First Impressions: Creme of Nature with Argan Oil Moisturizing Milk Masque

Hello lovelies!

Today I am back with a product that I received in July's Curl Kit but I didn't get a chance to try it until recently. If you been following my transition ( and I know you have!), you know that I have mentioned how my new growth needs increasingly more moisture. My current mission has centered around finding super moisturizing products for my hair and let me tell you, this product definitely makes the cut!



Price: ~$6.99 for 11.4 oz +tax (from local BSS--I received mine from a Curl Kit I ordered)

Ingredients: Water (Water) (Eau), Glycerin, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Polyquaternium-37, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cicaprylyl Carbonate, Mica, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinose Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Dimethiconol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ceteareth-20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Acetate, Benzyl Benzoate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylisothiazolinone, Cl77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Cl19140 (Yellow 5), Cl 14700 (red 4), Cl 42090 (Blue 1)

Their claims (per the label): No Frizz, No Shrinkage, No Dryness! It's time to reclaim healthy curls with our Moisturizing Milk Masque, packed with repairing nutrients from Argan Oil and Argan Butter. This essential deep treatment is formulated for all curl types to strengthen, restore, and hydrate distressed hair, preventing damage.

*No: Sulfates, Parabens, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum*

**Perfect for: Deep Conditioning or Co-Washing**

I have to admit that I was excited to use this product because it says that it is for all curl types and transitioners. As someone who is 8 (almost 9 months) into their transition, I really wanted to see how beneficial this product would be for my hair. I used this product as a deep conditioner, immediately following my protein treatment with Komaza Protein Strengthener. I applied this to my hair in sections (to ensure that every part of my hair got the moisturizing goodness) and DCed with a heat cap for about an hour.

When I first opened the product, I couldn't believe how thick this conditioner is! It really is like a butter! I initially thought that with my hair and the thickness of this conditioner, I was going to run through that jar in a wash and a half. To my surprise, a little really went a long way! This conditioner spreads easily and my hair absorbs it with no problem. I can see one jar lasting me 4-5 washes (since I wash my hair weekly, about a month).

As far as smell goes, this product smells like any other Creme of Nature with Argan Oil product---kinda sweet, kinda medicinal. The smell doesn't bother me too much and it goes away once you rinse the product out of your hair. It may bother those who are sensitive to scents, however. If you look at the ingredients, you see that fragrance is pretty high up in the list (it's the 5th ingredient!!). This means that there is a scent and a lot of it. So for my scent sensitive folks...you've been warned!

Another potential red flag is that this product contains isopropyl alcohol and it's high in the ingredient listing (the 12th ingredient). Isopropyl alcohol can be found in holding hair sprays and can be drying to the hair. It seems counterintuitive to put a drying ingredient in a product that claims to moisturize hair and that alone can make you reconsider putting this product in your hair.

Ok but how did the product perform!?!


After I DCed for an hour (with heat) and rinsed my hair out, I was blown away by how soft my hair was, especially my new growth. My comb was able to glide through my hair with absolutely no problems. I also saw my new growth begin to curl up--which is my indicator that it is moisturized. To that end, the claim that this conditioner hydrates hair is absolutely, 100% true. My hair definitely got some moisture. As far as strengthening, I can really speak to that since I do a protein treatment prior to deep conditioning....so I know my hair is being strengthened but not by this product. Quickly glancing at the ingredient list, I don't see any ingredients that would suggest strengthening capabilities. For that reason alone, you should consider this product a moisturizing deep conditioner.

Finally, I have only used this product as a deep conditioner, not a co-wash. Going forward, I would only use this product as a deep conditioner. While I'm sure that it would be great as a co-wash, I prefer to use cheapie conditioners that I can run through and repurchase without putting a significant dent in my pocketbook. If I were to use this as a co-wash daily, I could see myself running through a jar a week, easily. Over time, that adds up!


Bottom Line: This is a solid moisturizing DC for those who are transitioning. It provides hair with the moisture that it needs and a little goes a long way. It is a great DC to add to your rotation! However, there are 2 red flags with the amount of fragrance added and the presence of a hair drying alcohol. These two ingredients alone may be enough for some to pass on this product.

First Impressions: Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque

Happy Snow Day lovelies! Or if you're in the South like me, Happy Ice Day! I figured that I take some time and write a post about something that has actually earned its way into my product rotation but I haven't done a review on. So really, this review is more like a sixth impression rather than a first but whatever.


