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 Giveaway - Warren Tricomi Mousse

Gabby from an NYC p.r. firm passed a few Warren Tricomi products on to me to check out. I will be giving these away for the next few weeks so please stay tuned.

I did use this mousse a couple of times. I wasn't too thrilled with it. But then again, I wasn't too thrilled with the use of mousse back in the day either. My stylist at the time would put a layer on after wrapping my hair. This was during my healthier perming days.

While the weather is still warm I am currently wearing a wavy wash and go. I tried the mousse but don't think it is the right product for my hair (on top of all the gel and/or kinky curling custard that I use).

Anyway, if you would like to try this mousse - please respond to this posting with your hair plans for autumn styling. Are you getting braids, wearing your hair straight, using less heat, etc.

About this product - its 7 oz. and retails for just under $20 bucks. It has extracts of ginger, banana, coconut, lemongrass, etc.

To read more about this item, please check out

http://www.warrentricomi.com/ps_shopping/index.html

This giveaway ends on Saturday, September 5th. This giveaway is only for U.S. residents.

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 - Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Healthy Hair Butter - Part II

After first trying out Carol's Daughter hair milk and hair butter I wasn't too happy. I just kept reading all the positive reviews online and thought that - this is a must have product line. So I had to try something.

In my first few tries - I was disappointed. I was really expecting a moisturizing light product. Which these aren't. These products are clearly styling aids. Then I couldn't get over the smell. Also I was stuck on the price. I had never paid $25 for a total of 2 hair care products. So, yes, I was looking for immediate results...

Anyway, I've been looking in my hair product basket and wondering what am I going to do with these products.

So I started working with them again. I mostly use the hair milk as a finishing aid. After styling my hair it seems to keep it in place and I have less flyaway strands.

The hair butter I told my sons to use. And although they like the hair butter - they still prefer to use my other hair/scalp conditioner.

The hair butter does seem to stop my scalp itchies. I dab and rub a bit into certain areas of my scalp and it seems to do the trick.

And I am learning to deal with the smell.

I have even used the hair butter in the evening for a smooth over before putting on my scarf and was very pleased with the results in the morning. My hair stayed flat, styled and needed very little manipulation the next day.

So I guess instead of giving the products a thumbs down - I would give them a -- ok.

I think as more of my natural hair comes in I may find these to be more useful.

Product Review - Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Healthy Hair Butter

So for the past couple of months, I've been in and out of Sephora trying to decide whether to try out the Carol's Daughter products. I didn't know where to start. So I researched online and after all the information... I still didn't know what to buy. I was just about to walk out the store last week and I turned around and bought the Hair Milk and Healthy Hair Butter.

Now as a former NYC resident I remember hearing sisters rave about CD's products back in the mid-nineties. But upon further reflection, I remember everyone raving about the skin care products.

I also didn't want to rush into purchasing more products because of the recent hype and because I wanted to use up other products. Its hard doing product reviews because you want to give a clear and honest review. I don't want to get a free product and feel forced to give a positive review. I also don't want to read everyone else's hype and swept up into it.

I remember how I would try a new product or go to a friend's salon and would agree with 'oh, this is great, I love this'. But would realize later - what was great about that? So I try to keep a very open mind, use the product more than once, not overlap with other products, enjoy the experiment and share with you.

Back to Carol's Daughter. I was surprised to see on someone else's blog they shared their negative opinion about the products around the same time. I was hoping I could like them.

I applied the butter to my scalp. It took some rubbing in and just a dab will do. I parted and applied and ignored the smell.

I took the milk and applied to my hair and ignored the scent. I put my scarf on and removed a few hours later before heading out the door and my hair looked nice. It had a nice sheen to it.

Now my hair was done earlier at the Dominican salon so my hair was already shiny. But after a Dominican salon visit I always moisturize my scalp when I have a chance. So that's why I used the butter instead of my usual oil scalp treatment.

I did this routine for a few days and I'm not too happy with my CD products. They leave buildup and my scalp feels dry. I like what they do for my hair but don't love what they do. I don't have time to shampoo every few nights. And did I mention the smell?

So after a few nights use of the products - I'm kinda ticked off. Is it me? Why aren't I feeling these products. Why can't I get over the smell? Is it only for natural hair?

So I decided to try again.

I shampooed my hair, deep conditioned, toweled dry and then applied the hair milk. I rolled up my hair, sat under the dryer for 20 minutes and then air dried for a couple of hours. I took out the rollers and my hair looked pretty good. My curls looked nice and strong. I finger styled and was kinda surprised still.

So I have found a use for the hair milk on days when I want to curl my hair without using lots of heat.

I will keep up experimenting with the hair milk.

As far as the butter is concerned.... I don't know. I want to like it but my scalp is still dry. I guess I can add a bit of EVOO but I honestly cannot justify buying an expensive product just to add my own products to it.

All in all, CD's products are not the miracle products for my hair. I don't want to knock anyone that enjoys the products, but honestly, what is the big deal? I can see where these products would last a long time. But this is where reading all the hype comes in... after reading about these products, did I expect something more than CD could deliver?

Anyway, I may see if my kids want to try the hair butter (they keep their hair short and natural) and I'll see if they see any difference. They get all my shampoos that I no longer want to use. I like their opinion because as 16 years olds they don't care about hair product names or read hair blogs and will give me a true opinion of how their natural hair takes to the products.

hair decision

I had my last relaxer the first week of October. So for the past few months, I've been reading everyone's hair blogs on how to care for hair - whether curly, natural, transitioning using heat or not using heat or just stretching their relaxers.

