GypsyCurls~Japanese Cherry Blossomz

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just-stand-up-mariah-carey-beyonce-mary-j-blige-rihanna-fergie-sheryl-crow-melissa-etheridge-natasha-beddingfield-miley-cyrus-leona-lewis-carrie-underwood-keyshia

Hola Chicas!

I lost my most favorite and dear aunt as she succumbed to breast cancer in her 50’s.  She hadn’t even lived all of the life that was promised to her.  It was one of the most horrifying and hurtful ways to watch a person suffer and die.  There is still a void in this huge blue ball that we live on and she cannot be replaced.  It is still felt on a daily basis with each breath and each laugh I partake in as I think about how she is missing from my family and from our lives.  Breast cancer stole her from us and I don’t want it to claim another life!  It could be any of us.  I don’t want to lose another loved one to this dreadful disease, not my mother, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a niece, or whomever, wherever.

I believe that with our help and continual support we can actually find a cure for breast cancer.  Do your part TODAY to save a life TOMORROW! I BUY pink all the time. I donate all the time. You can volunteer at your local charity events or support it in whatever possible. Time is just as good as money. And always THINK PINK!!

Ciao,

-GC

Beyonce: The heart is stronger than you think,
It’s like it can go through anything.
And even when you think it can’t it finds a way to still push on, though

Carrie: Sometimes you want to run away, Ain’t got the patience for the pain
And if you don’t believe it look into, your heart the beat goes on

Rihanna: I’m tellin’ you that,

Rihanna/Miley: Things get better, Through whatever

Rihanna: If you fall, dust it off, don’t let up

Sheryl: Don’t you know you can go be your own miracle

Beyonce: You need to know

CHORUS :
Sheryl: If the mind keeps thinking you’ve had enough, But the heart keeps telling you don’t give up

Sheryl/Beyonce: Who are we to be..questioning, wondering what is what
Don’t give up…THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

Fergie: It’s like we all have better days
Problems getting all up in your face

Leona: Just because you go through it

Fergie: Don’t mean it got to take control, no

Leona: You ain’t gotta find no hiding place

Keyshia: Because the heart can beat the hate

Leona: Don’t wanna let your mind keep playin’ you

Keyshia: And sayin’ you can’t go on

Rihanna: I’m tellin’ you that

Miley: Things get better
Through whatever

Rihanna: If you fall

Miley: Dust if off, don’t let up

LeAnn: Don’t you know you

Natasha: Can go

LeAnn: Be your own

Natasha: Miracle

Carrie: You need to know

Ensemble: CHORUS

Mary: You don’t gotta be a prisoner in your mind

Ciara: If you fall, dust it off

Mary: You can live your life

Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah

Mary: Let your heart be your guide

Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah yeah yeah

Mariah: And you will know that you’re good if you trust in the good

Ashanti: Everything will be alright, yeah
Light up the dark, if you follow your heart

Mary: And it will get better

Mariah: Through whatever

CHORUS

Fergie: You got it in you, find it within
You got in now, find it within now
You got in you, find it within
You got in now, find it within now
You got in you, find it within
Find it within you, find it within

Everyone: THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

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Hola Chicas!!

Let’s start your day off with a little Corinne Bailey. Celebrate the “every woman” in you. So in celebration of GIRL POWER this morning and all day today…”GIRLS, Put Your Records On-and tell me your favorite song! You Go Ahead And Let Your Hair Down. Got to love that afro hair do.”

Ciao,

-GC

Put Your Records On lyrics

Three little birds, sat on my window.
And they told me I don’t need to worry.
Summer came like cinnamon
So sweet,
Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.

Maybe sometimes, we’ve got it wrong, but it’s alright
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same
Oh, don’t you hesitate.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.

Blue as the sky, sun burnt and lonely,
Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside,
(just relax, just relax)
Don’t you let those other boys fool you,
Got to love that afro hair do.

Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it’s alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.
Don’t you think it’s strange?

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.

Just more than I could take, pity for pity’s sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realize, that you don’t even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Oh, you’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow

Hola Chicas!!

During research and surfing the web on everything natural and curly, I ran across this.  Being a true curly, it made me take notice right away.  It is called the “Tangle Teezer.”  Don’t worry, at the end of the post, I wil give the information on it and the site.

This brush is only sold in the UK right now.  So, you would have to place an international order. I believe it is due to trademarking and getting it patented inside the US in order to protect it.  So, for now if it interests you, you must purchase internationally.  It will be coming here, but not sure when. As those that know me, this did not stop me from placing an order to check it out.  I have been using the Denman successfully.  Using a widetooth/shower/detangling comb does not work for me or my hair.  It never feels as though my hair is truly detangled the way the Denman does.  I know that some curlies profess that detangling isn’t that important to them.  It is hugely important to me and I do so every time water touches my hair.  It seems like the natural thing to do.

It took about a week for me to receive it.  The first thing I did when I got it was open it up and felt the bristles on it.  They easily bend with a simple touch/stroke.  The bristles are short ones and taller ones together.  It fits ergonomically nice to my hand.  Looking at the brush I had no idea if it was going to work on my tight curls.  It appeared that my curls would be too tough for this brush.  It seemed better suited for use on a cat or short haired pet.  I performed two tests with the brush…

My tight curls: 3C/4A curl-type.  Most of you have seen my curls in my posts.  So, you know I have a thick mass of curls.  This brush handled my curls gently.  I glided through my wet curls easily.  No tearing or pulling of my curls at all.  It also added definition too.  Great for detangling and distributing product.  It worked just as well as my Denman if not better.  When using the Denman sometimes it seems as if I have broken a few hairs.

My youngest daughter: 3C/3B curl type.  She has very dry, fine, frizzy hair that is more frizzy than curly.  Her hair is not very thick but thas the ability to blow up 3 times its size in puffiness.  It is very difficult to detangle.  We loaded her hair with conditioner and went to work.  This brush amazingly and tearlessly detangled her tresses.  I was amazed.  It did not take very long to do either.  Was I surprised?  Hell yes!

If you could see how easily this brush works, you would be surprised too.  It does not look like it could handle any hair type the way that it did.  It handled my curls easily but oh so gently.  My youngest daughter who is 5 years old did not cry.  I was not as surprised about it plowing my thick mane as I was it being able to handle my youngest daughter ultra frizzy dry hair that tangles just by someone looking at it.  Detangling has been a nightmare until the Denman.  The Denman elicits a small amount of crying.  The Widetooth comb elicits a full blown crying session.  The Tangle Teezer produced a happy little girl without crying.

Bottomline:  I don’t care if this brush was made in Russia, I would purchase it from there too.  I found it to be awesome for my hair and it fits easily into my purse.  I actually enjoyed using the brush and like it even better than the Denman brush for detangling my super curly hair.

Alright chicas, there you have it.

Ciao!

-GC

Now…information from the website:

<BR>

The cuticle is the vital outer layer of the hair which protects the internal structure, its good condition is imperative for healthy hair.

Many external factors contribute to the deterioration of the cuticle, one being physical mistreatment caused by combing and brushing when the hair tangles and knots

Damaged Cuticle The cuticle layers are raised and rough. The hair appears dull and is exposed to damage	Healthy Cuticle The cuticle layers lie flat providing maximum protection. The hair is strong, healthy and shines.

As you brush with Tangle Teezer, its unique configuration of specifically designed teeth flex just the right amount, detangling and helping to smooth the hair’s cuticle, and protect the inner cortex from damage.

Damage to the cuticle and cortex is irreversible; therefore prevention is the key to shiny healthy hair.

Tangle Teezer’s unique design allows effortless detangling whilst minimising tugging, breakage and cuticle damage.

Shaun p shares his top Tangle Teezer tips…

Tangle Teezer can be used in a multitude of ways and held however you prefer without affecting its performance. Allow me to share my tips and advice on how to get the absolute best from your Tangle Teezer. And if you have any tips and suggestions for using Tangle Teezer, why not share them with us info@tangleteezer.com

Hair Care

• Tangle Teezer is excellent for detangling both wet and dry hair.
• Don’t be tentative! Tangle Teezer is like no other brush. Fantastic, painless detangling is achieved by using a firmer pressure.
• Tangle Teezer gives a blissful relaxing head massage even for the most sensitive scalp sufferers.
• Unlike conventional brushes and combs, Tangle Teezer can be used from roots to ends and mid length to ends.
• Hair can be detangled by using brush strokes from the underneath of the hair with the teeth pointing upwards or from the top of the hair pointing the teeth downwards.
• Tangle Teezer is ideal for taking conditioner evenly through the hair when wet, ensuring light and even distribution of product, which in turn leads to weightless blow drying.

Hair Maintenance

• Tangle Teezer is a must for hair extension wearers; it will simply glide through the hair from roots to ends, passing painlessly over the bonds without pulling.
• It is superb for the daily and ongoing maintenance of wigs, wefts, weaves and clip in hair pieces, leaving them looking just like new.
• The same excellent results are delivered on even the tightest curls and afro hair.
• As a styling tool, daily brushing refreshes sleek styles, helping to smooth the cuticle which increases shine, giving a professional look.
• For short styles, apply styling products to the hair and use Tangle Teezer to shape and mould - great for guys too!
• Since hair breakage is minimised, using Tangle Teezer over a period of time will mean your hair feels thicker and healthier.
• My final tip is to keep one Tangle Teezer at home, one in the office and one at the gym - you will never want to be caught without it!

http://www.tangleteezer.com/default.aspx

Hola Chicas!!

I have been using this product as a leave-in conditioner.  I have not been using it in conjunction with much else, except using it alone.  It has been a good conditioner to use for my true wash n’ go and not adding any other product to my hair as it dries naturally.  So, far it has been wonderful to my hair.  However, since it contains proteins I am worried about extensive use and will it affect my hairs’ moisture level in the long run?  My hair has been doing really well in the moisture department and I would like to keep it that way.

What is your experience with this product?  As you already know I am protein sensitive.  This contains “brewers yeast” and can be quite drying for some.  If you are protein sensitive; I would love to hear your thoughts on this conditioner especially.  I would still love to hear from those that are not as well!

UPDATE 07-04-09:  I have been using this conditioner for some time now.  I have given it 4 stars until now.  It appears that what I was worried about has come to pass in a way.  My hair is suffering from some dryness at this conditioners hands.  It would appear that the Brewer’s Yeast would in fact make my hair dull and dry looking.  It saps the moisture from my hair as a leave-in conditioner.  That is too bad, because it has such amazing slip and filled with other really good emollients.  Once I am finished with this liter size I will  not repurchase.  If I do decide to repurchase, then I will not use it as a leave-in conditioner.  It will be a rinse out conditioner only.

Ciao!

-GC

Here is some information provided by the manufacturer:

Moisture Balancing Conditioner is a dual purpose moisture adjusting product. This smart formula adjusts moisture as needed and works two ways.

As a one-minute rinse out, it boosts moisture levels with essential lipids and proteins. As a leave-in lotion, it provides continuous moisturizing and suppleness to unusually dry hair.

These lipids and fatty acids mimic hair and scalp natural moisture. Squalane, a natural component of hair and scalp moisture is used in this formula to replenish and restore moisture balance (this special ingredient comes from olives). Lipids provide subsurface hydration, optimizing moisture levels and detangle hair to create manageability. Hydrolyzed proteins process from natural wheat, lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. For intense moisture treatment, use under dryer for 15-20 minutes (with plastic cap). Or use Micro Heat Cap.

Key ingredients: Panax Ginseng root extract, cetraria islandia (Irish Moss) extract, saccharomyces cerevisiea (Brewer’s Yeast) extract, Gingko Biloba extract, pimpinella anisum (Anise) fruit extract, prunis persica (Peach) extract in purified water, hexadecanol, stearakonium chloride, certimonium bromide, Squalane (olive oil lipid), Capric Caprillic Triglycerides (coconut fatty acids), Panthenol (pro-vitamin USP), Biotin (USP), imisazolidinyl urea, methylparaben (USP), fragrance

Ciao!

-GC

The Dad Commandments

10 fundamental laws for fathers

Fatherhood, you might argue, is too complicated to be reduced to capsule form. But complexity only adds intrigue to the quest for guiding principles. And do we need guiding principles. After all the emotions, all the yelling, and all the laughter, I have distilled the duties and demands down to a decade of Dad dicta. Herewith, on behalf of all God’s children and their male parents, the 10 Commandments of Daddy.