I first picked up Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque in November 2014. I was about to take some kinky twists out ( yeah, I had kinky twists from the end of September to early November. I got them out of pure laziness and the price was right) and I knew that my hair was going to need a shot of moisture. I found myself in Ulta because I needed to get the Mizani Thermasmooth System. While there, I stumbled across this Shea Moisture product. I haven't had too many bad experiences with this line (except for my experience with the the deep treatment masque which was allegedly a moisturizing DC) so I decided to give it a shot. It is been pure LOVE ever since.

With that said...let's get to the review

Price: $12.99+ tax at Ulta (for 12oz)

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glycerin (Vegetable), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Stearyl Alcohol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Behentrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Biotin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Tocopherol, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ipomoea Batatas Extract, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride *Certified Organic Ingredient.

Their Claims (per the container):" This intensive antioxidant rich treatment helps perfect and renew vibrancy to brittle, lackluster hair. When used weekly in out 10-in-1 Renewal system, it treats damaged hair while providing anti aging benefits, color protection, hydration, nourishment, rejuvenation, strength, anti-stress, deep conditioning, softness,and shine. Counteract signs of aging with our Superfruit complex and infusing hair with ultra-moisturizing Marula oil and Biotin"

I cannot state enough how much I love this product. When I first purchased this product, I placed it onto my hair , put on a plastic cap, and sat under a heat cap for about an hour. When I rinsed the product out, my hair felt incredibly soft and I was able to detangle my 4 to 5 months post hair with ease. My hair loved the stuff. I followed this same protocol for the next couple of washes. When winter hit ENC with all it's coldness, I decided to up the ante and try this DC while I was using my steamer. I place the product onto my hair and sat under my steamer for about an hour. It felt like all the good things about this product were AMPLIFIED! My hair was soft and moisturized.....my hair got its LIFE with this product. That's when I knew that I had stumbled across a good thing. I can definitely say that all the moisturizing claims presented on the container were true for my hair.

This DC is particularly creamy but not too creamy. I had no problems distrubuting this product throughout my hair. It's white in color and has a scent that I can't quite place. On one hand, it smells fruity but on the other hand it has the smell that most Shea Moisture products have. I don't know. I can't call it. However, if you are sensitive to scents it is something to be aware of.



Bottom Line:This is a solid DC from the Shea Moisture line. I found it to be creamy with a scent that kinda fruity but not overpowering. While it provides slip and softness when I use my heat cap, I absolutely love using this DC with my steamer. It gives my hair all the moisture that it needs and my hair detangles like a dream. This is definitely a DC to try, especially if you're a fan of Shea Moisture products!


P.S.--Let's throw some confetti for the fact that I surpassed the number of posts I posted last year! So happy to be back!

Help! My Hair is Dry!: When Was the Last Time You Had a Protein Deep Conditioner?

As of late, I have been extremely focused on figuring out what kept me at full BSL all last year. The general conclusion is that I got really lax with my hair regimen. I mean, really, really lax. My regimen consisted of shampoo, a moisturizing DC, and a style whenever I felt like doing it. While this doesn't seem like it would be detrimental to my hair, it actually was. One thing I noticed while I was being all footloose and fancy free with my regimen was that my hair seemed drier. Despite the fact that my hair was constantly being bombarded with moisture, I began to notice that my hair would dry faster following a shampoo and DC session. Then, when my hair was dry, it would have a wiry feel too it. I thought that my hair wasn't holding onto moisture as it should and I quickly found out that this wasn't something that could be remedied with Porosity Control.

So what could the problem be?

A week or so ago, the answer hit me. It had been AGES since I last had a washing session were I used a protein DC. I really couldn't tell you the last time that happened. This past wash day, I followed my instincts, purchased a protein DC (Aubrey Organics GPB), and went to work. And that seemed to do the trick! My hair took awhile to dry completely (it was still damp on Monday...I washed my hair on Saturday) and my hair was able to hold onto the moisture I gave it. My hair hasn't felt this soft and cool to the touch in a very long time. I can't believe that my hair was acting a fool because it needed a meeting with a protein DC.

What does a protein DC do for your hair though?

