Protein Sensitive

As you may know, I've been experiencing some dryness and breakage. I wasn't quite sure what was going on, feeling defeated and frankly fed up. After reviewing my blog entries (I was giving it a bit of a facelift) I began to realize that I may be using too much protein. I haven't been using strong proteins, but I believe any amount of protein may be too much. In other words, I am protein sensitive. When I was relaxed this was harder for me to notice, be cause I have very fine hair and didn't couldn't really determine if the breakage I experienced back then was a result of the relaxer. Now, it's a lot easier to figure out.

To confirm my suspicions I avoided all protein based products for a few weeks. That meant shampoo, conditioner, leave in and moisturizer. Oh yes, I was using protein based shampoo. Smh. I guess I thought my curly hair could handle it. To boost my moisture level, I applied my old tested and true Banana/Coconut Milk Masque to see if I could revive my very dry tresses. It helped and I noticed the difference almost immediately. My hair felt soft and moisturized and I was able to maintain a decent amount of moisture until my next wash day. In the past, no matter how much product I put on my hair, it continued to feel quite dry. So it was confirmed. My fine locs can not handle too much protein.

I didn't want to swing too far into the opposite direction, so I completed a mild protein treatment today utilizing my Avocado Masque  (modified), which I think will keep me on the right path to healthy balanced hair. To recap, I blended the avocado and oils well in a blender until smooth then add the egg and the honey. In addition to modifying the recipe a bit, I applied freshly washed hair, from root to tip, applied 2 plastic caps and let it sit for 3 hours. My goal was only 1 hour, but I was a little distracted. I rinsed it out and lightly finger detangles and then applied AO Honeysuckle Rose and allowed that to sit while I cleansed my body. I then finger detangled again while doing my final rinse. Finally I applied homemade moisture balance spritz, sealed with my shea butter mix and air dried. That's it. Here is the modified recipe I used:

1 small hass avocado

1 egg

1 tsp each of EVCO, EVOO, JBCO

1 tsp honey

Overall, I am very pleased with the results. My hair feel soft, yet strong. I'm going to stick with moisturizing products and plan to do a protein treatment in 4-6 weeks. I will have to wait to see what my hair needs. As much as I would like to use certain products that seem to be loaded with protein, I simply can't. In this rare occassion, my hair calls the shots.

                                 

Homemade Banana/Coconut Milk Masque

Given my recent battle with breakage I was reviewing my hits and miss list and it just occurred to me that I didn't post my Homemade Banana/Coconut Milk Masque recipe. Natural recipes , such as my avocado masque recipe are not something I use anymore for the following reasons, but I found this banana mask made my hair extremely soft and moisturized. Since I will not be using it for the purpose of infusing protein in my hair, I will be adding it to my regimen to bump up the moisture level of my hair. When you read my results, you'll understand why.

1 banana

1/4 C Aloe Vera juice (add more if consistency is too thick)

1/4 C Coconut Milk

1 tsp each of Avocado oil and Castor oil

Blend all the ingredients until smooth. The masque was thick, smooth and silky and smelled like a banana smoothie. If you changed the oils to flaxseed you could definitely drink it--but I digress. When I use it, I will apply the masque to freshly washed, towel dry hair, from root to tip, covered with a plastic cap and let it sit in my hair for 2 hours---without heat. If you apply heat, you'll regret it. Trust me. After I rinsed I out, my hair felt incredibly soft, it detangled beautifully, felt silky and there was absolutely no hair loss. The softness even lasted while styling, which I never feel with my other conditioners. When you compare the price for commercial conditioners (less than $1.50 per batch vs $3.50-$4 per use) and the fact that this is 100%, it's hands down the best alternative imo.

If you give it a try, let me know how you like it.

                                 

Shea Moisture....Where Have You Been All My Life?

