PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk

       

           When I bought the Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk, I actually intended to buy the Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Thickening Growth Milk. I know right, they sound kind of similar (just wait until you see the packaging). At the time my ends were very thin, fragile and breaking so easily. Hence, I wanted a product to thicken my ends and prevent breakage. I rushed in and out of the store in less than 5 minutes and only afterward realized I picked up the wrong product. I immediately started researching and comparing the ingredients, and studied the results of other users. Consequently, I decided to give the product a chance. By the way, it so turned out that I really just needed a trim to rid of those extremely dead ends (which I did get a week after). 

          Now, let's get to the review on Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk. Yeah, its a really long name with some really weird ingredients.  The label also mentions that it contains Baobab Oil and Cilantro Extract. The product is specifically for frizzy, split and breaking hair. It claims to improve thickness, strength and manageability of hair whilst reducing frizz and providing moisture and shine. In the Caribbean, Yucca, more commonly known as Cassava, is a strong source of carbohydrates. Plantain ,which is rich in B vitamins, is also somewhat a staple due to our Spanish influence. However, the Baobab Oil and Cilantro Extract really threw me over the fence. One sounds like an African language and the other is a seasoning herb. Nonetheless, Shea Moisture claims that they boost shine and fortify strength. It did not disturb me at all that the product contained ingredients that I was accustomed eating. I have great confidence in Shea Moisture products. I'm also aware of the benefits of Yucca and Plantain on the body and I'm a huge believer of what's good for the body is good for my hair.

                Pros                

          On the bright side, this strengthening milk absorbs very well into my hair. It literally soaks it up as if it was dehydrated. I apply it from root to tip and gently finger detangle. I tried it on dampened hair, as well as, dry, flat ironed hair and the results were exactly the same. My hair adores this product! On that note, I should mention that I have low porosity hair. This product being a "milk" provides a more lightweight feel as opposed to hair lotions or creams, hence it is more easily absorbed.  I cannot speak for other porosity levels but I can imagine that it should also work well once followed by a moisturize and seal. The anti-breakage milk also stays true to its claim that it can mix and blend with other products. I use it as a leave-in conditioner before I moisturize and seal. It neither weighs down nor disappears under layers of other products. It provides a strong base in my moisturizing regime. Altogether, my hair feels soft, yet strong and very manageable. 

                Cons               

          On the contrary, like most Shea Moisture products, it is on the pricey side. Although I seem to have no control when it comes to hair products, I will admit it is quite expensive for a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. However, it was totally worth the price because it really, really works well. I'm glad it does to be honest because it's not so easy to return products at beauty supply stores down here. Secondly, the scent is highly (and I mean Highly!) perfumated. It has a very sweet scent almost like  a laundry detergent. The scent does tend to linger even after products are layered over it. Personally, I don't mind it but if you're not into really sweet scents then you may be deterred. 

           As you can tell, I love this product! Even with its high price and overly sweet smell, I continue to use this product regularly. It has quickly made its way to my Top 5 list of hair products. And definitely its secured a place in my daily and weekly hair regimen. I look forward to having healthier, stronger hair. So long are the days of my ends breaking off every time I touch them. Thanks Shea Moisture ;)

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque

       

          Ok, can I just start by saying Shea Moisture takes the award for longest product names ever? Like seriously, I got tired just from typing the title. I discovered the Shea Moisture JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque from the lifestyle and hair vlogger, Charisse Christine. The product was featured in a video entitled "Charisse's Relaxed Hair Must-Haves". I loved how healthy and strong her relaxed hair looked so I was convinced I needed that product in my regimen. It was the first purchase I had ever made from the Shea Moisture brand. Shea Moisture, being a brand associated with natural hair, claims that this JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore line is also suitable for chemically processed, colour treated and heat styled hair. The masque specifically contains Shea Butter, Peppermint and Keratin which each aids in the strengthening, growth and restoration of hair follicles. I have very few complaints about this product. As a matter of fact, I quite like it as you'll soon discover.