In our hair journey, especially as a relaxed head, we are constantly told that we need to give our hair moisture, moisture, moisture. And for good reason. Moisture is simply required for a healthy head of hair. We all know that. But what about protein? Protein has an equal role in healthy hair. It is protein that gives our hair strength and structure. However, it is protein that allows our hair to hold on to the moisture that we give it (wild, right?). Yep, protein binds water molecules in our hair shaft, thereby allowing our hair to remain nice and supple. We lose a little protein with each hair wash, so it is important that we provide it back via protein DCs, protein leave in, or whatever protein related product that makes your hair sing. In my case, you can see that my sans protein approach wasn't doing my hair any favors. I was washing my hair, not replenishing the protein I was losing, and my hair couldn't retain moisture as effectively. It was a hard lesson to learn but boy, I am glad I learned it. It has spurred me to incorporate protein into my regimen as I once had. So now, I will protein DC every other week (alternating with moisture DCs) and on the weeks where I don't protein DC, I will use a protein leave in conditioner. That way my hair will get what it needs.

If you are experiencing dry hair that a round of clarifying or use of Porosity Control can't fix. Or if you are using every moisturizer underneath the sun and your hair still feels dry, check your regimen to determine the last time you used a protein anything. Your hair could be crying out for a good dose of protein.

Wash Day: March 30, 2013

...Or "The Wash Day Where My Hair Had a Much Needed Date With a Protein DC"

Happy Monday lovelies!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. I know I did..even though I had to go into lab. Anyway,I was really looking forward to this past week's wash day. As I began to ponder all the things I haven't done since I became really really lax with my regimen, I realized that I have not DCed with a protein DC in AGES!! Seriously, I could tell you the last time I did a protein DC. I figured that a good protein DC would not only strengthen my hair but also help it hold onto moisture better. So, this past Saturday I trekked over to Whole Paycheck (Whole Foods) and got myself a bottle of Aubrey Organics GBP (my hair loves this stuff!). Later that evening, I washed my hair with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention shampoo and DCed with Aubrey Organics GBP for about an hour or so (I had got caught up watching The Ten Commandments lol). I tell you, when I rinsed that condish out my hair felt so soft and strong. My hair really needed that protein deep conditioner. I'm going to have to go back to alternating my moisture and protein deep conditioners every week like I used to do.

The stars of this wash day
After I rinsed the DC out, I detangled my hair using Taliah Waajid The Great Detangler and a bone comb. Let me tell you guys, if you haven't gotten a bone comb, you should get one! With that comb, the only hair that appeared my comb was shed hair. Not a broken hair in sight! I love that comb so much!!! Once I was finished, my put my hair in a high bun since I deemed that a high bun would look fantastic with my Easter dress.

My Easter hair (and outfit!)

At this point, I may stick with bunning my hair for a while and focus on keeping my ends moisturized and protected.I'm also thinking about going back to DCing 2x a week instead of 1. It just seems like so much work though. Either way, I hopethis will lead to some retention. I'm on track to relax in May so when I do my first length check for the year, we will all be able to see where I stand!

How was your wash day?

First Impressions: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Conditioner

As you guys know, I love a good (hair) bargain. If I can get my hair into its best condition without putting a significant dent in my pocketbook, I AM ALL FOR IT!! I also like finding great products at local stores so that I am not forced to order products online or pay un-natural amounts of money for 16oz of conditioner. So that's where this review comes in. I have a drugstore find that performs well and costs pennies: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Conditioner.





Price: $2.97+tax for 8oz ( I purchased mine from Walmart but you can get yours at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid, etc.)

Ingredients: Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, EDTA, Melaluece Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract (Balm Mint Extract), Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Their Claims: Super deep conditioning for a seriously simple fix to dry, damaged hair. It's your own little wonder for any wrongdoing done to your 'do. The Moist collection gives dry hair much-needed moisture so you'll say hello to a silky soft, manageable mane.

I used this product after I washed my hair with a sulfate free shampoo. Even though the directions say to leave this conditioner on for 1-3 minutes, I treated this deep conditioner the same way that I treat any other deep conditioner: I applied it to my hair, covered my hair with a plastic cap, and sat under a heat cap for an hour. Once the hour was up, I rinsed the conditioner out and proceeded from there.

I have to say that Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle left my hair with pretty good slip. I was able to detangle my hair with relative ease and my hair felt soft after it dried. I was very impressed by the performance of this product for it to cost so little.

In terms of appearance and scent, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle is pretty thick and white in color. It is scented similar to other the scent of other Aussie products but I didn't find it to be particularly overwhelming. The only issue I see with this product is that it contains -cones. Although my hair does pretty good with -cones, I know that there are readers out there who simply who do not include them in their regimen. If your hair is not a lover of -cones, then you may want to pass on this product.