From the title of the post, I am sure you've already guessed that this will be another review of Shea Moisture products. Two of these products are new to the line up and a part of the Moisture Retention line, which I've wanted to try for a while now because I have heard good things about them. In all honesty I did not need a new conditioner because I was fairly happy with my current conditioners. I've noticed however, that a few of my favs have new ingredients, which puzzles me. I mean as the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, why fix it? I am not quite sure if that is why my hair has not been responding to some of my staples the same way. Hair does change over time, so that may also be contributing to the issue I have noticed. Anyway, I thought I would give the following items a try in an effort to meet my hair needs. 

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner ($9.99 US, $12.99-$20 CDN)

Promise: Our all‐natural, daily conditioner moisturizes and repairs dry, lifeless, over‐processed and damaged hair.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil*, Behentrimonium Chloride, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Sea Kelp Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B‐5), Avocado Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil. *Denotes Certified Organic Ingredient.

Results: Let me just say, that this conditioner right here, is the business! When I put it on my hair my knots just melted away (and I get a lot of knots). My fingers were able to glide threw it and I loved that. I will need to stock up the next time I am in the States. I used the conditioner for 5 weeks in a few different ways (e.g. pre-poo, detangler, conditioner post-poo) and it worked out lovely any way I used it. My hair was detangled, moisturized and VERY SOFT. Overall, I will give this product a . It's a keeper.

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixer ($9.99 US, $13.99 CDN)

Promise: This intensely moisturizing and penetrating all-natural oil treatment repairs and strengthens hair. Strengthens strands from the roots, protects against damage and leaves hair silky and vibrant. Trace minerals detoxify hair follicles of impurities and residue. Argan oil restores shine and rebuilds hair elasticity. Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp.

Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Oil*, Argan Oil, Vegetable Squalene, Carrot Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Sebacic Acid, Sea Kelp Extract, Essential Oil Blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E). *Denotes Certified Organic Ingredient.

Results: Well, I'm not sure what to say about his product. Did it leave a shine on my hair? Yes. Moisturizing? No, it was actually a little drying and the oil seem to just sit on top of my hair, which I didn't like. I used it on top of my twist while damp and on dry hair.  It didn't work either way. For these reasons I have to give it a .I haven't tried it more than a few times, so my assessment could change, but I really doubt it.

- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

Product Review, Take Two!

Since I have updated my regimen I have been going through the various hair products I use on my hair so I can re-evaluate how my hair (now 90% natural) responds to them. As I have mentioned in that post, I have found that many of the products that I loved or found beneficial for my relaxed hair just aren't doing anything for my natural hair. More importantly, I have noticed that a few products that I couldn't make work for the life of me now work beautifully on my natural hair now, namely Shea Moisture and shea butter (well my adaptation of it). That, along with a few other products have made my hair feel absolutely wonderful, so I feel its only fair that I do another review for a few of the products I have given poor reviews on in the past. Now please keep in mind, I have very fine hair with low and high porosity. I was experiencing several hair/scalp issues during my relaxer days. So when I used the products I am mentioning below, my reviews were based on it providing me with what I needed to make my hair look and feel the way I wanted. Given my hair condition, I have different needs. So with that said, let the review begin!

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($9.99 US, $15.00 CDN)

Promise: Hydrates, smooths and repairs strands leaving hair manageably soft. For dry, damage hair. Heal, grow and strengthen. Sea kelp trace minerals detoxify hair follicles of impurities and residue. Argan oil restores shine and rebuilds hair elasticity. Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp.

Ingredients: Deionized Water , Decyl Glucoside (Sugar Beets) , African Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Aloe Vera Leaf Juice , Argan Oil , Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) , Rosemary Extract , Sea Kelp Extract , Vitamin E, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract (Honeysuckle) , Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Japanese Honeysuckle)

Results: So once again, I must start off by saying that I was very happy to finally find an all natural shampoo that lathers well and doesn't make my hair feel like straw *cough* Aubrey Organics--*cough*. When I used this product a few weeks ago I was really just trying to use it up because it had been sitting in my cabinet for months. I actually never used it again since my first review. When I was relaxed I didn't like this product because I felt like it was stripping my hair too much. Not horribly, but enough that I didn't want to use it anymore. My scalp also began to itch a lot shortly after washing my hair, which truthfully I have not experienced in a long while since using my Aveda Shampoo. The itchy scalp actually continued days after washing my hair despite oiling my scalp, so I was not impressed. 