1. Hey, Dad, be big

In spirit, that is. Consider some of the big guys who have gone before you: Father Time, God the Father. You can’t give this role a walk-through. You’ve got to play it. The kids expect stature from you. You’re the anvil on which they hammer out their deal with the world. Be a presence in their lives-and in their minds.

2. Hey, Dad, be small

Yes, this contradicts the first tip. Don’t be so big that you suck all the air out of the room. Give your kids space to move around in, to test their thoughts and strengths. Take a backseat three or four times a week. Say, “Maybe.” Say, “I don’t know.” Now and then, tell the kids you’re sorry-assuming you behaved badly. You’ll feel brand new.

3. Hey, Dad, come home

Lots of fathers have two jobs. If that’s your situation, God bless you, pal. You’ll get no heat from me. But if you can pay the bills without working double shifts, get home when you can. Nothing good can happen until you do.

4. Bob and weave, Bubba

Stay light on your feet. Don’t make too many hard-and-fast rules. Don’t insist on having your way with the kids just because the rest of the world isn’t always overly interested in the sound of your voice. There is a difference between authority and power. Have the first; don’t abuse the second.

5. Never dance in front of their friends

Remember the cautionary legend of the father who once picked his kids up at a junior-high dance and actually went into the gym and did a few seconds of the Hully Gully with Margie Costanzo. His adult children still have embarrassment nightmares.

6. Save your money, big man

If you’re not careful, the kids will send you to the poorhouse three dollars and twenty-nine cents at a time. Think college tuition. Think down payment on their starter homes. Although it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, it can buy lots of other stuff.

7. Spend your money, tightwad

F. Scott Fitzgerald said the sign of a first-rate mind was the ability to have two opposite opinions at the same time. You’re a first-rate mind, Dad. So spring for the glowing monster trading cards. If you’ve got the money, pop for the musical princess crown. What are you saving your money for, pal? College? Hah! You can’t possibly save enough. There is the future, and then there is now. This is it.

8. Never go on a ride with the word whirl in its name.

Especially the Space Shuttle Whirl at the Great Escape near Lake George, New York. It’s tougher to be a good father when your nervous system is permanently compromised. Stay on the ground and wave.

9. Let ‘em be-they’re not your second chance

We become most upset with the kids when they remind us of… well, us. Help them follow their own path, not your road not taken.

10. Love their mother

Hug Mom. Often. In front of the kids. Sure, sometimes marriages end, but the obligation to a woman doesn’t. Be grateful to her. Speak to her with respect. Try to make her laugh. Listen. Even if you’re not married to her, figure out how to love her.

Teach Your Kids to Break the Rules

Five survival skills they’ll use the rest of their life.

Everything you read about parenting today tells you how to mold your kid into a perfect little angel. There’s just one problem: The world isn’t perfect. In order to survive in what can be a brutal place, kids need to have smarts they can use outside the supervised environments of the classroom, your kitchen table and church.

It’s your job to teach your kids the way the world works, and part of that is showing them which rules can be broken or bent. But common sense is king here; your kids need to be old enough to understand the subtleties of life before they’re exposed to these five skills. Teaching a 4-year-old to start breaking a few rules will just lead to creating the next Paris Hilton.

I’m not here to turn your kids into criminals or lunatics. Knowing where and when they can start bending the rules will help them survive and find their own voice — and you’re the one who needs to teach them. Kids need to learn that life isn’t just black or white, but shades of gray. Here are a few areas where you can start teaching them to break (or bend) the rules.

1) Sneak snacks into a movie theater

There isn’t one person reading this who hasn’t sneaked Milk Duds or a box of Mike & Ike’s into a movie theater. When a business is trying to take advantage of you to that degree, stuffing your pockets seems absolutely fair. Sneaking snacks into a theater is a great place to start when teaching your kids where they can bend certain rules in society. This also covers ballparks, concerts, or anywhere else that tries to fleece you for a stale, lukewarm pretzel and a $9 tub of popcorn.

2) Question teachers
I am by no means asking kids to become a disruption or a nightmare to their teachers. However, I don’t see any harm in letting them question their teachers once in a while. One thing kids don’t do enough in school is ask, “Why?” Mindlessly memorizing facts and goofy math patterns to pass some stupid state-mandated test doesn’t teach kids to think independently.

I have to believe that the many great teachers out there would welcome the curiosity and enthusiasm that would follow. I don’t want my kids to know just the answers; I want them to know why a certain problem works the way it does, why the book report needs to be double-spaced, and why they only have three minutes to go number two in the lavatory.

3) Learn how to tell a white lie
Now, there’s a big difference between having a kid who’s a wolf-crying liar trusted by no one, and having a kid who knows when to lie to save someone’s feelings. It could be telling Grandma that the reindeer sweater she sent for Christmas is perfect. Or it might be letting your kid inform someone he or she doesn’t want to date that “I don’t have time to go out with anyone right now,” instead of the real reason — that the kid looks like a cross between Carrot Top and Rosie O’Donnell.

These are the exact kind of subtleties that kids need to know in life. Showing them how to throw out a little white lie instead of destroying someone’s feelings just might save an important friendship, or keep a job, or maintain family peace.

4) Pee in the woods
More and more these days, kids seem to get sucked into their Xbox, iPod or cell phone without spending enough time outdoors and having fun the old-fashioned way. Take the kids up to the mountains skiing or to a cabin and let them do the things that they’re meant to do: raise hell, laugh and pee in the woods. Nothing says that you’re at one with nature more than relieving yourself just like the pioneers did. And while you’re at it, teach the kids how to build a great campfire.

5) Bend the rules when playing sports
Teaching your kids good sportsmanship as they head into the wonderful world of athletics is immensely important. However, after you get past the age when every kid plays soccer and T-ball only because their parents want them to, you get into a very competitive area. Select all-star teams for kids who haven’t yet hit junior high are now the norm.

Your kids will end up awfully naïve if you let them grow up thinking that athletes aren’t bending the rules. And by the time they’re teens, they’re ready to learn there are a ton of tricks and ways to bend the rules in sports that don’t include steroids, blood doping or stealing the other team’s mascot. I’m talking about head games, flicking the elbow in hoops when someone’s shooting, holding the other player’s jersey, and more.

Craig Playstead is a freelance writer and happily married father of three living in a suburb of Seattle. He frequentlywrites about fatherhood and anything else of interest to guys for MSN. You can reach him atplaystead@hotmail.com.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy!!

Love,

J & Z

My Thoughts on African-American Women Wearing Hair Weaves
Why have women of the African Diaspora abandoned their natural hair? Why are black women now running towards weaves and wigs instead of Afros and locks? What has caused African-American women to be ashamed of their God given beauty?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/18051/my_thoughts_on_africanamerican_women.html

Hey Ladies!!

After reading this article, please let me know your thoughts, concerns, feelings, input and whatever else you have on this topic or subject matter at hand.  I would love to hear your expressed thoughts.

Next, I challenge all of my readers to search to find out just where that “weave” comes from and the associated costs to the individual.  I have always said that it is best to educate yourselves in whatever you do.  I try to do so as much as humanly possible.  I believe that I owe myself that much.  I have learned where my food comes from and the true cost of it…vegetarian lifestyle.  I have learned that being natural in my hair and my approach to it is a natural thing for me as part of the African Diaspora.  It did not start out that way, but the more  I researched the more what is innate in me knew when I did not consciously.  Wow!  It was a serious eye opener for me.  I have not ever sewn a weave into my hair.  I have never worn a wig either.  However I have worn one fake ponytail in my life, worn “dooki” braids from synthetic hair, and a set of microbraids for a period of 8 months one time (not the same set, but for a length of time for the particular style.).  I have been relaxer free since June of 1995.  This is just a recap to assure my readers that I have never been natural all of my life and nor have I never worn weaved hair.  Consequently like most, I never knew where my idea of beauty stemmed from.  Evidently it was further away from who I am at the core and how I was created to be me in my natural state.

Just for clarification…natural hair does not only constitute an Afro and locs.  Natural hair is way more versatile than that.  You can wear ponytails, pony puffs, twists, braids, box braids, twist outs, braid outs, Nubian knots, curly as in a wash n’ go, buns, updo’s, roller sets, pin curls, and any other way you’d wish to go.  Your not locked into only two ways to wear your hair naturally.  The possiblities are endless and not limiting.

So, the challenge continues and I would love to hear about your journey into being who you are “naturally” or why you “choose” not to.

Ciao!

-GC

Hola Chicas!!

I got this as a free gift when I placed an order in the CurlMart for some Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme to try for the first time and some Curly Pudding my mother just loves for her short Mohawk do. I finally tried it, because I love the TIGI MM and use it all the time. Let’s dig in for a short read and review.

Smell: First off, it smells amazingly good. Nothing harsh or overbearing. It is mild. It smells of Cherry Almond just like the label says. It is true to the senses of the nose. It is such a wonderful scent.

Texture/Consistency: It has a nice smooth silky consistency that is more on the milky side of things. A little goes a long long way. It sort of foams when applied and combed through the hair. I did not used to like that with Paul Mitchell’s “The Conditioner.” The foam would not totally dissipate and would dry with foamy looking ends on my curls. Ugh!! This so does not do this. It will look like the foam will remain, but it does not. It could be because the ingredients are mostly all natural and organic in nature. This foam indicates to me that I have distributed it properly and that gives a sense of reassurance.

Slip: It has slip for days and days. Slip is great for two things in my opinion….ease of distribution and detangling.

Distribution: Super easy. I had assurance that it was well distributed throughout my hair without feeling like you need to over do it. I often felt like I might need a little more because it felt so light. But yet, it was heavy enough to weigh my curls down a little bit. If you really want or need something to weigh your curls down more, then add a bit of oil/butter to it or your hair. I don’t like my hair too weighed down as it dries. I like my hair on the big side, so this does the trick easily for my hair texture and curl pattern.

Like I’ve already expressed, I usually have to use quite a bit of product to calm my curls down. I hate to do that because they wind up more weighted and limp. I was surprised that this conditioner when using about a quarter size amount to each 6 sections did such an amazing job, considering the consistency is on the runny milky side.

Definition: This gave me great definition on its own. It was not totally the definition that gels can give, but it was close enough to it. It has some stickiness, so it clumps the curls nicely. It is right between the definition of a gel and a creamy styler. I think that is pretty darn decent for a leave-in conditioner. It is always a nice perk when a leave-in, rinse out, or deep conditioner can double as a really nice styler too. Wow!

Moisture: TIGI Bed Head does it again. I have never been disappointed in any of their conditioners I have tried (Moisture Maniac and Self Absorbed). They have always left my hair feeling very moisturized. When my hair dried, it dried nice and soft. It was the same softness that I get from most creamy stylers and moisturizers that I apply to my hair. My hair was actually touchably soft. I just had to scrunch a few areas and it was so nice and soft. I kept touching my hair.

Shine Factor: It was nice and shiny the first day. It was sheeny the 2^nd day. Never once was it dull or dry looking. My hair looked moisturized without having to add oils to have shine be present.

Movement: Loads. My curls were bouncy and behaving at the same time. It did not dry as a unit as it often does with my type of curls

Volume: Yes, for those that are looking for it. Big? Well, not really for those that has heavier hair. If your hair is cottony like mine, then you will achieve volume. How much will depend on how little of this you use.

Frizz factor: Yes. I had a little frizz, but nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to my hair. The longer it gets the more it seems to frizz. The frizz factor was about the same it is usually is with stylers that fight frizz. Note: Remember it was a rainy and 100% humidity that day.

2^nd Day: Even softer than the day before. The curls were still somewhat defined. There was some big hair to contend with, but nothing major. A good spritz and fluff and I would be well on my way. One good thing about this is that I can actually manipulate my dry hair without killing the curls or causing unforgivable frizz.

Hold:  Zero.  It has zero hold properties.  So, if hold is your thing, then you will need to use a styler with this leave-in conditioner.  If moisture is more like you and you don’t need the hold, then this may be able to work for you alone.  But remember, being able to use this alone is a perk and not its purpose as a leave-in.  So, don’t hold that against it.

Ingredients: My hair does not seem to do well with proteins. Proteins does it classic thing to my hair that is adverse…blah blah blah. My hair does love glycerin, oils, and light butter (in formulation). However there isn’t a lot of this in the product to render it greasy or oily either. It left my thick 3C/4A moisturized and not feeling dry or crunchy. I used this as a leave-in/styler in terribly humid Cincinnati weather and it stood the test of time alone with my thick mass of hair. It left my curls defined and soft. My hair had lots of body and shine too. Very very nice for a leave-in conditioner.

