The Struggle Part II: Trail & Error

This year has been full of trail & errors while trying different techniques/methods as well as products. My goal has always been healthy hair because I believe with health comes length thus length retention. 

Here are some things I've tried in 2013:

LCO Method vs. LOC Method - I have always used the LCO Method but decided to try the LOC Method for a couple of months.  The LOC Method is okay but LCO works best for us and quite frankly makes more sense to me. Her hair definitely stays more moisturized using this method.

Exclusively Finger Detangling - I know finger detangling is a healthy practice but this method ALONE is just not enough for my daughters' Type 4 hair.  I found that I actually had more knots and tangles b/c her hair wasn't being thoroughly detangled.  Finger detangling is incorporated into her regimen just not exclusively.

Hair Tools - Simply Put.  Away with seamed combs, I am loving the seamless combs by Hercules Sagemann (using since April 2013) which prove to be way more beneficial to the hair in preventing breakage and snagging.  (More to come on a later post)

Re-Visiting Sulfates - Bad Idea!!  Was the hair clean? Absolutely, but after consistent use, her hair became even more tangled and drier!!!  Not good for Type 4 hair...so I'm ditching the sulfates FOREVER!

Products/Ingredients - It is really important to find which ingredients your hair likes and dislikes.  While trying the many many products I mentioned HERE, I've learned what BG "S" hair dislikes which helps when making new purchases.  Being aware of allergens your child have is also important.  Still narrowing down my HG's but we're getting there and I'm in a good place...

Staying Away From Protein Completely - Since learning my daughter's hair is sensitive to certain proteins I made the mistake of eliminating it completely from her regimen with the exception of the natural light protein like the Greek Yogurt DC (which I LOVE BTW).  But I learned I just had to find the RIGHT Protein.  I gave her a protein treatment using the Curl Junkie Repair Me! and OMG, although it made her hair feel stronger it also brought her hair back to life and it was soft!  So I had to remind myself that our hair is made of protein, so I will be more consistent with monthly protein treatments to keep that necessary moisture/protein balance.

Deep Conditioning (Before or After Shampooing) - For those who have been following for a while, you know my preference have always been to DC before shampooing which has worked fine.  But I decided to switch it up a bit and try DC after shampooing.  Well...needless to say the biggest difference for me was the extra conditioning/protection her hair got before shampooing which allowed her hair to stay more moisturized during shampooing and detangling which I like to do before washing. But I would detangle during DC'ing after shampooing which seemed more difficult (this is because I completely omitted detangling as my very first step).  So I'm still trying to determine which method is best for us after using all steps.

Trimming/Dusting - I am very comfortable with the scissors, lol.  I have trimmed and dusted BG "S" hair on several occasions with no regrets.  This really helps with the health of her hair and keeping SSK to a minimum.  I'll continue dusting/trimming when necessary as this aids in the growth retention process but I definitely want to cut back a bit.

Remember to stay positive and keep pressing forward, this journey is really all about learning what works for you and your hair...

What have you tried in 2013? And what if anything will you do differently in 2014 with your hair?

**My Natural Hair is Beautiful**

Let me first start by saying HAPPY HOLIDAYS and follow with an apology for not being as frequent with my posts (life happens ya know)...but posts are on the way! ^_^

We all know this hair thing is truly a JOURNEY!  I have gone through ups and downs with BG "S" hair but we're still pressing forward because after all I LOVE my kids' hair and I want them to do the same! So I wanted to take this opportunity to share this adorable PSA...enjoy!

My Natural Hair is Beautiful

Kids N Curls Event in Maryland

Just sharing:

For additional info, click HERE

The Struggle: Hair Products

The past couple of months have been a struggle to find the "perfect" product combo or products at all for that matter.  My youngest daughter is only three and I have been thru a ton of products.  Throughout this process I have learned what her hair likes and dislikes!!! #atruejourney

A little background:  BG "M" hair can use most if not all and any products.  BG "S" hair on the other hand is protein and panthenol sensitive and acts funny with glycerine and MOST products have these ingredients.

To get an idea, here is a list of the brands I have purchased with my own money and tried.  The number beside the product line indicates how many products I have tried from that line.

