein Reconstructor

I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this line to anyone in need of a good moisturizing deep conditioner or protein treatment that works quickly and effectively. I do want to include a few notes:
These products are not compatible with no-poo or sulfate-free regimens. The bulk of Nexxus products contain a lot of silicone, and if they are not removed regularly by sulfate shampoo usage build up can form and that can lead to breakage. Also for the protein sensitive or for those currently suffering from protein overload, be careful with the Nexxus signature line. Most of the products either contain protein or natural components that may strengthen the hair and that can worsen the hair's condition if protein is not necessary at the time of use.

Aside from those notes however, this line hasn't failed me yet!

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Masque

Good afternoon!
My staple light protein conditioner is Miss Key 10 en 1, but I have to admit I've never been crazy about the smell. It has this weird mango/peach smell, which in theory sounds like it would smell great but it just doesn't seem to work for me. Although it works very well, especially with heat, it would also be good to find another reasonable alternative in case I can't find the Miss Key conditioner. After browsing Hairlista for a while and reading a bunch of reviews, I chose to try the new Olive Oil Hair Masque from ORS. From what I researched prior to purchase/use, it was advertised as a (more) moisturizing deep conditioner, that had great slip, clean scent and was light on silicone.

I've used the Hair Masque a few times, deep in a stretch, right after a relaxer and for use prior to relaxing to strengthen my hair. In all of these situations, this product has done what it was supposed to. It has detangled, smoothed, strengthened and left a fresh scent that has persisted for days. For my hair though, this was not a moisturizing deep conditioner, this was def a light protein as it contains hydrolyzed keratin. My hair rarely interprets protein containing conditioners to be moisturizing, with the exception of Nexxus Humectress (but only the one in the bottle). The ORS Hair Masque really does a flawless job of strengthening without making the hair hard, tangled and unmanageable. I'd say this product is safe to use weekly, especially if you chemically process your hair. I highly recommend this product, unless you are sensitive to fragrance or protein. My skin is a bit sensitive to fragrance though, and due to the intensity of the fragrance I will keep an eye on my scalp's reaction and update that later on if necessary ;).

Rating: 4.5/5
Claims: An intense treatment conditioner that helps restore heat and color damaged hair. Infused with natural and other ingredients, this hair masque will revitalize and detangle the hair leaving it soft, shiny and smooth.

Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, PEG-150 stearate, cetyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, PEG-20 hydrogenated lanolin, PEG-40 stearate, coconut oil, polyquaternium-7, cetrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, polyquaternium-37, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, PPG-1 trideceth-6, glycerin, dimethicone, PPG-3 benzyl ethyl myristate, hydrolyzed keratin, sweet almond oil, olive oil, panthenol, hydrogenated olive oil, PEG-7 methyl olivate, amodimethicone, trideceth 12, hydroxyethylcellulose, DMDM hydantoin, disodium EDTA, citric acid, methylchloroisothiazoline, methylisothiazoline, caramel, fragrance, benzyl benzoate, d-limonene, hexyl cinnamal, lilial, linalool
pH: 5.5/6
Type: Light protein deep conditioner

How do you feel about the ORS Hair Masque?


Thanks for reading :),

The Favorite Series: Clarifying (Sulfate) Shampoo

Hey there :),

A few posts ago, I mentioned using a sulfate shampoo after having a bad run-in with a heat protectant, deep conditioner and serum that contained a lot silicone. Silicone, as well as the organic oils i.e. petroleum and mineral oil, can form a tacky buildup on hair that can seal out additional moisture and/or protein from entering the hair shaft. The reason why these ingredients can form this buildup is because they are hydrophobic "water-fearing" molecules; this means that they are not soluble in water so they can't be removed in it, and unfortunately these are also not removed with sulfate-free shampoos either. Due to the structure and composition of silicone and the other organic oils, they do not migrate into the hair shaft (like the natural oils that penetrate: coconut, olive, avocado and argan) and they can create linkages that can create absolute barriers. The barrier property of silicone and organic oils makes them extremely effective sealants, but that same ability to keep moisture in the hair also seals additional moisture out of the strands until these substances are removed from the hair. The inability for additional moisture to enter the hair when needed leads to dry, weak hair and breakage. Here is where sulfates come in; these are the stronger detergents that are capable of removing buildup to prevent the drying and damaging effects silicone and organic oil. Periodically a sulfate-containing shampoo should be used to remove these materials to keep the hair shaft pliable and free to absorb all of the moisturizing and strengthening products you need to maintain the beauty and health of your hair.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo


This shampoo works great for removing the build up created by dirt, styling products and the environment. It leaves my hair cleansed but doesn't leave it dry and brittle. It generally can remove most of my build up in one lather, but two may be necessary if gels and heavy oils or butters are a big part of your hair regimen. It's clear in color, has a great lather (like most sulfate shampoos) and a mild, clean scent. I love it's simple ingredients and the fact that it doesn't contain any other additives, so all you're getting is clean hair without all the crap. I use it monthly to maintain the health of my hair and ensure that my silicone use doesn't cause any setbacks.

Rating: 5/5 --Staple! 
Claims: Anti-Residue Shampoo is a shampoo treatment that instantly removes up to 90% of dulling residue caused by shampoos, conditioners and styling products.
It cleans hair thoroughly and easily rinses away. Use it once a week, then go back to your favorite shampoo. You'll find that it works better than ever. Works with all hair types.
Hair is clean and residue-free.


Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance
pH: 7
Type: Sulfate containing cleanser/Clarifier

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm

I've had the Biolage Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm for about 8 months now. I bought it earlier on in my hair journey because I wanted a protein-free moisturizing deep conditioner and this conditioner received rave reviews. I desperately wanted to like this conditioner, it has great, simple ingredients and it even has a lovely clean scent. I have used most of the tube, so I've used it at least 5 times. I have tried using this in a variety of different ways: by following the instructions, leaving it in for 15 minutes with heat, adding Roux Porosity Control and using it in my new detangling method. While this conditioner didn't damage my hair, or increase breakage, it simply didn't do much for my hair. It didn't provide any slip and it didn't leave my feeling particularly moisturized. The best results I received from this product were using it prior to shampooing and after I had already applied oil to damp hair and left it in when using the detangling method I mentioned earlier. I typically don't like to "doctor" up my conditioners, so I don't usually keep ones that require me to mix them with other stuff, especially considering this conditioner's rather high price (in NYC, its typically between $25-$32/10.1 ounce tube).

I most likely will not repurchase this conditioner, I just don't think it was moisturizing enough for the texture and density of my hair. Perhaps this conditioner would be better for someone with finer hair. Having said that, although it didn't work out for me, you may love it, so give it a try. It certainly didn't hinder my hair journey or cause me any negative reactions. This conditioner gets its points for being a moisturizing conditioner that lacks silicone, mineral oil, petroleum and protein. It also smells nice and has a thick, slightly sticky consistency. I'm not ready to give up on Biolage just yet though, lol. I checked their site today and noticed their Ultra-Hydrating Balm that is specifically geared to people with thick, coarse dry hair, so maybe that one will be better for me. I'll keep you posted!

Rating: 3/5

Claims: Biolage Conditioning Calm infused with a blend of rosemary and golden seal helps provide dry hair with the care and moisture replenishment it needs to be healthy, vibrant and beautiful.

Ingredients: Water, propylene glycol, myristyl alcohol, cetrimonium chloride, cetearyl alcohol, decyl oleate, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, fragrance, propylparaben, hexyl cinnamal, rosemary leaf extract, golden seal extract, fucus vesiculosis extract (bladderwrack seaweed extract)
pH: 7
Type: Moisturizing deep conditioner

Thanks for reading :),

The Favorite Series: Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Hello there :)

Since I started this blog after I established my hair regimen and many months into my hair care journey, I realized that I frequently refer to my favorite products without talking very much about them. I've decided to dedicate a series of posts to my staple products. The full list of my favorite products can be found on my Regimen link in the upper navigation bar. To kick off this series I'm going to talk about my favorite ever sulfate-free shampoo, the Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo.

 This was actually only the second sulfate-free shampoo I tried when I first began my hair journey. I'm a frequent shampooer and I was a die-hard sulfate fan. I have used a good amount of commercial sulfate shampoos, and some of them were beasts. I remember the old days when I was messing with Pantene and Tresemme that would leave my hair feeling like straw. I have an oily scalp and mild shampoos often just left my hair feeling as oily as it did prior to shampooing, if not worse. When I started taking better care of my hair and began researching, I found out about the evils of sulfates (skin irritation, damage to the pigment producing cells = more gray hair, ew lol) and opted to try the sulfate-free, mild shampoo route again. Well, after trying this shampoo I was truly blown away. I had no idea that my scalp and hair could be clean yet supple. This shampoo is so bananas that I can detangle my hair right after the shampoo step. I couldn't have asked for anything better, the search was over!