At one point I was ready to big chop then the next moment I was about to go back to relaxing. I didn't know if I was transitioning, stretching or what I was doing. This also goes back to the point that I cannot style my own hair. Never have! I grew up with pigtails, pony tails, and roller sets. So trying to figure out how to style my hair has a lot to do with my decision.

As an adult I relied on salons to care for my hair. When I couldn't go to the salon or a stylist moved - I was stuck!

Even now, I scour all the sites for styles and I'm still stuck, but I am no longer intimidated by my hair. I got rid of the fear and I get in the bathroom shampoo, condition, blow dry, sit under the dryer, etc.

I've reflected on how my mom cared for my hair growing up - when my hair was the healthiest, strongest, thicker and longer. And while her regimen is considered taboo these days (hot comb, plenty of grease) - it worked!

So, the decision I've come to... is that I will remain natural. I will not relax anymore. I will not big chop. I will work with my hair as much as I can. I will visit the new Dominican salon that I found right in my own neighborhood right in upstate NY. So I don't feel that I have to make a trip to Rosalina's in Harlem.

Now... have I had major growth or any hair breakthroughs? No. My kitchen (hair at the nape) is still not looking the way I want it which limits my styling choices. But I do have less breakage. My hair is still very dry.

My next step is to continue moisturizing my hair, continue to try new products as needed and make the occasional salon visit.

So far in my hair journey I've found a few products and regimens that have helped a bit.

* moisturizing my scalp
* deep conditioning every time I wash at home or at the salon
* occasional temporary color (i dont mind my grey but sometimes its a bit much)
* silk scarf and satin pillow
* taking biotin daily
* simple styles (i know... boring, but so am I)
* only experiment with hair on wash day
* wash hair every two weeks (I started this in February, before I washed weekly)
* more water, veggies and fruit and exercise daily
* not to measure growth or worry about my hair
* no more bad hair dressers (I will not tolerate any salon that is ghetto, makes me wait to long, is too pricey or the stylist is rude)

I was getting to the point where I was obsessing about my hair, products and growth. This was unhealthy. I reviewed many other hair blogs and realized that with care, gentleness, the right products and most importantly... time - which could be years - that hair will be healthy and grow. So for me to think that in a couple of months I could grow my hair... not happening (I was fooling myself). Now am I planting the seeds for future stronger hair - I hope so!

I have a few more product reviews and other ideas - so keep checking and feel free to comment on any of my postings. I welcome all ideas, thoughts, products and your experiences!

Product Review - Mashooq Hair Oil

The Mashooq people were really great in sending me their samples of hair oil. The products came from overseas and I got them within 2 weeks after my request. Customer service is a big thing with me.

I took my time in using this product so I could get a really good feel for how it works.

All in all the oil is great. Its a tad bit oily. But only lightly just like the scent. You can tell it is all natural.

My hair is very dry and I haven't relaxed my hair since October. I do believe the nearly daily use of this product has helped reduce breakage.

You can use this product in a variety of ways. You can add it to a conditioner, apply to scalp and ends, apply lightly to hair during and after styling for a nice sheen, add before using chemicals and even use as a body moisturizer.

I applied at night before putting on my scarf and in the morning I would have a nice sheen to my hair after styling.

Its not heavy at all and there is no buildup like with other oils or greases.

Even after applying to my scalp the oil would absorb into my hands - so I did get full use of this oil.

Mashooq comes highly recommended from me.

http://www.mashooqhair.com

i may be relaxing my hair real soon...

I've started to monitor what i was doing to my hair since June 2008.

My last relaxer was October 2008 and now its January 2009 - over 3 months. And guess what?

My hair looks terrible.

I had a lot of hair fall out over the past 2 years. This is the main reason why I decided to lay off the relaxers. But now I am miserable without it.... is this what withdrawals from drugs is like???

I've always had issues with the hair in the back of my head. So I really thought that this time i have to stick with the no relaxer route so i can get some healthy hair.

But I am so tired of looking in the mirror and seeing very little progress.

I was worried about my new job - but its a casual environment so I don't feel any pressure in that sense but I would still like to walk away from the mirror feeling confident.

I started taking biotin a few weeks ago. I will give it until my birthday in March to see if that made a difference. That will be 2.5 months.

I just ran out of deep conditioner so now I will allow myself to purchase another product - I will only buy new stuff when I use up or toss out something else.

I've added EVOO and I like it so far.

Also, I've bought a cheapie flat iron which I am only trying to use once a week.

Maybe since the weather is so cold here (upstate ny) - I will put off the decision until spring. That way it will be 6 months (in April) of transitioning/stretching and I can see if my hair has gotten any healthier and has grown.

if anyone has any ideas on what I should do or add to my routine let me know... I am desperate!

my new conditioner

well for the past few months, I've been experimenting with my hair. i have not been relaxing it every 6-8 weeks as recommended. so i just shampoo, deep condition and use a leave in condition. i then sit under the dryer for about 30 minutes and thats it.

my last relaxer was the beginning of October. only problem is my hair is short in the back and even shorter without straightening it. styling options are limited and my styling skills are lacking. but whatever, i'm trying to go the healthy route.

so in my online research, i stumble upon a few sites that are raving about molasses. first i see posts that say you should have some daily in tea or coffee. then i see the ones that say if you put it on topically it decreases breakage and leaves hair soft.

i decided to mix the molasses with my current deep conditioner. i apply all through my hair. to my surprise mixing it with the creme conditioner and applying wasnt messy at all.

also, to my surprise, my hair was softer and more manageable.

this will definitely be my new hair conditioner.

i've decided that instead of becoming a product junkie - i will be using what is in my cabinets. so at least my current some what dull current conditioner will not go to waste.

Peace