Terressentials (1), JessiCurl (1), As I Am (2), Blended Beauty (5), Shea Moisture (14), Original Moxie (2), Alikay Naturals (3), Eden BodyWorks (4), HoneyChile Hair Love (2), Qhemet Biologics (7), B.A.S.K (2), Ynobe (5), Carol's Daughter (7), Darcy's Botanicals (6), Curls (3), Oyin (4), 4Naturals (1), Luv Naturals (3), Entwine Couture (3), Obia (4), Camille Naturals (2), Noire Naturals (3), Curly Q (3), Kinky Curly (3), Trader Joes (2), All Things Natural (3), KeraCare (2), Beautiful Textures (2), Taliah Waajid (2), Karen Body Beautiful (3), Herbal Essence (2), Uncle Funky's (1), Jane Carter (3), Koils by Nature (1), Reve Essentials (1), Giovanni (3), TresSemme (1), Bee Mine (1), Aubrey Organics (2), Eco Styler (2), Cara B (3), Dr. Miracles (1), Nothing But (1), Curl Junkie (3), MyHoney Child (1), JessiCurl (1) and more...

Here are a few pictures of just some of the products I have purchased...

So as you can see, I have a lot of product reviews to do, lol. I won't be doing reviews on some products because some products just didn't work, not any fault of the product but because they contained ingredients that her hair just didn't agree with, so in all fairness I won't post on them.  However, if you have a question about a product feel free to ask ;)

And just in case you're wondering, any products we disliked or couldn't find a permanent place for in our regimen we sold!!!

Stay Tuned...Product Reviews on the way and our newest staple products!

Product Review: OBIA Natural

OBIA Natural

**I tried these products with the Trail Pack which only cost $10.00...great deal!!!  At the time they had a special which included the shampoo bar** 

This is SUPER late so, let's jump into the review...


Obia Coconut & Shea Shampoo Bar

Cost: $10.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: N/A

Scent: Very light coconut scent
Consistency: N/A

What They Say:
This rich moisturizing shampoo will leave your hair soft, conditioned, and hydrated.  Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp, while coconut oil protects hair from heat and chemical damage.

What I Say:
This is my favorite item from the line!  This was my very first time using a shampoo bar and I must say, I was very impressed.  This shampoo does a very good job at cleansing the hair and leaves the hair very moisturized.  It lathers very well and it also washes away very easily.  After washing BG "S" hair with this shampoo bar, her hair was left soft and clean...oh it smells so good!

Ingredients:
Saponified Oils of Coconut, Palm, Castor bean, Safflower; Shea Butter, Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Rosemary Essential Oil, Sorbitol, Soybean protein, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance.

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Obia Curl Moisture Cream

Cost: $10.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: 4 oz.

Scent: Light Floral
Consistency: Creamy

What They Say:
Use to add moisture and hydration to your hair.  Infused with argan oil, lavender oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, and burdock root. Promotes hair growth without leaving your hair weighed down.

H balanced Curl Moisture Cream seals in moisture and minimizes frizz by smoothing and closing the cuticle.

What I Say:
I used this product as a leave-in/moisturizer and it did a good job at moisturizing.  It left BG "S" hair soft and fluffy.  It also gave her hair a nice sheen and it smells great.  Overall, I liked the product because it is very light but moisturizing plus it doubles as a moisturizer and twisting cream if you don't require much hold and the ingredients are nice!

Ingredients:
Purified Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) oil, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Arctium lappa (Burdock Root), Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycine soya (Soybean) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Oil, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum).

**** I give this product a 4.5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Obia Curl Hydration Spray

Cost: $10.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: Light Floral
Consistency: Liquid

What They Say:
Use daily to moisturize your hair and scalp, or to refresh your style. Infused with argan oil, rose oil, and vitamin E.  Hydrates curls, adds shine, detangles, and conditions hair.

What I Say:
This product smells great and is an excellent daily moisturizer, it brings back life to the hair.  It sprays nicely and leaves the hair soft and moisturized.

Ingredients: 
Purified Water (Aqua), Vegetable Glycerin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Rose Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Soybean Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum).

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Obia Curl Enhancing Custard

Cost: $15.00 (www.obianaturalhair.com) 

Size: 12 oz.

Scent: Light Floral

Consistency: Thick custard

What They Say:

This alcohol-free formula hydrates, elongates, and provides super shine to all types of hair.  Does not leave a waxy residue or buildup. Infused with argan oil, grape seed oil, and olive.