So, anyone afraid of proteins, oils, butters, or glycerin that is a finer haired curly shouldn’t give it a second thought. You will be amazed at the results that this provides even before you get to your favorite styler. I also noticed that it played well with my gel that I apply to the front of my hair for hold to keep out of my face. No cottage cheesiness which I get all the time when mixing some products on my hair.

It is well worth it, for the price tag it touts for 8.45 oz.

Here is what TIGI Bed Head has to say about it….

TIGI’s Love Peace and the Planet line of eco-awesome hair products allow you to make another small change that makes a big difference, not only in how you look but in how you live. TIGI has built a reputation for high-quality, professional products and with the addition of this line we strive to set the bar even higher. Each formulation utilizes natural and organic ingredients combined with a minimal amount of synthetics to produce a product that maintains high performance expectations.

They pledge to continue this momentum by refining their formulations and packaging through research and testing as they move forward. Any change is a good change; this is only the beginning of their sustainable, eco-conscious journey. Tigi Love Peace and The Planet Let It Be Leave-In Conditioner has Shea butter, sweet almond oil, rice and wheat amino acids and chamomile extracts which rescue hair from despair with nourishment and shine. Get on the green scene and Let It Be with Tigi Love Peace and The Planet Let It Be Cherry Almond Leave-In Conditioner.

Green Tip: Dry hair will with towel before applying product – you’ll use less product since it won’t become diluted like it would in wet hair.

Parting words and wishes: I wish it came in the liter sizes. If TIGI is listening or reading, please make those huge beauties something that is coming in the very near future. As this 8.45 oz will become my travel bottle. Right, now I am forced to stock up until that happens. J

Thanks for reading!

Ciao!

-GypsyCurls

Ingredients:

aloe barabadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract, glycerin, butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit oil, prunus amygdalus dulis (sweet almond) oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, aqua (water/eau), olea europnea (olive) fruit oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract (chamomile), hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) flower extract, agaricus bisporus (button mushroom) cap/stem extract, cochlearia armoracia (horseradish) root extract, wheat amino acids, rice amino acids, stearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetrimonium chloride, cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, brassicamdoprpyl dimethylamine, polyquaternium-37, quaternium-91, cetearyl alcohol, panthenol, peg-17 dimethicone, cetrimonium methosulfate, polyquaternium-55, citric acid, tetrasodium edta, limonene, methylisothiazolinone, linalool, benzaldehyde, ethyl acetate, heliotropine, vanillin.

Okay Everyone!  This speaks for itself.

Ciao~GC

We must continue to pray for our enemies and rise above this as our gracious President  does…

Someone sent the attached pic to me. Please read and pass on.

Barnes and Noble had this pic as their store front display in Coral Gables FL in the Miracle Mile Mall. I am totally disgusted and I think it is important that we all find a different place to buy our books. Obviously this is a place of extreme ignorance. How far have we really come? God bless.

Please support the boycott and pass this e-mail to family and friends.  It is so sad when you have been lied to all your life of who you are supposed to be because of the color of your skin. Some people just can’t accept change. Fortunately, change will come with or without you.

Subject: Racism still exists obviously

Let us not be lulled into a sense of complacency, due to the recent political success of President Obama.  Racism still exists in this country. Like all things, nothing is perfect on this planet, in this world.  We have an obligation to be active on issues that simply cannot be ignored.

Along these lines we should all actively spread the word of how Barnes and Noble apparently feels about Black people or at least our President.

Please forward this to as many people you think should be aware of this and would be offended by this.

Boycotting Barnes and Noble will show the economic effect of people who will not tolerate racism.

1. Water

This is the most moisturizer known to man!! Your hair cannot get enough water. It cleanses and moisturizes too. The softer the water, the better it is for your hair. I added a shower head water softener to my shower unit. Works like a charm. The thing with curly hair is that the cuticle does not lie flat as it does in straight hair. As your hair dries, the water leeches out just as easily as it penetrates the hair shaft. So, this why curly hair can feel drier and stiffer after it dries. It is important to seal the moisture in your hair and to apply a moisturizer for continued moisturization.

2. Vegetable Glycerin

This keeps my hair feeling very soft and moisturized better than anything else I have ever used for my hair second to water.

3. Castor/Olive/Jojoba Oil

Adds shine and seals the moisture in the hair. It also aids in keeping the hair soft as it dries naturally.

4. Moisturizing Spritz

The best ever for moisturizing the hair without disturbing the style or the curls. It can also be used for waking up tired and flat curls the 2^nd day.

5. Conditioner/Leave-In Conditioner

What more can I say here? I specifically look for those that contain natural oils, butters (sometimes), vegetable glycerin or equivalent (Panthenol, Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, and etc.), and really good fatty alcohols.

6. Aloe Vera Gel

Great for defining curls. Adds some hold too. Some say it is moisturizing to their hair. I can’t really attest to that. It usually leaves my hair crunchy if used alone. But it is the best curl defining ingredient around. AVG isn’t lasting, so it is important to use something more robust to continue to moisturize the hair and lock in the moisture after the AVG has dissipated.

7. Satin/Silk Pillowcase

This is very important to keep the curls from frizzing too much. It does not leech moisture from the hair. It does not break the hair or cause split ends either.

8. Microfiber Towels (t-shirts)

It soaks up just enough water from the hair. It does not create frizz as it dries the hair.

9. Denman Brush

The best detangling and product distributing tool around. It is quite expensive, but definitely worth every penny.

10. Hair Clips/Bands

This speaks for itself. As far as the bands go, I use the ones that does not have any metal clips attached to them. I don’t want them breaking my precious tresses.

Anything you want to add chicas? Please feel free to do so! Anything already listed that you want to expand on? By all means, go right ahead!

Ciao!

-GC

Current Mood: Confused

If you’re wearing your hair natural, then I am sure that you have at least a few truths or myths about two ingredients in hair products. I had sworn off any product that basically contained these two ingredients because as far as most people discussing natural hair it is reported that mineral and petroleum can be smothering and ultimately drying to your hair. If you have textured hair, then it is definitely not the best to put on your hair because it is already prone to dryness and lacking moisture.

Through continual research and I am finding information to the contrary. I know that when you look at a lot of products that are geared toward ethnic hair it contains these two ingredients usually in the first five ingredients. So, since majority of black women have relaxed hair, what is actually damaging it and drying it out? Is it the ingredients or is it the damaging effects of the relaxer that are irreversible. Once damage is done to the hair, it cannot be reversed. That is a scientific fact. You cannot amend hair. At some point you will have to cut off the damaged parts or risk damaging your healthy hair too. Hair is dead and cannot be repaired. It does not matter what that jar says, it can’t be done. Hair is not like skin or any other bodily organs that has the ability to heal it and allow reparative properties.

So, let’s get some education here…

petrolatum. Vaseline is pure petrolatum. For some unknown and unsubstantiated reason, petrolatum has attained a negative image in regard to skin care, despite solid research to the contrary. Topical application of petrolatum can help the skin’s outer layer recover from damage, reduce inflammation, and generally heal the skin (Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica, November–December 2000, pages 412–415). See also mineral oil.

mineral oil. Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics because it rarely causes allergic reactions and it cannot become a solid and clog pores. Despite mineral oil’s association with petroleum and the hype that it is bad for skin, keep in mind that petroleum is a natural ingredient derived from the earth and that once it becomes mineral oil USP (cosmetics- and pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil), it has no resemblance to the original petroleum. Cosmetics-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are considered the safest, most nonirritating moisturizing ingredients ever found (Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries, January 2001, page 79; and Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2000, pages 44–46). Yes, they can keep air off the skin to some extent, but that’s what a good antioxidant is supposed to do; they don’t suffocate skin! Moreover, mineral oil and petrolatum are known to be efficacious in wound healing, and are also among the most effective moisturizing ingredients available (Source: Cosmetics & Toiletries, February 1998, pages 33–40).

silicone. Substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a great deal of slip, and in its various forms it can feel like silk on the skin, impart emolliency, and be a water-binding agent that holds up well, even when skin becomes wet. In other forms, it is also used extensively for wound healing and for improving the appearance of scars (Source: Journal of Wound Care, July 2000, pages 319–324).

As you have seen…a lot of lines use these ingredients to include the most reputable companies like Redken, Matrix, and Nexxus for example and they are geared toward our Caucasian counterparts. I would think it would be more detrimental to their hair than ours. Hmmm?

Among the natural hair lines geared toward naturally curly hair, you have companies like Hair Rules, Miss Jessie’s, Wen and others using these ingredients in their products. The funny thing about that is that these natural companies have a very huge following and naturals love their products. I have purchased and used Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding, Curly Meringue, Stretch Silkening Crème, Rapid Recovery, Crème De La Curl Shampoo, and Crème de La Crème Conditioner. I actually loved the Curly Meringue. I use the Curly Pudding on my youngest daughters hair and it is always soft, shiny, and beautifully defined. It also leaves it moisturized too. My oldest daughter loved the Stretch Silkening Crème for her hair. I liked all the products except for the Stretch Silkening Crème because my hair detests proteins and it is protein heavy and it left my hair unnaturally dry.

I am personally not fond of mineral oil at all. My hair reacts to it as it does coconut oil and proteins (certain ones). This is the one ingredient that I tend to stay away from because of its effect on my hair. However if it falls way down on a list of ingredients I might give the product a try. But that isn’t always the case.

It is very important to do your own research. Besides the research, your hair is the best indicator for what it likes and does not like. I suggest keeping a hair log for when you purchase new products that you are not sure of how it will work for your hair. Log everything you used on your hair that day. Log how much you used. Log anything else that you may find pertinent. You can narrow down what works and what does not. You may also notice that certain combinations may or may not work together. I usually give a product 30 days to impress me for a full review. Then I can safely continue use or toss for good. A log also helps me to remember why certain products did not work for me, so that I do not repeat the habit and waste more money in the process.

Please share your experience and/or research when you have used the ingredients above. I would love to hear from my readers and your outcomes.

Ciao!

-GC

I know that Miss Jessie’s has been questioned about some of her “questionable” ingredients usage such as Petroleum and so forth.  Even still, she has a huge following and has not really felt the pressure to change her formulations.  Something must be working, because I still hear great things about her products.  There are some reviews that aren’t so great too, but overall the experience with Miss Jessie’s has been very favorable and positive.  I would feel much better if she would take out certain ingredients, but it could totally alter the effectiveness of the product or the desired outcome.  Not sure….but I will say that it is currently on trial for present and future use.

One of the first products for me to try is Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding…

From Miss Jessie’s Website:

Curly Pudding ^TM

Our world famous Curly Pudding is a “smooth operator” that transforms shrunken kinks to super shiny stretched out curls.

Instructions for use: Apply a palm full of Curly pudding to damp freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. Rake through large sections and air dry. For maximum elongation comb a nickel sized dollop thru small sections and air dry.

If you have curls you need Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. This moisturizing, soft hold curl crème rescues “frizzy fro’s” and transforms them into “defined do’s”. Whether you have Type 3b/c or 4a/b hair type, you will achieve a looser, more defined curl pattern with a light hold. Simply put it is said to be “the best darn curl crème period”. It’s freshly fragranced with a light floral scent.

Ingredients:

Water, Paraffin Liquidum, Glycerin, Fragrance, Triethandamine, Corborner, PEG-12, Dimethicone, Diproylene Gycol, Silk Amino Acids, Aloe Barbdensis Leaf Extract, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Oleth-5, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Disodium Edta, DMDM Hydantoin, Violet 2.

Update 03-18-09:

Well Chicas, I have given this one a few tries. I found that this left my hair shiny, silky looking, but had medium hold.  If you like and need hold, then this product is definitely for you.  Be sure to be light handed as a little goes a long way.  Since there is lots of hold to this product, you may want to use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner/spritz or moisturizer under this product.  I like a much softer hold from beginning to end.  It does give great definition.

I did notice that my hair really needed to be moisturized again on the 2nd day.  I had very little 2nd day frizz and my hair was soft, but felt a little dry.

One caveat:  My hair seemed to dry and look better after partially diffusing with heat than air drying.  Diffusing seems to break down the petroleum in it and aids in setting and softening the hair.

This product allows you to add a moisturizer easier than the Curly Meringue and the Stretch Silkening Creme.  However, compared to the Curly Meringue in my hair, it was not as moisturized feeling the 2nd day like it is with the Curly Meringue.

