My 2010 Favorite Hair Products

Ok, here are my favorite must have items for curly, kinky, and/or transitioning hair. These are the products that are still in my hair rotation and still give me results. These are the keepers of 2010...


1 - Kinky Curly Curling Custard is the best for style definition. I cannot wait for the weather to warm up and I can start experimenting with it again. It is pricey, but I have found that it performs well and doesn't dry out my hair or flake.



2 - Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Conditioner is a great conditioner for curly, wavy heads. I use it as a leave in and my hair stays curly and twisted all day without any gels.



3 - MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray, Oil Treatment and Hydrating Mask - Great quality products. These three items protect your hair and style. I have found that I have use these items lightly. I have broken out along my neck and behind my ears (but I don't care) because my hair feels great and not heavy.



4 - Coconut Oil has become my latest staple. Although I bought this last summer I have recently revisited this and am in love with it. I use it on my scalp when it feels itchy (which isn't too often) and on my hair at night before putting my scarf on. It goes on light and melts in your hands making it easy to apply. I have now started using it all over my body in addition to my lotions.

Any great products that have been working for you? Please feel free to share!

Hope everyone is having a great healthy new year!

Product Review - Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream

Its early December and up until last week I was still doing a wash and go. Then I was wondering why I was cold all day at work, duh!! Everyone seemed to have decided on a winter hair care routine and I knew I should too but didn't know where to start.

Also, I really like my wash and go's. I like the fact that I don't use a bunch of products in my hair, my scalp hasn't been itchy or flaky and I have been staying away from heat. I also believe that the less I do to my hair (no towel drying, no heat or blow drying, dry combing, less manipulation) the closer I get to healthier new growth.

But I decided to go into my hair product basket and see what I can experiment with. I knew last weekend I was going to wash and deep condition. But what to do afterward?

So I added Hello Hydration after deep conditioning and rinsed out. My hair felt soft and I let it air dry. I now know that my hair is getting healthier because as it dried it didn't have this dry as straw look or feel that it used to have.

Before I headed out to run some errands, I applied some Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to my hair and put on my hat.

So far I liked how my hair looked and felt when I removed my hat.

In the evening before bed, I applied olive oil on my scalp and some more MO cream, put some rollers in, wrapped in a silk scarf and went to bed.

I was pleasantly surprised in the morning as my hair still looked and felt good.

I did follow up on Monday with a warm flat iron. Yep, I applied heat but just a bit. I also used more of this cream before using the iron.

I am so glad I didn't give up on this MO cream. It works really well on dry hair. I had used a bit on my wet hair before and it took out the curl definition so I wasn't quite sure how to use it.

But I like this stuff, its light, creamy, has some argon oil in it and isn't greasy. I can use it day and night and still not have any build-up.

This will be my staple product for dry hair styling. I will be purchasing this when I run out.

Thanks MO for allowing me to try these products -

For more info, please check out their site - http://www.moroccanoil.com

Product Review - Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

My primary hair style is a wash and go. (Yes, even in this cold upstate NY weather).

Since I started this styling method, I have really seen first hand how drying shampoos are. I never thought I would be one to wet my hair daily or even give up on shampooing but I have now grown to dislike it. But I do shampoo either weekly or every other week to rid my hair of build-up and have used this product a handful of times.

Now the plus side of this shampoo is that its for chemically damaged hair, is color safe, sulfate, phosphate and paraben free. These are the things you would look for in a shampoo that won't strip your hair of moisture.

Even with all of those positives, I have to admit I am not a fan of this shampoo. It does have a light lather (which is good, not too many detergents) and I do feel that my hair and scalp were clean afterward but I felt it was still too drying. I always follow up my shampooing with a deep conditioner and/or leave in but I still feel that my hair shouldn't feel straw-like after cleaning.

Now I also have to admit that I have dry transitioning hair so maybe if someone has hair that isn't as dry or damaged they may enjoy this product more than I did.

I did add some Moroccanoil to the shampoo with better results but all in all, this product will not be added to my regular staple products. It is now passed onto my sons (and they said they aren't too impressed either).

I am still a big fan of the Moroccanoil spray, deep conditioner and oil.