Now? As I pointed out in my previous review, the shampoo is on the thicker side, providing a rich lather, so a little goes a long way. I used less than a dime size per section (I section my hair in fours) and only needed to wash my scalp once. This time around my hair felt clean, smooth, detangled, moisturized and VERY SOFT. Better still, my scalp did not itch at all. I was so happy ! I'm still not a fan of the smell, but overall I was very pleased with the way it cleaned my hair/scalp, and how it made my hair feel. Overall, I will give this product a . I would have given it more, but the smell bothers me. Given these changes I will be replacing my Aveda Dry Remedy. Review on that below.

Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo ($24-$45 CDN)

 Promises: Drenches even the driest, most brittle hair with moisture, leaving it soft, supple, touchable. Instantly improve dry hair up to 63% when used as part of the Dry Remedy Moisturizing System. Deep moisturizing complex penetrates hair to deliver lasting, intense moisture, powered by buriti oil, pomegranate and palm-derived conditioners.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Ethyl Macadamiate, Maurita Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Sterols, Orbignya Specoisa Kernel Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract/Extrait DOrge A Deux Rangs, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter Tapioca Starch, Canola Oil/Huile De Colza, Palmamidopropyl Trimonium Methosulfate, Fragrance (Parfum), Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol, Eugenol, Linalool, Citral, Polyquaternium-10, Citric Acid. Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol.

Results: Initially when I tried this product I thought was doing a beautiful job on my hair.

Although DR is not chemical free it was working well on my hair (e.g. soft, moisturized hair). For that I initially gave Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo a .  However, since I have been transitioning it is actually making my hair feel a little stripped and dry--funny how that works. I am actually very surprised. As a result I now have to give it a .

Shea Butter ($10-21.99 CDN)

Promises: Soothes dry, itchy, irritated scalp or dandruff. Provides moisture for dry or damaged hair and is easily absorbed into the hair and scalp and does not clog the pores. It is helpful in locking in moisture without leaving the hair greasy and heavy, softening the hair. Said to be very beneficial for relaxed, coloured and heat-treated hair.

Ingredients: Organic/Unrefined Shea Butter

I first wrote about shea butter when I started my hair journey, and at that time I definitely did not feel it was for me. When I was relaxed I tried it on my scalp and my scalp itched like crazy. I tried it on my hair, it felt weighed down and too heavy. In my conditioners, again a weird feeling on my hair and scalp.  It just didn't work for my hair. Now? it works about the same. It is a bit better in the sense that my hair responds to it much better, but there seems to be a weird film on my hair. I tried it as a styler and as a sealant and in both situations I was a little disappointed. Consequently, I have to give it a , which is a lot better than my previous rating. However....I've been seeing a lot of natural women reviewing hair locking butters, which they use for their twist outs and braid out, so I thought hmmmm how can I use this product differently? I decided to do some research on these locking butters and when I looked at the ingredients I thought, why would someone pay for this when they could easily whip up a batch of their own. Most of these products are made of nothing more than butters, oils and beeswax (in most cases).  So that is what I did. I created my own hair butter using shea butter and can I say it works on my hair beautifully. I use it as a sealant when I twist my hair and it leaves my hair soft, shiny, gives me a soft hold and really defines my twist out. I know I can't rate my own "product", but if I could, I would give it a.

Nature's Gate Aloe Vera Moisturizing Conditioner ($5.99-$7.95 CDN)

Promise: Gently effective, this exotic combination of herbs packed with natural proteins help condition, moisturize, nourish and restore natural softness and shine, giving you silky soft and tangle-free hair.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Panthenol, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Viola Tricolor (Wild Pansy) Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

*bold/highlighted ingredients are synthetic and/or potentially toxic in high doses.
** plant derived source said to be safe

Results: When I first used this product I was pleasantly surprised. It still isn't the greatest conditioner for deep conditioning in my opinion, but it is a good "cheapie" conditioner for co-washing. When I was relaxed I swear my tangles just fell out with very little effort when I applied it directly to a tangled section for a few seconds. My comb just glided through my hair with such ease I did a little happy dance in the shower.  The smell is pleasant and fruity, yet mild, so overall, I was very pleased.  Now however, it does not do anything for my hair. It doesn't feel horrible or anything, but my hair just doesn't feel as soft or moisturized as it use to. Consequently, I feel I have to change my rating to a .

Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner ($6.99-$10.99 CDN)

Promise: Restores strength, luster and nourishment to abused hair. Moisturizes and builds body. This conditioner infuses each individual hair with proteins. Detangles for easy comb-out, easy styling.

Ingredients: Aqua (purified water) with *rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, *nettle (Uritica dioica) oil, *thyme (Thymus vulagris) oil, birch leaf (Butela alba) oil, *chamomile (Anthemis nobilus flower) oil, *clary (Salvia sclarea), *lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), *coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), *yarrow (Achillea millefolium) oil, *mallow (Malva sylvestris), *horsetail (Equistetum arvense) oil, *soybean protein (Glycine soja), cetyl alcohol (plant derived), tocopherol (vitamin E), trace minerals, citric acid (corn), sodium hydroxymethyglycinate, grapefruit seed (citrus derived).

*bold/highlighted ingredients are synthetic and/or potentially toxic in high doses.

Results: Now that I am natural I have found that this product is now making my hair a little hard when I use it on its on. My hair feels detangled, but when it dries it seems to have a film on it making it look a little dull. On my second attempt I used it before applying some of my homemade hair butter and it was much much better. My hair felt soft and moisturized. So I will say, based on that, it's a keeper and I'll give it a  .

Oyin Homemade Hair Dew Lightweight Quenching Lotion ($12-$19 US or $24.00-$36.00 CDN--oh yes you read that correctly!!!!)

Promise: This creamy, conditioning leave-in is light enough for every day. it's great on 'naked' hair immediately after a cleanse, or as a way to reinvigorate tired hair all the way through your hair care cycle. Looking for a product to wake up and moisturize your 'second day hair'? Looking for a way to make your hair pliable enough to re-style without a full rinse? Just want to refresh your coils and curls and give them a shot of moisture before sealing? This leave-in is your answer! As always, mineral/paraffin/petroleum free and full of nourishing castor, olive, and coconut oils instead. We also combine with aloe vera to quench the thirstiest hair... and since it's glycerin-free it's appropriate for even the driest of climates. Give your hair a drink today!

Ingredients: purified water, castor oil, olive oil, organic aloe vera gel, behentrimonium methosulfate (emulsifier), coconut oil, olive squalane, optiphen (preservative), cetyl alcohol, fragrance, and love!

Results: Overall, this product is still moisturizing, but nothing amazing. I find I have to add a lot of this product to make my hair feel soft (apply and reapply), and even then it wasn't anything special. When I sealed it with my homemade hair butter (something I am noticing I have to do now), my hair felt "alright". Not bad, but it could have been better, especially since I saw a huge difference when I used the Giovanni and got more hold, shine and definition. I will continue to use it because I want to have a good moisturizing product in my regimen and for that reason I have to now give it a  because the price is still hurting my pocket. I plan to play around with the ingredients so I can create my own handmade lotion (which is still a work in progress), but that is for another post.

So that's it. My hair has really changed a lot and apparently, so its needs. Hope that helps!

- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

Avocado Magic

Now that I am going natural washing my hair seems to be a bit more of a chore sometimes. Eh, there are pluses and minuses with any hair type, so I have no real complaints.  Its all about finding a routine that works for you. My last protein treatment was about 6 weeks ago (which was a mild conditioner) and my hair was just feeling a bit off, so I decided to do an avocado mask treatment and I loved the results.

The last time I did the mask I was relaxed, so I wasn't sure how my hair would respond this time, but I must say, I am still loving this treatment for my hair.  Once again, my hair felt very dense/full. It also felt strong and the curls definition/shine after the mask was washed out was very impressive (see pics below). My hair doesn't shine like this without the support of hair products.

