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!

Shea Moisture

**Note: ETA changes/update ratings on July 30, 2011

As I use up the last of my Aphogee Pro-Vitamin, Dove Moisture Mist and NTM I am happy to crack open my newest hair products. I am first and foremost proud of the fact that I refrained  from buying these products before I used up most of the stuff I currently have because I could easily spend a mini fortune on hair products . It was hard, but my wallet appreciated it. I think my hair appreciated the wait as well because now I truly know what is working and not working on her. It also didn't hurt that most of these product are only available in the US and can not be shipped here (as far as I know), which forced me to wait until I could take a trip down (for another matter of course). I figured they were worth mentioning despite the limitation in accessing them since many of my current followers all live in the and you will be able to find these product fairly easy as they are available at your local Walgreens or Target.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($9.99 US)

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: First I must say I was soooo happy to finally find an all natural shampoo that lathered and didn't make my hair feel like straw *cough* Aubrey Organics--. I will be honest I had to use this product on two different occasions to really see if I liked it or not, which should not be the case if it is in fact a good product (at least I think so). I did this because I wasn't in love with the product and was concerned it was stripping my hair too much, however I told myself to give it one more try because it wasn't horrible. On the second attempt it felt a bit better. Now the only difference I can think of is the fact that one week I was washing out a protein pre-poo and the second time I was washing out an oil treatment pre-poo. Should that matter? I'm not sure, but apparently it does on my hair because the second time it did not feel as stripped. My scalp did begin to itch slightly in some areas shortly after washing my hair, which truthfully I have not experienced in a long while since changing shampoos. The itchy scalp actually continued days after washing my hair despite oiling my scalp--not a good sign. 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. It felt clean, smooth and detangled. I'm not a fan of the smell, but overall it did a good job cleaning my hair/scalp.  Overall, I will give this product a . I would have given it more, but I still find my Aveda Dry Remedy more moisturizing and the return of the itchies may be an indication that it is in fact stripping (or just irritating my scalp). By the way when I switched back to my Aveda the itchies stopped, so you be the judge. Given these results I highly doubt this will replace my Aveda Dry Remedy. Oh well...

Shea Moisture Organic Curl and Style Hair Milk ($9.99 US)

Promise: Detangles, conditions and controls curls, while restoring body and shine. Provides moisture and body. For thick, curly hair. Coconut oil hydrates and protects hair from heat and chemical damage. Silk protein reduces breakage, strengthens hair and adds smoothness and silkiness. Neem oil and old age ayurvedic oil that strengthens hair and provides brilliant shine
  
Ingredients: Deionized Water , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Sugar Starch , Silk Protein , Essential Oil Blend , Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem), Caprylyl Glycol , Sorbitol Esters , Algae Extract , Hlyssopus Officinalis Extract , Salvia Officinalis Leaf and Equisetum Arvense Extract (Sage) , Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot) , Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle) , Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Results: I must begin by saying that this product smells great. Now I'm sure you are wondering, "why are you using something that is made for curly hair", well "just because" I like to try new things. The ingredients looked great, so I figured why not give it a try. It is light, non-greasy and absorbs beautifully in my hair. When my hair dried, it wasn't as smooth, shiny or as soft as I am use to. It wasn't bad, but I am use to a particular feel and look on my hair and as of late it has been air drying a lot smoother and shinier than it has in a long while, that is before I used this product. I also tried it as a daily moisturizer and it worked out much better. My hair was soft and felt very moisturized. With that being said I have to give this product a  because I wanted more from it as a leave in, but it turned out to be a really good moisturizer. I recognize it is a protein based product and I have recently discovered that certain proteins effect my hair differently.  As well, I did use this product with the Moisture Mist initially (see below), which simply may be too much for my hair. This may be the reason it didn't dry as nicely as I would have liked.

Shea Moisture Organic Hold and Shine Hair Moisture Mist ($9.99 US)

Promise: Our all-natural moisture mist eliminates frizz, while hydrating hair and creating brilliant shine and curl control. For thick, curly hair. Coconut oil hydrates and protects hair from heat and chemical damage. Silk protein reduces breakage, strengthens hair and adds smoothness and silkiness. Neem oil and old age ayurvedic oil that strengthens hair and provides brilliant shine

Ingredients: Deionized Water , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Silk Protein , Essential Oil Blend , Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem) , Algae Extract , Hlyssopus Officinalis Extract , Salvia Officinalis Leaf and Equisetum Arvense Extract (Sage) , Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle) , Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Results: Now as you noticed this is another protein based product so similarly to the above product it didn't do too much for my hair. Again, not horrible, just okay. I didn't have any frizz, so it kept its promises. My hair also felt a bit fuller, so that is a plus. I also tried it with my Giovanni and the results came out much better when it air dried. I guess this is an indication that these products should not be used together. Overall, I will give this product a because it smells great, its a good alternative to my Aphogee Pro-vitamin since it didn't hurt my hair in any way. My scalp itched a little bit with this product however, but eventually subsided.

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

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

What's Hiding in Your Cabinet?

