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Curly Nikki

2012 Hits and Misses To Date…

By January 27th, 202140 Comments
2012 Hits and Misses To Date...

Hola Chicas,

I’ve tried a number of new products and rather than drag this out over several posts, I thought I’d fill you in right quick… right here! And although some of these products were gifted (noted below) rest assured that (as always) my reviews are real, unpaid and unbiased. Enjoy and weigh in!

***HITS***

Tigi Bed Head Candy Fixations Totally Baked Volumizing and Prepping Hair Meringue

Ingredients- water, polysorbate 20, glycerin, sucrose, PEG-60 almond glycerides, polymide-1, PEG-17 dimethicone, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, cocamidopropyl betaine, caprylyl glycol, PVP, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, citric acid, disodium EDTA, sodium chloride, sodium lauroyl lactylate, methylisothiazolinone, sobic acid, citral, limonene

Description– Start your style with this sweet treat! Bed Head Candy Fixations Totally Baked is a super light, creamy formula that provides shape retention to add to the life of a hairstyle. This humidity resistant meringue provides a light hold, giving you weightless motion. Bed Head Candy Fixations Totally Baked gives you a long lasting boost, style and texture.

My thoughts– Y’all know I’ll try damn near anything that touts ‘volumizing’ on the label. And while it performs very well as a styler, sadly, I can’t say that it made my hair look any thicker. The hold is light and flexible and it (somewhat) withstood the Florida humidity. I’ll be shelving it soon because my hair doesn’t do so well with glycerin in the summer (highly porous and it needs no help absorbing more atmospheric moisture). The ingredient list is atrocious but I was pretty impressed with the results. This was gifted from TIGI, and I’d probably repurchase come Fall.

Original Moxie Hair Bling

Ingredients-Jojoba Oil; Jojoba Esters; Mango Butter; Tucuma Butter; Beeswax; Stearic Acid; Vitamin E; Essential Oils of Bergaptene-Free Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Lavender, Tangerine & Vanilla (3% Dilution).

Description: Hair Bling is a blend of oils, butters and waxes that delivers high shine along with amazing softness and subtle hold.

My Thoughts: Shine? Come on with it! Softness? All day. Subtle hold? Ehhh… It’s a great product to add some sheen to your situation, but it did nothing for holding or defining my dry twist-outs. In fact, Jane Carter’s Nourish and Shine has more hold and it doesn’t have much of any. This would make for a great sealant and while I wouldn’t purchase it (it was gifted), I will gladly use the rest of my tin with a smile.

Original Moxie Lux Locks


Ingredients– Distilled Water; Vegetable Glycerin; Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol; Soy Butter; Ucuuba Butter; Soy Wax; Olive Oil Infused With Amla, Bhringraj, Burdock, Comfrey, Horsetail, Kelp, Neem, Stinging Nettle, & Yucca; Jojoba Esters; Castor Oil; Organic Unrefined Shea Butter; Fractionated Coconut Oil; Beeswax; Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (Paraben & Formeldahyde-Free Preservative); HE-Cellulose; Polyquaternium-10; Organic Aloe Vera; Vitamin E; Essential Oils of Black Pepper, Clove, Rose, Rosewood, Vanilla (3% Dilution), & Ylang Ylang.

Description– A rich styling butter that delivers moisture, shine and definition.

My 2 cents– Okay, this one is worth a try if you’re looking for a soft hold product for your (wet or dry) twists, braids or even wash and gos. It gave me some pretty amazing hair in Los Angeles– shiny, moisturized, soft and defined. This too was gifted and while I liked it for my dry twist-outs (especially days 1 and 2), it built up on me after a few days (to be expected) and I probably wouldn’t purchase. I haven’t used it on wet hair (as it is intended) but I’ve heard nothing but good things. Try it and report back!

Davines Natural Tech De-Stress Leave in

Ingredients-aqua (water), cyclomethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, dimethicone, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed wheat protein, dimethiconol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, disodium edta, imdazolidinyl urea, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, tetrasodium edta, parfum/fragrance

Description– Davines Natural Tech Well Being De Stress Be-Phase Shelter spray is a unique product that conditions and protects both the skin and the hair. Shaking the bottle well before use mixes the two separate parts of the product for ultimate effectiveness. The wheat proteins incorporated into this sheltering spray provide intensive hydration and conditioning effects, while dimethicone and UV filters work against damage by protecting from the sun, chlorine, salt water and pollution. Using this product regularly can also help to prevent new split ends and breakage.

