Adding Oil to your conditioner



If your hair has issues with dryness, dullness and tangles? A basic two-step procedure can help you nurse your hair back to health. How to do this you ask? Adding oil to your conditioner! Many conditioners contain small amounts of oil in their list of ingredients, but sometimes it's best to add your oil yourself in order to achieve the full benefits and effects that the natural oil has to offer such as these;

* adding strength
* detangle curls and knots
* adding shine
* locking in moisture
* adds softness

Quick Tip: Don't have time to deep condition? Adding oil to your rinse out conditioner uprgrades your conditioning session.

The simple steps are the following:

On wet hair:

1) After you have shampooed your hair, section your hair down the middle, (four sections for long and/or thick hair) and apply your conditioner as you do normally.

2) Then apply a layer of oil upon each condtioned section.

3) Comb through with either a detangling comb, or you fingers, let it sit for at least 2 minutes and rinse.

Note: To avoid greasy hair, use this conditioner/oil ratio :

If your hair is in 2 sections, start with  a quarter sized amount of oil to your hair.

If your hair is in 4 sections, start with a nickel sized amount of oil to your hair.


I do not recommend adding oil to the entire bottle of conditioner, because overtime, oil can go bad.


These simple steps will give your hair added strength and shine.

The Importance of a Reconstructor

Many of us, especially those who chemically treat their hair with relaxer, color, and heat have had to deal with one of the scariest words in the hair care vocabulary; DAMAGE! Damaged hair can show itself in many ways; breaking hair, brittle, shedding, and split ends. If this sounds like your hair, listen up! Here is the road to recovery..

If you know your hair is damaged, it's best to use a reconstructor.

What is a Recontructor?
A reconstructor is a product that helps repair and bring the hair to a better state of health.

Who needs a Reconstructor?
Women who relax, color, or use direct heat on their hair use this method to deter the chance of hair damage. Reconstructors strengthen the hair, this is why they are so important for those who constantly manipulate their hair. Those whose hair is not chemically processed, but manipulate their hair everyday, with brushes, combs can benefit from a light reconstuctor.

How often do you use a Reconstructor?
This depends on how damaged your hair is.

*If your hair is extremely damaged (such as hair breaking off to the touch, mass amounts of hair in your comb or brush, hair that looks like straw); once a week.

*For moderately damaged hair, apply reconstructor once every 2 weeks.

* Slightly damaged hair, once a month, or every 2 weeks.

Note:
*If you are using heat more then once a week, relaxed or natural, you should probably use reconstructor.

* Those who are not relaxed, but manipulate their hair on a regular basis (brushing, combing, using heat) could use a reconstructor about every six weeks.

IMPORTANT: After using and washing out the reconstuctor, you MUST deep condition immediately with a moisturizing deep conditioner.

Here are some examples of some good reconstructors from:



Nexxus Emergencee Polymeric Reconstructor

(Heavy)

Best for hair that is:

*extremely damaged

*color treated

* heat damaged

* over processed

* severely breaking

*severely shedding

*extremely brittle

*relaxed



Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor

(Moderate)

Best for hair that is:

* moderately damaged

* exposed to regular heat

* relaxed



* color treated

* breaking and/or shedding

*dry





Rusk Calm Guarana & Ginger 60 Second Hair Revive

(Light)

Best for hair that is:

* normal

* manipulated everyday by brushes and combs

* hair that feels "rough" to the touch

*dry

*brittle

*natural









Must Have: Sunchi No Slip Grip Evolution Hair Ties

Sunchi No Slip Grip Evolution Hair Ties

While looking for new hair ties, I stumbled upon these new hair ties called "Sunchi No Slip Grip Evolution Hair Ties". They have a plastic silicone-like feeling to them, which stops them from sapping the moisture out of my hair. I like they are smooth, and flexible. You do not have to wrap them around your hair numerous times in order to get a secure hold, and when secured properly, you don't get extra tangles around the the hair tie when taking them out. These also have ones with glitter for kids. The average price is $2.99 for a pack of 14 hair ties. These are a definite must have accessory!



Review: Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner

 Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner



Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner is a rinse out conditioner that assists dry hair in retaining moisture.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut Derived), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Coco Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut Derived), Dehydroacetic Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate (Fruit Derived), Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum) * Certified Organic

 

Let me start out by saying that this conditioner is an absolute MUST in every one's hair care routine regardless of race or hair texture! This conditioner is rich, smooth, and it gets the job done! I have been purchasing organic hair products for a while, and other than a few exceptions, I have been deeply disappointed in the results that they gave me. I started to feel as if I could not achieve exceptional looking hair with organic products, but this conditioner has proven me wrong!

