Red Hair

OMG, I dyed my hair. I've always wanted to color my hair but I was worried about drying out my hair and breakage. I also worried about ruining my curl pattern.  But, I've always wanted red hair. Always. I didn't want just any red, I wanted what I like to call PHOENIX RED. I hope you can hear the drama and echo in my voice as you read 'phoenix red'. The last year has been the most challenging and painful; so, by the time I was ready add color to my hair, I felt like a phoenix who had risen from the ashes of turmoil and despair!!! (cue more drama and a slight echo)

I am happy to say that I am 100% obsessed with my hair. New hair means I would have to make a few changes to my routine. I started using Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo and Conditioner, by OGX. (CVS $7.99 ea) and the Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Intense Moisturizing Treatment, by OGX. (CVS $8.29)

I have to say that I am really impressed with these products. The shampoo cleanses my hair without stripping it and the conditioner leaves my hair incredibly soft. In addition to leaving my hair really soft, the conditioner has excellent slip for detangling. The Argan oil intense moisturizing treatment is a wonderful bonus to the shampoo and conditioner. It promises to restore shine and softness while strengthening your hair. I feel like it's delivering on that promise so far. I love how my hair feels when I'm done washing it and the shine really is incredible.

For styling purposes, I am still in love with Shea Moisture products.

 I apply the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave in Conditioner (Target $10.99) followed by Coconut Hibiscus Curl Style Milk (Target $9.99) and I seal it with coconut oil. Of course, if you don't like coconut oil, feel free to use any oil of your choice. I then let my hair air dry and little manipulation and let the magic happen.

So far, I'm happy with my routine and I am loving my hair.

Random photo, just 'cause I'm feeling myself in this one. lol

                             

Curls Unleashed

At Fro Fashion Week, I was given a few products from the new Organic Root Stimulator line called Curls Unleashed. I must say I do enjoy these products. These products can be found at Sally Beauty Supply store and the price ranges from roughly $10 to $14. What do I love the most? Well, these products do not contain sulfates, mineral oils or SD alcohol AND the packaging is BPA free and recyclable. This line won't suffocate or strip my hair and the packaging is environmentally friendly. Everybody wins!

Curls Unleashed - Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($10.99)

This shampoo has a thick consistency but, surprisingly, it rinses really well. A little definitely goes a long way. A little going a long way simply means I won't use a lot of product washing my hair and more money in my pocket.

Oh and since I haven't mentioned it yet, yes, it smells great. This entire line smells fresh, clean and does not have that chemically enhanced sweet smell. You know, what I mean. It's that fruity smell you can't quite put your finger on, but deep down you know it's a fruit that can't be found in nature.

 Curls Unleashed - No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner ($13.49)

This conditioner is labeled no restrictions for a reason. It can be used for detangling, co-washing, and as a regular conditioner.  It has a thick consistency, but like the shampoo, it rinses well. After using this, my hair felt hydrated and very soft.

Curls Unleashed - Curl Defining Crème ($14.99)

Let me start by saying the Curl Defining Crème does not contain petrolatum, mineral oil, SD alcohol, or parabens. Again, no choking of the hair or stripping of moisture. In fact, in addition to defining your curls, it gives added moisture and doesn't flake. Another thing is it stretches your curls.

 I have to be honest, I like my shrinkage so I'm not a fan of products that stretch curls. On the same note, while this product does provide curl stretching, it really depends on how much is added to your hair. I don't add a generous amount; just enough to moisturize my hair. I still loved the results.

Curls Unleashed Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly - ($13.49)

If you want a soft and flexible hold for your curls, look no further. This purple gel, in combination with the Curl Defining Creme, gives your hair definition and hold without flaking and without giving you crunchy hair. It looks like it has a thick consistency but it doesn't. It's actually pretty light. Seriously, what more do you need?

These products do not complete the line. There is also the following:

• Second Chance Curl Refresher
• No Boundaries Leave in Conditioner
• Let if Flow Shine and Define Mousse

Overall, I am satisfied with the products I've tried and I look forward to trying the others. If you decide to try them, let me know what you think.

Sweet Honey Treatment

For the last couple of weeks, my hair was feeling a little sad. It was dry, limp and just plain unhappy. I usually wash my hair every four days, but I've been stretching it to six or seven days for the last two weeks. I really needed to deep condition my hair and quite frankly, I was tired of seeing my hair in a bun. Then I remembered I purchased Sweet Honey Treatment Deep Conditioning Treatment from the ladies of The Natural Root, LLC (www.rootofthematterhair.com).

Kimbley Miller and Lori A. Lindsay started their company to teach women and girls to embrace their natural beauty. Part of that mission is to help mothers to learn how to train and maintain their daughter's natural hair. Together, they created a book that teaches natural hair maintenance called "The Root of the Matter" ($19.50 www.rootofthematterhair.com).

Now back to the Sweet Honey Treatment. I do believe this conditioner is amazing! At first I thought it was going to be difficult to rinse out because, well, it's made of honey, and honey is sticky. Naturally, it was a little sticky BUT it was not difficult to rinse out. My hair felt incredibly soft while I was rinsing it out. My hair hasn't felt that conditioned and hydrated in a while. I later learned, this is because honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps your hair attract and hold moisture.

So, here's what I did:

1. I washed and conditioned my hair as usual.
2. I sectioned my hair into six sections and applied the conditioner.
3. I braided my hair in loose braids and covered them with a plastic cap and my Turbie Twist.
4. I let the conditioner sit in my hair for about 30 minutes.
5. I rinsed and followed my night time routine.

One jar of the Sweet Honey Treatment costs about $14 and keeps in the refrigerator for around 3 weeks. It's definitely worth the investment. My hair is no longer frowning or in a bun.

Tuesday Tresses!

Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner

If you don't know by now, let me tell you, I am a product junkie. I love trying new things. Make up, hair products, food...whatever. If it's new, I need see what it's like. So, when I was given the opportunity to try this deep conditioner for free...well you know the rest.

First, let me start by saying it smells amazing. This is probably because it contains Aloe Vera, Coconut, Olive, Soy, Argan Oil, Shea and Mango Butter. It has a thick consistency, but it is lightweight in texture.

So, I washed my hair as usual and added the conditioner. After about 30 minutes, I jumped back in the shower to rinse it out. Let me tell you, it rinses out with ease. Rinsing with ease is something I appreciate because I have thick hair and I do not like to double and triple check to make sure I rinsed everything out.

I have to say my hair was very soft and felt moisturized. Finger combing was a breeze. This product is definitely going to be added into the rotation.

Oh and before I forget, the Beautiful Textures line of products is affordable. Everything is under $9.00. Now, everyone can have access to quality haircare products without sacrificing their budget. Me likey.