The day- April 20, 2012
The time- 12pm
The place- Happy Valley, PA
Let me set the scene…
After a trim, a much needed henna
session and a deep treatment (DT), I was very eager to try this new,
much hyped styler. The dilemma- although I was ready to rinse and
twist, said styler hadn’t been delivered yet. As Gia napped, I compulsively
refreshed the UPS tracking page as I caught up on part 2 of the RHOA reunion. Triflin’. Anyway, it showed that it was ‘out for delivery’ but time was ticking and I knew Hurricane Boog would be blowing through any minute.
session and a deep treatment (DT), I was very eager to try this new,
much hyped styler. The dilemma- although I was ready to rinse and
twist, said styler hadn’t been delivered yet. As Gia napped, I compulsively
refreshed the UPS tracking page as I caught up on part 2 of the RHOA reunion. Triflin’. Anyway, it showed that it was ‘out for delivery’ but time was ticking and I knew Hurricane Boog would be blowing through any minute.
FINALLY,
the UPS man pulled up, and unable to contain my excitement, I
damn near tackled him… flung the door open before he could ring the doorbell, looking all crazy with my plastic baggy and heat
cap all velcro’ed up. I ran upstairs and immediately rinsed the DT, blotted the drippies and raked a little leave-in through my damp hair.
I then applied the styler in sections as I twisted. I ended up with 13
twists and rolled the ends on the tiniest flexi rods ever.
the UPS man pulled up, and unable to contain my excitement, I
damn near tackled him… flung the door open before he could ring the doorbell, looking all crazy with my plastic baggy and heat
cap all velcro’ed up. I ran upstairs and immediately rinsed the DT, blotted the drippies and raked a little leave-in through my damp hair.
I then applied the styler in sections as I twisted. I ended up with 13
twists and rolled the ends on the tiniest flexi rods ever.
Six
excruciating hours later, my hair was 95% dry and like a kid on
Christmas Eve, I just couldn’t wait any longer. The result? A shiny,
bouncy, fluffy, moisturized Twist-n-Curl with decent hold. I’m talking
ZERO crunch, ZERO gunk… my hair felt product-less but looked
magnificent.
excruciating hours later, my hair was 95% dry and like a kid on
Christmas Eve, I just couldn’t wait any longer. The result? A shiny,
bouncy, fluffy, moisturized Twist-n-Curl with decent hold. I’m talking
ZERO crunch, ZERO gunk… my hair felt product-less but looked
magnificent.
This morning, after a strained pineapple (at this length, low, loose ponys seem to do better), I’m happy to report dope second day hair.
What’s this mystery product, you ask. Let me try it one more ‘gin, and I’ll tell all next week. No side eyes please. Y’all know how I hate prematurely singing the praises of stuff. However, if you happen to guess correctly in the comments below, I might be obliged (I’m bursting at the seams) to dish. A hint… it’s a *new* moisturizing styler.
Later Gators,
Nik
Cantu shae butters new natural line. the moisturizing twist and lock gel.
Cantu shae butters new natural line. the moisturizing twist and lock gel.
Thanks Nikki for sharing the products. I've been reading your blogs and viewing your site, and I don't see no place where you pushed any producs on us. You keep us informed on what's available for us naturals. I appreciate those efforts.
Now, for those who can't afford or refuse to buy the expensive products, get the less expensive products that Nikki has reviewed, but keep the negativity to yourselves. If you don't like Nikki's reviews, there are plenty of other natural bloggers on the web. Otherwise stay tuned and show some love. Keep up the good work Nikki.
Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter?
glad you like the new product
The Cantu Shea Butter for Naturals deep conditioner left my hair super soft after I used it. It was only the first try, but I was sold right after the rinse. I have been moisturizing my hair with the Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Milk & Shine Mist and the Hair Lotion. I did chunky twist 2 days ago, my hair was so soft & pretty defined the next day rocking a twist out and I didnt have to reapply to set my twist last night. Cantu has really got something going there! Now i want to try their Curling creme (which is a thicker consistancy then the hair lotion! I recommend this new line from Cantu ladies!!!
Wow what haters nik, keep it up!
You have a head full of gorgeous natural curls!
That's why we love you curly nikki! Troll on trolls. Your hair looks great!
I can't wait for my twa to grow out so I can try the style!
Hey ladies, thanks for your comments and sweet compliments!
