Product Review: Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque

Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque

Cost: $9.99 (Target/Walgreens)

Size: 12 oz

Scent: Light Floral
Consistency: Rich Creamy

What They Say:
This all natural intense treatment masque with biotin & bamboo extract is for thin, fine hair. It penetrates to moisturize and repair over-processed, dry, brittle or damaged hair. It thickens, volumizes & softens.
Baobab oil-Contains vitamins A,C,D,E and F to fortify and strengthen hair
Yucca-Thickens hair and helps to prevent hair loss
Biotin-A powerful B vitamin that strengthens the hair follicle

What I Say: 
I enjoy this masque as a deep conditioner.  It has a nice creamy, thick texture.  I have used it on dry and wet hair and liked the results of both. It leaves the hair soft, manageable and feeling healthy & strong.  It does not provide much slip for detangling which I don't mind because I detangle prior to using.  BG "S" does not have thin or fine hair (she has thick, coarse hair) but I like this masque for her hair especially since it has both biotin and vegetable protein in it. (I typically stay away from products with protein for BG "S" but to my surprise this product doesn't make her hair hard.)  Oh and I absolutely love the smell!

Ingredients:
Deionized Water , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Mangifera Indica Seed Butter (Mango) , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Olea Europaea Oil (Olive) , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Ammonium Salt (Conditioner) , Yucca Filamentosa Extract , Vegetable Protein , Adansonia Digitata Extract (Baobab) , Biotin , Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) , Rosemary Extract , Bamboo Extract , Sorbitol Esters , Caprylyl Glycol , Essential Oil Blend , Lonicera Caprifolium Flower and Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle) , Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

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

**Product Review: Qhemet Biologics Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm**

Yes, another Qhemet Biologics Review ;o)  LOVE IT!

Qhemet Biologics Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm

Cost: $16.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size:  8.0 oz

Scent: Light Citrus
Consistency: The texture of honey

What They Say:Our pure and natural hydrating balm leaves dense, coarse and dry hair touchably soft, moist and supple. 

What I Say:This stuff is awesome!  If your hair desires moisture, this is another QB product for you.  This product gives extra hydration.  It makes the hair very soft and leaves the hair feeling super moisturized.  Due to reviews, I first tried this product by mixing it with the QB Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and fell in LOVE!  I have officially found my styling aid for twists, twist-outs, etc. The texture is very much like honey but is very easy to apply the hair.  It leaves the hair feeling a little sticky if used on dry hair so I prefer it on damp hair.  This product is good on its own but GREAT when mixed with the AOHC.  It is a little costly as well but worth every penny! I will use this product as a styler and to keep the ends of the hair moisturized.  Update: I will use this product as is to moisturize BG "S" locs after washing.  Here is the post where I styled BG "S" hair with the combo. Another staple from QB!

Ingredients:Pure Olive Oil, expressed from the fruit seeds of the noble and majestic Olive tree, delivers softness and emollience. Pure Grapeseed Oil delivers shine, softness and lubricity. MSM nourishes scalp and encourages healthy growth while pure wildflower honey and vegetable glycerin contribute lasting moisture and softness.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes or parabens.

*Color may vary from batch to batch from yellow to green due to the natural color variance in Olive and Grapeseed Oils.

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

Back to Protective Style Mode (Two Strand Twists and Bantu Knots)

After enjoying a few days of big hair during BBH's Frotective Challenge, we are back to our protective styles.  But before twisting it up, I decided to do a little trimming of BG "S" ends.  I did things a little different this time.  In this post (BG "S" First Trim-Healthier Hair, Here We Come...) I discussed trimming the hair while in mini twists but I decided to trim her hair the way Precious Curls discussed in this post.  I was much more comfortable this go' round! 

I deep conditioned, co-washed and banded on Saturday night.  On Sunday morning, I trimmed the hair as I removed the banded sections. However, before trimming I applied Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee, detangled, then trimmed and re-banded.

This is after the trim...not too much right?!

On to the Protective Style...

I went to my favorite style of course...two-strand twists.  Although the hair was stretched from banding, I lightly spritz the hair with my aloe vera mix, applied a mixture a QB Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm (review to come) and the twisted.  OMG...her hair has never felt so soft and moisturized,  I couldn't keep my hands out of her hair!  She wore her two-strand twists out today but then I decided to do something different and try bantu knots on her tonight.  I simply gathered a section of her twists, twisted to the left and began to roll and tuck.  I think I did pretty good for my first time, I didn't use anything to secure the bantu knots, so I have no idea how long  the hair will stay put, lol...