My thoughts– I was introduced to this product by Marie of Shi Salon in STL. This was the only product that she used on my damp hair prior to blow drying and flat ironing and it left my hair feeling like silk. There was no residue… almost as if my hair was product-less. It remained soft and moisturized for a week. Needless to say, I bought myself a bottle and have since purchased another bottle via Amazon. It may not be heavy enough as your solo leave-in, but would make for a good primer before your heavier leave-in products. It’s full of silicones, so if you’re on the Curly Girl diet, steer clear. Two thumbs up all the way over here 🙂 I even apply it to my dry ends throughout the week.

Davines MoMo Deep Conditioner

Ingredients– Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Centrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, Buxus Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil), Lauryl Alcohol, Panthenol, Silybum Marianum (Silybum Marianum Seed Oil), Amodimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Rhizobian Gum, Tocopherol, Benzophenone-4, Ethylene/ Propylene/ Styrene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxylethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Citric Acid, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 16035 (Red 40), Parfum (Fragrance)

Description– Davines MOMO Moisturizing Revitalizing Creme Conditioner from Italy adds incredible moisture to the hair. Thanks to the exceptional moisturizing power of its components, MOMO Moisture Revitalizing Creme Conditioner is for dry and dehydrated hair. It works in response to the specific needs of moisturizing the hair.

My thoughts– Hands down, this is the best damn deep conditioner I’ve tried in a long time. It truly rivals my other favs (Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment and Curl Junkie Moisture Rehab), providing slip for detangling and tons of moisture. It leaves my hair feeling soft and smooth (not coated) upon rinsing. This is another product Marie introduced me to and I purchased it from her (expensive!) and will most certainly buy it again. The fragrance is light, herbal and pleasant.

Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Ingredients- A vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant.

Description– Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil is processed the traditional way. Our Organic seeds are roasted and ground by a manual Grinder and then the crushed beans are boiled to extract the 100% pure, dark brown, organic oil. It is the darkest Jamaican Black Castor Oil because we roast our beans longer which produces more Ash Content in our oil than any other oil on the market. More ash content increases the effectiveness of the oil. Therefore the Sunny Isle brand will strengthen and increase the length of your hair faster than any other brands on the market today.

My thoughts– Just when I thought I couldn’t love castor oil anymore, Sunny Isle gifted me a bottle of their Black Castor oil. It’s rich and dreamy! I cut it with Argan Oil and I’m honestly dreading the day my supply runs dry. It’s good stuff for sealing as well as for warm oil treatments. When I’m bunning, I run it through my length and apply to my edges and sometimes even rub some into my scalp (put it in a color applicator bottle and go to town!). I’m super impressed and I will most certainly purchase in the future. For those of you looking for a product to act like a serum (the silicone laden ones), this oil is for you boo!

TIGI Glaze Haze Serum

Ingredients– cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, dimethicone, isopropyl palmitate, dimethicone copolymer, fragrance, water, oryza satvia (rice) bran oil, polysilicone-15, propylene glycol, bambusa vulgaris extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, hydrolyzed keratin, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, sorbic acid, butylparaben, ethylparaben, potassium sorbate, isobutylparaben, propylparaben

Description– This sweet treat candy coats each strand to fight humidity, add shine, and help speed up drying time. Delicious Crème Brule scent. TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixations Glaze Haze Benefits: Smooths flyaways. Adds luminous shine. Speeds up blow-dry time. Helps resist humidity for up to 12 hours.

My thoughts– If you’ve tried one silicone serum, you’ve tried them all. Seriously. But I really like that this one isn’t greasy. It has a thicker consistency and actually did pretty well in the Florida humidity earlier this month. I was gifted this product from TIGI and would definitely purchase.