This is my hair prior to adding my leave conditioner (pics). Similar to before, I blended 1 ripe avocado with oils (EVCO, EVOO and JBCO), 1 egg and some honey. The mask was thick, smooth and silky and looked like a green coloured creamy mayo--it will smell like that too.

I applied the mask to dry hair, from root to tip, wrapped my head with saran wrap, a plastic cap and then two scarves to protect my pillow. I left it in over night and in the morning rinsed it out. I then used a moisturizing shampoo gently on my scalp in sections allowing the suds (not my fingers) to wash my hair and followed with my moisturizing conditioner/oil mix for 2 hours with and without heat. I don't actually think you need to moisturize for that long, I just got caught up on my computer and lost track of time. Finally I applied my ACV rinse as a final rinse, (I did not rinse out the ACV herbal rinse), applied some Giovanni Leave in and air dried as usual. That's it.

Even as I was washing out the mask I could feel the difference in my hair. My curls felt so defined, dense and strong. I was careful not to over manipulate my hair while washing it though because it wasn't very pliable, but not as stiff/hard like most protein conditioners.Overall, I am happy with the results. Moreover, I am happy that I can keep one of my favorite conditioners in my regimen despite my walk to natural side.

Homemade Avocado Masque/Brief Hair Update

*ETA: Please note that this was written when I my hair was relaxed. I am currently natural and no longer do an avocado masque treatment for the following reasons.

I have always found the love-hate relationship I have with "Diva!" has always been an interesting one. I rarely feel like I love her (which may be part of the problem), but when I love her--I really love her. I recently tried a homemade avocado mask and it was WONDER-F-U-L, emphasis on the "full". My hair felt thicker, fortified and strong, without feeling brittle or rigid. Once I followed up with my moisturizing conditioner it was silky and just lovely. And breakage?--what breakage? Now that may not seem like much success to the rare women that experience absolutely no breakage during their wash routine, but given the drama I have been experiencing over the last four weeks, it is a pleasant change. My hair air dried beautifully and looked thicker, if that is possible.

In its natural state avocado can be used as a protein conditioner, which is how I used it. I typically do a protein conditioner the week after a relaxer to replenish the lost protein and nutrients following such a harsh chemical treatment. Up to this point I have always used Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor, but this masque whooped that conditioners butt hands down. I say this, not because the Aphogee 2 Minute is a bad product, or even because it is hard on my hair. Unlike most protein conditioners it has never left my hair stiff or hard. I say this simply because the avocado masque is all natural--and hello-- it cost me roughly $1.95 (per use) when you take the cost of the avocado, the egg and the oils used. Compare that to Aphogee, which cost me $13-15 CDN a bottle. No real contest. Here is the recipe I used and how I used it:

1 small hass avocado

1 egg

1 tbsp each of EVCO, EVOO, JBCO

1 tbsp honey

 First I blended the avocado and oils well in a blender until smooth then add the egg and the honey. The mask was thick, smooth and silky. Your final product should look like a green coloured creamy mayo--it will smell like that too. I added about a tsp of lavender essential oil to mask the smell a little, but it's not necessary. If you are going to add a scent please be sure to use an EO that will benefit your hair in some way.


I applied the mask to dry hair, from root to tip with an application brush, wrap with saran wrap, plastic cap and then two scarves to protect my pillow. I left it in over night and in the morning rinsed it out. I then used a moisturizing shampoo gently on my scalp in sections allowing the suds (not my fingers) to wash my hair and followed with my moisturizing conditioner/oil mix for 2 1/2 hours without heat. Finally I applied my ACV herbal rinse as a final rinse, (I did not rinse out the ACV herbal rinse), applied my moisture based leave in(s) and air dried as usual. That's it.

Initially, I was worried because it wasn't drying as soft as I like, but once it was completely dried, it was very soft and strong. It also dried a lot smoother and shiner than it typically does. Overall, I am very pleased with the results. Eventually, I want to be able to replace all my synthetic based hair products, so I am very happy that this worked out so well. I just need to make sure I don't overdo it.