Product Review - Totally Twisted

I've been a huge fan of Herbal Essences' products since I began using their Hello Hydration Conditioner.

If you've read my posting on it, there wasn't anything that this conditioner did wrong. It became my number one staple product. Until now...

While my hubby was surfing the net, he came across a deal to get me a Herbal Essence coupon for a free product. He doesn't want to encourage me to get more products but he is also glad that I'm not spending hours in the salon and am much happier with my hair.

So I get the coupons and go to where else, CVS to get more Hello Hydration. But I didn't, I picked up Totally Twisted. I'd read about how great it was and decided, why not?

I tried it the next day. Can I tell you that I ran out the next day to get another one? Yes, I did!

Why didn't I try this before? Although I am not too keen on the scent... I prefer fruity smells. But I can't get over what it does to my hair. Not only does it moisturize, it gives my hair shine and enhances my waves/curls. When I use this, I don't even add gel on most days!

This is my routine:

I wet my hair, add Totally Twisted, comb it through my hair, let my hair air dry a bit, and then spray on Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray.

That's it!

Now I do miss my Hello Hydration, but it doesn't compare in the enhancing department. So this will get pushed to weekend use.

Yes, I have my power products that I use daily because I know how they will work on my hair. Then on the weekends, I use my other products so as not to waste any of them.

To tell you how much of a performance conditioner this is, my son is using it to help with his waves.

Now about my sons, I have tried to get their opinions on other hair products and I just get an ok. No real opinions.

But with Totally Twisted even he is admiring his new waves. My other son is currently following Dad's bald look.

So if you are looking for a drugstore available product that is reasonable. You may want to check this out. I don't know of any other conditioner, that moisturizes, adds shine, detangles and enhances your curls.

Product Review - Moroccanoil Products

What a great set of products!! I wanted to really give it more than a week to review but I kept dabbing in the products and am impressed!!!

I have only been using these products for a week but I have to say that I love them.

I've been reading the reviews for these products with alot of skepticism.

Why?

Because I am tired of reading rave reviews about products that are supposed to be top quality and aren't. Then I pay decent money (which means more than drugstore prices) to expect some results and then nothing. I really don't mind paying a few bucks for some hair products in CVS, but when I keep reading over and over about certain items, I get a little curious and then I get caught up in the hype. And being let down... sucks.

The last quality item that I have enjoyed was Kinky Curly Custard. It was pricey but worth it. I was very happy and very pleased with my results.

What is great about Moroccanoil products is they have this Argan Oil (which I have never heard of) in all of their products. All of their products smell the same. Its a woodsy, musk scent. Men can use it too without worrying about smelling too sweet or feminine. I enjoy a sweet scent but I can live with this since it offers such good results on my hair. Also, the musk smell is easy going and light. It isn't overbearing and won't mix with other scents.

I have be experimenting with olive and coconut oil for the past year and didn't think I would find anything better besides another natural oil. Not that these aren't good oils but I am very heavy handed and they are very oily. I would get oil all over the place (even my clothing). When I had relaxed hair I even tried the Doo Gro oils, which didn't leave me impressed at all (they were just a bit too thick and I didn't get any great results). So trying another oil wasn't at the top of my list.

But this stuff is light as a feather, goes on smooth and does of great job on softening the hair. I'll review 2 products today.

Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray - Remember the oil sheen sprays that you use after styling your hair? That is what this is. What makes it different? You just need a few pumps, you hair has a great, light protective sheen and shine to it. It totally enhances your style. This can be used daily. I would recommend this to anyone - natural, straight, curly, permed, etc.

Moroccanoil treatment - This alcohol free oil treatment has many uses. You can apply it to wet/damp hair or dry hair. It can go on the scalp. It also enhances your style with a nice sheen and softness. What is great is that after applying you wont even have greasy/oily hands. It totally soaks up into your hair and scalp without any heaviness. This can also be used by all - natural, straight, curly, permed, etc.

Please check them out on their site to view all of the products, the other benefits to your hair, vitamins and their trade-free agreement. The website has a salon selector so you can purchase them or have your stylist use them at your next visit.

These products are so worth it!!

Moroccan Oil Products - Yay!!