CURLS Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner

Ingredients-Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol (derived from coconut) Stearalkonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Certified Organic Coconut Oil, Panthenol, Certified Organic Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Certified Organic Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Certified Organic Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Certified Organic Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Benxophenone-4, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Caramel

Description-Looking for a conditioner that provides MAXIMUM moisture and softness for your dry curly tresses? Look no further. Coconut Sublime Conditioner is guaranteed to soften the kinkiest curl, moisturize the driest lock, and detangle the most unruly tresses. Great for all curly hair textures especially dry, damaged, and chemically treated kinky, medium or coarse curly hair.

My Thoughts- Another great product from CURLS. It’s super slippery, moisturizing and rinses clean. I use it as an instant conditioner prior to applying a leave-in and my hair is still detangled and soft when I begin the styling process. It smells divine too! It was gifted from CURLS and I’d definitely purchase.

Sof’n Free 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo

Ingredients-Water (Aqua), C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acetamide MEA, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Glycol Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-23 M, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oill, Milk Protein, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Diazolidnyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Salt, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, d-Limonene.

Description-Infused with moisturizers and hair healthy natural ingredients, its rich, luxurious lather thoroughly cleanses hair and scalp without stripping it of natural oils.

My thoughts– One of the best ‘moisturizing’ shampoos I’ve used in a while. It does what many other similar products DON’T… actually cleans your hair. My scalp is cleared of the gunk and yet my strands don’t get that dry hay feeling. The moisturizing properties also help begin the detangling process. This product was gifted from Soft’n Free and I’d probably purchase due to the 4.99 price tag!

***MISSES***


Dr. Miracles Curl Care Hydrating Shampoo + Conditioner


Shampoo Ingredients-Water (Aqua EU), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyquaternium – 10, Honey, Simmondsia Chinenesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed, Tocopheryl Acetate Wheat Protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Zea Mays (Corn ) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Menthol, Panthenol, Glycol Distearate, Cholecalciferol, DMDM, Diazolidinyl Urea Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Citronellol, d-Limonine, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Linalool

Shampoo Description– Dr. Miracle Curl Care Rehydrating Shampoo with vitamin A, E and panthenol to rehydrate curls as it gently cleanses. This product has no sulfates, parabens, sodium and phthalate and is a low sud formula. The unique natural complex, with honey and vitamins, helps hold curls for up to 12 hours.

Conditioner Ingredients- Water (Aqua EU), Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium – 7, Honey Amodimethicone, Butyrospermium Parkii (SheaButter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Menthol, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cholecalciferol, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Citonellol, d-Limonine, Geraniol, Hexy Cinnamic Aldehyde, Linalool

Conditioner Description- Dr. Miracles Curl Care Nourishing Conditioner conditions and softens every curl. This unique natural complex, with honey and vitamins, helps to hold culs for up to 12 hours. This product has no sulfates or parabens and is excellent for kinky, curly or wavy hair.

My thoughts on the Poo- So I’m not very particular when it comes to aromatics, and have used products with mint but this… this was different. It was much too much and the steam from the shower… it was ridiculous, like nauseating. It felt like it was in my mouth, my throat… all up in my nose. I thought it was just me, until hubby complained about ‘the new shampoo in the shower’ and he ain’t picky. I wish I can remember how it performed… I feel like it was actually pretty decent. This was gifted from NC and I won’t purchase until they make some fragrance tweaks.

My thoughts on the Conditioner- I have to be honest… I wasn’t a big fan of Dr. Miracle’s ‘I hate my frizzy natural hair’ marketing tactics from a while ago, but that didn’t stop me from giving their new curly line a fair shake. But again with the mint! It had slip and probably good moisture, but I couldn’t focus. The products are reasonably priced and accessible (Sally’s), but I just… I can’t. If you really, really like mint, try it out and send me your review!