     Cons     

          Shea Moisture's Strengthen, Grow & Restore masque does contain proteins; namely Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein and Hydrolyzed Keratin; one of which is in the first ten list of ingredients. Because my hair is so sensitive to protein, I found it best not to use this product every week. When I used it once a week for a month, my hair became quite stringy and sticky on the third week's washing. Thus, I use it every other week or once a month in alternation with a moisturizing conditioner. There is also the concern of Shea Moisture's high prices. This product undoubtedly falls into the pricey category. However, it is totally worth the price if you're willing to spend the money.

     Pros     

          Now we've reached the part where I'd like to fast forward to the end. And I mean that in the best way possible. Every draft I've written thus far just sounds so redundant. What I'm really trying to say is, This Product Actually Produces Every Benefit It Claims! Let's make a checklist:

• replenish moisture and soften while strengthening hair? Yes!
• helps promote hair growth by supporting hair's elasticity? Yes!!
• reduces the appearance of breakage? Oh yes!
• and Shedding? Yesss!
• stimulates the scalp for an invigorating experience? Ohh yes!
• leaves hair soft, manageable and shiny? Uhmm, how do you say.... YES!

It's all there already. I literally could not state it any better. I have experienced every single benefit stated by this product and I'm totally satisfied with it. It has improved the health of my hair by a ten-fold. The Shea Moisture JBCO Treatment Masque is hands down one of the best deep conditioners to ever grace my hair. In terms of its deep treatment qualities, it works well with and without heat. For those with low porosity hair, however, it is recommended to use heat. Otherwise, it can be left on the hair for up to an hour and equal results should be noticed.

As previously mentioned, the price of this product is high. On the plus side, however, one container lasts a very long time. I've had my treatment masque for about a year so far and its just now finishing. A little (or even a lot) definitely goes a long way with this conditioner. The cool thing about it is that, even after heavily scooping it out, by the following use it magically appears to have an even surface. It makes you feel like the product is never ending. Quite frankly, it might as well be, given the length of time it lasts. It also has an amazing scent. And you know I'm hard to please when it comes to scents. I would describe it as a warm, custard-like scent. It definitely smells edible (but in a good way). The scent even lasts long after you've dried and styled your hair. I almost fall in love with my hair every time I catch a whiff of it.

I am incredibly pleased with this deep treatment masque from Shea Moisture. I'm also encouraged to try other products from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. My hair responds very well to this Strengthen, Grow & Restore masque. I definitely look forward to a long, healthy hair journey with Shea Moisture.

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz


Also see: PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk http://letshairthis.blogspot.com/2016/06/product-review-shea-moisture-yucca.html

7 Easy Tips To Healthy Hair

Here are a few tips and tricks that I've picked up along the way. These have really helped improve the health of my hair. I hope some of them can be useful for you as well.

1. Don't comb too often. One of the things I've learnt is the less you manipulate hair, the lesser the risk of breakage. With that said, try to comb out your hair less often and use easy styles like buns and ponytails that may not require detangling. The process of detangling can leave you with excess broken hair on the floor even if careful methods are used. As a result, I've sometimes chosen to put down the comb and leave my hair in a form that can be easily manipulated for everyday styles. 

2. Detangle with conditioner. This is something new that I've taken up. I often heard about wet detangling and its benefits and I can now attest to them. When co-washing or deep conditioning, gently comb out the hair while the conditioner is setting. This step will reduce the amount of detangling you'll have to do once you've washed out the conditioner and preparing to style the hair. It's also less damaging than dry detangling the hair by reducing breakage risk. 

3. Shampoo in applicator bottle. This is probably one of my favourite tricks. You ever tried clarifying your scalp but the shampoo doesn't exactly reach the scalp with your fingers? Try putting a little shampoo into an applicator bottle and add water. Shake the mixture until is lathers, and apply to scalp. It's similar to how you'd do a hot oil treatment. Let it sit on the scalp for about a minute and then wash it out. 