As you know I am slowly making my way through the various hair products that I have in an effort to streamline what I am using and to eliminate some of the non-natural products I own. As I get through the last bit of these products it occurred to me that there are several products that I think deserve an honourable mention despite their synthetic ingredients because they were quite effective on my hair. Some of you might be thinking, "well why get rid of them if they are doing a good job?" The only answer I can give is "because that is the choice I have made for myself and my hair". Gradually I have been replacing these products, with some success (and some disappointments), which I have also discussed below.

If you plan to try any of these products please don't let my words discourage you. My goal is not to discourage anyone from trying a product I've mentioned on my blog. Please remember, this blog is about my personal hair journey, highlighting the highs and lows of my hair (rightly named "Diva!") and as I've already established, she is a bit of a snob when it come to most hair products. What doesn't work for her, may work wonders for your hair....so always try things out for yourself.


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 used this product I was pleasantly surprised. It isn't the greatest conditioner for deep conditioning in my opinion, but it is a great "cheapie" conditioner for co-washing. 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 . When my hair dried my new growth was incredibly soft and felt moisturized. Overall, I was very pleased. The smell is pleasant and fruity, yet mild. It is just too bad it has all those darn chemicals in it. But if you are not as particular as me, I would definitely give it a try, especially if you can find it for $5.99 or less. Overall, I will give this product a . I would have given it more, but it didn't work like a conditioner should just a great co-wash product. Problem is, if you don't like to co-wash your hair, then this product may not be for you.

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: When I used this product a few weeks ago I was so impressed I was wondering why I had stopped using it. My hair was so smooth and detangled beautifully. When my hair dried it was a lot straighter than usual and had far less frizz and incredibly soft. The best part is I had absolutely NO breakage. I was ecstatic ! This product has been hiding at the back of my cabinet since I began my journey simply because I was trying to reduce the amount of protein I was using. As I have become more educated about balancing moisture and protein I felt it was safe to give it another try, mainly to use up the last bit of it. The amount of protein in this product is very minimal given its location on the ingredient list. It is also a vegetable source protein, which is not as strong as other forms of protein. This product is such a great leave in that I think a person can over look the last ingredient (which is arguably NOT natural although it is promoted as such). Overall, I have to give this product an because I really loved what it did for my hair. That's a pretty high score, which says a lot given the fact that I am so picky. It honestly would have got a 8.5 if the product contained a natural preservative.

Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Split End Protector ($2.99-$5.99 CDN)

Promise: "The beautiful beginning of the ends. Smooth them with a kiss of protective conditioning that strengthens your hair against split ends and breakage. I'll help keep your hair from splitsville with my quenching formula fused with extracts of red raspberry and satin. I'm a tip treat with a silky finish that feels so good."

Ingredients: water/eau, stearyl alcohol, cyclopentasiloxane, cetyl alcohol, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, rubus idaeus (raspberry) juice, hydrolyzed silk, dimethicone, glutamic acid, fragrance/parfum, benzyl alcohol, citric acid, sodium chloride, edta, propylene glycol, dmdm hydantoin, red 33.

Results: Now the price alone is a huge plus, however I care more about the product itself and the effect it has on my hair. I will say overall, the product was just "fine". It moisturized well enough, but left my hair  a little stiff (if you can believe that ), but it may be the fact that I used too much. it may also be because of the protein, which I was not aware was in it prior to doing this review.  It also left a slight film over my hair, which I believed was because of the cones. It really didn't leave my hair feeling as moisturized as I would have liked, but "moisturized" enough none-the less. I found this disappointing because so many people rave about it. For this reason I have to 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: So, I finally found a moisture based all natural daily moisturizer, but the gosh darn price tag had me shaking my head for days. I tried to get around it by going directly to the website, which you can see sells the product for 50% less and that's even with the exchange rate. The problem is shipment fees. They are so ridiculous it was actually cheaper to buy it locally. Luckily, the store I buy some of my products from was having a monthly promotion, which brought the cost down. Despite the price I simply had to try it after reading and watching several reviews on  it, the whole time hoping I would not be disappointed. Now let me start of by saying I love the fact that this products is made fresh to order so that they are not sitting on shelves for months/years. I wanted to wait before giving a review on this product simply because I was not impressed at all the first time I used it. It is not a bad product. It is moisturizing, however it seems like it took a while for my hair to respond to this product. Many people mentioned in their reviews that this product felt amazing the very next day after using it. Their hair was so soft, so manageable, blah, blah, blah...Well Ms. "Diva!" was not hearing it, at least not initially. Like I said it was good, but not amazing, especially for the cost--and I don't mean the Canadian price. I think $12.00 is pretty pricey for this product. Also, I was not that keen on the burnt-sugar scent. It was actually a little off putting to me; I am now use to it, but it took some time. Now, 6 days later, my hair seems to be warming up to the product. I may have been a little heavy handed the first few times I used it, not sure--but likely (LOL), which may have given me the lack luster results I saw initially. My hair feels very soft and moisturized. My breakage seems to be improving as well, so everything is gravy. With all of this taken in consideration I had to give this product an because the price is simply hurting my pocket.