Curly Hair Solutions Extenzz

Ingredients– Aqua, Lecithin, VP/VA Copolymer, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Silk Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Sodium PCA, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Straw Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract (Sea Kelp), Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyquaternium-37, Trideceth-6, Parfum, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-11, Oleth-20, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Isoceteth-20, Oleyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteareth-30, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzophenone-4, Polyquaternium-10, Polyacrylamide

Description– Extenzz is the ultimate non-chemical curl styling relaxer. By using the correct combing techniques, Extenzz allows you to manipulate your curls into a looser, well defined, frizz-free curl without the look and feel of heavy oils. Benefits: * Tight curls unwind easily * Softens wiry course hair * Dries curls looser * Stops frizz in all weather conditions * Re activates with water * Styles last for days * Re groups out of control curl and wave patterns into control defined curls * Dries clean, no flaky or greasy feel

My thoughts- So the marketing team clearly struggled with this one… I’m not in favor of the ‘non-chemical curl styling relaxer’ phrasing and I’m assuming they must have missed the memo that there is another similarly named product on the market that touts penile enlargement benefits. At any rate, I was hoping for two things (1) stretch for my wet set two-strand twist-outs, and (2) protection from the humidity. Again, my fine, highly porous hair swells in nasty weather and leaves me with rough hair that becomes tangled and prone to damage. I need a product that will smooth and flatten my cuticle and I was hoping this was THE miracle product. Spoken like a true PJ, right?! Well, I used this over the Curly Hair Solutions Leave-in and the result? Well, I didn’t love it. It did provide good definition, but my shrinkage was exactly the same and my hair had uncharacteristic spider web frizz by the end of the day. *sigh*
It was gifted from NC and I would not purchase.

Curly Hair Solutions Silk Leave-in

Ingredients– DI Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-33, Silk Amino Acids, Jojoba Oil, Panthenol, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Oleyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, Glycerine, Oleth-20, Polyacrylamide, DMDM Hydantoin, Germaben II (and) Chamomilla. Paraben Free Silicone Free

Description– Curly Hair Solutions Silk Leave-in Conditioner smooths the rough cuticles that are responsible for frizzy, flyaway hair. Silk Leave-in Conditioner is non-greasy and never builds up, so you can use a generous amount against high humidity and high heat appliances (irons & blow dryers). Silk Leave-in Conditioner leaves your hair feeling clean, shiny and soft.

My thoughts– Wow, I had such high hopes. Gifted from NaturallyCurly, I was planning to use this underneath some stylers I had on hand, thinking it may be just what the doctor ordered for the summer… all glycerin free and stuff. It has a great consistency (not creamy, not runny) and goes on smooth for easy coverage. The tons of slip made styling (wet set two strand twists) a breeze but I was left with dry, dull, frizzy hair. Fail. Not purchasing but I may revisit with some other stylers.

TIGI Mega Whip

Ingredients- water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetearyl alcohol, VP/VA copolymer, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, propanediol, cetyl esters, petrolatum, PVP, glyceryl stearate, synthetic beeswax, phenyl trimethicone, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, capryl glycol, PEG-100 stearate, acrylate/C10-30 alkyl acetate crosspolymer, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed corn starch, disodium EDTA, aminomethylpropional, polyaminopropyl biguaride, laurtrimonium chloride, methylisothiazolinone, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, sucrose, limonene, linalool

Description– Whip into dry hair for light texture with a flexible hold. Delicious Sweet Dreams scent.

My Thoughts– Thought it’d be the cure all for my dry twist-out needs. I’m no fortune teller but even I could predict that a product I could bead up and roll off of my palms post application (think rubber cement), was gonna fail. It left my hair feeling coated and dirty. It was gifted from TIGI and I most certainly won’t be purchasing this one.

*Remember, these are my experiences… you may have different results!*


Share your hits and misses below!

Any product recommendations for me?

40 Comments

  • Anonymous says:

    Forgot to add that I tried Giovanni Direct Leave-in for the first time and I loved it!

  • Anonymous says:

    I tried the Dr. Miracle's products for the second time last night and I was not impressed. The smell doesn't bother me, but the shampoo left my hair crnchy and the conditioner didn't have enough detangling abilities. I'll pass.

  • Jay says:

    I am a 4a/b. I was able to try Dr. Miracle's Curl Care Hydrating Shampoo + Conditioner. Thankfully, I live the smell of mint, so the smell wasn't at all an issue for me. As for the product's performance, I am very pleased with the results. Even as I shampooed, I could feel the difference in my hair as it went from dry and brittle to wonderfully soft. The conditioner has great slip and my hair just soaked it right up. I also used Dr. Miracle's Curl Care Weightless Moisturizing Cream for my twist-out and as I type on the second day after styling my coils are still intact, and soft to boot. In all, I'm very happy with the results and am glad that I made the switch from my old products.