Use to define curls, to smooth edges, or to aid in up-do styles.  Curl Enhancing Custard defines and conditions hair leaving it soft, shiny, and deeply moisturized. 

What I Say:
This is a great styling product, it is moisturizing and provides great hold.  It also does a wonderful job at defining your curls. I tried this product on both dry and damp hair and it works best on damp/wet hair. The only problem I have with this products is that it makes the hair a little crunchy but still a great product overall.

Ingredients: 

Purified water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Xantham Gum, Fragrance.

**** I give this product a 4 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Since I'm working on incorporating a new regimen for BG "S" with the Terressentials Mud Wash, I decided to deep condition this week.  This is our first deep condition since using Terressentials.  I think I may deep condition and cleanse the hair twice a month alternating the weeks.
Example:
Week 1 - Cleanse
Week 2 - Deep Condition
Week 3 - Cleanse
Week 4 - Deep Condition
This week, I decided to go with the Greek Yogurt and Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Treatment which I first used HERE.  It's a great protein/moisturizing deep conditioner.  My only complaint is that is can be very messy and smelly.  You can find how I deep condition HERE.

I used the same ingredients with the exception of the shea butter.  This time I used 100% unrefined USDA Organic Shea Butter which I ordered online (I've heard that shea butter was sticky/waxy like but this was my first time actually encountering that).  I always tried to aim for the unrefined shea butter but sometimes its not marked as refined or unrefined on the containers in the beauty supply store so I guess you don't really know what you're getting at times.  Anywho, this mix was thicker and took a little longer to rinse but I must say her hair was super moisturized, I was in awe!!  For my next deep treatment, I think I will try a recipe with shea butter as the main ingredient.  Here are a few pics...

Greek Yogurt and Shea Butter Deep Treatment
Can you see how moisturized her hair is, I wish you could feel the softness...

After rinsing, I simply sealed and threaded for drying.
 Look at that shrinkage!!!

What homemade deep treatments do you use?

Detoxing w/ Terressentials Organic Hair Wash

I have been struggling to find a really good leave-in and styler for BG "S" type 4 hair.  Nothing seemed to work, so out of frustration, I decided to revisit my whipped shea butter mix and flaxseed gel. However, on my continued quest the Terressentials Organic Hair Wash caught my attention.  So I began watching some YouTube videos, starting with Naptural85 who pretty much brought this product to the attention of many naturals. I decided on which wash (there are 5) based on this video and this one by YT'er Dawnyele (R.I.P) whose hair type was closest to daughters'.

Lucky for me they are based in MD but instead of taking the drive I decided to order online which I knew would be quick. I ended up ordering the 16 oz. in the Left Coast Lemon which seemed like a better deal since shipping was just about $9.  I ordered on late Tuesday night and go it on Thursday. This product detoxes by ridding your hair of impurities and synthetic ingredients which just coat the hair to give damaged hair the look and feel of being undamaged. The catch is that you can't use other products such as shampoos, conditioners or stylers as they may be loaded with synthetic ingredients that the wash removes and it becomes counterproductive.  But you can always do as you please...

I am going to start this new washing regimen with simply the mud wash and my whipped shea mix and/or oils and see how BG "S" hair responds!

I decided to detox for 3 days leaving the mud wash in for a longer period of time.  I only used the mudwash and my whipped shea mix to seal, no additional products.  It works like a 3 in 1, it cleanses, condition and detangles!  I must say I am really impressed by this product.

Full Product Review coming soon...

Day 1 Detox
The hair felt a little funny during the first wash but got better with the next two.  The last wash, I let it sit in her hair for an hour to speed the detox process.   I was actually able to finger detangle with this product

Day 2 Detox

Day 3 Detox
Her twist-out was so light and fluffy.

Here is some additional info on the mudwash and detoxing: http://www.terressentials.com/hairhelp.html

Check out this list, its crazy...very interesting: http://www.terressentials.com/ingredientguide.html

What do you think and have any of you tried Terressentials Products?

DIY: Flaxseed Gel

On the hunt to find the "perfect" styler, I decided to try flax seeds to make a hair gel...

Last month I started making homemade Flaxseed Gel to use as a styler.  It took me three attempts to get it to the consistency I wanted.  I watched a few YouTube videos and did some additional research before putting together a recipe I liked.  I had great results with the gel and found it to be extremely moisturizing.  The only thing I didn't like was the roasted smell which doesn't seem to go away no matter how much essential oil I use o_O but that smell doesn't linger in the hair.  Oh, I also store any remaining gel in the fridge. 

