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
