Jane Carter Nourish & Shine

NOTE:  I am not paid to review this and other products.  All products are purchased via my own pocket and curiosity.

Purpose: To moisturize dry hair, scalp, and/or skin.

Ingredients: shea, illipe, mango, kokum butters, grapefruit and pear essential oils, vitamins A, D, & E. 

Number of trials: Multiple (80% of the container)

How I used it:

• Seal my hair after washing or spritzing with water
• Create a braidout

• Moisturize dry elbows, knees, ankles, and lips

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THE REVIEW:

My favorite characteristics about this product are the natural ingredients, mango-like smell, thickness, moisturizing capability, and versatility. For me, Jane Carter Nourish & Shine was most effective as a sealing agent after washing or wetting my hair ... AND on my skin (particularly, on my elbows, knees, and ankles) after bathing.

My not-so-favorite characteristic is the $22 price for the 4 oz.  This pricing may be due to the ingredients being all natural and shea butter being high on the list (number one to be exact).  Thus, one is paying for ingredient richness when purchasing this product.  Additionally, a little bit of Jane Carter Nourish & Shine goes a long, long way.

Will I purchase it again?  If it were cheaper and weren't a mixologist, then yes.  At the moment, I'm just fine whipping my own butters for less than half the price.  However, I do recommend Jane Carter Nourish & Shine to those desiring to purchase a thick, moisturizing, all-natural, rich, butter-based product that actually works. Here's a less expensive finding including more reviews on Amazon:







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PROS: moisturizing, thick, versatile (use on skin, scalp, and hair), a little goes a long way, nice scent (if you like mango), shea butter as #1 ingredient

CONS: expensive, has a scent (if you're not a fan of mango or fragrances, in general)

RATING: Overall, I give the Jane Carter Nourish & Shine 4 out of 5 stars.  If it were inexpensive, I'd probably give it a full 5 stars.

Ideal for those with: thick hair prone to dryness
Not ideal for those with: fine hair, or hair prone to oiliness

REVIEW #7: Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo

NOTE:  I am not paid to review this and other products.  All products are purchased out of my own pocket and curiosity.

Purpose: Thoroughly cleanse scalp and hair without stripping of all the natural oils.  (Recommended for oily scalp/hair.  Try other flavors for dry scalp/hair.)

Ingredients: Aqueous Infusion of Certified Organic Extract of Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit (2), Cocoamidopropyl Betaine*, Sodium Coco-Sulfate*, Coco-Glucoside**, Polyquaternium-7*, Panthenol, Certified Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (1), Leptospermum Petersonii Oil, Certified Organic Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil (1), Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Gluconate.1 Certified Organic by QAI 2 Certified Organic by QCS * Derived from Coconut **Derived from Sugar

Number of trials: Endless

How I use it:
• Rinse my hair under lukewarm water for 1-2 minutes
• Apply diluted shampoo to scalp ONLY using a color applicator bottle
• Massage my scalp and roots for 5 minutes then rinse

THE REVIEW:
My favorite characteristics about this shampoo are the natural ingredients, thorough yet gentle cleansing, and lathering capacity. In my transition to more natural shampoos, I've had a difficult time finding one that lathers and cleanses well ... until I met Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo.  It works like a sulfate shampoo but without the harshness and dryness.   It also pH-balanced according to my home test with litmus paper - about 6-7.  Additionally, it leaves no residue and the scent is not overpowering.  Though the product is expensive, I find that a little goes a long way.

PROS: lathers, thorough yet gentle cleanse, contains no EDTA (for you environmentalists), no SLS (if you're a sulfate-free fanatic), a little goes a long way, pH 6-7
CONS: expensive ($8.99 for 8 oz; you may find it for half that if you really hunt online)

RATING: Overall, I give the Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo 3 out of 5 stars because of the price. If I can find it for cheaper, I'd give it a full 5 stars.

Good or Bad ... Pantene Curl Defining Mousse

While at Walmart yesterday, I stumbled upon the "Pantene Curl Defining Mousse".  It boasts anti-frizz in high humidity without the use of silicones ... which drew my attention.  Here's a short description of the method:

"Pantene uses a polymer system that helps control friction and results in a voluminous and shapely curl. This curly hair mousse contains polymers that provide a strong hold to protect your style from frizz without sacrificing softness and shine."