 

The consistency of this conditioner is thick and smooth, and it smells like real coconuts, light and airy, not like the cheap manufactured smell that is usually pumped into cosmetic products. After rinsing my hair with water, I parted my hair in the middle, and began to apply the conditioner from the ends, up to the roots . What an experience! As I finger combed it through, from the bottom up, it assisted me in detangling my hair. My hair was well moisturized and nourished. It was like I could feel the conditioner glide through my hair! This conditioner has amazing slip too ! I always let the conditioner sit in my hair while I wash up my body and face to let the conditioner set in, but with this conditioner I felt the moisture seep into my hair upon first applying it. As I rinsed it out, my hair felt; moist, soft, silky, and protected without feeling weighed down or leaving a waxy film behind. The biggest plus for me was that upon rinsing my hair, it felt as if I has just had a deep conditioning treatment. Rinse out conditioners have never given my hair that feeling, not even salon brands.

 

This product is great for when you was your hair and don't have the time to deep condition! This product is a must for those with dry, curly, or stressed hair. It's also great for cowashing to ensure moisturized, shiny, and well behaved hair. It's contains no silicons, sulfates, or parabens, and it's 100% vegan!  It can be difficult finding organic hair products that make your hair look and feel great, but when using this conditioner, I can rest assured that it takes care of my hair from the inside out!

 

Pros:

• Thick
• creamy consisitency
• does great with detangling
• leaves hair moisturized, soft and silky
• doesn't leave hair weighed down, waxy or filmy 
• works well with different hair types
•  wonderful smell
• 100% vegan
• reasonably priced at $7.99 (prices vary)

 

Cons: none (wish it came in a salon sized bottle, but that's not really a con).

 

Will I repurchase: Yes

 

Overall Grade: A +

Oils and how they can benefit your hair



Oils and have a long history in regards to hair health. Oils have been used to enhance the beauty of hair for centuries all over the world! Many people consider oil to be a natural remedy for hair in despair. Every hair type can benefit from using oil, you simply have to find the right one for you. Here's a quick overview on the oils that I prefer based on my experience, your hair might like them as well.

Coconut Oil

Women in Fiji and India have used coconut oil in their hair for hundreds of years. This because coconut oil assists in giving hair density and shine. This oil can be added to conditioner for deep treatment for damaged hair. The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. Reducing protein loss helps prevent split ends, and hair breakage. Adding coconut oil to conditioner, and sealing your ends with it can make an overall difference in the health of your hair. This oil can be heavy, it's best for thick hair. If you choose to leave it in your hair, use it sparingly to avoid greasy hair.

If you are unfamiliar with sealing your ends check tip #3 in the post Back to school Basics of hair care



Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed Oil is great for fine hair. It contains omega fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish the hair. Because of it is a lighter oil, it doesn't weight the hair down, or make it too greasy. This oil can be used on all hair types whether your hair is; thick, thin, dry or oily. It leaves the hair super shiny and strong, prevents dry and/or brittle hair. 

Avocado Oil

This oil happens to be my new favorite, it's packed with vitamins; A, D, B6 and E. It also has protein and amino acids which assists in strengthening the hair. This oil also contains Folic acid which is necessary for healthy hair growth. It's said to work as a natural sunscreen for the hair by protecting it from the suns rays. Avocado Oil nourishes dry and damaged hair, which is great for those who have chemically processed and/or color treated hair.



Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is the lightest oil out of all of the oils that I have tried. It's the closest to the natural oil we already contain in our skin. It's odorless and  non-greasy, great for those with thin or fine hair. Many hair products contain jojoba oil because it works well on the scalp by preventing and treating dry and brittle hair. It's also known for treating dandruff and psoriasis. In my experience, it's a great oil to use on freshly washed hair because it's so light.

Whether your hair is curly or straight, oil can bring new life to your hair. Each of these oils listed nourish and protect your hair. Remember that it's best to apply leave in conditioner and/or moisturizer to your hair before applying oil, this ensures that your hair is moisturized, sealed, and protected from damage. The oils in which I have mentioned can be purchased at your local grocery store or health food store. When purchasing an oil, it's best to buy one that is 100% pure, to make sure your hair is getting all the benefits that the oil has to offer.  

Products worth splurging on



Do you splurge when it comes to your curls? If so, listen up! The following products are a bit on the pricey side, but are worth the investment.

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo: $7 to $20

This shampoo is designed for dry and chemically treated hair.  It also has a wonderful peachy smell, a great foaming lather, and left my scalp feeling clean and refreshed, without leaving my hair feeling dry and stripped. It's actually quite moisturizing, which is a rare find when it comes to shampoo. This shampoo not only correct dryness, it prevents it as well.