Some people complain about the smell.  I love it.  It smells like lavender-ish to me.  I do not feel it is overpowering.  I actually prefer stronger scents as I do not wear perfumes, just body spritzes, lotions, or scented oils.  So, I really like for my hair products to smell wonderful and be a little on the loud side.  LOL

Where is this product now?

This product is still being used right now.  I really like the braid outs that it gives my youngest daughter.  I use it on her hair the most.  She is only 5 y/o but she absolutely loves her hair with this in it.  It looks great when diffused while in braids.  It seems to lock in moisture and seal the shine into the hair.  It is left soft, shiny, and fluffy.  I will continue to purchase this product, especially for use in my daughters naturally silky, but very dry, dull, and frizzy hair.  It is a miracle product for her hair and worked better than the Blended Beauty products in terms of styling her hair and the overall look it gives.

Is there a future?

Yes.  There is definitely a future for this product in our arsenal.  All 3 curlies in this family can use this product with success.  It does leave my hair a bit crunchy, but that is easily resolved without complications when I air dry my hair in a wash n’ go style.  I have not tried this for a braid out on my hair as I rarely do braidouts for my hair like I do for my daughters.

Stretch Silkening Crème

Miko’s favorite. Introducing Stretch Silkening Crème, an amazing addition to our ever expanding curl crème empire. “How’s it different from the rest?” I’ll tell you. Stretch Silkening Crème is a quicker to dry whipped soufflé that delivers an amazing plump curl and a brilliant shine. Fabulous for fingerstyling. The lightest of the curl crème bunch. P.S. This is not Miko’s chemical Silkener technique.

Instructions for use:
Apply product while hair is soaking wet for full coverage based on your length and density. Do not rinse out. Air dry or dry under an overhead dryer. For maximum stretch silkening: After curls are fully dried grab a section and stretch downward for tension. Using a blowdryer with a nozzle attachment blast heat from root to midshaft. This will further stretch those kinks to curls. Enjoy!

Stretch Silkening Crème is a whipped soufflé that delivers amazing plump to curls with a natural shine. The lightest of the curl crème bunch, this cream helps to stretch and elongate the curl; while it moisturizes and conditions at the same time.

Ingredients:

Water, Paraffinum Liquidium, Glycerin, Wheat Amino Acids, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl, Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet almond Oil Jojoba Seed Oil Olive Fruit Oil, Peg 12 demethicone, Fragrance, Ethylexyl Methoxycinnamate, Oleth-5, DMDM Hydration, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Disodium Edta, Orange 4, Red 40.

Update:

Well Chicas, I have given this one a few tries.  And I don’t have great news to report back to you.  My hair looked “fine” with this product in tow.  It didn’t look exceptional and did not have lots of hair blingage either.  My hair wasn’t dull, but it was not shiny either.  I used a leave-in conditioner underneath it.  It did not like that much at all.  It tried to get that white cottage cheesy look.  It was not the easiest to distribute and sort of dragged onto the hair and caused my natural curl bunches to be disrupted.  When it dried, it dried pretty crunchy.  My hair felt dry and was dry to the touch.  I tried it in a puff and a ponytail besides the wash n’ go.  This so wasn’t a go for me.

Possible causes: Petroleum based and very protein heavy.

Why so much protein in her products?:

The only thing that I could come up with is that they are huge proponents of the silkener.  When you use chemicals on your hair of any kind, you have damaged your hair.  Therefore products heavy on the proteins will help with the continual need of repairing the hair since it has been seriously broken.  The reason why they can use the petroleum besides being very cheap to purchase and plentiful is because hair that has been chemically altered can use these types of ingredients easily.  When I was wearing a relaxer many moons ago, my hair still did not like the petroleum.  But there are many that have relaxers, silkeners, texturizers whose hair can tolerate petroleum.

Where is this product now?

My oldest daughter is using it.  It did make her hair a bit crunchy, but not to the extreme that it made mine.  Her hair is not protein sensitive.  It did not give her naturally shiny hair any more shine, but it did not take it away either.  Her hair looked quite nice and was able to suck up the petroleum as well.  Her 2nd day hair was a bit more to work with.  And it was more like my first day hair with the product.

Is there a future?

Probably not.  The outcome is NOT worth the price.  The ingredients are too inferior for the price being charged as well.  I’ve used better (ingredients) and cheaper.

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The first time I used the MJ CM I was not feeling it. I used it back in February. It had left my hair hard, dry, and flaky. Well, I felt it was best I give it another try during the warmer months since my hair was recovering from the henna drying it out something fierce. I felt that it may not have been fair to Miss Jessie’s!

Well, I was right. I was not. My hair actually dried with a medium hold. It had a bit of crunch to it, but NOTHING like before. It gave a medium hold. It actually clumped my curls beautifully. Seriously, I had ZERO frizz. It had movement and shine too. It reallyenhanced my natural curl pattern and I was left with very defined curls. It was also blowing in the wind and not stiff. I was so surprised by this. The second day my hair was very soft with a nice soft hold that I like. I NEVER wanted to like Miss Jessie’s products because of what you will read in the next paragraph that follows.

What is bothering me is that I have the old formula that I bought from another curly in a swap. It does not contain any mineral oil or petroleum. So, I really really did like this. I may break down and purchase a jar when she has her BOGOF sale once a year. It was a really nice change of pace. One good thing is that I have enough to last for the rest of the year.

I won’t use it a lot because it does contain some questionable ingredients. Hopefully one day she will go back to the old formulation. *fingers crossed*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Routine:

Cowashed: Suave Naturals

Conditioned: Mane N’ Tail (trying to use it up)

Moisturizer: Qhemet Biologics Olive and Honey Hydrating Balm (trying to use it up-losing this product will hurt a LOT!)

Styler: Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue

UPDATE:  07/21/2008

Well, well, well!  MJCM is one of those sometimey products.  My third go gave almost the same results as I expressed what happened when I first tried it.  Except it did not leave my hair flaky.

What did I do?  Well, it appears that I used just a little bit more of it than the last time.  If that happens, you have to make sure to use a lot more moisturizer/leave-in under the MJCM.  If not, you will be left with some very crunchy hair.  It will look great, but will not be so nice to the touch.  MJCM is so strong that you cannot use a wimpy leave-in or moisturizer to combat it.  My hair was not mega hard, but it was crunchier than what I’d like it to be.  Hair that is too crunchy is not good (for me) to achieve nice second day hair.

What changes will I make?  I will use less CM and more leave-in to achieve optimal results.  You really do have to find your balance if you want to note MJCM as a success.  And on the flipside, you will definitely find out what makes it a flop.

UPDATE:  03/18/2008

Just a quick update chicas to let you know that I still like this product even with the formulation change.  I cannot say that it is more moisturizing or less moisturizing with the petroleum added to it.  It feels about the same IMO.  I will continue to use this product, because it continues to have positive results.  It is good for slicking the hair back into a puff and wearing down and out too!  If Miss Jessie’s decides to put more proteins in it, or heavier proteins in it, then I will no longer be able to use it.  So, Miss Jessie’s if you are listening….the older formulation would be much appreciated and please DO NOT ADD ANY MORE PROTEINS TO IT!!

Good Luck!!

Hola Chicas!!

It is that time again to find some really good products to add to my arsenal. After sifting through my current products; I feel that it is time to find some really good back-ups and have a bit of variety. I have actually been doing really well lately about not spending a pretty dime on too many products. The old ones that are “just okay” will eventually get used in order to get rid of them. I have given some of them away in the process and traded others.

If you use any of the products below, please feel free to weigh in on what your experience has been. Let us know how, when, and in what combination you use them.

Be back soon with a full review…14 - 30 day challenge ahead.

Ciao!

-GC

Mist-er Right

This lavender-based tonic helps revitalize even the most delicate, tired curls.
Renew…refresh…rejuvenate…relax…with Mist-er Right, a spa treatment for curls. Use on wet or dry hair to reactivate Devacurl’s Angell. A versatile “hair-freshener”, use the mist on the beach, after exercising, smoking and other outdoor activities for both scalp and skin.

12oz.

Ingredients: Aqueous Extracts of: Achilea Millefolium, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus, Humulus Lupulus (Hops), Melissa Offcinalis (Balm Mint), Rosmarinus Offcinalis (Rosemary), Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lavendar Oil, DMDM Hydantoin.

One Condition

It’s all in one! This super-rich conditioner will keep the moisture level of hair and scalp balanced to perfection. One Condition restores, hydrates and neutralizes detergent and product residue with the fresh scent of lemongrass.

12 oz or 32 oz

Ingredients:Aqueous Extracts of: Achilea Millefolium, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus, Humulus Lupulus (Hops), Melissa Offcinalis (Balm Mint), Rosmarinus Offcinalis (Rosemary), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Olive Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Propylene Glycol, Trideceth-12, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Fragrance.

Set It Free

Set It Free with the extra reassurance to hold, define, de-frizz and hydrate your precious locks. Separates and secures your curls with 24-48 hour moisture lock holding power. Made with Beeswax and olive oil, this conditioning finishing mist will replenish your curls giving them the ultimate shine they need. Spray and scrunch on wet or dry hair to re-activate curls. May be used in conjunction with our DevaCurl Angell.

6 oz

IngredientsAqueous Extracts of: Achilea Millefolium, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus, Humulus Lupulus (Hops), Melissa Offcinalis (Balm Mint), Rosmarinus Offcinalis (Rosemary), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkylmethacrylate Copolymer, Ceteareth-20, PVP, Beeswax, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Lipids, Sodium Hydroxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance.

Heaven in Hair

This moisture treatment is heaven for your hair! Experience maximum hydration from the rain forests of Brazil. Infused with Cupuacu, Murumuru and Cocoa seed butter.

8 oz or 16 oz

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aqueos Extracts of: Achilea Millefolium, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Cymbopogon Schonanthus, Humulus Lupulos (Hops), Melissa Offcinalis (Balm Mint), Rosemarinus Offcinalis (Rosemary); Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium-7, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth-20, Quaternium-91, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Hydroxyethyl-cellulose, Theobroma Cacao (cocoa) Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuaco) Seed Butter, Astrocaryum (Murumuru) Seed Butter, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Citric Acid, Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile, Phenoxyethanol, Fragnance, Blue 1, Yellow 5

Update 04-06-09:

When I ordered this product, it was on back order.  I will not be doing a review on this item ladies.  Sorry.  Didn’t want to wait for the backorder.  I was willing to try it since it was on sale at the time.

Download Happy St. Paddy’s Day!!

Detangle Light Spray Conditioner

-Actually really nice for refreshing curls.  It is pretty cheap too.  I added a little bit of Vegetable Glycerin and now it is perfect.  Offers great moisture to your curls, puffs, or natural.

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner

-Decent.  I cannot give most of the GF products more than 3 stars.  It does add some moisture, but not enough for my hair.

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave-In Conditioner

-I can’t really say this did a whole lot for my hair.  I think in order for it to make a difference, I would have to use quite a bit of it.  By that time, the styler I use would not make a good mix.  This was not the best for playing with other products.

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

-Gives superb curl definition
-Curl Elongation
-Robust
-Guarantee 2nd day and beyond hair
-Medium Hold
-Imparts amazing Shine
-Adds weight to curls
-A little goes a long way

Knot Today

-One of the best leave-in conditioners around.  It plays decently with other products too.  On it’s own it is not packed with moisture.  But it allows for a little more moisture to be retained when pairing with a gel or creamy styler.  It smells great and is also really good for detangling curls.  Possibly adding a little oil and glycerin will make it able to be used alone, because it is light and the slip is wonderful.

Spiral Spritz

-Great for reviving 2nd day hair
-Can be used as a styler coupled with the Knot Today
-Contains Aloe Vera Gel

-The PERFECT marriage! Best used together, although you can use the KCCC alone and the KT can be used with other stylers.

Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm

-I really like this conditioner.  It has done me well for deep conditioning.  I have not used as a rinse out, but it is tailored toward being a rinse out conditioner that is left in for about 1-3 minutes.  It reminds me of the texture of an icing for cinnamon rolls or something.  Easy to distribute, but just the right amount of thickness to be effective.

-A very decent shampoo.  It does not strip my hair like shampoos that contain sulfates and it does not leave my hair as dry as most organic shampoos either.  Cleanses well, and that is all that I am after it to do.  It does contains a very mild sulfate though.  Thanks Teshon for suggesting this shampoo.