For my ladies with sensitive scalps, this shampoo has never caused me any problems with regard to irritation and it safely removes natural oils while not stripping your hair completely of the sebum it needs. This product is also barely scented and will most likely not aggravate those with sensitive skin or scalp conditions. I would recommend this product to anyone who is in dire need of a moisturizing, detangling sulfate-free shampoo.

Rating: 5/5-- Staple!!

Claims: Hydrates, smoothes and repairs strands, leaving hair manageably soft.

Ingredients: Deionized water, decyl glucoside (sugar beets), African butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), aloe vera leaf juice, argan oil, panthenol (pro-vitamin b5), rosemary extract, sea kelp extract, vitamin e, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract.
pH: 7
Type: Moisturizing Cleanser
 
There will be many more posts in this series, but I will also be doing reviews of new products that I'm trying.

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: Miss Key 10 en 1 Super Conditioner

I have periodically used this conditioner over the last few months. Before I used it, I was under the impression that it was a moisturizing deep conditioner, but it definitely is a light protein conditioner. After I accepted that fact lol, I was pleased by how well it works. When I first put it into my hand, I wasn't expecting much, it didn't instantly make my hair feel different. After leaving it in for 15 minutes, with or without heat, my hair was bananas! It smoothes the hair, leaves it feeling stronger, and eases detangling. I love using it when I apply my conditioner in sections during relaxer stretching, it's silicone light and it doesn't irritate my scalp. It has an interesting scent, it smells like peach/mango. It has a creamy consistency and is light orange in color. I really don't have any problems at all with this conditioner, it's light enough to use weekly. I was so pleased to have found this conditioner, and it's about $5 in most beauty supply stores.

Rating: 5/5-- Staple!

Claims: 10 en 1 contains a mix of 10 of the most important products for hair damaged by dyes. It is tropicalized for all hair types. That is why it is considered to be a super conditioner.

Instructions: Wash hair well, then apply Super Conditioner 10 en 1 for 5 to 15 minutes. Finally wash hair very well.

Ingredients: Water, cetyl alcohol, glycerin, propylene glycol, stearyl alcohol, Distearoylamidoethyl Monium Methosulfate, behentrimonium methosulfate, polysorbate 60, pentaerythrityl, tetraisostearate, lactamide, hydrolyzed wheat protein, dimethicone, diazolidinyl urea, fragrance, methyl propyl paraben, ceramide, FD&C yellow #5 and FD&C red #40.
pH: 4.5
Type: light protein deep conditioner

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Product Review: Organix Macadamia Oil Collection

Hey there :). Now that my hair has normalized after my last relaxer, I can try new products... yay! Since I began my hair journey, I tried 2 sulfate free shampoos, Loreal Everstrong and the Shea Moisture Moisture Retention shampoo. The Loreal shampoo was alright, I didn't particularly care for the smell and although it didn't strip the moisture from my hair, it also didn't leave my scalp feeling clean. The Shea Moisture shampoo was the one I tried next and I fell in love! I had no idea that my scalp could feel so clean, and my hair could feel so moist that I could detangle right after shampooing! It has a light fragrance and all natural ingredients... my scalp was finally happy lol. I discovered this shampoo maybe 2 weeks into my hair journey so the Shea Moisture shampoo was one of my first staple products. Recently though, I have considered branching out and finding another sulfate free shampoo should Shea Moisture ever change the formula or discontinue their shampoo like Creme of Nature (click here to read about that debacle lol).
I have been intrigued by the Organix brand for a while, and I've heard some good things. I figured I'd try the Macadamia Oil shampoo because I am a huge fan macadamia nut oil. The macadamia oil line also came with an intensive moisture mask which caught my attention, so I picked up the shampoo, moisture mask and the dry styling oil.

 Pictured from left to right are the Organix Macadamia Oil Shampoo, Intensive Moisture Mask and Dry Styling Oil.

Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo
This product had a thick consistency and a smooth, pearly texture like many moisturizing shampoos. It also has a lovely smell--it's somewhat sweet, you can definitely smell the sugar cane extract mentioned on the bottle. It had a great lather considering that it's a sulfate-free shampoo. Prior to using this shampoo, I pre-pooed for about an hour with coconut oil. However, even after the pre-poo my hair still felt squeaky clean, not dry, but just as if I had used a clarifying shampoo. This shampoo wasn't so great for detangling, but my hair didn't feel dry, and since I'm only 2 weeks post I can't say that I had major tangles prior to, or while washing. This doesn't compare to my beloved Shea Moisture shampoo when it comes to detangling and smoothing, but it did leave my scalp clean and it didn't irritate it either.