So I purchased this product and used it this morning.  Needless to say, I love it so far and was looking forward to writing a review after several trials.  That was until I checked the hazard rating at the Cosmetics Database ... http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=15332

... "7 out of 10 (high hazard)"

Umm, yea.  Hmm.  Will I continue to use the "Pantene Curl Defining Mousse"?  With that high of a hazard rating, uhh ... I'll seriously rethink this.  Ladies, research your product ingredients!

Avocado Detangling Conditioner

Purpose: Natural alternative to a detangling conditioner. (Loo's recipe.)

Number of trials: 1

Ingredients & Materials:
Blender,
overripe avocado,
extra virgin olive oil,
unrefined shea butter,
apple cider vinegar (optional),
bowl,
mixing spoon

Instructions Cut up one avocado, mash with a mixing spoon, and put in blender. Add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of unrefined shea butter to blender. (No need to melt the shea butter ahead of time.) Finally add approximately 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to blender. If you wish, add 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to blender. (The ACV will aid in the blending process and in flattening the cuticles.) Blend all the ingredients thoroughly and continue to add EVOO until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. When done, pour mixture into a bowl and apply to hair as a detangling deep conditioner. NOTE: It is important to blend the ingredients well to eliminate avocado bits that stick to the hair. If desired, sieve the mixture before applying.

How I used it: I applied this detangling conditioner after a pre-poo and wash in twists. Then I tied a plastic bag around my hair and allowed the mix to soften my hair for 40 minutes. Afterwards, I undid each twist and detangled with a wide tooth comb followed by a medium tooth comb. Then I placed my hair in several big twists, rinsed out the conditioner thoroughly, and styled as usual.

The review:
The avocado detangling deep conditioner did the job well. After 4 weeks in twists - which means 4 weeks worth of shed hair - I was really impressed with how smooth the detangling process went. The conditioner was lubricating, thick, and heavy, all of which are needed to give my kinks slip, moisture, and loosening for detangling. It was also relatively easy to rinse out compared to the thicker store-bought cholesterol conditioners I use. (The latter leave a residue and fragrance in my hair that I can't stand.) I love this homemade detangler and plan to use it again once I finish my unused tubs of LustraSilk and LeKair Cholesterols. (Actually, maybe I'll give away these tubs ... giveaway, hint hint.)

PROS: all natural, thick, provides slip for easy detangling, moisturizing, penetrating, inexpensive

CONS: slip disappears after rinsing (I can see it being a con for those who desire post-rinse slip); avocado bits in the hair (IF not blended well)

RATING:
Overall, I rate the Avocado Detangling Conditioner a 5 out of 5 stars. I have no complaints whatsoever and was impressed by the slip considering that it's an all natural conditioner.

IDEAL FOR THOSE:
*wanting an all natural detangling option
*with thick tresses

FOR THE MIXOLOGISTS OUT THERE: You can experiment with using an overripe banana or banana baby food in place of the avocado for finer hair. (Blend well.) For a protein boost, add an egg or use yogurt + egg or mayonnaise + egg in place of the avocado. For scalp stimulation, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture. Instead of olive oil, use coconut oil for added strength.

FOR THE NON-MIXOLOGISTS OUT THERE: You may want to check out these avocado conditioners:

Avocado Conditioner

REVIEW : Goody Spin Pins

Purpose: Use two spin pins in place of 20 bobby pins

Number of trials: 4-5

Instructions: Spin in to secure a style; spin out to take down the style. (Works similar to a screw. The pins come with detailed instructions and pictures.)

How I used them:

• To create a simple bun with twists. (One to two spin pins to secure bun.)

• To create an updo with a pompadour. (One spin pin to secure the updo and the other to secure the pompadour.)

• To create a sidehawk; to create a bun on loose, stretched hair.

THE REVIEW:

The best thing about the spin pins is that they are gentle, easy to use, and a timesaver. (They are much gentler on my super-tight kinks than bobby pins.) In my opinion, they are on the expensive side ($5.19 at my local Target vs. $7.99 at my local CVS). However, you can get your money's worth by using them for various creative updo styles beyond than the simple bun. They are ideal for ladies who steadily wear updos -- including me. At the moment, I'm still partial to my ouchless band, jaw clip, and single frenchbraid ... but the spin pin may become a good friend in time.


PROS: easy to use, easy to take out, very gentle on the hair, sturdy, detailed instructions and pictures, replaces multiple bobby pins

CONS: only comes in "blond" and "brunette", a bit pricey

RATING: Overall, I give the Goody Spin Pins 4 out of 5 stars. The ultimate question is can they do the work of 20 bobby pins? On my thick hair, not really, but they did the work of 5-10, which is still pretty cool. Additionally, it would be great if they could offer "black" spin pins in the future.