Bottom Line: It is a solid product if you are in need of a good deep conditioner but find yourself strapped for cash. It does have a number of -cones so if you are sensitive to these ingredients or don't include these ingredients in you regimen, you may want to pass. Even though the product is cheap, you may find yourself going through a bottle rather quickly if your hair drinks conditioner like my hair does. That price can add up over time. Nonetheless, I think this product is worth a try!

Wash Day: January 27, 2013

Happy Monday lovelies!

I hope you all had an excellent weekend! Me? I did much of nothing...which is was I needed.

Anyway, yesterday I did my usual wash day routine. I washed my hair with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and steamed with ORS Replenishing Conditioner with a hint of grapeseed oil (have you guys tried grapeseed oil? It is awesome sauce.). As I have been doing the past couple of weeks, I then wet wrapped my hair, sat under the dryer, flat ironed, and got back under the dryer for my saran wrap. The products I used for my saran wrap are:

I'm currently having a love affair with KeraCare products. I'm not entirely sure why. I just know that I like them for straight hair purposes. I basically put a little bit of the KeraCare cream hairdress on my hair, add a few drops of serum, wrap my hair, spray w/ the oil sheen, and wrap my hair. I then wrap my hair with the saran wrap and sit under the dryer for ~15min.

***How I wrap my hair with saran wrap***



However, I think from now on, I designate take a week or two for heat free protective styles. Even though I like wearing my hair straight, I just want to give my hair a break from the wet wrapping and flat iron every now and then. Sooooo...next week I will be air drying my hair and then putting it into a nice Gibson tuck for the week. We will see how it goes.


That's it for this week's wash day...pretty blah in my opinion. :/

Wash Day: January 21, 2013

Happy MLK Day lovelies!

I hope you are all enjoying your day. I know I am. I have been glued to CNN watching the inauguration and am (not-so-secretly) glad I can enjoy it from the heat and comfort of my home.

Anyway, as I am lazing about, I have designated today as my wash day. Since this is the first wash day since my relaxer, I'm doing a few things to get some more moisture and protein into my hair (which my hair needs). So, I kicked off my wash day doing a hot oil treatment with kemi oyl.

When I do my hot oil treatments, I place my oil in a bottle with an applicator and heat the bottle in a small pot of boiling water ( I do this because it ensures even heating) for about 5 minutes or so. Once I remove the bottle from heat, I let it cool down a bit. Once the bottle is cool, I apply the oil to my hair in sections. When all is said and done, I place a plastic cap on my head and sit under my heat cap for 30 minutes.

Next, it is time to wash my hair. I basically did 2 lathers of shampoo: the first with Keracare Sulfate Free 1st Lather Shampoo and the second with Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo (which was on sale BOGO half off at Target this past weekend). I then followed up with Aphogee Keratin 2 min Reconstructor (to strengthen up my hair a bit).

For my DC, I used ORS Replenishing Conditioner and steamed with my Huetiful Steamer for 30min. Since I will be wet wrapping, it is important for me to get all the moisture I need in my hair during the deep conditioning. Using creamy leave ins, moisturizers, etc could yield some disastrous results if you aren't careful. During a wet wrap, you just want to put the setting lotion you're using (and maybe a little water) in your hair and that's it.

Which brings us to the wet wrap....

This weekend, I was able to get my hands on Jane Carter Solution Wrap and Roll. It is a foam setting lotion that I absolutely LOVED in the early stages of my journey. What I love about Wrap and Roll is that it allows you to wet wrap (or roller set) your hair without making your hair crunchy afterwards or flaking off once your hair is dry. At any rate, I wet wrapped with this and sat under the dryer for an hour and a half. Following that, I flat ironed with IC Fantasia Heat Serum and my Sedu flat iron. I then finished up my wash day by applying a little serum (Regis Design Line Silk Drops Repair and Shine Serum) to my hair, wrapping my hair, spraying my hair with a little Keracare Oil Sheen w/ Humidity Block, and covering my hair with saran wrap. I then sat under the dryer for ~15min.

**Getting ready to sit under the dryer! Joy!<---NOT!**



That was my wash day! There was a lot of down time and this lazy day off was the perfect day to get it all done. I also love how this particular regimen of mine is primarily indirect heat. I was doing some damage to my hair using direct heat (blow dryer) and more direct heat (flat iron).

How was your last wash day? How did you spend your MLK Day?