Overall, I love flaxseed gel!  Its inexpensive and have great benefits for the hair.  I got my bag of Flax Seeds from Trader's Joe for about $3.  I tried making a custard like styler by adding some of my shea butter mix but it didn't blend too well...maybe I'll revisit that another time :)  Urban Bush Babes pretty much sums it up below and I have to agree with everything stated.

-From Urban Bush Babes

{There are 2 types of Flax seed (linseed), a light golden yellow and brown. The brown Flax seeds are slightly higher in omega 3 fatty acids.

Benefits:

-Leaves hair soft, shiny, and moisturized

-Promotes hair growth

-You can reuse the flax seeds

-Cost effective (more for your money)

-Nourishing for the hair rich in omega 3

-Gives great curl definition

-Gives hold with no crunch/non flaking/not drying to the hair/doesn’t cause breakage/or shedding

-Fast drying

-Great for wng's /sleek styles/twists and twist outs and sets the twists once dry for a lovely twist out

-Mixes well with oils/conditioners/ many products

-All natural..organic.

-A lot of reviews compare it to Kinky Curly’s Knot Today, but say Flax seed Gel  is actually better (maybe they meant KCCC ?)

-Great for all hair types}

**Update- I didn't put the steps on how to make the gel (silly me).  It is very easy to make, you can watch Naptural85 video HERE.**

Here are some pics of my flaxseed gel and my daughter's hair after using it to style her twists...

Before adding additional ingredients

Two Strand Twists Using Flaxseed Gel

Have you tried Flaxseed Gel?  If so, how do you like it and if not, would you try it?

**HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY**

This beautiful video was made by Sdestra (one of my blogger buddies), you can find her HERE and HERE.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :D

Product Review: Luv Naturals

Luv Naturals "Wash Me Gently"Hair & Scalp Cleanser

Cost: $13.00 (www.luvnaturals.com) 

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: Peppermint/Tea Tree
Consistency: Rich & Creamy

What They Say:
Gently and effectively cleanses hair & scalp of mild to moderate build-up
pH balanced (5.0 - 6.0 pH) to encourage the hair's cuticles to close which:
Helps to minimize hair strands from swelling during wash
Helps to prevent hair from feeling "stripped" of surface oils.

Naturally derived and organic ingredients
No artificial fragrances
No artificial colors
Food grade preservatives
Shelf life is 1 year from purchase date

What I Say:
I was excited to try this shampoo after seeing her video tutorial.  I can't say that I was blown away, it was okay, I mean after all it is a shampoo.  It had good slip and the hair did feel clean without feeling stripped and moisturized but I need a shampoo that lathers and the lather I saw in the video I did not get on my daughter's hair.  Its not a bad shampoo but its not something I will re-purchase.

Ingredients: 
Aqua, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Organic Oil, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glucono Delta Lactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Mentha piperita (Peppermint, Triple Distilled) Essential Oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil

**** I give this product a 4 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Luv Naturals "Don't Be So Clingy" Hair Detangler

Cost: $13.00 (www.luvnaturals.com)

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: Orange
Consistency: Rich & Creamy

What They Say:
Helps to release knots, tangles and shed hairs (which help to prevent hair breakage)
pH balanced to help reduce breakage caused by clingy hair (4.5 - 6.0 pH)

Naturally derived and organic ingredients
No artificial fragrances
No artificial colors
Food grade preservatives
Shelf life is 1 year from purchase date

What I Say:
I like this a lot!  The slip is crazy good.  I spritz the hair first and then applied this product and the knots literally melted away.  I was actually able to successfully finger detangle (I still used my trusty detangling comb though!).  The more water used, the less product you have to use.  This product can also be used as a pre-shampoo; the directions does call for it to be rinsed out, so it cannot be used after washing which is fine with me because I have always detangled before washing so this is right up my alley.  The question for some may be does this work better than regular cheap conditioner...I think it may be a little better because it releases the knots effortlessly. However, the product can get expensive when you include shipping.  I have always used a detangling cocktail to detangle the girls hair, so I have substituted this product in place of the usual conditioner and love it even more plus I get more use of the product and don't have to purchase as often.  I will definitely re-purchase.