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

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!

I'm Back and Armed with Argan Oil!

I know, it has been a minute since I last posted an entry on Diva! Life, as you know, can get in the way of some of our goals, even if that goal is to keep a simple blog going. I won't get into details about my absence, because I am a strong believer that some things are meant to be private, but I will say I am well and my hair is still on the top of my head LOL!

Anyway, in my absence I have been taking it easy, but still doing some research, looking for good products that will allow me to achieve some success as I enter another year of my hair journey. The one thing, or should I say one ingredient I have come a cross time and time again in my exploration of new hair products is argan oil. Now if you are not familiar with argan oil I would wonder where you have been over the last few months because this product seems to be everywhere! You can find it in its pure, natural form or infused in shampoos, conditioners or leave ins. So I wanted to find out what all the hype was about. What is argan oil and why is it the new "it oil" for hair? This is what I found out:

Argan Oil is a natural oil native to Morocco. Derived from the crushed fruit and nuts of the Argan tree, this oils has historically been used by Moroccans in cooking  for dipping bread, on couscous, or on salads and most recently for the treatment of hair and skin.

Argan Oil is produced from the kernels of argan tree fruit. These trees only grow in a few regions of Morocco, so this oil is one of the rarest in the world due the small supply and the limited growing area. It consists of a blend of fatty acids (over 70% oleic and linoleic acids.), Vitamin E, phenols, and carotenes, which has shown to be helpful at improving hair strength and revive and renew hair damaged by heat, wind, oxidization or over-styling and processing.  Many believe it is excellent for locking in moisture and improving shine and luster. The oils' primary benefit seems to come from its ability to naturally hydrate and to help stop frizziness, fly-away and hard to control, unmanageable hair. Argan Oil has been shown to penetrate the hair shaft and almost instantly improve follicle elasticity and increase nourishment.

Argan Oil is also said to be a good hair detangler when applied to wet, freshly shampooed hair. Dubbed the "miracle oil" from Morocco, it competes with Jojoba oil as a very effective hair treatment that renourishes and replenishes dry or brittle hair while protecting and healing damage. As an added benefit, Argan Oil appears to help color treated hair. Essential fatty acids smooth and coat the follicle shaft and have been shown to extend the life of color treated hair.

Seems pretty good to me! Let me know what you think, especially if you have tried it or currently use it.

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Holy Cream!

Well I have been on the hunt for a really good all natural, inexpensive, moisture based leave in conditioner and I have yet to find (or create) one, but things look promising. I know that there are some great natural products that are currently on the market, but I just can't will myself to pay the hefty price that usually comes along with them. Now I don't mind spending money on my hair--I have a cabinet full of hair products to prove that. I just can't justify paying $25-30 on a hair cream or conditioner, despite their benefits when I know the ingredients being used are quite inexpensive and can be found in my own kitchen. I just need to make a decent batch and I will be on my way..... Now I am not hating on any of these companies and entrepreneurs selling all natural products at retail prices, everyone needs to eat. I guess I've just been disappointed with some of the products out there (given the price) and I have done enough research that I simple can't go back to paying for overpriced products (for the long term). I also have a better understanding of my hair's unique needs and what better way to respond to your hair's needs than create a product that is as unique as your hair? For obvious reasons I still buy hair products, I mean I have hair to maintain don't I? I just don't plan to do it forever. There is simply too much knowledge out there to help you keep most of your money in your pocket by making your own stuff, so why not try--at least. I have no intention of ever selling my homemade hair products once I finally get my thing going. My only goal has been to take care of my own hair, my way. That's my choice, and I stick by it.  Okay, rant over...I was suppose to be posting a review! 

Live Clean Argan Oil Smooth & Shine Cream ($5.99 CDN). The other day I was "window shopping" in the hair care aisle at one of my favorite health food stores in Kensington Market, and I came across this product. I thought I'd give it a try because the ingredients looked promising, and although not 100% natural, it was inexpensive. I will say as a pro, it is 98% plant based, vegan and paraben free. It also has a nice consistency (not too thick or thin), which initially gave me concern simply because I have found most moisturizing leave ins tend to be on the runnier/thinner side. The thicker ones are usually either to heavy for my hair or too drying. I must say I was so wrong. My hair came out soooooo amazingly soft and light once it dried I was blown away. At the time I was 7 weeks post relaxer (I got a touch up on Friday) and it made my new growth very manageable. Throughout the week I tried it again on dry hair, and it didn't seem to melt into my hair as well, but eventually got absorbed. The first time I used the product it was on damp hair. The directions state that it should be used on damp hair, so I can't really get mad at that, I was just hoping to use it more than one way. Con: As you know already it isn't 100% natural and the smell is interestingly pleasant LOL. It won't be for everyone! With all this considered it gets a from me. Definitely will continue, but hopefully not for too much longer!

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

- = neither hit or miss; just okay

- = good product; really worth trying.

= amazing product!