Pantene Hydrating Curls

-Unfortunately this conditioner has been discontinued.  You can still find it around.  I am glad that I had not had the chance to get hooked on this conditioner.  I am not sure how moisturizing it is, but I will say that it has the MOST slip I have ever experienced from any conditioner on the planet.  I am not sure how they did it, but my brush just melts through my hair with this conditioner.  I love the smell too.  It is ultra thick and full of emollients.  It does contain silicones, but I have not had any problems with them in this formulation.  I believe that it is why it works so amazingly well.  I used this as my conditioner of choice for the Conditioner Only Method with great results.

-Curls is the new conditioner that will be replacing it.  There are some ingredient/formulation changes from comparing the ingredients.  I am not sure how much of a difference that will make on its effectiveness as a good moisturizing conditioner.  I am sure we will soon see.

Moisture Balance Conditioner

-Decent conditioner.  I have been using it as my cowash.  I love it as a cowash conditioner.  It has great slip too and smells just like the rest of the Pantene products.  It is also nice and creamy in consistency.  Remember that majority of the conditioners from Pantene will contain silicones.  I tend to try those that has the least amount and definitely no protein in it.

-A side note…the packaging is nice and pretty.  Looks high-end.

-Used this for the Conditioner Only Method and it was really really nice.  This conditioner contains lots of oils and that separates it from the other moisturizing conditioners in the pack.  My hair is left nice and soft with this conditioner just like it was with the Hydrating Curls.  Strangely enough this conditioner made my hair fluffier than the HC and a little stiffer when dried.  The HC left my hair with more bounce and definition.

-I may switch which one I use as the leave-in conditioner/styler because of the final results.  My second day and beyond hair with the HC was much easier to handle and revive because it had less hold and better curl separation.  This one left my hair thicker and little less manageable.

Smoothing Lisser Frizz Defense Creme

-Decent Scrunching Moisturizer for 2nd day hair or can be used as a moisturizer on wet hair or as a leave-in moisturizer.

-Light creamy feel and texture.

Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

http://www.ratedpink.com/?p=767

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment

http://www.ratedpink.com/?p=662

See Review for more information…

http://www.ratedpink.com/?p=636

http://www.ratedpink.com/?p=473

See Review for more information…

See Review for more information…

-New product for me.  Will let you know how it pans out soon.

-Not a new conditioner for me.  It will be my second bottle of this.  I will review it when I review the rest of the Devacurl products.

-New product for me as well…

-Review coming soon.  I have been using this to refresh my curls and moisturize them.  I am loving it so far.  I will do a full review when I review the rest of the line that I am using.

http://www.ratedpink.com/?p=735

See Review for more information…

-This gel is very robust.  It leaves my hair ULTRA defined, frizz free, and shiny.  The downside is that it contains proteins and it dries my hair out.  I cannot use this like I used to before I knew that was the problem.  It does not always play well with a leave-in conditioner.  However, you can make this into a nice pudding and it will alleviate the parched curls it leaves behind for those with protein sensitivity.  I basically use this to slick back my down and out hair if I want to wear it into a puff.  It is the best gel for that in my opinion.  Just be careful, it has a really strong hold.  A little should be used.

Curls By Sisters Smith Wet Set Hair Pudding

http://www.ratedpink.com/?p=748

-See Review for more information…

Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream

http://www.ratedpink.com/?page_id=399

Hola Chicas!

If you haven’t been on YouTube lately, then let me fill you in on the latest natural hair craze going on right now. About a year ago, I ran into the site BiracialHair.org. The lady there named Teri came up with this technique of leaving conditioner in her hair that doubles as a styler as well. Now, of course she is not the first person to ever do this and will not be the last. However, the information she provides makes it easier to accomplish and to know what conditioners may or may not work with this technique. She has since changed her site to tightlycurly.com. For those of you that have known her from the past and wondered where she went, now you know.

I used to just leave the conditioner in my hair when I had a relaxer in my hair and my hair would have that wavy-curly look. And I loved it. I also found that not all conditioners allowed this because of flaking or being dulling. So, choose your conditioners with care. You will also have to make sure that your conditioner has some sort of natural oil in it, or you must add some. It will increase the shine factor and combat any stickiness, dryness, or flaking issues.

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment

For the look that you see in my pictures, I used Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner. I found it to be very rich in emollients, natural oils, and loads of slip. There was a time in the past when I would not have used this product due to it having silicones in it. I have since given up that silicone-free plight and my hair has been doing fabulously. I also mixed in a nice sized scoop of Jessicurl WDT and two large scoops of the PR&N.  I then applied to very wet hair while still in my twists.  There will be a lot of conditioner in your hair.  No worries, because it will all absorb as your hair dries.  It did not leave any white residue, did not flake, wasn’t itchy, and dried with very little crunch.

Please do not mind my curls so much.  It was a windy day and my hair was blown every which way that it could.  But there is nothing like wind-blown curls.  Even better for continuous curl separation.  LOL

Conditioner Only Method with JWDT AND PR&NC

The technique I used is shown here in the YouTube video of LadySoul77.

Alright chicas! If you try this, please let me know how you like it. Please tell us what you used. Don’t forget to let me know the technique in which you applied it. I’d love to hear from you!!

Ciao!

-GypsyCurls

Hola Chicas!!

I have noticed that the more that I do pony puffs, the more I notice small curlies around the hairline. I have always had short hairs there that most call baby hairs. However, I have noticed that I have more hairs that cause that halo frizz, that are rather short further back along the hair line. This is a result of wearing the hair pulled back often. It can also be caused by lots of protective styling from braids, buns, ponytails, and twists as well.

One must exercise caution when wearing the hair pulled back in ponypuffs, buns, and ponytails. The hair line is stressed even when precautions are taken to avoid lots of pulling in that very vulnerable area. If you are using gels to slick it back, then this also attributes to even more pulling in that area as the gel dries, it tightens and contracts the hair.

Most curlies use those ouchless headbands by Goody or Scunchi. They are the best around for the hair. Some also use a knee-hi/pantyhose to tie back their hair. These are very good too. Most of the problem ensues when you place the hair band at the hair line and push it back, flattening and pulling the hair taut at the same time. Every time this is done, a few hairs at a time rip and soon you have that halo frizz that has extended beyond the baby hairs at the hair line. The hair at the nape of the neck pulls much less in my case. But that may not be the same for you. Your nape hairs may pull too just like the front causing breakage there.

How does one lessen this effect? I would suggest that when you do your puffs would be to start around the ear and then push back. It will lend to less pulling and less stress on our fragile hair lines. Also make sure that it is pretty loose. Tight enough to hold your style, but loose enough not to harm your hairline. Remember that recurrent headache you have? It’s cause is too tight hair bands. Another reason to cut back on the amount of time your hair is placed in a ponypuff and etc.

There are other causes for some to notice a fuzzy hairline or halo frizz. This is usually due to hair replacement for normal shed hairs to regrow. While that is true, you won’t see this as much as you do when you have stressed and broken your hair line. Hair regrowth is more subtle in nature. If you are doing puffs and notice this…then your puffs are the culprit, not the hair shedding/growth phase.

If you have a technique that works well, please by all means share it!! Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Ciao!

-GC

Hola Chicas!!

One day while styling my hair from cowashing….blah blah blah. You know the routine. Well, I am a big fan of movement and my hair not drying as a single unit. I like curl separation. I like for my curls to separate in their respective curl bunches. I have found that this does not always happens, even when I shake, shake, and shake my hair some more. Too much shaking and you end of with really BIG hair. Sometimes that just isn’t the look that I am particularly going for at the moment.

Ever since I BC’ed about 2 years ago, I have yet to get my hair professionally shaped or cut. I blame it on my fear of stylists that know absolutely NOTHING about textured natural hair. I have been natural for more than 13 years, so I really do know what I am talking about. It would pay to travel to the more well known natural hair salons like Curves and Deva Curl Salon for a professional cut that will give your hair what it needs NATURALLY.

In order for your hair to have mad movement, you have to start with a great “shaping” cut. It allows the curls to fall properly into place. It also places like curls with like curls for better clumping. Since textured hair does not grow down for quite some time and even when it does begin to fall, it still does not mean that it falls properly into place from wet to dry. Textured hair is known for much smaller curl separations, meaning that they attract every single curl it can to itself like a vine or web, instead of like branches. So, the cut geared toward highly textured curls help in this aspect. It also helps to prune the hair by removing a little bit of weight when the hair is all one length. Layers are a necessity. However, you don’t need a very layered cut to get the results or it can have the opposite effect. That is why it is important to seek out stylists that have experience with more than one type of curly hair pattern and texture. They should also be quite versed in products and their respective ingredients.

My hair moves and is soft, but not as much as it could be with a great haircut. It is at the top of my agenda to go get a professional haircut within the next 6 months. I would like to be ready for summer with a cool new do and amazing movement! Now, until then, it is status quo.

Hope this helps those that wonder why their hair may not have as much movement or doesn’t flow as much as it could. Because contrary to popular belief, afro textured hair is not stiff or wind resistant!! So, bring on the wind!

Peace!

-GC

Hola Chicas!!

I have been using this product as a leave-in conditioner.  I have not been using it in conjunction with much else, except using it alone.  It has been a good conditioner to use for my true wash n’ go and not adding any other product to my hair as it dries naturally.  So, far it has been wonderful to my hair.  However, since it contains proteins I am worried about extensive use and will it affect my hairs’ moisture level in the long run?  My hair has been doing really well in the moisture department and I would like to keep it that way.

What is your experience with this product?  As you already know I am protein sensitive.  This contains “brewers yeast” and can be quite drying for some.  If you are protein sensitive; I would love to hear your thoughts on this conditioner especially.  I would still love to hear from those that are not as well!

Here is some information provided by the manufacturer:

Moisture Balancing Conditioner is a dual purpose moisture adjusting product. This smart formula adjusts moisture as needed and works two ways.

As a one-minute rinse out, it boosts moisture levels with essential lipids and proteins. As a leave-in lotion, it provides continuous moisturizing and suppleness to unusually dry hair.

These lipids and fatty acids mimic hair and scalp natural moisture. Squalane, a natural component of hair and scalp moisture is used in this formula to replenish and restore moisture balance (this special ingredient comes from olives). Lipids provide subsurface hydration, optimizing moisture levels and detangle hair to create manageability. Hydrolyzed proteins process from natural wheat, lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. For intense moisture treatment, use under dryer for 15-20 minutes (with plastic cap). Or use Micro Heat Cap.

Key ingredients: Panax Ginseng root extract, cetraria islandia (Irish Moss) extract, saccharomyces cerevisiea (Brewer’s Yeast) extract, Gingko Biloba extract, pimpinella anisum (Anise) fruit extract, prunis persica (Peach) extract in purified water, hexadecanol, stearakonium chloride, certimonium bromide, Squalane (olive oil lipid), Capric Caprillic Triglycerides (coconut fatty acids), Panthenol (pro-vitamin USP), Biotin (USP), imisazolidinyl urea, methylparaben (USP), fragrance

Ciao!

-GC

Hola Chicas!!

Well, I know it has been a while since I have last posted.  Things happen and life must be lived.  You know how that goes, right?  I am sure you do!

In my absence I have been paying a bit more attention to my hair (well sorta).  I am finding that I don’t really like to do a whole lot to my hair once I leave the shower.  Have you noticed that you really like your hair with a rich moisturizing conditioner in it ~ how it looks and feels?  I know that I do.  I have often wondered how my hair would actually dry if I left the conditioner in my hair.  I have tried this over the years but have never really liked the results of how the conditioner actually dried on my hair.

TIGI MM~ was not a good candidate for this.  It dried very nicely and had great curl definition and shape.  It dried a little crunchy.  Not bad, but what was bad was that it flaked once it dried.  A huge no no.  It may work a little better if a little oil is added to it.  Maybe.

Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner~ also works as a leave-in.  I really liked this conditioner.  However I am not so keen on the smell of it.  It kind of has a faint burnt rubber smell IMO.  However, my oldest daughter liked the smell. I had to add a little fragrance to it in order to live with it.  I actually liked this conditioner as a conditioner and as a leave-in.  It has some amazing slip.  It has some of the best slip around.  It left my curls very soft, sheeny, defined, and with lots of body.  The only drawback is that it really clumps the hair down to the roots.  So, it dries more as a unit, even with lots of shaking the hair to separate the curls further.  I may need to perfect my technique and lightly fluff while still a bit wet to loosen it from the scalp.  I am new at this applying conditioner, shake, and literally going.