As for those that are questioning my integrity… that breaks my heart 🙁 Nothing could be further from the truth. Just go back in the archives… my record speaks for itself. Free or purchased, cheap or expensive, I give the good and the bad and share MY experience… that's all I can do 🙂
As always, the ad space is for sell, but my endorsement is not.
Also, while I'm securing free ish for myself, I'm doing the same for y'all! I wish every single reader could try everything for free, but since I don't have it like that, lol, I do my best to secure the most bountiful and desirable giveaways for y'all. Okay, off my box.
Thanks again ladies! xx
umm she reviewed dax which is like $3 a jar…so she doesnt only review expensive products. And at some point you have to take some personal accountability. No one is forcing you to buy a product. If you already have a routine and products that work for you..just keep it moving.
I for one am happy that she does these very detailed and honest product reviews. I don't care if she bought them or if they were gifted. In the end the information in the reviews helps us out.
C'mon now, this is a hair blog! Therefore, product recommendations are going to be made. The fact is that no one is forcing anyone to go buy products. Do what works for your hair and keep it moving.
But DON'T make snide comments about Nikki and other bloggers, and twist it to make it seem like they are only recommending expensive, unrealistic products b/c it's not true.
Besides, we live in a free country and someone can make product recommendations all day long and at the end of the day YOU are the one who decides to buy the product or not. DO NOT place that blame on somebody else.
Nikki, your hair looks healthy and gorgeous–keep up the good work!
~caramelcurls
Exactly she says in the COMMENTS what the product is, if we are to believe she's so pressed to get us to buy then why not push it on front page??? Nikki is very fair in her reviews and it's not fair to say she does this because it's free or whatever.
Loving the profile shot in the second photo! Need to perfect mine 😉
I disagree with anonymous at 10:23. Nikki does honest reviews. I've been reading her site for going on 2 years and even on stuff she got for free, she will say negative things. I don't remember her ever telling us not to buy something or to buy something. Its a hair blog and she is in her right to tell us what works for her.
Nikki your hair is BOMB.COM!
No one is coming down on NIKKI! The FACT is that her words/recommendation are taken into consideration! With that said…people look at her hair and how nice it looks. And all they think is how can I get my hair to look like that!!! NOT really considering that fact that they Don't have NIKKI MONEY, HAIR TEXTURE(some not all), OR RECEIVE SOME FREE PRODUCTS!
I'm sure she dosent mean any harm. But neither do we by stating how we feel about these sometimes COSTLY recommendations.
She did say what the product was…guess you missed it….go backk & read.
Not to start an argument but ummm no where does she say to buy this product as a matter of fact she didn't even say what the product was because she wants to be sure she can give it a solid thumbs up. Its a hair blog in case you havn't Noticed why on Earth wouldn't many various products be mentioned?! And Nikki doesn't give reviews based on getting items for free. She buys a lot of these herself I mean let's not be jealous because someone can afford to buy hair products and some of us can't. Nikki's hair looks FABULOUS and your darn right I wanna know how it got that way.
@ anon 10:11am, I agree. Even though CN's hair does look good, would she really say something negative about a product that is being offered to her for FREE, especially one that needs to be ordered directly from the salon and wait a week for shipping or pay almost the same amount the product is worth for quicker shipping?
My local stuff works just fine. $26 for a 5 oz product really does seem a bit too expensive for my particular hair needs, but it doesn't mean I won't try it if the urge hits either.
I wonder if it wasn't for getting free samples from various manufacturers would you Nikki be so gun-ho to recommend these products which many are too darn expensive with the type of economy we have. I've seen beautiful results from ladies such as Naptural85 and SimplUnique and using simple natural products or inexpensive stuff that works well on their hair. While I don't have a problem with buying makeup, hair tools, etc., I do have a problem spending crazy amounts of money on the continuing recommended must get hair products. I can't believe how gullible and eager your followers are to constantly snap up products you get for free. BTW, I do like your site but I get tired of constantly being bombarded with the latest "you need to get this product" which most of the time probably won't work on my hair type 4a
@CurlyNikki I'm too happy to see that you tried something from the Quidad Curly line. I was in Ulta (i think it was Ulta…LOL) and I remember checking out the line and wondered if it was good or not! I think I'll definitely be trying this out, as I've been curious to try the Quidad products.Your hair looks fab in these pics! What size rollers did you use? Did you like the results from the smaller rollers?