Ok, so the thing I have really enjoyed out of my whole transitioning process is trying new products.

I was going to slow down a bit with the reviews because, really.... how many conditioners can one person try? But when I check my blog stats, everyone comes into my blog looking for product reviews!

Well, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a most raved about set of products; Moroccan Oil. Thank you Anne for sending these items to me to try out!

I have shampoo, conditioner, styling cream, deep conditioner oil treatment and shine spray.

I will be using all of these and letting you know how well they work on transitioning hair.

After washing my hair this weekend, I haven't done anything to it besides using a drop of olive oil and putting my hair in about 10 twists and wearing my silk scarf in the evening.

In the morning, I use a bit of shea butter (applied lightly on my hair) and lightly comb. That's it.

Since I just received the MO products, I've tried the Shine Spray and Styling Creme a couple of times. And I can't give a full review now, but I really like the way my hair feels.

I am not a product person. I don't like my hair to feel weighed down and heavy. I shouldn't have to touch my hair and feel like I want to shampoo it right then and there. I also like the scent, its smells nice and not overwhelming. Also, my hands weren't oily after applying to my hair.

These products seem to soften my hair and give it a bit of shine. So I already give the styling products a big thumbs up!!

I can't wait for the weekend to try the shampoo and conditioner!

Feel free to check out their site for details on ingredients, usage, etc.

http://www.moroccanoil.com/index.php

Product Review - Hello Hydration

Although I love all the hair blogs and forums... sometimes all the information can put me in overload. But I have to peep and see what is up with everyone else because I've gotten some really great hair care tips and learning about quality products.

This is one of them -- Hello Hydration.

I had really started to step away from traditional conditioners and was just using deep conditioners after shampooing once a week.

Once I started using Kinky-Curling Custard, I would just use whatever leftover conditioner was around.

Well, this stuff is fabulous. I use it everyday. It makes my hair soft and easier to comb without tangles. I just pour it in my hands, rub my hands together and rake it though my wet hair. I then use my large toothed comb to evenly distribute it throughout my hair. My hair then starts to form these waves and curls.

On days where I don't have to go to work, I like to just leave it in without any gel and air dry. My hair smells great and feels so soft.

So if you are looking for a great conditioner, this is it. Its in all the drugstores and is reasonably priced.

Product Review - Bath & Body Works - White Citrus

Wow - Bath & Body Works knows how to keep me coming back for more. How dare they make me change my favorite scents so often.

Well, Gabby who represents Bath and Body Works, forwarded me White Citrus. This is part of their Signature Collection. Once again, thank you Gabby for checking my blog! Its great to have the companies pay attention to the consumers.

To give you an idea of what this smells like - this is what is listed for the scent: crisp lemon, grapefruit, waterlily and ginger flower.

What I have to add: is this is a must have!! White Citrus is my latest love!!

This is a crisp, light, and fresh fragrance. This is such a smooth smelling scent that you can wear it everywhere - for work or for an evening out.

It is the perfect scent because its not overwhelming but I still can feel like I'm wearing a scent.

The Bath & Body Works scents are my absolute favorite because it actually puts me in a mood for the whole day. When I drag myself out of bed in the morning, I use the shower gel which is a great mix of suds and scent and follow with a light lotion. Like I've mentioned in previous reviews - it enhances my mood instantly and peps me up. I have no problem running out the door.

Even though I lead a pretty routine day, these scents keep me going all day. And without having to sneak in the ladies' room and reapplying like I've done with other brands.

Also, in most workplaces - it is frowned upon to come to work heavily scented. These scents are enhancing and not 'loud' in the least.

What I love about B&BW products is that you can buy your scents for many purposes. They have smaller sizes which are great for traveling or carrying in your purse, larger sizes for home use, shower gels, anti-bacterial soap, room sprays, and diffusers.

So if you are looking for a light crisp scent, need to get a gift for a grad or bridal shower gift - do yourself a favor and check out White Citrus!

For more information on this particular scent, please check out the following link -

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3583639&cp=2073259

Product Review - Pantene Pro V Relaxed & Natural Mask

I've been very happy with my Pantene deep conditioner. I've used it every time I shampoo either at home or at the salon. I ran out and it was time to either get the same one or try something else.