Rating: 4/5
Ingredients: Water, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, dimethicone, sodium cocoyl isothionate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultane, cocamide DEA, glycol distearate, laureth-4, laureth-23, amodimethicone, trideceth-12, cetrimonium chloride, PEG-23M, polyquaternium-10, macadamia seed oil, bamboo extract, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, parfum, DMDM hydantoin, sodium chloride, citric acid, FD&C Red Yellow No. 5, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1
pH: 7
Type: moisturizing

Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intensive Moisture Mask 
This is the second deep conditioning mask I've tried from Organix, the first was the Moroccan Argan oil which proved to not be moisturizing enough for my strands. I didn't have high hopes for this conditioner either, but I have to say, in conjunction with the shampoo I was pleasantly surprised by this moisture mask! It's scent is slightly sweeter than the shampoo, it has a thick creamy consistency and a light peach color. It spread really easily through my hair and it felt very smooth when putting it on. I then covered my head with a plastic cap and sat under my hooded dryer for about 10 minutes. When I took the cap off to let my hair cool the conditioner appeared to have soaked into my hair and when I rinsed it out about 5 minutes later my hair felt very smooth and moisturized. It provided a reasonable amount of slip for detangling in the shower and it left the hair nice and soft after it was fully rinsed. I like it, I'm not sure if it's a staple just yet (I'll have to see how it stands up to my hair at 8 or 10 weeks post to know if it's really love ;)

Rating: 5/5
Ingredients: Water, behentrimonium chloride, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate, glycerin, cyclomethicone, lanolin oil, dimethicone, macadamia seed oil, bamboo extract, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, parfum, DMDM hydantoin, FD&C Red Yellow No. 5, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1
pH: 7
Type: moisturizing

Organix Macadamia Oil Dry styling Oil
I figured I'd buy the whole set to see how they worked together. I don't use serum very often, mostly because I don't use silicone on a daily basis. This serum is quite light, and is nice on straight hair. I tried it on damp hair as well as on dry after styling. On damp hair, it smoothed my hair out a bit, but it didn't do much to help detangle. On dry hair it worked as a nice sealant to help keep my hair soft and moisturized. The smell of the serum is awesome though, it has a great sugary smell.

Rating: 3.5/4
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, macadamia seed oil, bamboo extract, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe leaf extract, panthenol, parfum, D&C Red Yellow No. 11, D&C Red No.17
pH: 7
Type: moisturizing

Overall, it's a nice collection and a great way to mix up your regimen if you want to try something different. I love the way these products smell and they work the way they are advertised. This is also a great moisture based line that I'll probably add to my rotation.

Thanks for reading :),

Product Review: The Science of Black Hair

This is my first product review, which is ironically not actually a hair product lol. This review is about a book that has certainly revolutionized my view of hair care. The Science of Black Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is an amazing source of information on all things pertaining to textured hair. When I first began my hair journey, many of the things I read were opinion pieces and just techniques that others found that helped them to successfully achieve their hair goals.  For me, its important that I understand the basics of a system and why a certain approach would fix a specific problem. The Science of Black Hair began with discussing the structure of the hair and scalp, as well as the most common mistakes made when trying to take care of textured hair. The book then moves into a full explanation of various healthy hair practices, as well as a full chapter based on the importance of hair product selection (as well as a great suggested list of products). The author also does a great job of debunking common myths (i.e. the idea that black hair can't grow), as well as putting a name to common phenomena, like the shoulder length plateau. Many of the techniques of protective styling, low manipulation styling and smart heat use are all covered in this book--its like the encyclopedia of black hair health. I would say that this book is invaluable to anyone who is just starting their hair journey, or to veterans who would like more information on how to take their successes to the next level. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone regardless of their hair's condition, after all there's always room for improvement ;).

*Note: I felt it particularly important to mention this book because later on when I make notes or write posts relating to specific hair care topics, this book, as well as a few of my favorite hair sites: Black Hair Planet, Hairlista and Keep It Simple Sista, are where I have gathered the bulk of my information.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Thanks for reading :),