BBH's Frotective Style Challenge (Day 3 & Day 4)

**BBH Frotective Challenge Day 3- July 6, 2012 **

BG "S" wore a Shrunken Fro on this day. She had water play the previous day and had major shrinkage!  No big deal, we just embraced it... 

**BBH Frotective Challenge Day 4- July 7, 2012 (FINAL) **

This Day 4 hair right here certainly has a story! I attempted to do a twist-out by washing and twisting the hair with Kinky Curly Products (Come Clean, KCKT and KKCC), well needless to say it was a total fail :( Her hair was super dry and not what I imagined it to be but I had to swing it...thus this hair style! So, I decided to wash it last tonight...OMG, detangling was an absolute NIGHTMARE! I will be doing some snipping today!  

Sealing with Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ)

After reading the title, I'm sure most people are thinking what?! No oils and no butters!  You read correctly...I have always loved using Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ) or Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) on BG "S" hair.  I use it in homemade recipes to make hair butters, sprays, etc. AVJ and AVG have many benefits on natural hair.  

Just to name a few:

• Detangles
• Moisturizes
• Heals and Soothes Damaged Scalp from Scratches, Burns, Dandruff, etc.
• Balances pH Level (Porosity) of Hair- pH Balance and Hair
  
  
  

Now to the sealing part...I recently used AVG and coconut oil at the ends of BG "S" hair for some added moisture and to give her curls a little boost needless to say it worked like a charm!  BUT I never thought to use AVJ as a sealant over the entire head o_O.  Say what?! That is until I can across a post via HeyFranHey, she tried a "little sealing experiment".  The Aloe Vera Juice seals in the moisture as a butter or oil would without the added weight plus it adds shine and reduces frizz.

So, I thought since I got good results from using it on BG "S" ends, what the heck, let's do it!  I did this sealing method last night and couldn't have been more pleased! The hair was so soft and very easy to comb.  For the first time ever my daughter sat the entire time to get her hair completely done; since it was easier to comb I was able to move a little faster!  You would use the AVJ just as you would an oil.  I poured some in my hand and applied the AVJ right after the leave-in (I will be using a spray bottle in the future).  

It especially works well for us since I use Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream (very thick and creamy) as a leave-in on BG "S" hair.  I didn't have time to take pics but I will definitely take some the next go' round.  I will be using this sealing method in BG "S" Hair Regimen for now and document to see how the hair continue to responds. 

Why Sealing With Aloe Vera Is So Effective

Have you tried it? What are you thoughts or opinion on using AVJ as a sealant?

Product Review: TRESemme Naturals Moisture Conditioner

TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

Cost: Under $7.00 (Target/Grocery Store)

Size: 25 oz

Scent: Light Sweet Fragrance
Consistency: Rich Creamy

What They Say: This new lightweight, silicone-free conditioner uses natural ingredients to hydrate hair, giving you the moisture you need and the natural benefits you love.

What I Say:  OMG...where have you been hiding?!  When looking for a conditioner I want something that certainly provides moisture as well as softens the hair after rinsing the product out.  This product does just that, this stuff is great!  The ingredients are nice.  It has great slip, detangles nicely and softens immediately...and the way it moisturizes is like wow! I was so impressed, I went to the store and bought another bottle after using it for the first time just because I'm afraid they'll switch up the ingredients.  The cost is amazing, so this is definitely going to give my favorite Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner a run for its money (literally).  I will be using this conditioner to Co-Wash.  LOVE IT! 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) , Stearyl Alcohol , Cetyl Alcohol , Caprylic , Capric Triglyceride , Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine , Fragrance (Parfum) , Lauroyl Lysine , Caprylyl Glycol , Brassica Campestris , Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer , Aspartic Acid , Distearyldimonium Chloride , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Citric Acid , Alcohol , Isopropyl Alcohol , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

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

Natural Free Hair (Late Post)

I try to let the girls where their hair out after taking down a style before washing and restyling just to let the hair "breathe".  This is how they wore their hair on Father's Day.

They LOVE wearing their hair out, especially BG "M" (oldest)!  These pics are after removing an old hairstyle.  So, after removing the styles, I simply applied some KCKT mixed with water and oil to BG "M" (left) and applied Cara B Moisturizing Mist followed by coconut oil to BG "S" (right), brushed and Voila!  BG "M" previous style was in twists (party bun) and BG "S" had chunky cornrows.