Natural83
@CurlyNikki Guuuurl I'm dying to know! Your hair looks fab! I definitely want to give this new product a try. What size rollers did you use for your twist and curl this time?
Curls Unleashed by Organic Root Stimulator…
For some reason I can't get excited by the Ouidad line. I have heard good things but I just don't think its for me. Hearing so much about the Cantu line I may try the treatment mask, I need a good, cheap, deep conditioner.I haven't tried a twist and curl, chunky twist or roller/rod set on my natural hair, but Nikki your hair looks great.
I was >>thisclose<< to purchasing this product just now, then for some reason I decided to cancel out. It's $26 for a 5 oz product and the quickest shipping for three-day is $17 and I refuse to wait a week for regular ground shipping ($5.95). It just doesn't make any kinda sense to this anymore.
Whoo! Thank goodness my PJ stage is over. When this product starts to hit Ulta, Sephora and Curlmart, then I'll purchase, but not before. I'm sure it's a great product as CN's twistout does look fab, but I'm bowing out of this particular "splurge" for now. 🙂
Nikki i love your hair, my guess is Entwine butter but now thinking of it they dont deliver by UPS. Can't wait to see your post!! Agreed that the first time use is the best but second and third you kinda not so liking anymore. On my third container of Entwine butter and i still love it… Bajan Rhonda
Ahhh Nik you killing us with the gaw-gis tresses & i'm on edge about this styler!!! My guess is the new Darcy Botanicals styler Cocoa Bean Cream.
Amazing how so many people do not read the comments–CN gave the answer about 20 posts ago.
It might be a good idea if the more popular hair bloggers used their influence to request manufacturers to offer sample sizes of their products. Brands know natural hair is big business now and there are a lot of gullible women, and as much as I love experimenting there's no way in hell I am spending $26 on a product I have never used. 5 oz. is almost sample size to begin with.
Your hair looks just beautiful…but I'll pass on trying the product. $26.00 for 5oz 🙁 I've got too many stylers that work great for alot less.
I'm guessing Let's Jam Custard gel cream. I tried it after seeing a post by MahoganyCurls. It gave my hair a soft flexible hold without making it dry or crunchy.
Is it curl enhancing souffle?
is it beautiful textures moisture butter whipped curl creme?
Entwine Couture's Creme Jelle Styler…
your twistout looka great! i cant wait to find out what it is
Where's Boogie?!
Yayyyy ! New product to try .
That hair is #teamBADDCHICK
I tried the Cantu Curling Creme on my wash and go. It was AWESOME!!!!!! It smells good, held my curls (I'm a 4b) and the ingredients were decent as well. Nikki you should try it.
your hair looks amazing. i am not even going to try to guess what products you've used. i love your blog because i am always looking for products to try. hopefully, when my hair gets longer it will look as good as yours.
@ Joy…lol
OMG Nikki! Your hair is EPIC! I can't wait for my hair to look like that!
P.S. Candace4life I saw Think Like a Man today as well and it is VERY GOOD!!! A++
Your hair came out beautiful!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Your hair came out gorgeous and love the shine on it as well.
@@@@@@@@@@
By the way ladies I just came back from the movies and saw Think Like A Man. It was terrific from beginning to end, plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. (A+)
i'm going to guess bask beauty palm tapioca
your hair looks fabulous, btw!
Wow, was this just a clean up trim on the cut you got a while back.
B/c it looks amazing. Such a great shape for your hair.
Is it the Reve Moisturizer?
@Bobby, Ah!!!! I gotta see if my Walmart has Cantu Curling Cream! PJ in me is going wild!
I just tried the new Cantu Shea Butter Curling cream and make braid out is defined and shiny only $5.97 at Walmart!!
CN what's your exercise regimein?
Hi guys Im into doing my hair in small twist since my hair is not that long "yet"(8months natural)I just purchased the motions naturally you "define my curls creme & hydrate my curls pudding. I haven't used them yet because it usually takes me 8-10 hours to twist my entire head but I will let you guys know how they turn out.
I can't wait to try the Ouidad Hydrafusion! How's the consistency? Does it help with detangling? Your hair looks beautiful!
The new Ouidad Hydrafusion line…just got my sample in the mail today and will more than likely try it later on this week or early next week.
OH I tried four of the New Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair (all purchased at Walgreens). I have the Creamy Hair Lotion, Deep Treatment Masque, Twist Lock Gel and the Coconut Milk & Shine Mist. So far so GREAT! The ingrediants are really good and the scent is divine. I like it so much I want to try another one of their products.