I compromised and purchased Pantene's Relaxed and Natural mask. I've been wanting to try something from this product line for quite a while. I believe that's why I picked up the other Pantene masque because I couldn't find the R&N products at that time.

Now, even though I was happy to purchase it and try it out. I was wondering... am I buying the same product but just a change of marketing geared toward women of color? Am I ok with that? But since I enjoyed their previous deep conditioning masque... I thought, hey, let me give it a try.

I opened it up and thought that they smelled very similar, the consistency looked about the same and the ingredients are almost similar.

So I try it out and the R&N deep conditioner did the job. My hair felt great. The outcome was the same if not a bit better. The ingredients on the R&N does have coconut and jojoba oil and I think this is what will keep me buying this as opposed to the previous masque that doesn't have these key beneficial ingredients.

This is the new staple in my hair product basket!

So far I have a regular shampoo and deep conditioner. Now if I could get a decent style.....

Product Review - L'oreal Ever Pure Shampoo

Hello All,

A couple of weeks ago, I was going through my hair care supply and noticed that I needed shampoo and more deep conditioner. Although I've been going to the salon every couple of weeks or so for a blow-out, I still would like to work with my natural hair and save money.

Also, I am still learning how to use Kinky-Curly custard and the Carol's Daughter products which I am somewhat enjoying when I don't straighten my hair.

More updates about those other products in future posts to come.

I still have a large bottle of CVS brand shampoo in my cabinet but I've been really curious to try a no-sulfate type of poo. My kids can continue to use the CVS shampoos.

So I did a search to see what was currently out there, is inexpensive and easy to get my hands on. I found L'oreal's Everpure product line.

I went to CVS (where else do I go?) and quickly snatched up Everpure's Moisture Shampoo.

I love this shampoo. My hair felt great afterward. It has the lightest scent and my hair wasn't tangled.

Now my hair is color-treated. I've had grey hair since I was about 15 and never really sweated the grey until a few years ago when my grey was coming in very prominently in the front. I like my grey, but I also still like to have fun with my hair and enjoy my temporary rinses. I can go from black to dark brown to light brown and even still rock some of my grey.

As I was shampooing last week, I was watching the color rinse out. This is ok, because this is expected of temporary color. But when I dried - I didn't have any grey strands.

I used this shampoo for a second time today and I still have 90% of my color. So this poo does not strip the hair at all. This poo even rinses out well.

I am hooked and will probably bring it with me on my next salon visit too.

Product Review - Kinky Curly Custard

What has started out last year as a quest to find out what other women are doing to keep their hair healthy and beautiful has turned into a crazy obsession for me.

I will see other women with natural hair (curly or afro) and I want to run up to them and ask them how they are caring for their hair.

I try to stay off other hair blogs because my head will get cluttered with all the information. And I don't just want to go out and buy product after product because it gets costly and I honestly don't have that much time to keep trying stuff out.

But here I am with a review of Kinky-Curly Custard. So I stumbled upon a coupon and I just had to order it.

This is an experimental item. I've learned from my Carol's Daughter experience that you can't just try something a couple of times and form an opinion. Some of these products you have to play around with and learn how best it works for your hair. Does it work better on the roots? Does it work better on wet hair? Is it just a great finishing product?

Anyway, I don't know if I am just stuck on the scent but I like this product. First off, it smells like a light, sweet cotton candy. That is a plus. Secondly, even though it is gel like, it goes on easy. Just stay in the shower while applying because like the directions state - apply to soaking wet hair.

Now for the kicker -- the results.

I didn't get the results that I expected. I wanted shiny, curly or wavy hair. Instead I got my usual wild bush of hair that I usually have. But the difference is in the softness. My hair felt so good. I do have to admit after applying I could see my waves and curls forming. I also have to admit I kept raking the product though my hair and may have touched it too much to allow it to totally curly/wave up.

Now maybe when I have more hair grow in I'll be able to see better results. I'll keep ya posted.

From what I read online most people just either love or hate this product - me... I'm leaning on liking it. I love the scent, it was easy to apply, the curls/waves that did form actually kept for the week. Also, this is a great product for a day where you want to move away from heat styling.