**Product Reviews: Qhemet Biologics**

Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

Cost: $15.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)
This is the old packaging and size

Size: 5 oz

Scent: Light Cocoa Scent
Consistency: Thick, Rich Creamy

What They Say: Restores manageability, softness and elasticity to normal to very dry hair. Smooths cuticles, improves combing ability and reduces breakage.

What I Say:  It does EXACTLY what it claims! It makes the hair extremely soft and manageable, it melts away tangles like you wouldn't imagine.  I tried this on damp and dry hair and it made it very easy to comb through the hair (I prefer using it on dry hair).  The comb literally glides thru your hair after applying this product, it is moisturizing and absorbs nicely.  This stuff is definitely amazing and worth every penny.  Great product.  Check out Vlogger CharJay's review here.

Ingredients: Contains pure, prime pressed Cocoa Butter to smooth, soften and seal in moisture, Horsetail, Nettle and Barley to strengthen and condition and sulfur rich MSM to nourish follicles and support growth. Enhanced with carefully selected mild and eco-friendly detangling actives, it instantly restores manageability, pliability and elasticity to matted and tangled hair.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrances.

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

Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa Softening Serum

Cost: $10.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)
This is the old packaging

Size: 2.5 oz

Scent: Citrus/ Orange
Consistency: Thick Oil

What They Say: Contains 100% pure Castor and Moringa Oils. Moringa Oil is a highly valued emollient used in African and Indian hair and skin care traditions for over 2000 years. Moringa seed oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and C and copper and calcium, important nutrients for the skin and scalp. It is also an excellent pre-wash hair conditioner as it naturally possesses cleansing and nourishing proprieties. African Castor Oil has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000 B.C. The castor bean plant is native to the Ethiopian region of tropical East Africa. This thick, shiny oil acts as a barrier agent and protective medium against harsh conditions and extremes. It is a natural humectant and possesses hair conditioning, thickening and softening properties. Protects ends and moisturizes dry, brittle and coarse hair.

What I Say:  I don't know what it is about this oil but it makes the hair super soft.  It has multiple uses which is always a plus.  I applied this serum to freshly washed hair and was amazed at the results which I didn't expect because I was thinking its just an oil...boy was I wrong!  I will continue using this oil as a sealant and leave in treatment. Another great product.

Ingredients: Pure Castor Oil, Pure Moringa Oil, Pure Essential Oil Fragrance

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

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream

Cost: $16.50 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size:  8.5 oz

Scent: Citrus/ Orange
Consistency: Thick, Rich Creamy

What They Say: Our nourishingly rich blend of old world oils, organic herbs and natural humectants leaves coarse, dry and brittle hair extra soft, healthy and supple! A perfect all-in-one for moisturizing and softening afro's, coils, curls, pony puffs, two strand twists, braids, cornrows, fades, chemical and color processes, softening new growth and restoring softness and elasticity to dry brittle ends. Also helps weigh down kinks and coils. Use as a:

• Soothing and regenerative scalp butter
• Post-shampoo conditioner
• Overnight Deep Treatment
• Moisturizing daily leave-in
• Replenishing body butter
• Evenly distribute a small to moderate amount through dry or slightly damp hair

What I Say:  This one is my FAVORITE!  This stuff is awesome!  If your hair desires moisture, this is for you.  It makes the hair so soft and it is very moisturizing, the hair stays moisturized for a few days without reapplying.  I didn't like it on dry hair but it is A-mazing on damp/wet hair.  I have used this product as a leave-in, moisturizer and styler and it is by far one of the best products I have ever used in BG "S" dry hair!  There is also a lighter version of this cream called Burdock Root Butter Cream.  Staple product for sure!  Update: 7/12- I recently mixed this product with the QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm and fell in LOVE!  I have officially found my styling aid for twists, twist-outs, etc.

Ingredients: Our ultra thick cream contains Amla, Brahmi and African Aloe, premium Afro-Indian botanicals used for thousands of years to nourish the scalp and strengthen and condition hair. MSM sulfur nurtures follicles and encourages healthy hair growth, Mediterranean Olive Oil delivers emollience and lubricity while Vegetable Glycerin and pure African Castor Oil lends sheen, softness and intense moisture.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes or parabens.

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

BG "S" Mini Braids & Good Ole' Fashion Hair GREASE!

This post is a little late, I actually braided her hair on Tuesday, May 29th.

Recent Pic
Braids are holding up nicely.
 Going on 2 weeks.

For the first time my husband made a "hair request", he wanted me to braid BG "S" hair.  So I decided to do mini braids (mini to me) the week I was leaving town.  This is also the style I submitted for Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge final week.  I decided to deep condition her hair with Miss Jessie's Super Sweet Back Treatment which has protein, (I'm learning to keep a protein and moisture balance - although her hair never agrees with proteins) moisturized and twisted to let air dry overnight.