  • 'Chone says:

    @ Sawah: Thats the same for me too. I love the elasta qp shampoo and I've been using the ORS deep conditer since forever.I tried the cantu shea butter and it was no good for me at all. I thought i was the only one whose hair hated that stuff. I almost tried Hawaiin 14 in all when I saw at the hair store but thankfully I put it back lol

  • Aisha says:

    I agree that the smell of Dr. Miracle's products is vomit inducing. It's not a crisp clean mint, more like a nasty licorice blend. Thought it was just me.

  • JackieC says:

    HITS:
    -Shea Moisture ABS shampoo, conditioner, & masque- clean hair, happy scalp, and easy detangling
    – Oyin Handmade shine and define, whipped pudding, and juices and berries
    – Kinky Curly Curling Custard- shine for days
    -Henna
    -Tea Tree, Sweet almond, coconut, and jojoba oil
    -Finger Detangling- Takes 2 hours but it works!

    MISSES:
    -Kinky Curky Knot Today- It's not very moisturizing and doesn't really detangle (On the hunt for a new leave-in. Any suggestions? Oyin's honey dew perhaps?)
    -Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie- smells great but doesn't really moisturize for me
    -Ouchless headbands- no matter how stretched out they are, I always have a headache 3 hours after putting up a puff

  • Samantha Nneamaka says:

    YAYYY !

    MY HITS(HOLY GRAILS) :
    JASONS 84% ALOE VERA SHAMPOO: all natural with vitamins A, C, E and chock full of other goodness. It's a smoothing shampoo and it leaves my hair just that and moisturized. Did i mention that it's 84% aloe vera leaf gel. But its not like gel at all. Using this shampoo i fell no need to cowash and the benefits of aloe vera for the hair follicle are astounding ! trust i know.

    AS I AM HYDRATION ELATION (DT) and AS I AM LEAVE IN. My hair is soo moisturized and the dt has good slip so i detangle with it and then plastic cap it and sit under the dryer for about 20 weekly.Gotta love it the ingredients! This one is all natural to found newly at sallys.

    ACV scalp treatments: because of relxaers i got this bad contact dermatitis that was scaly and covered my whole scalp. Doctor perscribed shampoo couldnt even do the job. So thats why i even went natural, because i knew it was that chemical. When i tell you that along with me stopping having relaxers but also putting 3 parts acv to 1 part water in a spray bottle and spraying directly to my scalp and letting it sit for 30 before my weekly wash, i have had tremendous benefit with not only my scalp but my hair. When i tell you that my scalp is clear after three months and im actually able to leave my hair parted up in twists and have shine to it as well , girl…i aint lieing. research the benefits.

    COLD PRESSED UNREFINED SAFFLOWER OIL: i want y'all to research the benefits of this oil. in a nut shell, very high content of linoeic acid, had phytosterols, is absorbed by hair and skin quickly, moisturizes, gives sheen, feeds and stimulates hair follicle, light, no smell at all, provides ceramides for healthy hair shaft(checkout:http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/06/ceramides-for-strong-healthy-natural.html). Thanks to this blog I've found a sealant that doesn't sit on my hair and irritate my scalp and delivers all of its benefits and more.

    Others that i like are Shea moisture Curl enhancing smoothie for twists (which i usually keep styled in my hair). It helps my 4b hair stay moisturized and supple. And if wraped with silk tie at night, my hair is shiny.

    MISSES:
    Heavy oils or butters, my hair or scalp doesnt like these things. When i did the big chop Dec. 20 (i was transitioning for 3 months, im at 5 or more), i read blogs and they were saying for my hair type that they would be best. Also that you should have all these different products. But my hair is SOOO healthy, when i say i have yet to check strand that was breakage, i mean it. I dont even know when to do my protein treatment because the signs of being in need of one have yet to occur.