Hey girlies, it WEN by Chaz Dean, I use it too and it gave me good results as well ( her hint "new" is WEN spelled backwards, they do that on the infomercial too).
I absolutely love looking at pics of your hair. Gets me excited for mine to grow so I can test out different types of styles.
Your wrong guesses give me tons of new stuff to research! Intrigued by the Cantu curl cream and the Darcy's smoothing cream…. Hmmmm. Maybe y'all should test these and report back!
I used Jasmine henna from Mehandi.com and Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat to DT. I applied the henna to clean, damp hair (my usual mix of green tea and honey) and left it in overnight (applied Thursday night).
Thanks for all the sweet words!
Xx
Dang! A lot of y'all guessed right!
The mystery styler is… Drum roll… Ouidad's new Hydrafusion! I'll give a full review soon, but I must say, after this initial use, I'm impressed. It smells good, it spreads easy, you don't need much and it dries quick. I also think, even without my leave-in (Davines) it would have provided decent moisture, which is rare for a styling product. I hate gels because it's hard to fluff crunchy curls… Mousse is nice but it causes tons of shrinkage and doesn't allow for the chunky effect. I'm super hopeful about this one… Can't wait to see how it performs in the summer.
Ouidad sent me both new stylers but I can already tell that the cream gel would dry crunchy on me (I may have engaged in baby testing, lol, I put some on a small patch and it dried crispy). Im excited to try it again next week!
I'm guessing Ouidad too.
Please tell, I need help! 🙁
WHOA! Your cut is so fire! I'm thinking about chopping mine!
Dish!
Like some of the other ladies mentioned, my guess is the new Ouidad curl styling cream-gel. Or their new Intense Hydrafusion Curl Cream.
Tala said…Camille Rose Natural moisture butter with a twist of Eco Olive oil Style Gel?
Is it Quench? Journey to my Roots…
Everyone has been talking about Reve, so that's my guess. It is a new produt.
I don't know why, but this came to mind…ENTWINE styler?
I have a feeling it's the new Curl Junkie Pattern Pusha Hair Styling Gel
I love the shape and definition!
Im sure is a product we havent heard of and you can only buy online…since it was delivered and I dont recall you ever talking about a drug store product…lets just hope it doesnt cost and arn n leg!!
I love your hair and the cut!!
Is it the new Nubian Heritage Line?
I love it!
Juicyyyyyy curl I have my credit card ready soon as you reveal am buying yum yum…
Miss A beat me to the punch! I bought Let's Jam Custard after Mahogany Curls beautiful WNG. So far, so good, but I can't get second day hair yet.
SCpeach
Let's Jam Custard
Nikki – come on! Sunday is my wash day for Nursing Clinical on Monday – Pleeeeeeeeeeeeze!
Gorgeous results!!!!!!!!
Is it Darcy's Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Cream?
Curls Unleased by Organic Root Stimulator
Kayute!
how did u twist ur hair pls to get dese chunky gals, wana try it x
Cantu Shea butter new curl cream
Reve' Essentials
Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade?
Whatever it is, I'm going to buy it as soon as you tell me. I like chunky twists too and yours look great I can't wait until I reach your length!
You look beautiful!
Which brand henna did you use? Did you apply it to wet or dry hair?
You got beautiful results from that mystery styler! I'm going to guess the Ouidad Styling Creams.
My DNA?
Is it the new Reve Essentials Hair and Body Moisturizer?
It's so shiny! Please tell us!
My guess is the new Ouidad dream creams line. Please say that I am right. I want to order and try, but I have to wait because I already spent my hair budget for this month.
Your shape is so cute, do you cut it yourself?
TO DIE FOR! I love the definition. My guess is Carols Daughter Chocolat
okay.. my last try 🙂 Is it by Ouidad?
Beautiful!
nope and nope 🙂 Although I'm interested in the new Motions line too!
Love the TnC:-) My guess: is it that new motions natural hair product line?
Is it Entwine???
@Luna, nope!
Thanks!!!
@candice305, nope! Try again!
And that twist n curl IS dope! 🙂
could it be alikay naturals creme brulee curling custard which is pineapple scented?
I think its Karen Body Beautifuls new argan gel.
AHH WHAT IS IT GIRL?? Dish!!
Your hair looks beautiful!!!