Ingredients: 
Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citrus sinensis (Orange, Sweet) Essential Oil, Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm) Extract, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Mangifera indica (Mango) Butter, Corylus avellana (Hazelnut) Oil, Olea europaea (Organic Olive) Extra Virgin Oil, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Organic Oil, Brassica oleracea italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Acrylic Polymers, Glucono Delta Lactone, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Mica

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Back to the Basics: Keeping It Simple

Boy, what a journey!  I decided to begin this month on a "new" healthy hair journey with BG "S".  Why?  Well, it has been about 5 months since removing her locs.  Since then I have done trims/dustings throughout those months (altogether it can be classified as a mini-chop, lol).  I am finally at a place where I can wash and detangle her hair without having a matted mess on my hands and getting completely frustrated.  I also finally got rid of those nuisance ssk's and there were A LOT!  We have also tried tons of new products and have had our share of ups and downs with ingredients, so I pretty much know what works and what doesn't work for her hair.  She will also be 3 this month!!!

This brings us to the basics of keeping it simple!  I found myself getting off our regular hair regimen a little bit just to experiment but it wasn't yielding the results I wanted or had in the past.  I veered off trying new things and following the masses such a finger detangling and other methods of sealing, etc but I am back on course with following our regular hair regimen! Her hair flourishes with our regimen.  I love my Grapeseed Oil and will continue to us it during daily moisturizing but I will be going back to sealing with my shea butter mix on wash day (I have altered the recipe a bit to avoid refrigeration).

The only thing left for me to try is the Chicoro Leave-In and if that doesn't work I will be sticking to my faithful Kimmaytube Leave-In Recipe! I have also been trying out shampoo bars which I like so far. :)

This is the amount of hair I have trimmed after her 1st initial trim of 2 inches after loc removal.

This is a comparison of pics between Jul 12- Jan 13. July 2012 (before loc'ing), Dec 2012 (after removing loc's and cutting),  Jan 2012 (hair growth)

Current Pic (April 2013, I trimmed last in March) at a good place.

So here we go...healthy hair journey AGAIN! :)

The Science of Black Hair: Protein/Moisture Balance Basics

In my previous post, I spoke about proteins and briefly mentioned the importance of keeping a good protein/moisture balance. Well, good news...just in case you're a visual person like me :), here is a great video demonstration on Protein/Moisture Balance.  This video is by the author of The Science of Black Hair Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.  This is a great video which is very informative. Happy Watching...

Protein/Moisture Balance

Recognizing and Exploring Proteins

Here are some ingredients to look for if you want to know if a product has protein/s:

1. Anything that starts with the word Hydrolyzed 
2. Silk Amino Acids
3. Soybean or Soja (Oil or Seed Extract)
4. Milk Protein (Coconut Milk, etc.)  
5. Blue Green Algae
6. Keratin
7. Collagen
8. Rice Protein
9. Wheat Protein
10. Oat Protein
11. Corn Protein
12. Vegetable Protein
13. Elastin

To get more information on what each protein does, click HERE, HERE and HERE (Skip to 4:45 on video).

My Experience w/ Proteins

BG "S" hair has a love/hate relationship with proteins while BG "M" hair loves proteins.  I have learned which proteins BG "S" hair absolutely hates and which ones her hair can tolerate.

Tolerable Proteins to Date
Vegetable Protein (Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque)
Hydrolyzed Keratin (Nothing But Intense Healing Masque)
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch (Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner)

Not So Tolerable Proteins to Date
Hydrolyzed / Soy Protein
Silk Protein
Silk Amino Acids
Soybean (Soja) Protein/ Oil

There was a time when I attempted to avoid anything with protein in it for BG "S" hair but I have learned that protein isn't a bad thing and is just as important as moisture.  This is where the Protein/Moisture Balance comes into play.  So, I am going to take a step out and try one of my old favorites on BG "S" again (SM Curl & Style Milk)...stay tuned. Update: The SM Curl & Curl Milk is a "NO-GO" for BG "S"!  I won't be re-visiting this product for BG "S" anytime soon.  It made her hair so crunchy and dry!

What is your relationship with protein?

INGREDIENT CHECK: Panthenol? What is It?