    Still looking for a good all natural manufactured PT.PLEASE HELP WITH A PT !!!! But my hair is in tip top shape using my 6 products. It is truely about finding out what works for your head of hair, I'm happy i had curlynikki and naturally curly for my journey.

  • gblogger says:

    As a child growing up in Jamaica, I remember my grandmother collecting castor beans then putting them in a pot on the stove to boil (cook), then when they would pop from the heat she would set it aside to cool and take the oil directly out of the pot and massage it into my hair.
    Now that I'm older, I've really come to appreciate the natural methods of hair care from those of the past… 🙂

  • Pia says:

    Thanks purplegirl48 and curlynikki for the response! I cant wait for my henna! Be blessed!

  • CURLYNIKKI says:

    LOL!!! Sheena girl… know the feeling!

  • ShoeHOTLINE says:

    Thanks for the deep conditioner review I need a new one so I'll definitely be giving this one a try.

    SN: I'm loving the Jamaican black Castor oil/Argan mix as well. So much so that I had a Coming to America Jeri curl moment at a friends place over the weekend…her couch was not happy lol

  • CURLYNIKKI says:

    Thanks for the suggestions ladies!

    The color is a result of the sun and my henna. In most lighting, my hair just appears black 🙂

  • purplgirl48 says:

    @Pia Click on the Henna tab at the top of Nik's site. I believe that will answer alot of your questions.

  • Erin says:

    Hits:
    *As I Am Moisture Milk. And my fro cried. This stuff is just…there are no words.

    *As I am Leave In Conditioner ( The Best leave-in I have ever used. )

    *As I am Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer.

    *As I am Twist Defining Cream. I got the best wetset twist out from this cream combined with the smoothing gel and the leave-in. Holy grail. A staple. Finally. ::confetti::

    *As I am Coconut CoWash

    You get the point. Pretty much everything I tried from this line in the sample pack they are offering on the website. Just put in my order for the full sizes of the things above.

    Hits Cont:
    *Castor Oil
    *Avocado Oil
    *Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk
    *Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade
    *Oyin Handmade Grand Poo Bar
    *Ecostyler Argan Oil Cream Gel ( the CREAM gel specifically )
    *Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo
    *Oyin Handmade Hair Dew
    *Oyin Handmade Whipped Shea Butter

    Misses:
    *Shea Moisture Curl Smoothie. I've come to terms with it: This just sucks.
    *Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-In
    *Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo

    *Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner. I know. I know. Clutch pearls. This is most peoples holy grail but for some reason my hair does not vibe well with it as a leave in. As a rinse out conditioner it's not too bad but it's not as moisturizing as I hoped it would be.

    *Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding.

    *Oyin Handmade Berry Pomade. I can't deal with this smell. When y'all were kids did you pour kool-aid in a ziplock bag with sugar and eat it? Now imagine pouring that in your hair.

  • Pia says:

    Hey Nikki first time commenter. Can you please tell me how did you get that color on your hairin the lastest picture you post? It is fabulous! I just ordered my henna and I have jet blk hair with some grays. Please let me know when you get a chance! As alwqays thanks for the reviews!

  • Anonymous says:

    I Haven't tried many products and I have 3b/3c hair.

    Hits
    *Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk

    *Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner

    *Hollywood Beauty Carrot Creme

    *Kinky Curly Knot Today (It gets those annoying ball ends off my hair)

    Misses
    *Twisted Sista's Urban Therapy Twisted Sista 30 Second Curl Spray & Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Curl Activator (Smh! This dried my hair very very bad)

    *Kinky Curly Curling Custard (Ugh!!! I think it's too heavy no matter how little I put on it)

    And dare I say it… since I was little Royal Crown Hair Dressing has always made my natural hair soooooooo pretty, moist, healthy, and grows like crazy every single time I use it. I love it lol. That's my little miracle worker 🙂

  • Anonymous says:

    http://politicsforcowards.wordpress.com/

  • E says:

    checkout a post on a recent issue by a naturalista 😉

  • Natural Beauty says:

    I assume that KCCC stands for Kinky Curly Curling Custard. Kinky Curly products are a miss for me and I guess I have the 4b hair type. I'm not sure.

    Hits: Carols Daughter Tui shampoo and smoothie, hair balm.