2016 Hair Buys!

If you followed the blog last year, you may remember my Honey Lemon highlight experiment. Well since then, I've been wanting to try henna coloring and 2010 is the year to do it!

Pictured above is my hair with henna. Since I am a first-time user, I didn't want to botch my hair so I bought an easy-to-use Henna Melt kit from www.thehairshebang.etsy.com. I recommend this kit because it comes already mixed with the necessary ingredients to give you a nice wine burgundy color. The seller offers different embossments, including flowers, herbs, etc. (The photo below is an example.) Henna itself also contributes to the hair's natural shine and thickness.

I used the mix on clean, damp hair and left it on for an hour. Then I rinsed, did a light shampoo, and deep conditioned. The result? My hair now has a subtle natural-looking burgundy tone to it, especially the sections that were previously highlighted with the honey lemon treatment. I love it and will post pics soon. For those wanting a more dramatic color change, be sure to leave the henna mix on for much longer.

UPDATE - THE RESULT (Actual color is more subtle):

Other 2010 Hair Buys:
Jane Carter Nourish & Shine - so far, I like the mango smell and shine.
Hair One - I like the conditioner cleanser concept. If you are not a fan of cones, though, steer clear.

Product Review || As I Am Cleansing Pudding

NOTE:  This product was purchased at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Purpose: Sulfate-free moisturizing cleanser.

Product description: Cleanse the hair of residue and product buildup.  Rid the scalp of excess sebum, environmental impurities and shedding scale debris.  At the same time, help promote a healthy environment for the growth and restoration of your hair.

Ingredients: Aqueous (Water, Aqua Purificada, Purified) Extracts: Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine)¹, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol², C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Cetearyl Alcohol², Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Glycerin¹, Phytosterols¹, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract¹, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice ¹, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil¹, Poyquaternium-10, Piroctone Olamine, Potassium Sorbate, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene. Source: 1-Natural, 2-Coconut.

Number of trials: several over the course of the spring and summer months

How I used it:

Wet hair thoroughly. Rub a liberal amount within palms and distribute throughout hair. Lather product through hair and massage into scalp. Leave on for 3-5 minutes in order to eliminate shedding scalp debris. Rinse well.

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THE REVIEW:
It has the consistency of a super thick, creamy conditioner but it is also very cleansing without the dryness or buildup. I like using it whenever my hair feels too dry to wash with my usual shampoo but too dirty to co-wash with a regular conditioner. In fact, this product boasts the ability to “remove excess sebum, environmental impurities and shedding scalp debris”, and my hair and scalp seem to believe it.

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PROS: pleasant light smell, non-drying, a little goes a looong way, no residue or buildup from continued use

CONS: none

RATING: Overall, I give the As I Am Cleansing Pudding 5 out of 5 stars.  

This product is ideal for those who:

- get dryness from regular shampooing AND buildup from regular cowashing

Product Review || OGX (Formerly Organix) Brazilian Keratin Therapy Conditioner

NOTE:  This product was purchased at Target.

Purpose: "... strengthen and soften the hair, ... smooth the cuticle for straight, strong tresses, adding a brilliant glow and luminescent shine ..."

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Hydrolyzed Keratin (Protein), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Leaf) Extract, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5.

Number of trials: numerous over the course of months

How I used it:

Applied to freshly washed hair.
Waited for 3-5 minutes (as instructed).
Then rinsed.

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THE REVIEW:

Organix products are usually a miss for me, but this one has actually been a hit.  To me, it is comparable to Aphogee 2-Minute Keratin Reconstructor in effectiveness.  It leaves my hair just as moisturized and strengthened.  The smell is also very pleasant, like a toned down cocoa butter scent.  I really like to use this product prior to flat ironing because the end result is well-conditioned,  super smooth, shiny hair.  This conditioner has the potential to become a regular one in my stash, though Aphogee 2-Minute is still my numero uno.

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PROS: a little goes a long way; pleasant cocoa butter smell; thick, rich consistency; leaves hair moisturized, strengthened, and smooth

CONS: none

RATING: Overall, I give the OGX (Formerly Organix) Brazilian Keratin Therapy Conditioner 5 out of 5 stars.  

This product is ideal for those who:

- experience a little (but not severe) breakage and splits
- heat straighten their hair