                                 

Aubrey Organics White Camellia Ultra-Smoothing Conditioner

Aubrey Organics White Camellia Ultra-Smoothing Conditioner ($9.79-11.99 CDN) 

As some of you may know I have been experiencing severe breakage over the last few weeks and I have been trying to put my hair back on track. Well I thought the best way to do that was to up my conditioning game since that has helped me out in the past. I also think my hair is suffering from lack of adequate moisture (even though I thought I was already giving my hair sufficient moisture), which brings me to my latest review. I came across this moisturizer on Friday and decided to pick it up because I had run out of my AOHR and while I like the Amla & Holy Basil Conditioner, I wanted to use something a bit more moisturizing. I figured this wouldn't hurt because of the ingredients, it was suited for dry hair and the price was right.

Promises: Tame unruly hair and replenish much-needed moisture with this intensive, ultra-smoothing conditioner. Vitamin-rich formula nourishes as it protects against heat styling damage and breakage, restoring manageability for the look you want—whether it's silky, shiny lengths or soft, controlled curls.

Results: All I can say is OMG this thing is freakin' amazing! I have to say I love most of the AO conditioners because they are all natural product and they always make my hair feel incredibly soft and manageable. Now this product absolutely delivers on its promises. It is ultra moisturizing and left my hair sooooo soft. The truest test for me whenever I judge a moisturizing conditioner is the condition it leaves my hair after a henna treatment. Henna treatments can leave my hair very dry, similar to protein treatments. I usually have to apply a deep moisturizing treatment for at least 3 hours to bring my hair back to a decent condition, but with the AOWCC I left it in for only half that time. When I washed it out it felt like silk and had absolutely no tangles. My hair got a little tangled by the henna (I'll address that in another post) and I was freaking out since I was already having hair issues. This took those tangles out like a dream. Afterward when my hair was dry it still felt incredibly soft and I had absolutely no breakage. My new growth is also very soft and manageable. I have to say I did not think I would find anything to top AOHR, but this beats HR hands down. The smell is pretty good and the consistency is a little bit runnier than the other AO conditioners, but I actually prefer that because if you are familiar with AO conditioners then you know they are murder to get out of the bottle because they are so thick. I can't believe I have been sleeping on this conditioner for this long, but it will definitely become a staple.

Overall, given price and condition I have to give this product a . That is the highest score I have given any product, and you know how picky I am. It would have gotten a 10 if the price was lower---LOL! Please note: If you hope to try this product I have very fine, dry hair, so take that in consideration as your results may not be the same as mine--but I'd be surprise if they weren't.

- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

Organique Amla & Holy Basil Conditioner

Organique Amla & Holy Basil Conditioner ($8.59 CDN)

I saw this product around for a while and wanted to try it out, but didn't want to disrupt my current hair regimen since it seems to be working well; you know the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Anyway, I was running out of my faithful AOHR and figured I should pick some of this up. The price was comparable to AO products and you get just a little but more product. So off I go....

Promise: Gently effective, this exotic combination of herbs packed with natural proteins help condition, moisturize, nourish and restore natural softness and shine, giving you silky soft and tangle-free hair.

Results: There was  good slip and it detangled my hair quite nicely. I wouldn't say my hair was incredibly soft, but felt moisturized. I've read and researched some of the products and I don't see any protein despite the indication that there are proteins in this product. I was worried of course because of my sensitivity to protein. Overall, I was pleased. The smell is strong and lasted for days after I washed my hair. If you are not into the smell of herbs (sweet basil, marjoram and rosemary) than the smell may not be for you. It is not so strong that you think someone has just cooked an Italian meal on on top of your head (lol), but you do notice it.  I personally like it. Overall, I will give this product an . I would have given it more, but it lacked the softness I was hoping to achieve, I guess the level of softness that my AOHR provides me. It is definitely worth giving it a try though.

- = not worth the money, don't waste your time.

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!