I have quick drying hair. When I go to the salon, I can sit under the dryer for about 20-30 minutes on medium size rollers.

Using this product, my hair was dry after about 3-4 hours. But what is great is that my hair looked pretty good after about an hour after I put it in. So if you desire a wash and wear look - this is a must have on a hot day.

Now, the price is steep but if you do get this product, you will not use anything else besides your shampoo (if you poo), your conditioners and anything you may use on your scalp. Also, its a learning process. You will be experimenting with how much to use and how to use it. I used a lot of product and didn't experience a lot of flaking or hardness.

I am really lame at styling hair. So hopefully I can get my hair to grow and I'll be able to really sport a flowing curly style with this product... in the near future.

Now my next dilemma, do I buy the Knot Today conditioner which is supposed to further enhance the usage of the Kinky-Curly Custard? Yuck, back to spending again....

Feel free to write me about any of your KCC experiences, questions or tips.

Product Review - Bath & Body Works - Sweet Pea

This is my second favorite scent from Bath and Body Works.

Its a light, sweet and fragrant. I love that it its not overpowering.

The shower gel is great and offers a full lathering. Just top it off with the lotion and you are smelling wonderful.

Now with the Bath and Body Works shower gels and lotions -- I have to admit -- I buy them just for the fragrances. If you are looking to combat dry skin, you will have to add another product to your regimen.

I have very dry skin and I just alternate between a heavy lotion or oil on some days and on others when I need to feel a boost, I wear my Bath and Body Works products.

I just use the scented shower gel, lotions and hand sanitizers of the same scent. I don't think I have to overdo it with any additional products.

In case you don't know what to get for Mother's Day, try a stroll in BB&W. Remember to keep a close eye on what you are spending because its too easy to just get a basket and keep adding items.

My current product line-up

These are my current hair product keepers -

Pantene Pro-V Time Renewal Replenishing Mask - I use this deep conditioner after every shampoo. It smells great and makes my hair feel smooth and healthy. What's great about this dc is that you can put it on your hair with a plastic cap for about 5 minutes and still get a great treatment. I also take this to salon too. The cost is about $5.00. It goes on creamy, thick and lasts.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I use this to moisturize my scalp and give my hair sheen. I bought an applicator bottle from Sally's to apply this directly to my scalp. All it takes is a few drops. It can get greasy so I go lightly. But I do have to admit that it doesn't leave my hair heavy or with a lot of build-up. I use this a couple of times a week. Cost about $6.00 for a huge bottle and lasts.

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - My newest product! I saw this in Walmart and it was reduced to $7.00 for 16 oz. It was in the vitamin aisle. I am so glad I bought this. I use this to roll up my hair, apply through out my scalp, and on my ends. I alternate this with Olive Oil. This is another go lightly product and it doesn't leave alot of build-up like other products. I also use this on my lips and skin.

Mashooq - I love this oil. I used this before I tried the other above oils. It is a combination of some good stuff. Its light and does the job.

I use the above oils also after a salon visit since my scalp is dry after all the heat.

As far as shampoos - I have not found the one to knock my shoes off. While at CVS a couple of months ago, I stumbled across some CVS shampoos that were comparable to Pantene shampoos. They were a buck a piece. I like them when I shampoo at home.

I don't really like styling products because of the build-up. If I need my hair to behave a bit more, I will reach for the Carol's Daughter hair milk and hair butter. I apply overnight put on my silk scarf. Then the next morning your hair will have a nice hold and look smooth. I usually use this to style the week before shampooing and as needed.

Also, since I deep condition - I don't use a regular conditioner anymore.

That's it.

Now as soon as these products run out - I am looking forward to trying Pantene's relaxed and natural products. Also, I am looking forward to trying some dominican products.

I did have to catch myself because I was making frequent trips to wander around Sephora (for no reason) and checking out sites that had expensive products. I've decided that I will not buy any expensive products. Especially after my Carol's Daughter experience - I really cannot trust that just because the price is high or a product is sold at a certain high-end store that I should expect it to work for me.

I'm sticking with what works and my hair is looking and feeling healthy.