Panthenol is a very popular ingredient in skin and hair care products which is a derivative of vitamin B5 products.  It is a humectant, emollient, glossifier, detangler and moisturizing agent. It is highly water soluble and is also easily removable with mild plant-derived oils or via conditioner cleansing (co-washing).  Panthenol can be found in shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, leave-ins, hair lotions, etc.

Excerpt from Naturally Curly:

{...Panthenol is capable of penetrating the cuticle and entering the hair shaft as well, where it aids in moisture retention and provides volume.

It is important to note that sometimes penetration of the shaft by ingredients can create a rough cuticle surface and lead to frizz, due to swelling of the hair shaft. This may not occur for everyone and is dependent upon several factors, including porosity of the hair and the amount of the ingredient used in the product. It is a potential undesirable effect, so keep this in the back of your mind when using a product containing the ingredient.}

Ding, Ding, Ding...something hit me!  I have been currently battling with BG "S" hair being ridiculously frizzy and couldn't figure out why and then it all made sense.  I have been using a new leave-in with panthenol and although I love the product and it leaves the hair super soft and moisturized it would also be super frizzy, that's a big NO-NO!  And then I thought about past products that yielded frizzy hair and they all had one common ingredient...Panthenol.  This is obviously not something that will happen to everyone just like with other ingredients but just in case you may be experiencing a similar issue, check the ingredient list on your products!

So for now, I will discontinue using I will monitor "leave-in products" with panthenol and pay close attention to how the hair reacts since I can't completely avoid it as it is in most leave-ins (especially the good ones, lol).  Experimentation and listening to your hair is the best way to find out what works well on your own hair.  I'll keep you guys posted...

FYI..this is not to say panthenol is bad because it isn't, just for you to be educated on what may work or not work for your hair!

What have been your experience with Panthenol?

Our 1st Challenge of the Year: KLK 2013 Protective Style Challenge

For those of you who don't know we have been participating in a protective style challenge hosted by KandyLand Kurls since January.  The challenge started January 7 and runs thru March 4th...we are still in full effect, with a couple weeks to go!  We have really enjoyed the challenge as there are many benefits to wearing your hair in protective styles! Here are our weekly submission photos to date:

WEEK 1  - Two-Strand Twists w/ Flat Twists on the side

 WEEK 2- Chunky Two-Strand Twists

 WEEK 3- Mini Two-Strand Twists (I did a little dusting of the ends)

 WEEK 4- Mini Two-Strand Twists (from Week 3 after washing)

 WEEK 5- African Threading

WEEK 6- Chunky Twists

WEEK 7- Mini Two-Strand Twists

WEEK 8- Mini-Two Strand Twists (From Week 7)

Product Review: Oyin Hair Dew

Oyin Hair Dew

Cost: $13.00 (www.oyinhandmade.com) or (www.curlmart.com)

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: Sweet like Dessert
Consistency: Rich Creamy & Thick (lotion)

What They Say:
This creamy, conditioning leave-in is light enough for every day. It's great on 'naked' hair immediately after a cleanse, or as a way to reinvigorate tired hair all the way through your hair care cycle.

Looking for a product to wake up and moisturize your second-day hair? Looking for a way to make your hair pliable enough to re-style without a full rinse? Just want to refresh your coils and curls and give them a shot of moisture before sealing? This leave-in is your answer! Plays well with other Oyin leave-ins and stylers.

What I Say:
First of all, the smell is amazing!  I've used this product as a leave-in and moisturizer yielding good results both ways.  It leaves the hair looking healthy and shiny.  It doesn't provide much slip as a leave-in.  It also absorbs nicely and provides softness and moisture but the moisture isn't lasting for my daughters' Type 4 hair. This product is also very light.

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

**** I give this product a 4 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Product Review: Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment

JessiCurl Deep Conditioning Treatment

Cost: $16.95 (www.jessicurl.com) or (www.curlmart.com)

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: No Fragrance (Available in 3 scents, I opted for no fragrance)
Consistency: Rich Creamy & Thick

What They Say:
...It used to be called “Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment” but then I heard from more and more curlies that they were using it every day, and some were even using it as a leave in. Who am I to limit how much you use your favorite conditioner, right? Thus, I dropped “Weekly” and just left it at Deep Conditioning Treatment. It’s thick, it’s rich, it’s moisturizing, it doesn’t build up – it really is the ideal formula for restoring moisture to dry curly hair. It also works great as a shaving cream – that even includes bald men! :)

Deep conditioning treatments with heat really moisturize and strengthen the hair, and they're just plain fun to do. This treatment works best with a plastic cap and left on for 20 minutes. This thick conditioner uses cocoa butter and shea butter to add some serious moisture to your hair. Great for all Hair Types!