4. Change go-to hairstyles. We all have that one hairstyle that we do for any and every occasion. It may be a protective style or something a little more fancy. For me, my go-to hairstyle is a high bun. However, it's important not to rely on one hairstyle too often because the hair can be negatively affected. My constant use of high buns caused the hair at the nape of my head to be much shorter than the rest of my head. This was because the hair tie would rest just at the ends of my nape hair, eventually breaking it off. Another example is using ponytails at the middle of the head. Overuse of this style causes stunted hair growth at the center of the head where the hair tie rests. In order to avoid unnecessary breakage try alternating a few hairstyles. 

5. Change products to suit hair needs. It is important to know and understand your hair and its needs. For example, when I'm doing a relaxer stretch my hair tends to get dry faster and the previously used moisturizers don't work as effectively. In cases like this, I tend to reach for thicker or more moisturizing products. In other cases, I've had moisturizers that worked well for my hair for a great length of time but eventually would stop penetrating the hair shaft leaving a greasy coat. When I notice this I know it's time to switch moisturizers. 

6. Get regular trims. Some people are fearful of trims, but trimming is one of the best things you can do if you want healthy hair. I can't stress enough how important it is to rid of those dead or split ends that can work their way up the hair shaft. It is recommended that you get your hair trimmed every 4-6 months. It really makes no sense carrying around dead ends just for the sake of having longer hair. The hair will grow, so let the rest go! 

7. Eat Right. It's very simple. What you put in your body will affect the health of your hair and its ability to grow. It's like gardening, if you don't water the plant, it can't grow. Eating healthily will ensure you stronger, more healthy looking hair. Yes, you can take supplements to help with hair growth but that should not be substituted for a healthy, balanced diet. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: ORS Hair Repair Intense Moisture Creme

I stumbled upon this product at the local pharmacy. I was about 9 weeks post relaxer and was in desperate need of a deeply moisturizing product that won't simply coat my hair. I was tossing between a new deep conditioner or a moisturizer but ended up taking the moisturizer instead. The product claimed to provide moisture and softness to dry hair and scalp, as well as, provide a healthy-looking shine. This immediately drew my attention as it hit all my check points, and as well included a mix of avocado and coconut oil. In this review I will start with the cons as they aren't as restricting, and work my way into the positives of this Intense Moisturizing Creme. 

 Cons: 

• I detest the smell! I seriously can't stand the scent of this product. It has a sort of pungent smell. That is part of the reason I couldn't decide between the deep conditioner and this product. It honestly smells like a household cleaning detergent to me. I use this product sparingly, like when I don't have anywhere to go, so I don't personally smell like it. 

• It doesn't work well on the scalp. The product claims to provide moisture to the hair and scalp. When I applied it to my scalp at night it did provide immediate moisturizing benefits. However, by the following day my scalp was extremely itchy. I probably won't use this to massage into my scalp again. 

Pros:

• When this thing says it moisturizes, Believe me it Moisturizes the hair! First of all, it has a very thick consistency. My hair adores thick moisturizers that can soak into the hair and leave a pretty shine. At the time, while I was so far post relaxer, this Hair Repair creme helped my hair to be more manageable and moisturized for at least 2 days. It worked well as a pre braid-out moisturizer, as well as, after air drying. I decided to try it out on my flat ironed hair as well and it provided the same soft, well-moisturized results. 

• Overnight treatment. I tried out this Intense Moisturizing Creme as a night time treatment to see how my hair would react. In the past, with other product brands, my hair did not produce the claimed results of overnight use. With this Hair Repair product, I was surprised at the softness and manageability of my hair (flat ironed and air dried) when I woke the following day. Of course, there was that pungent smell lurking in my head but the results soon outweighed that.

• Strong, Healthy Hair. It must also be noted that although the hair was softened, it was in no way prone to breakage or lacking in strength. The Hair Repair Intense Moisture Creme also contains proteins such as hydrolyzed keratin and hydrolyzed wheat protein to help strengthen dry, damaged hair. 

• Softens New Growth. Along with my previously relaxed hair being unmanageable, it is quite difficult to control my new growth as well. I applied this product to my new growth in sections and experienced an increase in softness and manageability. I was able to detangle my hair much easier from root to ends. 