Jessicurl WDT~ this actually performed quite well.  I am always surprised by this conditioner.  It is considered a deep treatment.  It was a little heavier due to the oils and the butters that it contains and weighed my hair down nicely.  It moisturized my hair and gave good definition to my curls.  It left very little frizz as can be expected from a conditioner.  my hair dried slightly crunchy as well, but scrunched out easily as usual.  My hair smelled great and looked great. The second day was even better. But as you already know I love 2^nd day hair more than the 1^st day on a wash n’ go.

When using a conditioner as a styler and not using the denman to distribute product and shingle your curls leaves them to do what they do naturally.  My hair did not have that polished look from brushing in my products as it usually does.  It had lots of body and looked more natural.  It was big too, but not that out of complete control big.  The bigness is from the shaking of the hair to separate the curls into curl bunches to stave off drying as a unit.  Most curlies with my type of curls know what I mean.  It is a great alternative to spending lots more time on your hair after detangling in the shower, to only detangle once more while applying product with the Denman brush.

The Process:

1. Cowash your hair.
2. Apply your favorite moisturizing conditioner to your hair.
3. Grab hair in sections and detangle each section
4. I usually end up with about 8-10 sections of hair
5. Detangle with Denman brush
6. After detangling a section, put that section in a twist
7. Once all sections are detangled and twisted, rinse hair
8. After hair is thoroughly rinsed, remove your twists and rinse once more
9. This encourages your curls to form natural curl bunches/clumps
10. Apply your conditioner/leave-in conditioner as if you are putting your hair into a single ponytail
11. I apply a lot of conditioner at this time
12. I shake my hair every which way I can
13. Since my hair naturally parts down the middle, it will naturally fall that way
14. I allow my hair to air dry without touching it or helping the curls in any way
15. Don’t worry about how it looks when it is wet. It dries very nicely and your curls will have wonderful definition and will be very fluffy and soft.

Let’s talk conditioners…not all conditioners are created equal as you can see.  Some conditioners will leave your hair feeling coated, dull, crunchy, and dry.  You will have to experiment and research your ingredients.  Everyone’s hair responds differently to certain ingredients.  I have found that my hair responds well to using conditioners as a moisturizer that has cetyl alcohol, ceteraryl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, natural oils, and butters in the top 5 ingredients.  I also like the conditioners that contain some silicones (not a necessity, but has yielded good results).  Once more do your research because your hair may not like all silicones.  I usually like to find this toward the end of the ingredients list and not in the top 5.

The thicker the conditioner and the more slip it has, the better it will be for leaving it in your hair.  It is likely that it contains some natural oils for softness, shine, and laying down the cuticle.  The fatty alcohols that I mentioned above will ensure that it is rich with moisture.  Apply liberally and make sure you get your ends well.  You may have to apply more to your ends once it dries.

There you have it ladies. I wanted to post pictures of my hair, but I cannot find my SD card for my camera. I will have to take some at some point to show you what I mean about using conditioner as a moisturizer and a styler for your curly tresses.

If you try this, let me know how it works for you!! I am all ears and all curls. If you have an even better technique that promotes curl separation for optimal hair movement and definition, please let us know!!

-GC

Hola chicas!!  I am finally back for the review that I promised you about the CBSS WSHP.  I was thinking before I did this review did I want this based on my first encounter or after a few trials with it?  Well, I decided that most people try something once and make a decision about it. If they don’t like it; they usually do not have the desire to try it again anytime soon.  I am like that.  Either I like it straight out the jar or I don’t.  I have revisited this product after a couple of curlies with successful usage of this product and they have very lovely, but different curl patterns and textures of hair.  This tells me this product is more versatile than most.

You will find my review below shortly.  Enjoy and let me know what you think.  Please chime in.  I would love to hear from you and your experiences with this product.

CBSS Wet Set Hair Pudding

Wet Set Hair Pudding (From the website)

Ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera, olive oil

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What immediately jumps out at me about this product?

• The three basic all natural ingredients!  WOW!  Only vegetable glycerin, natural oil, and aloe vera gel.  These are my most favorite ingredients for my hair.  This base is what I look for in products that I purchase that are natural or commercial.

Price:

• Very cheap!  It costs about $11.50 for 16 oz size and about half for the 8 oz size.  Works better than those pricier puddings and curl creams.

Appearance and Scent:

• I ordered it in vanilla and brown sugar.  The vanilla smells exactly like vanilla and reminds me of being a kid.  It is one of my most favorite base scents.  The brown sugar smells absolutely great.  It made me think of pancake syrup.  Once again, it smelled awesome.  I would pick this scent over the vanilla very easily.
• This is a very creamy product.  It has a very fluffy appeal.  It reminds me of a face cream or a deep conditioner in its whipped look.

Texture and Feel:

• It feels really good.  It is creamy feeling as well.  It is nice, soft, and moisturizing like an amped up body lotion.  The oil in it gives it lubricity and helps it to glide into the hair.

Distribution Ease:

• Very easy to distribute.  Since it looks fluffy and feels light you will be tempted to use a lot.  Don’t!  Resist the urge to use too much.  You will find that once your hair dries, it will dry a bit on the oilier side.  Now for those that need extra softness and shine, this may be ideal, because this type of hair will have the ability to drink oils in.

Application method:

• I shingled it into my hair in sections.  Some parts such as the back, I did a rake and smooth technique.  I also did the rake and smooth technique to the side of my hair too.  For the front and top of my hair I shingled with the Denman brush because I have less curl definition in these areas and this area needs more attention.

Wet State:

• Good curl elongation
• Good curl definition
• Nice shine
• Good clumping
• Very bouncy
• Improved curl separation and movement
• Smelled awesome (did I already say that already?)

Dry State:

• Still great clumping of curls
• Definition remained
• Really defined my less curlier areas of my hair that other products could not do unless using a gel
• Dried crunchy in the drier areas of my hair, but scrunched out easily and was left with nice, soft hair (more than likely due to the AVG.  Happens all the time, but to a much lesser degree than commercial gels/creams.) ~ Remember, that most products has to be scrunched.  I know I forget about this at times.
• Shiny in some areas and sheeny in the rest (that is how my hair is)

Drawbacks:

• It did allow a bit of frizz to sneak in.  This is heavier on the glycerin instead of being heavier on the AVG.  So, since I live in a very humid area, this will indeed give me optimal softness and moisture, but will not do as much for frizz possibilities.

How much frizz did I have?

• Not much!  But I did notice it because I know my hair and if it is a little frizzier than usual.

Second day hair:

• Misted with the homemade moisturizing spritz, shook, and fluffed slightly.
• Even better and softer than the first day!  I was very impressed with my hair with this simple product.

Rivals and Competition:

• Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Creme ~ outshines this product easily.
• Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding ~ doesn’t even come close to this product.
• Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue ~ falls a bit behind with durability, curl elongation, hold, and shine.  But that is in comparison to the OLD formulation that does not have petroleum in it.  I am not sure about the new formulation and comparability.

Final Take:

• Very moisturizing
• Endurance built (holds up well beyond the first day)
• Soft
• Curls popping all over the place and left even more defined than usual in less curlier areas
• Free flowing curls (body and amazing volume once dry too)
• I got LOTS of compliments on my hair.  I got more compliments on the second day than the first.  That should tell you a LOT about this product and its endless capabilities for the hair.

Added Bonus:

• It is a styler and moisturizer combo.  You can just add this to your freshly washed/cowashed curls and go!!

Recommendation?

• I would definitely recommend this product!!  It will remain in my product arsenal as my pudding of choice.

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Well, that’s all folks!  Thanks for reading!!

Ciao,

-GC

Deep Treatments and You!

Hola Chicas!!

I have been failing in the past three months or so with keeping up with my routine weekly deep treatments.  My hair has shown the effects of when you skimp on such things.  A routine is vital to the overall health of your hair.  I havelearned that skipping a step will alter your hairs condition or possibly cause some issues.  If you are pretty consistent, then the “change” in your hair will be evident and what to do to solve it will be easier too.

So, it would behoove you to make a hair routine and stick to it.  I remember when I wouldn’t even dream of staying in on a weekend night to wash, condition, and deep treat my hair.  Now I find it extremely pleasurable.  The health of my hair thanks me for it too.  As you have read, I too forget some things when it comes to my hair.  I get lazy when my hair is in excellent shape.  I have been fooled to think that it may not take all of that to have great, beautiful, and healthy hair.  Some would argue with you too, that it does not take all that.  Now, if you talk to someone that is in great physical shape; they will tell you that it DOES take ALL of that to stay in great shape.  Actually, it does matter.  And it should matter to you, if you are serious about having healthy beautiful hair.

I have finally kicked in by doing and sticking to my weekly deep treatments.  Although I am protein sensitive,  I have noticed that my hair does respond well to a light protein deep treatment.  I have been using the ORS Hair Mayonnaise and the ORS Replenishing Pak.  I really like them.  You just have to remember to follow up with a really good moisturizing conditioner and leave-in conditoner/moisturizer (for the protein sensitive curlies especially).  I have found that my hair is softer after using these DT and seems to be stronger as well.  I have not noticed any drying or breakage associated with using the proteins in either of these two treatments.  If you are using these successfully, please let me know how they are working for you…the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences are welcomed!

I will have to use them a few more times before I can DEFINITELY tell you which one I prefer over the other, if I like them equally, or if I dislike them both after using for a period of time.  I have not found a great conditioner to use as a good deep treatment.  My TIGI Moisture Maniac does well, but works better as a rinse out conditioner and cowash.  I think conditioners formulated as a deep conditioner works best because they are processed that way and to have intensive conditioning capabilities.

Can’t wait to hear from you.

Ciao

-GC

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Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise

Description

* Treatment for damaged hair.
* Enriched with olive oil, egg protein & herbs.
* Organic Root Stimulator Reconstructive Hair Mayonnaise:
o A rich blend of botanical extracts and herbs have joined forces with whole egg protein and olive oil to restore and renew dry, damaged hair.
* This intensive reconstructive conditioning treatment moisturizes and strengthens damaged and over processed hair.
* Each strand is bathed in a rich melange of essential oils, organic amino acids, and vitamin B5 to moisturize and to help strengthen.
* From the first application of Hair Mayonnaise, fragile hair will be rejuvenated with moisture and elasticity to mend split ends and providing incredible body and shine.

Ingredients

Water Aqua , Polyquaternium 32 , Glycerin , Safflower Oil Carthamus Tinctorius , Hydrolyzed Collagen , Behentrimonium Methosulfate , Cetyl Alcohol , Olive Oil Olea Europaea , Dicetyldimonium Chloride , Lanolin , Dimethicone , Phenyl Trimethicone , Panthenol Vitamin B5 , Cholesterol , Stinging Nettle Urtica Dioica , Capsicum Extract Paprika , Hydrolyzed Keratin , Egg Powder Ovum , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (seriously?) , Propylene Glycol , DMDM Hydantoin , Diazolidinyl Urea , Methyl Paraben , Propyl Paraben , Brown No. 1 CI 20170 , Fragrance Parfum , Benzyl Benzoate , D’Limonene , Linalool , Alphaisomethylionone

Instructions

* Weekly Conditioning Instructions:
1. Shampoo hair with Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and towel blot.
2. Place Hair Mayonnaise into palm of hand. Rub hands together and gently massage into hair. Comb hair to ensure even coverage of hair shaft.
3. Cover hair with plastic cap and let process under a warm dryer for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and proceed with styling.
* Intensive Conditioning Directions:
o For severely damaged hair, add 1 egg to Hair Mayonnaise in a bowl and mix well.
o Apply to towel-dried hair and cover head with plastic cap.
o Let conditioner sit on hair for 1-2 hours - do not use dryer.
o Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and proceed with styling.

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Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner ~ Same thing as the Replenishing Pak.

Description

* Deep Penetrating Conditioner.
* Helps restore, moisturize, & rebuild damaged hair.