    (celebrateyournaturalbeauty.blogspot.com)

  • Candace4life says:

    Hits: Beautiful Textures Moiture Butter
    African Olive Pride Miracle Strength
    Breakage Oil ~ smells yummy
    Miss: Suave Almond & Shea Conditioner

    I want to try next "As I Am Double Butter or Beautiful Textures Curl Control Pudding.

    Also check out this gorgeous afro puff done by "Afrikanhairgod" on youtube. Titled: How To Get A Full Afro Puff and here's the link.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtvSVNhCvcQ&list=UUsmEx5_EVIGJPpO3Z0SdfHQ&feature=plcp&context=C45ff42dFDvjVQa1PpcFPPajF6F2HuaZbrnnSvGGZsg81AsmM54zw=

  • Mimismom says:

    My 3c/4a hits so far:
    Camille Rose Naturals almond jai twisting butter for wash and go
    Camille Rose Naturals aloe whipped gel for dd's twists
    Bask palm tapioca cream for dd's twists
    Food grade Grapeseed oil and avocado oil, avocado butter for sealing
    Tresemme Naturals nourishing moisture conditioner as co wash
    Camille Rose Naturals Jansen moisture max conditioner as a rinse out

  • DiJah says:

    Hits:
    – Kinky Kurly Knot Today
    – The entire Shea Moisture Hibiscus & Coconut Line
    – Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
    – Curls Cleansing Cream
    – Keracare Naturals Cleansing Cream
    – Lush Henna

    Misses:
    – Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-breakage masque
    – Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab thickening growth milk (Both these products were recommended by a Shea Moisture rep to help stop my hair from shedding…NO BUENO!)
    – Kinky Kurly Curling Custard – ugh!
    – Keracare Naturals twist & define cream

  • Anonymous says:

    My 4a hair loves
    Shea Moisture Shampoo's all of them
    Curls curls control paste
    Soft n Free Milk N Olive Oil

    Hates: Elasta qp Mango Butter

  • Anonymous says:

    Hits: Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque as a styler…all I can say is wow! I get the most amazing twist outs/flat twist outs ever.

    Tresemme Naturals nourishing moisture conditioner, love this stuff, great slip.

    Nutragena triple moisture deep treatment conditioner, I add honey and evoo to this and sit under the dryer for 15 mins, my hair comes out super soft and moisturized.

    Misses:

    Alba plumeria shampoo and conditioner, made my hair feel stripped and the conditioner was nothing special.

    Organix coconut shampoo and conditioner, same as Alba.

  • Anonymous says:

    My 3c hits:
    Tresemme Naturals Radiant Volume Conditioner (wonderful slip!)
    Wen
    Garnier Fructise Sleek & Shine leave-in–great moisture
    Shea Moisture Purification Masque and Deep Treatment Masque-great DCs
    Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
    IC Fantasia Gel-soft hold, good definition
    Beautiful Textures Growth Oil-great for sealing

    Misses:
    Luster's No-Drip activator-sat on my hair and made it bushy
    VO5 Conditioner-too watery
    Beautiful Textures Curl Pudding-have to use too much/applications to get my hair how I like it
    Eco Styler Gel of any kind-too drying
    Coconut oil-sits on my hair and makes it hard
    Shea butter-sits on my hair and makes it hard

  • Anonymous says:

    My 4c hits:

    #1 KCCC/KCKT (4c coilies don't let anyone tell you you can't use this. If you have tight coils, you will have gelled tight coils with this). Kim at Luvnaturals said the low pH of KCCC/KCKT was the reason users noticed smooth strong supple strands while using KC products.

    #2 I found this backcomber at Sally Beauty – really cheap too – it helps to form coils in my TWA with KC. http://www.sallybeauty.com/tortoise-comb/SBS-502115,default,pd.html

    #3 I recently tried the ORS Curls Unleashed Curl Boosting Jelly. It wasn't bad – I won't "kick it out of the bed" because it dries more quickly than KC and doesn't leave my hair as strawlike as EcoStyler.