Disclaimer: For those who are interested in natural products, this may not be the product for you. The ORS Hair Repair Intense Moisturizing Creme does in fact contain petrolatum and alcohol. However, water and coconut oil are of the first few ingredients, appearing even before the alcohols and petrolatum. The product also contains glycerin, olive oil and green tea extract. I have been able to overlook the ingredients because the product works so effectively. It is definitely worth the try. 

I would definitely recommend this product. I have seen great results in such a short space of time. I also continued using this Intense Moisturizing Creme on my freshly relaxed hair in smaller amounts. As mentioned, my only issue with this moisturizer is its smell. I wish the manufacturers would change it in time because I really like the product and will continue to use it when necessary. 

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

Back to Natural?

It's obvious that natural hair is trending now. Whether girls genuinely wish to embrace their roots or just fall into the trend, its very noticeable how quickly this natural hair trend is spreading. Honestly speaking I think it's great that women of African descent are ditching the 'creamy crack' and showing the world that black hair is beautiful. However, would I drastically drop everything just to go back natural for a sense of freedom, empowerment or whatever other reasons women come up with these days? No.

I refuse to join the crowd. It's so crazy how women with relaxed hair that just need a little TLC are giving up in a second and going back natural. Like, are you'll truly prepared to deal with your natural hair? Do you remember how to care for your hair in its natural state? Are you planning to take better care for your natural hair than you did your relaxed hair? Will you get fedup of breaking combs again and reach for the relaxer kit? Do you really want to wear a mini afro until probably 3 years later when your hair grows to a decent length? Does this look fit your lifestyle or your personal style? These are some of the questions women should be considering before they drastically (or intentionally) decide to go back natural. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the change, but it is a huge step that should be carefully considered rather than be a quick escape. 

Personally, I have goals for my hair (in its relaxed state). I have a hair timeline which does conclude with going natural, as well as, going ras (aka dreadlocks). For now, however,  I enjoy the freedom of relaxed hair and personally like the styles I can achieve with relaxed hair. I'm definitely not ditching that for a fro right now! My hair is very healthy and I intend to upkeep that. As previously mentioned on my About page, I hastily relaxed my hair on the day of a big event because I simply could not comb my hair! I was about 15 years old at the time and although it was not planned I always knew in my heart that I did not want to wear braids and canerows for the rest of my life. My hair was simply too thick! That's the reason I even accepted the hasty decision to relax my hair that day; and to this day it is still the reason I choose to maintain my relaxed hair as best as I can and not follow the natural hair trend (because if you didn't realize already, I'm not easily swayed by trends lol ). I watch pictures of girls and women with their big afros and I'm actually intrigued by the styles they can achieve with such a massive amount of hair. I laugh too because I know I would trump all of them if I decided to unleash my natural mane! Haha. However, I remember the texture of my hair very well and it's not that easily manageable. Also, I live in the hot Caribbean and there is no way I want to walk around with a big sweaty afro. At the end of the day, that's simply not the look I personally want to portray right now. As a matter of fact, I have been able to achieve some of those styles with my relaxed hair, so it's a win win for me! 

On the topic of hasty decisions, I find many girls have relaxed their hair in this way as well. We use the relaxer as an escape from the norm; and now some women are using the natural trend to escape relaxed hair either for a genuine change or a chance to start over; and well of course they're those escaping the fact that they've neglected to properly care for their relaxed hair. But thinking back on it, most girls fall into relaxed hair without even knowing how to care for it. It took me at least 10 years and I'm still learning. However, with the help of various blogs and Youtube channels, I honestly hope that women learn how to care for their natural hair and give it the time and effort it deserves (Lord knows they'll need patience. Phew!) As I said, I don't mind seeing women embrace their roots, but at least do it for the right reasons, and put in the work necessary to upkeep it. I won't be joining the crowd anytime soon. Maybe 20 years down the line the trend might be back when I'm ready to go back natural. If not, pssh I'll just stand out on my own! Lol

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

Intense Protein Treatment!

Protein is necessary to maintain hair health. The strands of your hair are made up of protein. Therefore, it's crucial that you apply protein treatments to hair that has been coloured, chemically treated, damaged, dry and brittle. Even if you don't experience much damage,  it's still important to provide the hair with that extra 'oomph' once in a while. 