Ingredients

Water Aqua , Soybean Oil Glycine Soja , Glycerine , Olive Oil Olea Europaea , Hydrolyzed Collagen , Quaternium-80 , DMDM Hydantoin , Amino Silk Acid , Dimethicone Copolyol , Orange Oil Citrus Aupantium Dulcis , D’Limonene , Panthenol Vitamin B5 , Dimethicone , EDTA , Chamomile Extract Anthemis Nobilis , Sage Extract Salvia Officinalis , Nettle Extract Urtica Dioica , Rosemary Extract Rosmarinus Officinalis , Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Barbedensis , Yarrow Extract Achilea Millefolium , Kiwi Extract Actinidia Chinensis , Polyquaternium-37 , Trideceth-7 , Triethanolamine , Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans (?) , Methylchlorosothiazolinone , Methylchlorothiazolinone , Yellow No. 6 CI 15985 , Yellow No. 5 CI 19140

Instructions

1. After shampooing with olive oil creamy aloe shampoo, apply a generous amount to hair and comb through for thorough distribution.
2. Place a plastic cap over the hair and sit under a warm dryer for 10-15 minutes or let remain on the hair for 45 minutes to 1 hour with plastic cap without heat.
3. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
4. Use either the olive oil wrap/set styling mousse, which is great for wrapping or roller setting; or use the olive oil incredibly rich oil moisturizing hair lotion for blow drying.

JessiCurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment (from the website)

I’m a big fan of weekly deep treatments with heat. They really moisturize and strengthen the hair, and they’re just plain fun to do. This treatment works best with a plastic cap and left on for 20 minutes. This thick conditioner uses cocoa butter and shea butter to add some serious moisture to your hair.

Ingredients:

Water infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp,Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint,Sage, and Thyme; Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter, Lecithin, Aloe Vera Powder, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance.

~~~~~~~~~~~GYPSYCURLS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Current Hair Issue(s): Winter time dryness

In search of: A good leave-in conditioner that will help combat dryness and promote softness and moisturization.

Curly Hair Needs: Something that adds lots of moisture, weighs the hair down somewhat, dries soft, has slip, ease of distribution to thick curly 3C hair type, and does not disturb the natural curl and can double as a leave-in, add shine, and smells nice!

Recommendations: Another curly with hair similar to mine uses this successfully and as a leave-in that she purports to be a HOLY GRAIL product.  It couldn’t get much better than that.

Next step: Will purchase and review for the above CURLY  HAIR NEEDS and CURRENT HAIR ISSUE.

THE GOOD: USED ALONE w/o a styler/moisturizer!!

1. Ultra moisturizing!  It left my hair feeling very moisturized and soft.  Surprisingly this conditioner’s focus is to be used as a weekly deep treatment.
2. I brushed it through my hair in sections.  It has great slip and melted into my hair immediately.
3. Smells wonderful in Island Fantasy.
4. Plays well with your stylers. Just added a small amount of gel to my edges to put my hair up in a puff, but only had the JC WDT throughout my hair.
5. Next day:  Hair still soft, moisturized, and SHINY!  Another nice bonus!
6. Ends of my hair was still nice and soft.
7. Great curl clumping ability too!
8. All Natural!
9. No PROTEINS!!

THE BAD:

1. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
2. Smells too good to NOT be able to eat!

VERDICT:  It is a KEEPER and WORTH an honorary place immediately in my regimen!!  I would suggest that anyone having moisturization issues or having a hard time finding a great leave-in, look no further!  You will have found it in JC WDT!!  It is also reasonably priced and comes in different sizes for those more frugal in price, but want more bang for your buck.

Honorable mention:  It moisturized my younger daughters fine, extremely dry, frizzy, and tangled hair.  It left her hair nicely fluffy, soft, and moisturized.  Worked great alone too for her usual braid outs.

Well ladies, there you have it!  Another natural product that makes the cut and delivers more than what it promises and works in a way it was not formulated.  What a jewel that was found!  Please let me know what your experiences are with this product if you use this now or have used it in the past.  If this review makes you tempted to try this special little treasure out, please let me know how it goes and works for you.  My ears are always open!

Ciao for now ladies!!

-GC

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Hola chicas!!  I have just about tried everything that I want to try.  If I have not tried it, then for some reason it did not interest me, something is in it that I can’t do ingredients wise, or price.  It could be anything.  But just as I say that, there are times when I am looking for something new to try.  Just when I think I have it all down and knows what my hair likes it changes.  As you may have read from my other post about my hair curl pattern changing as it gets longer.  Well, my hair needs change with that as well too.  It also changes with the weather and climate.

CBSS Wet Set Hair Pudding

Wet Set Hair Pudding (From the website)

Ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera, olive oil

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I have basically tried a lot of things.  I have learned that you have to be careful with this product junky habit or you could be trying things that will not work for you and thereby being very costly in the end.  I don’t want a huge product graveyard.  I do have a rule that if it does not fit on my cart with my other products then I cannot purchase it until I clear out others.  I gave this a try about a year ago through a swap.  I did not like it. But I remember thinking that it may have no longer been fresh or I just didn’t know how to use it properly.  I am not sure which it was. I never really tried to work with it or gave it another shot.  It did not work on my oldest daughters hair and she can just about use anything.  So, now I am leaning toward it being old.  The label was worn and it may have been stored in the bathroom.  A horrible place to store natural hair products.

However, a curly friend of mine suggested this product for me to revisit.  It has three simple ingredients and those three ingredient types are the types that I use in my Homemade Jelly.  The price is also right on the money (exceptionally reasonable) and she offers a variety of scents to choose from too.  Here you will see the video of the curly that uses this product successfully and speaks well of it and the results that she gets.  She also told me to add a bit more oil to it, because it makes it easier to use and apply.

She has been right in the past and I have successfully used other products that she has used or can use.  Our hair does not look alike, but we must have very similar textures of hair.  Our hair usually likes and dislikes the same things.  Our hair usually reacts the same way to many products.  We are also very protein sensitive.  She has taught me some techniques or helped me to figure out either a product or the right technique to make it work.  Natural hair is akin to raising children and the old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Well, it takes a village of curlies to help another curly on the natural hair journey.  It should not be taken alone.  She is my go-to person for my hair issues and product suggestions!!  If you don’t have a go to curly, get one.  It will prove invaluable in the long run.  It makes this lifestyle less lonely and a little less problematic when you have someone to help you solve this thing called curly hair.

I will be back to write a full review on my experience with the CBSS WSHP.  I have ordered it in Vanilla and Brown Sugar.  I love both scents and I ordered two because of the price and having more than one head of curly hair in the house.  There are three of us and we can use the same things with the exception of a few things.  My oldest can almost use anything, but myself and the youngest use basically the same products and our hair hates some of the same ingredients.  I can’t wait to revisit this.

See you on the other side chicas!!

Ciao!

-GypsyCurls

Hola Chicas!

Well, today is just one of those days when I’m not sure how I feel about my hair.  Have you ever had one of those days?  I have had my fair share and that continues in spite of me.  At one point I am the happiest I have ever been with my hair and then there are other dayss that send me back to the drawing board to figure out some hair enigma, mine or others.  I want to share a few things with you about my hair, or hair in general.  Maybe you have experienced this or maybe not.  At any rate, let me know what you think.

1.  I WILL NEVER EVER USE HENNA ON MY HAIR AGAIN!! Henna really dried my hair out and my hair has not returned from it.  I got minute shinyness and a small amount of color.  But the dryness lives on and has done a number to the already dry patch in the crown of my head.  The only solution is to transition out the henna’d hair. Just because something is natural, does not mean it will be good for you.  Arsenic is natural, but is deadly.

2.  I WILL NOT PERMANENTLY DYE MY HAIR AGAIN (going lighter). I got highlights around this time last year.  I loved them straight out the gate.  It awakened my face and gave my style that much needed oomph!  I am sure you ladies know what I mean.  IF I use dye again outside of a rinse, then it will not involve having to be bleached in order to get those golden highlights. My hair is so dry where the color is and now it frizzies more than curls.  Since curls like to bunch with like curls, these prevents that because they don’t really curl any longer.  The color has altered my natural texture, because it loosened the curls, and damaged the hair.  I guess I am stuck with the natural color of my hair, unless I use a rinse.  I haven’t gone gray yet, so I am not sure how I will take care of that once it starts.  Any suggestions?

3.  CORKSCREWS BE DAMNED!! Gone are my cute corkscrews that I once possessed.  My hair was a nice mix of coils, spirals, and corkscrew curls.  Now my hair only corkscrews on the ends and in the back (my curliest section).  Now I have a head full of s-curls or s-waves.  I use the terms interchangeably.  I am not knocking them, but I would prefer to have my old curl pattern back instead.  What caused this?  One of two things…weight with hair growth or a change in the hair texture/curl pattern that happens every 7 years.

I really have to use my denman brush now to create curls in the front and sides of my hair.  It helps to give it that springier look to match the back of my hair more.

So, there you have it chicas!  Three things that totally make me somewhat saddened about my curls.  Two of them I can control, but the one I must learn to live with and accept.

What must you learn to live with and accept in your curly journey?  Have you made peace with it, or are you still fighting it?

Ciao!

-GC

**Revisiting due to being great information for those experiencing extreme dryness.  This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am**

I know I have hit on this at some point in one of my blogs. It is about dry hair. Dry hair is a concern for curly and afro textured hair. Curly hair is usually baby fine and very soft to the touch. It is weightless and can be prone to frizzies and fly-aways. What I have noticed when reading ingredients is that almost all of them contain at least one protein in the formulation. Protein is very good for the hair. The hair is made up of the protein Keratin. Proteins repair, strengthen, adds moisture, and shine to the hair. Those are very good things for the hair. But there is a such thing as protein overload too. Curly hair is not damaged hair. It is hair in its healthiest state, especially if there is no heat usage or very minimal. There is slight wear and tear to the hair in the course of caring for the hair, such as washing, combing, brushing, and otherwise manipulating the hair. There are also environmental damage from wind, cold, heat, and the sun. So, proteins come in to repair the damage that this causes.

However, natural healthy hair does not need to be saturated in proteins. It can have the opposite affect and cause excessive breakage, brittleness, dryness, split ends, and an overall dullness to the hair. If you are anything like me, you have protein sensitive hair. My hair snaps under a lot of protein and leads to damage. My hair thanks me for drowning it in moisture and limiting the amount of protein that I use in my hair. I typically only use proteins in my deep conditioning treatments that I use on a weekly basis to repair the damage done by normal stress on the hair from daily manipulation. After each deep conditioning treatment that contains protein, I apply a very conditioning and moisturizing conditioner to my hair and leave in place for 15-30 minutes. This is the only way that I can use a protein based conditioner without suffering from ill-effects.

So, be on the lookout for how much protein you are using if you are natural. Natural hair does not need as much protein as color treated or relaxed hair does. The hair manufacturers cater to this population and therefore add protein to a lot of the products. It is very true for the hair gels on the market targeted for Afro textured hair. Employ caution if you are using these gels. Protein heavy gels leave my hair extra dry! Even with the use of a very creamy and moisturizing leave-in or moisturizer under it. I use this type of gel very sparingly. I have also found that gels filled with plastics such as carbomer (thickening agent) can make the hair dry too.

Here is a list of some of the proteins that you will find in your products (not all inclusive):

1. “Hydrolyzed” anything (CAUSES IMMEDIATE AND EXTREME DRYNESS ISSUES)
2. Soy (does not seem to cause issues to my hair)
3. Milk
4. Collagen
5. Casein
6. Silk (does not seem to cause undue issues to my hair)
7. Amino Acids (does not seem to cause undue issues to my hair)
8. Keratin
9. Wheat
10. Oat
11. Corn
12. Elastin

Ways to alleviate or deal with dry hair, stop breakage and brittleness:

1. Mineral oil - is a crude oil.  No nourishing properties for the skin or hair.  It coats and suffocates the hair strands and causes extreme dryness through brittleness and breakage.
2. Petroleum - see above.
3. Using natural products on your hair that nourish the hair.
4. Using moisturizing products for the hair (aloe vera, glycerin, honey, and etc)
5. Seal with a natural oil (olive, avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, and etc.)
6. Check out what type of water you have from the chart in my previous post about hard water.  If you have hard water, you may want to invest in a shower filter or something for your whole house.  But a shower filter is a start.
7. Clarifying build-up:  ACV Rinse (apple cider vinegar), Baking Soda wash, Lemon-Aid (lemon cleansing)- *employ caution if your hair is color treated.  They will cut through any product buildup and restore moisture and shine to the hair.

What I have spoken about does not happen to everyone.  Some people’s hair loves proteins whether it is damaged or not.  But if you notice persistent dryness and you have taken the following precautions, then it just might be the protein-moisture balance.

If you are doing all of the above then eliminate proteins from your regimen entirely for two to four weeks and see if there is a difference.  Then add back in the protein and see what happens.  Jot it down what you are using and how much and how your hair feels.  Most importantly write down what protein is in the formulation.  It will help you notice or narrow down which ones, if any or all may give you issues.  This is just one approach that has helped me to deal with and stave off dryness issues.

Hope you find that some of this information helps or you find it useful.  Good Luck!!

-GypsyCurls

Research Corner:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html?cat=69

I know that Miss Jessie’s has been questioned about some of her “questionable” ingredients usage such as Petroleum and so forth.  Even still, she has a huge following and has not really felt the pressure to change her formulations.  Something must be working, because I still hear great things about her products.  There are some reviews that aren’t so great too, but overall the experience with Miss Jessie’s has been very favorable and positive.  I would feel much better if she would take out certain ingredients, but it could totally alter the effectiveness of the product or the desired outcome.  Not sure….but I will say that it is currently on trial for present and future use.

One of the first products for me to try is Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding…

From Miss Jessie’s Website:

Curly Pudding ^TM

Our world famous Curly Pudding is a “smooth operator” that transforms shrunken kinks to super shiny stretched out curls.

Instructions for use: Apply a palm full of Curly pudding to damp freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. Rake through large sections and air dry. For maximum elongation comb a nickel sized dollop thru small sections and air dry.

If you have curls you need Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. This moisturizing, soft hold curl crème rescues “frizzy fro’s” and transforms them into “defined do’s”. Whether you have Type 3b/c or 4a/b hair type, you will achieve a looser, more defined curl pattern with a light hold. Simply put it is said to be “the best darn curl crème period”. It’s freshly fragranced with a light floral scent.

Ingredients:

Water, Paraffin Liquidum, Glycerin, Fragrance, Triethandamine, Corborner, PEG-12, Dimethicone, Diproylene Gycol, Silk Amino Acids, Aloe Barbdensis Leaf Extract, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Oleth-5, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Disodium Edta, DMDM Hydantoin, Violet 2.

UPDATE:  COMING SOON!  STILL IN PROGRESS!!

Stretch Silkening Crème

Miko’s favorite. Introducing Stretch Silkening Crème, an amazing addition to our ever expanding curl crème empire. “How’s it different from the rest?” I’ll tell you. Stretch Silkening Crème is a quicker to dry whipped soufflé that delivers an amazing plump curl and a brilliant shine. Fabulous for fingerstyling. The lightest of the curl crème bunch. P.S. This is not Miko’s chemical Silkener technique.

Instructions for use:
Apply product while hair is soaking wet for full coverage based on your length and density. Do not rinse out. Air dry or dry under an overhead dryer. For maximum stretch silkening: After curls are fully dried grab a section and stretch downward for tension. Using a blowdryer with a nozzle attachment blast heat from root to midshaft. This will further stretch those kinks to curls. Enjoy!

Stretch Silkening Crème is a whipped soufflé that delivers amazing plump to curls with a natural shine. The lightest of the curl crème bunch, this cream helps to stretch and elongate the curl; while it moisturizes and conditions at the same time.

Ingredients:

Water, Paraffinum Liquidium, Glycerin, Wheat Amino Acids, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl, Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet almond Oil Jojoba Seed Oil Olive Fruit Oil, Peg 12 demethicone, Fragrance, Ethylexyl Methoxycinnamate, Oleth-5, DMDM Hydration, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Disodium Edta, Orange 4, Red 40.

Update 01.24.09:

Well Chicas, I have given this one a few tries.  And I don’t have great news to report back to you.  My hair looked “fine” with this product in tow.  It didn’t look exceptional and did not have lots of hair blingage either.  My hair wasn’t dull, but it was not shiny either.  I used a leave-in conditioner underneath it.  It did not like that much at all.  It tried to get that white cottage cheesy look.  It was not the easiest to distribute and sort of dragged onto the hair and caused my natural curl bunches to be disrupted.  When it dried, it dried pretty crunchy.  My hair felt dry and was dry to the touch.  I tried it in a puff and a ponytail besides the wash n’ go.  This so wasn’t a go for me.

Possible causes: Petroleum based and very protein heavy.

Why so much protein in her products?:

The only thing that I could come up with is that they are huge proponents of the silkener.  When you use chemicals on your hair of any kind, you have damaged your hair.  Therefore products heavy on the proteins will help with the continual need of repairing the hair since it has been seriously broken.  The reason why they can use the petroleum besides being very cheap to purchase and plentiful is because hair that has been chemically altered can use these types of ingredients easily.  When I was wearing a relaxer many moons ago, my hair still did not like the petroleum.  But there are many that have relaxers, silkeners, texturizers whose hair can tolerate petroleum.

Where is this product now?

My oldest daughter is using it.  It did make her hair a bit crunchy, but not to the extreme that it made mine.  Her hair is not protein sensitive.  It did not give her naturally shiny hair any more shine, but it did not take it away either.  Her hair looked quite nice and was able to suck up the petroleum as well.  Her 2nd day hair was a bit more to work with.  And it was more like my first day hair with the product.

Is there a future?

Probably not.  The outcome is NOT worth the price.  The ingredients are too inferior for the price being charged as well.  I’ve used better (ingredients) and cheaper.

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Curls by Sisters Smith “Wet Set Hair Pudding”

Shingling

Hair Update!

Detangling

Wanna see more? Check out her videos on YouTube!

Dry ends? Not these!!

Hola Chicas!!

Have you ever wondered why your hair is still dry after you’ve moisturized it, spritzed it and soaked it in tons of the most moisturizing conditioner on the planet? Well, me too. I know I have spoken to you about dryness associated with my curly hair and curly hair in general. I tend to experience a constant state of dryness, but to varying levels. Some days it is super dry, especially in the winter, and at others it is just dry from either lack of moisture or something that I have used in my hair. A lot of the times it would be that I have used something that has protein in it and my hair just couldn’t take it in and grab the benefits that proteins can offer. The other times that it is dry is because I have tried something new such as a styler or moisturizer that I have not gotten the hang of using, or used too much or not enough. NOW, my product usage and trying has cut down significantly as you can see over the last 6 months or so.

I was speaking to another super informative curly about my dryness issues and being bummed about my hair. Oh yes, even I get bummed out about my hair at times as with anything else. So, I am telling her that my hair is having dryness issues once again. There is that infamous patch of hair that I hate dead in the center of the crown of my head. The hair there is neither curly, wavy, nor straight. It is just plain fuzzy and dry. It has the ability to make or break any curly girls’ style. Back some time around this time I tried henna and that made that portion of my hair worse than normal. I am still suffering from the effects of it and must transition the henna from my hair just as you would a relaxer.

So, anyway…this special curly lady told me this…

Personally, I find that when I “shingle” periodically I pay more attention to the ends of my hair. I’m sure you’ll figure out a method that works best for keeping your ends moisturized. I sometimes wonder if this is more of an issue for those that don’t “rewet” on a regular bases and do more “dry” or protective styling. I mean…some girls are going 3, 4, and sometimes 5 days without wetting. After 2 days, if my hair could talk it would say, “water me”! It loves H2O, which is why I rewet 90% of the time. I use conditioner mainly for moisture and only need a heavier (buttery-like) cream in the winter for additional moisture. Someone else said in their Youtubes that they only use conditioners to moisturize, too!

Okay Chicas! This is some sound advice that I will be taking to heart. Hopefully, if you are experiencing drynesss issues, this will help you too! I will be reporting back to you to see if this is the solution to my problem. Because I do recall my hair being really soft all the time when it was much shorter before the puff and ponytail days due to having to co-wash daily or every other day in order to style. *Lightbulb moment*

-GC

UPDATE (01.24.09):

Hola Chicas! I actually have some really good news to report to you. I have been rewetting my hair more often again, like when it was shorter and 2nd day and beyond hair just wasn’t possible due to the length. Well, as they say, water is a hair’s best friend and it is the ultimate moisturizer! My hair is much softer since I have been rewetting my hair more often again, like my good fellow curly friend suggested. Actually, the one that gave that sound advice videos appears here this week and her name is TESHONANDFAMILY. (Please make sure you check out her other videos, some are tutorials, some are reviews, and others are informational in nature. Her, her hair, her videos, and production crew are just plain phenomenal.).

I haven’t been having much of the dryness issues like before.  I do believe that wetting the hair on a regular basis does help with this issue tremendously.  My ends are not as hard either.  Now, I have to work on sealing them during the winter.  I tend to forget after moisturizing or spritzing my hair to continuously have it hydrated.  My curls are doing much better too.  I have also kicked in by doing and sticking to my weekly deep treatments.  I had been slacking a little on that.  Although I am protein sensitive,  I have noticed that my hair does so much better with a light protein deep treatment.  I have been using the ORS Hair Mayonnaise and the ORS Replenishing Pak.  Just remember to follow up with a really good moisturizing conditioner and leave-in/moisturizer (for the protein sensitive curlies especially).  I have found that my hair is softer after using it and seems to be stronger as well.  I have not noticed any drying or breakage associated with using the proteins in these two treatments.  If you are using these succesfully, please let me know how they are working for you…the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences are welcomed!

Ciao

-GC

Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise

Description

* Treatment for damaged hair.
* Enriched with olive oil, egg protein & herbs.
* Organic Root Stimulator Reconstructive Hair Mayonnaise:
o A rich blend of botanical extracts and herbs have joined forces with whole egg protein and olive oil to restore and renew dry, damaged hair.
* This intensive reconstructive conditioning treatment moisturizes and strengthens damaged and over processed hair.
* Each strand is bathed in a rich melange of essential oils, organic amino acids, and vitamin B5 to moisturize and to help strengthen.
* From the first application of Hair Mayonnaise, fragile hair will be rejuvenated with moisture and elasticity to mend split ends and providing incredible body and shine.

Ingredients

Water Aqua , Polyquaternium 32 , Glycerin , Safflower Oil Carthamus Tinctorius , Hydrolyzed Collagen , Behentrimonium Methosulfate , Cetyl Alcohol , Olive Oil Olea Europaea , Dicetyldimonium Chloride , Lanolin , Dimethicone , Phenyl Trimethicone , Panthenol Vitamin B5 , Cholesterol , Stinging Nettle Urtica Dioica , Capsicum Extract Paprika , Hydrolyzed Keratin , Egg Powder Ovum , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (seriously?) , Propylene Glycol , DMDM Hydantoin , Diazolidinyl Urea , Methyl Paraben , Propyl Paraben , Brown No. 1 CI 20170 , Fragrance Parfum , Benzyl Benzoate , D’Limonene , Linalool , Alphaisomethylionone

Instructions

* Weekly Conditioning Instructions:
1. Shampoo hair with Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and towel blot.
2. Place Hair Mayonnaise into palm of hand. Rub hands together and gently massage into hair. Comb hair to ensure even coverage of hair shaft.
3. Cover hair with plastic cap and let process under a warm dryer for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and proceed with styling.
* Intensive Conditioning Directions:
o For severely damaged hair, add 1 egg to Hair Mayonnaise in a bowl and mix well.
o Apply to towel-dried hair and cover head with plastic cap.
o Let conditioner sit on hair for 1-2 hours - do not use dryer.
o Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water and proceed with styling.

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak

* Deep Penetrating Conditioner.
* Helps restore, moisturize, & rebuild damaged hair.
Ingredients

Water Aqua , Soybean Oil Glycine Soja , Glycerine , Olive Oil Olea Europaea , Hydrolyzed Collagen , Quaternium-80 , DMDM Hydantoin , Amino Silk Acid , Dimethicone Copolyol , Orange Oil Citrus Aupantium Dulcis , D’Limonene , Panthenol Vitamin B5 , Dimethicone , EDTA , Chamomile Extract Anthemis Nobilis , Sage Extract Salvia Officinalis , Nettle Extract Urtica Dioica , Rosemary Extract Rosmarinus Officinalis , Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Barbedensis , Yarrow Extract Achilea Millefolium , Kiwi Extract Actinidia Chinensis , Polyquaternium-37 , Trideceth-7 , Triethanolamine , Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans (?) , Methylchlorosothiazolinone , Methylchlorothiazolinone , Yellow No. 6 CI 15985 , Yellow No. 5 CI 19140
Instructions

1. After shampooing with olive oil creamy aloe shampoo, apply a generous amount to hair and comb through for thorough distribution.
2. Place a plastic cap over the hair and sit under a warm dryer for 10-15 minutes or let remain on the hair for 45 minutes to 1 hour with plastic cap without heat.
3. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
4. Use either the olive oil wrap/set styling mousse, which is great for wrapping or roller setting; or use the olive oil incredibly rich oil moisturizing hair lotion for blow drying.