  • Joie says:

    My Hits
    Garnier Fructis triple nutrition Double Care detangling Hair Milk
    Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine intensely smooth leave-in conditioning cream
    Cantu Shea Butter leave in
    Vitale deep conditioner thingy and Organic root stimulator Deep conditioner Mayonnaise.
    Castor Oil…Castor Oil…Castor Oil…. My hair is… just love that ish

    Hope this helps someone!

  • DiscoveringNatural says:

    My hits for the year, so far:
    – Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo – it detangles, sulfate free, organic, paraben free, silicone free, and just makes me want to wash my transition hair everyday (I don't however, LOL)

    – ORS Replenishing Conditioner – love love this stuff.

    My misses
    – Cantu Shea Butter Leave In – it just sits on my hair. I have however just discovered a new recipe (ph of 4) to get this to work on my hair. (http://discoveringnatural.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-modified-cantu-shea-butter-leave-in.html)

    – Hawaiian 14-1 Argan Oil – didn't really do anything to my hair.

  • Netta says:

    I forgot to add my hits. Nikki try Suave's Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner. It is cheap and does the job. Another is Shea Moisture Purification Mask; it has a lot of slip. Other products with good slip: Curl Junkie Honey Butta Leave-In, Kinky Kurly Knot Today, Desert Essence Organics Coconut Conditioner, and B.A.S.K Beauty Silk and Honey Latte, Nectarine and Vanilla scent. I get best moisture and shine from a combination of B.A.S.K. Beauty's Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Cream and Java Bean and Honey Hair Balm. The coffee smell, some of you may not like, but I am someone who will use anything that smells good.

  • Netta says:

    I bought B.A.S.K. Beauty Sevenfold Hair Butter, Citrus Rind scent. The product, I believe, gives a lot of shine, but it has a bacon or buttery undertone. It is the reason I didn't use my own whipped shea butter concoction. I thought the citrus blend in the ingredients would hide the smell. I am going to keep it and order some nectarine and ambrosia fragrance oil to high it. I found online from someone else that essential oil really don't hide that smell.

  • Anonymous says:

    Good reviews, the only thing that is missing are the prices. Unfortunately, in this economy that is the most important thing to me now.

  • Alaina says:

    I say you should totally do a Davines giveaway. I could totally see myself buying it and loving it, but it's pretty expensive … if only I could get a sample to see if it was worth it… 😉 haha

  • Natural Beauty says:

    What about good wash and go products for very kinky hair?
    (celebrateyournaturalbeauty.blogspot.com)

  • Bobby says:

    @12:25 Anonymous thanks for the information

  • Deia@LoveInTangles says:

    Oh and that cut is too banging! Watch you go ahead and start a trend for the summer, lol.

  • Deia@LoveInTangles says:

    That TIGI Mega Whip was SUCH a disappointment to me too!

  • Anonymous says:

    Only heard of Dr. Miracles, but I'm not a fan of their marketing so I have not tried anything from that line. I'm still standing by ORS hair mayo, creamy aloe and uplifting shampoo. Every now and then (when I remember) I use ORS shea butter on my braids and 2 strand-twists; otherwise I spritz with water and apply some hair/body oil (I forget the name) or my own shea butter and olive oil mix. Added coconut oil to the mix today and now it's real creamy, went on smooth and hair still feels soft. This works for me for now cause I don't do wash-n-go or twist-outs: not worth the effort when I have to put on a cotton/wool cover.

    Miss TeeTee

  • Anonymous says:

    Davines is expensive but I do want to try their MOMO Curl Enhancing Serum!

  • Anonymous says:

    Bobby Nikki linked to vendors of the products. I tried DMs new line too and can't agree with you more Nik, that stuff was strong! But back to Bobby, you can get the TIGI at salons or online, but most of the others look like they'd be easier to get online. Thanks for the post!

  • Bobby says:

    Thanks for the review, the only product i actually heard of is the 'Dr. Miracle", & 'cause of there previous market campaigns I wont be buying it.

    Can you share the price and where the products were purchased or where they can be purchased.
    Im 7 months post and I have tried lots of products but I my hair just loves SOFT N FREE Gro Healthy MILK Protein & OLIVE OIL CREME…SHINES AND MOISTURE'S AND STAYS THAT WAY…$4.24 at Walmart and they put coupons for a $1 off in Essence.

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