Egg protein treatments are one of the best in its category. I recently tried it and was absolutely amazed with the result. Yes, I know it seems gross that you're putting a slimey egg on your hair. I had the same impression, but having tried it I must admit that I'll be incorporating it into my monthly hair regimen. 

What You'll Need:

• 1 egg
• 2 tsp Coconut oil
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise

Method: Whip the egg generously, then mix in the other ingredients. 

It's a very simple and quick procedure. Also note that you don't have to use Coconut oil. You may use the oil or oils of your choice. As well, Mayonnaise can be replaced by or used in addition with your favourite conditioner. The measurements obviously can be adjusted to suit the quantity of product you wish to make. 

Honestly, once all the ingredients are mixed in the idea of applying egg to your hair will be of little importance. In fact, the texture of the whipped egg acts as a binding agent so that the mixture does not run off your hair so easily. And it actually smells good! Thanks to the honey and coconut oil. 

Egg protein treatments are Great for restoring the hair before and after chemical relaxers, as well as, when using braids. Braids are in fact a very popular protective style in the Caribbean. Both naturals and relaxed women use braids in order to grow out their hair or just for the style of it. If you're someone who wears braids often, I'd strongly recommend doing egg protein treatments before installation and after take down. 

Because it's such a strong treatment, I'd recommend using it once a month, or once every few months. Reason being, too much protein can cause breakage as well. Be mindful of that. And make sure to do a conditioning treatment immediately after.  Throughout the month, it's advisable to do less intensive protein treatments every other week, or as needed. It's important to know your hair and know what it needs. 

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

I Was Spoiled!

Ok, so I know I mentioned in my personal description that I'm absolutely opposed to braid-outs and twist-outs. But! You wouldn't believe it. I'm so hooked on it right now! 

I can't even believe it myself, but it's true. I got spoiled by my first real braidout. I had tried it before but was never fond of the look. My hair was much shorter at the time, so that could probably account for my disinterest in the look of it. 

On my recent relaxer (November) I had decided to try more braid-out styles in order to protect my freshly relaxed hair. I wanted to do this because I realized I was experiencing a lot of breakage leading up to that date. Yes, I used to flat iron my hair religiously every week, once a week on my wash day. However, it's so hard to upkeep my hair when new growth comes in. At the hairdresser's, she told me I had indeed reached bra-strap length (my goal) but due to breakage and the need to level my ends, I allowed her to give me a professional trim. So currently, I'm just a little further than armpit length. I'm not bothered by that, I like when she trims my hair, and I'd much rather have a head of healthy strands root to end.

Enough of that now. I washed my hair a week after relaxing (Yes, I need to, I get a lot of buildup). Then attempted my first braid-out. I applied my products, parted my hair into four sections, and gently detangled and braided each section. I let it air dry overnight. Oh My Gosh, I was too excited to open those braids the following morning! When I did, I was so in love with the result. I had these big soft pretty curls that looked as if I were naturally curly. I couldn't believe it! For the entire week I kept my hair out, and that's So not a norm for me. My hair was literally so Soft and bouncy! I was absolutely in love! I experimented with a few styles, nothing fancy. For the most, I either did a high messy bun or half-up half-down style.

  I'll definitely be doing a lot more braid-outs. I also plan to try different options like bantu knots, twist-outs, pin curls, flexi rods, etc. All of these techniques I have tried already, but now I'll work on perfecting them. I feel so much more free and happier with my hair like this. It suits me well because I'm not a person who loves having perfect hair. Messy buns and loose waves have been my go-to everyday and special occasion styles for a while (Except if I have a performance, then I'll go all out). By the way, haha, by the second week of washing, I happened to flat iron my hair and that didn't go well. I felt so restricted, it didn't have much movement. I couldn't stand having my hair up against my scalp; and from the time I saw hairs breaking off to style it, I co-washed it within 4-5 days. It's immobility could be due to the fact that I tried a shea butter pre-poo treatment and didn't shampoo it out properly. 

Anyway! I've found my new do! I'm gonna try to use these protective styles as much as possible now.

 

Til next time. Xoxo, Shanz