What I Say:
OMG, this is one of the best moisturizing deep conditioners I have used, I love this stuff!  It made BG "S" hair super soft and so easy to detangle, it pretty much melted the tangles away and for Type 4 hair that is everything!  I used this deep conditioner on pre-cleansed hair (before washing but after spraying with a little ACV mixed with water) and placed a bag & cap on it for about 60 minutes. The hair felt very conditioned after removing the bag & cap and more importantly after rinsing.  It penetrated the hair nicely and provided some much needed moisture and softness. I believe I have found our staple moisturizing deep conditioner and I will be ordering more (with a fragrance).  I definitely say give it a try if you are searching for a moisturizing deep conditioner.

Ingredients: (NEW 7/9/12)
Water (Aqua) infused with Equisetum Maximum Lam (Horsetail), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Laurus Nobilis (Bay Leaf), Ocimum Basilicum (Basil), Arctium Lappa (Burdock Root), Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow Root), Origanum Vulgare (Oregano), Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass), Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) and Urtica Dioica (Nettle); Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Soy Lecithin, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Deep Conditioning w/ JessiCurl DCT

1. The hair have been deep conditioning for about an hour and a half
2. The hair after removing the cap & bag
3. The hair after removing the cap & bag (the curls were clumping together)
4. The hair was very soft & manageable, so I detangled the hair and plaited for washing
5. The hair was very moisturized and shiny after washing

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Product Review: Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter

Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter

Cost: $14.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size: 5 oz.

Scent: Light Mango Scent
Consistency: Rich & Thick

What They Say:
Use this thick, rich butter to soften and maintain twists, braids and loose hair! Ideal for dry, highly porous hair! Use as a body butter too!

Softens thick, extra dry hair with an ultra rich blend of Pure Olive Oil, Mango Butter and Rice Bran Oil! A touch of plant wax helps reduce frizz and smooths edges and soy extract adds humectancy. Use sparingly. A little goes a long way.

What I Say:
This butter is amazing and smells really good.  I've used this product on and off since last July.  Its no surprise that I really enjoy QB products and this is NO exception!  This butter is very soft despite the initial appearance and it spreads very well in the hair.  It adds shine and moisture.  I get great results using this butter on damp and  dry hair (The Beginning of BG "S" Loc Journey).  This product is great for twists and gives excellent definition for twist outs.  It leaves the hair super soft and bouncy.  Although its only 5 oz., a little really does go along way, I still have my container from last year.  *Bonus: It doubles as a body butter!

Ingredients:
Olive (Olea europa) Oil, Mango (Mangifera indica) Butter and Rice (Oryza sativa) Oil Blend, Behenyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Soy (Glycine soja) Extract, Plant (Euphorbia cerifera) Wax, Phthlate Free Fragrance

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

BG "S" Hair Update (After Removing Locs)/ KLK Protective Style Challenge

Where are we now?!  Its been about a month and a half since removing BG "S" locs.  During this month we have gone through so bumps and hurdles with her hair...but we are overcoming those obstacles.  Here are a few things we have dealt with since going back to her natural tresses:

• Single Strand Knots a.k.a Fairy Knots
• Longer Detangling Sessions
• Frizziness
• Faithful products not as effective 

I cut about 2 inches of her hair, it looked thin on the ends and I could see thru them so I decided to cut them in order to keep focus on getting her hair back to a healthier state.  I have not kept any styles in her hair longer than a week to prevent it from re-locing since the hair was trained to loc.

Throughout this process, I have found that finger detangling doesn't work for us at the moment because it doesn't do a thorough job of detangling thus causing single strand knots.  When I find a SSK, I just snip them off. The detangling sessions have been longer because the products I used weren't as effective.  I  have since been using some new products and some old products I used at the beginning of her healthy hair journey.  We have made tremendous progress.  Comparison pics coming soon.

Stay Tuned and watch our continued progress...

**We are currently participating in the KLK Protective Style Challenge**

WEEK 1

WEEK 2