I began her hair the next day.  I decided to go back to the old way of doing things.  When BG "S" was younger, I simply used grease and water (mouths drop, lol) and never had any problems with dryness, breakage or any other issues people think/say grease cause...just a little lint.  Well, this go' round I decided to use Nature's Blessing Hair Pomade (Grease) and Water.  I used this grease when I was relaxed and LOVED it!!!  With each section, I spritz the hair with distilled water, applied the grease to the hair and began braiding.  I was very happy with the outcome...no frizz, no greasiness or stickiness, just well done braids without the hassle of going back and forth between several different products!

Will this be my way of doing braids?  Possibly...Nature's Blessing is easy to get, works great as a sealant/ styler, very affordable and this has been the only way I have gotten braids done successfully to my liking on BG "S"!  No wonder I braided her hair so much when she was younger, sometime you just have to revisit the old way of doing things.  Have you tried using grease and how did you use it?

Disclaimer: Grease worked for US but it may or may not work for you. 

Wordless Wednesday: "Little Miss Sunshine"

Protective Style Challenge: Flat Twists in front w/ Two Strand Twists

Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge

Week 3: Flat Twists in Front w/ Two-Strand Twists

I washed, conditioned, moisturized and banded BGS hair in the morning and styled it in the afternoon. I decided to try a "new" product (Kinky Curly Curling Custard-KCCC) to do both the flat twists and the two strand twists.  The hair was already nicely moisturized, so I began by spritzing the hair with a mixture of KCKT and distilled water, applied the KCCC and began twisting (the picture in the top left-hand corner is the hair with the product).  The hair was nice and shiny after twisting on wet hair.  The next morning after the hair had dried, BGS hair looked nice but it wasn't really moisturized which is a big "no-no" for BGS's hair.  I didn't experience any crunchiness like others have complained about.  The KCCC review will be coming soon, it did okay but I can't say that I was completely blown away, I get better moisture from SM Curling Souffle.

Other Products Used: Pre-Poo (Coconut Oil) | Washed (SM Moisture Retention Shampoo) | Conditioned (Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner) | Leave-In (Kimmaytube w/ Giovanni Direct) | Moisturize (Cara B Moisturizing Mist-Daily) | Seal (Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey) 

Protective Style Challenge Check In: Flat Twists

Beads, Braids & Beyond Protective Style Challenge

Week 2: Flat Twists

I took the mini-twists out from Week 1, it was time!  Didn't have a lot of time to do her hair, so I decided to do a deep condition with Elasta QP DPR (1st time using) and then proceeded with my regular routine.  I left the hair banded to dry overnight.  The next day, I did this style after a long day, so I tried to keep it quick and simple.  This is what I came up with.  I'm hoping this style will last a week but not sure it will, we'll see!

Product Review: Elasta QP DPR

Elasta QP DPR-11 (Deep Penetrating Remoisturizer)

Cost: $7.49 (Beauty Supply Store)

Size: 16 oz

Scent: Fruity Peach Scent

Old Ingredients (This is the one I'm reviewing! Not to be confused with the one below.)

New Formulated (Haven't tried this one yet.)

What They Say: 11 plant extracts, essential oils and vitamins penetrate hair shaft.  Moisturizing emollients renew moisture depleted hair , giving strength and elasticity, peach blossom oil and vitamin e soothe the scalp.

What I Say:  I applied this to dry hair and noticed a difference immediately!  Very moisturizing.  To my  surprise it gave a good "slip" which made it really easy to comb and detangle the hair.  It is very thick which is perfect for BGS coarse hair.  It made the hair super soft and tangle free.  I will definitely continue to use this product and hope I can find it again since there is a new formula. I decided to use this DC during the winter months since it does a really good job at moisturizing.  Since it has dimethicone & petroleum in the ingredient list, I won't make it my staple DC but I'll definitely still use it since those two ingredients are near the bottom.

Ingredients:  Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf Oil, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Aesculus Hippocasyanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract in Purified Water/Aqua, Petrolatum, Cetyle Alcohol, Centrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxypropyl trimonium Chloride, Laurus Nobblis Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Neroli Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant)

Here are a few pics:

1st picture: After applying DPR

2nd picture: Wrapped with grocery bag and her satin cap for 15-20 mins
3rd and 4th picture: After removing bag
5th and 6th picture: Detangled and twisted for washing

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