Ingredients:

Prunis Persica (Peach) extract, Pimpenella anisum (Anise) fruit extract, Panax Ginseng root extract, Ginkgo Bilobika extract, cetraria islandica (Irish Moss) extract, saccharomyces cerevisiea (Brewer's Yeast) extract in purified water, sodium myreth solfate (coconut oil-derived). C14-16 olefin sulfonate (mineral-derived_, cocomidopropyl betaine (coconut oil-derived)hydrolyzed wheat protein, tocopherol acetate, Panthenol (provitamin), glycol distearate (fatty acid-derived), polyquaternium-10 (polysaccharide celulose, DMDM Hydantoin, methlyparaben (USP), propylparaben(UPS), benzophenone-4 (UV absorber), fragrance, D&C orange 4CI 15510

DevaCurl No Poo Cleanser: $18 to $32

This is a cleanser, not a shampoo. It's a lather less cleanser that cleans and hydrates dry hair. Infused with menthol and peppermint, it give the scalp a tingling sensation, and leave the hair and scalp feeling fresh and invigorated without dryness. Perfect for moisture retention, it's also sulfate and paraben free.

Ingredients: Water (aqua), cetyl alcohol, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, behentrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-7, laureth-4,vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil,propylene glycol,cocamidopropyl betaine,mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, triticum aestivum (wheat) peptide, avena sativa (oat) peptide, glycine soja (soy) peptide,melissa officinalis (balm mint) extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract,cymbopopgon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extract, chamomilla recutita (matricia) extract,rosmarinus officinalis (rosemarie) extract,achillea millefolium (yarrow) extract,menthol,citric acid,diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate,fragrance (parfum).

Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment: $20

This hair treatment fits it's title to the T! It revives, moisturizes, and nourishes dry curls with a long list of great ingredients such as; Aloe, herbs, butters and oils. It moisturizes without making hair feel weighed down. At 8oz. It's a bit small, but you definitely get what you pay for with this treatment.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Melissa) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Yucca Leaf Extract, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuaçu) Seed Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia oil, Cananga Odorata oil, Lecithin, Fragrance, Citric Acid.



Pureology Essential Repair Instant Repair Leave in Conditioner: $23 to $40

This leave in conditioner is designed for dry and color treated hair. It's like a two for one because it acts as a leave in and a gel giving shine and control to the hair. It's Anti Fade complex protects color treated hair, and contains pure biotin, soy milk, olive oil, and chamomile to protect against breakage. It assists in detangling, and gives hair a softer, silkier feel. Great for those with fine hair.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Polyquaternium 10, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG Propyl Silanetriol, Super Oxide Dismutase, Melanin, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinnamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract (Sunflower), Butylene Glycol, Polyamide 2, Amodimethicone, C11 15 Pareth 7, Laureth 9, Trideceth 12, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Wine Extract, Mucor Miehei Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract (Mushroom),

 Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine: $22.00

This product is great for dry hair and dry skin. It gives great shine and control, definitely a good substitute for hair gel or hair spray. It's all natural and contains vitamins A, E, & D with butters and essentiall oils as well. Great for defining waves and curls, and slicking down hair for ponytails and up dos. An all natural frizz fighter at it's finest!

Ingredients: Shea butter, Kokum butter, Illippe butter, Mango butter, Vitamins A, D, & E, pear and grapefruit essential oils.

If you have extra cash in you stash, give the products a try. They are well worth every penny!

Review: Lush R&B Revive & Balance Hair Moisturizer

Review: Lush R&B Revive & Balance Hair Moisturizer

Lush R&B hair moisturizer is a leave-in conditioner/moisturizer geared toward those of Black decent and/or those with curly hair.

Ingredients:

Oatmilk (Avena sativa), Glycerine, Organic Avocado Butter (Persea gratissima), Fair Trade Olive Oil (Olea europaea),

Glycerl Stearate & Peg - 100 Stearate, Perfume, Cetearyl Alcohol, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera),

Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Bay Oil (Pimenta racemosa), Orange Flower Absolute (Citrus Dulcis),

Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum, Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma Grandiflorum), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol,

Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera), *Benzyl Salicylate, *Eugenol, *Geraniol, *Isoeugenol, *Benzyl Benzoate,

*Farnesol, *Limonene, *Linalool



R&B hair Moisturizer has a thick, creamy, butter like consistency and a somewhat heavy floral scent, which is great if that appeals to you. This scent could also be considered overwhelming if you are sensitive to certain smells. That being said, it's a great moisturizer it can be used on wet or dry hair. The first time I used R&B, was in the winter, Initially I wasn't pleased due to the fact that my hair was somewhat dry, and I wasn't pleased with the overall "feel" of my curls after applying the product. I tried it once again in July, and surprisingly it had a completely different result! Upon using R&B in July, I did notice that my hair was noticeably softer, smoother, and completely moisturized. I would recommend this product to those who live in a consistently warmer climate. For those who tend to live in a colder climate, I would suggest that you add this to your summer beauty routine only.

Note: If you are unsure as to whether your hair likes or dislikes glycerin, ask for a sample of the product first. This product tends to be on the pricey side considering it's $20.00 for only 3.5 oz!

Pros: Nice smell, moisturizing, nice consistency, good ingredients.

Cons: Price/size ratio, different results depending on the season.

Will I repurchase ? : Yes, but only for summer.

Overall Grade: B