Aussie Moist Conditioner

This has to be one of the best conditioners EVER!!! I bought this family size bottle instead of the regular size, because I knew that this was gonna work on my hair. I tried the 3 minute miracle deep conditioner last winter and kinda liked the feel it. I love this stuff its in my staple of holy grail products now. Even though I'm still experimenting for the last few months of this year with new co-washing cleansers, I will be re buying the family size to keep in the shower. I loved the smell, the creamy thick consistency and the fact that I cold detangle my hair like a hot knife slicing through butter. The price was very cheap for this large bottle ($5.69) that lasted me from July to September. No matter what it always does a great job at keeping my hair moisturized, soft and manageable. I over shampooed my hair trying out a new product and this conditioner saved my hair from having a break down. I'm so glad I gave this a try. I'm finally building a stable hair care regimen and I'm glad that I found a product that not only wow me every time but actually works for my type 4 kinky curly thick hair.

3 Sisters of Nature (Product Review)

I first came across this line of products (3 Sisters of Nature) a little over a year or so ago. I was doing what every other natural haired woman of this modern time does, cyber surfer YouTube for the latest products for.... you guessed it natural hair. At that time I was still in minimalist mode far as products for my hair. This is before I took a hit of the product obsession drug. So I saw a few reviews, watched a few videos, just kept a mental note and carried on with my little life. Fast forward a month or so ago  I saw these products and being a now product junkie, I had this strange urge to try out some of the products from this line. The prices of the products are slightly out of my rules for product junkiness, but I was willing to bend them since it was just a few dollars over my limits. Most of the products are being compared to more higher end product lines, such as Kinky Kurly&Miss Jessie's. What caught my eye first was the Sweet Honey Rose Treatment and from there I start to explore a few of their other products. I checked my stash before purchasing these products. Seeing what I needed to try instead of buying something that would go to waste. So I went for and I must say these are very nice products. They are natural based formulas, using a minimal amount of healthier ingredients which I thought was awesome. I LOVED the aroma of "cherry Starburst" like smell of each product. I didn't try all the products in the line but I will be going back some time soon to try the others I missed. Over all I had a good experience with a few snags along the way. I would recommend trying at least the Sweet Honey Rose Treatment or Natural Curling Gelo for starters.

Sweet Honey Rose Treatment
This treatment is one of two deep treatment products available from  3 Sister of Nature. This treatment has become a holy grail product for me now. Which says alot since I have about 2+ years worth of products in my stash. Everything from the candy like smell to the smooth, creamy consistency just screamed try me. Now the price kept me at bay at the beginning $12.99 for a 8 oz. deep treatment was unheard in my purchase log. This treatment is compared to Miss Jessi's Super Sweet Back Treatment. Deep down I knew I would really like it , so I went ahead a buy it. I applied this product after a full wash (Shampoo&Conditioner), as directed. I learned the wetter the hair when applying this product the better application. I had to put my handy dandy pink spray bottle to work since my hair is like a super sponge. It was a smooth process to apply to my hair in sections making sure everything was covered roots to ends. I followed my rule of deep conditioning "The longer you leave it in the better they work. Since this isn't a super protein treatment I left it in my hair with a plastic cap for 30 mins under a hooded dryer and 30 mins under a plastic cap. After I rinsed my hair in the shower can you say SUPER PILLOW CLOUD SOFT HAIR!!! This has to be the only thing to make my hair so supple and soft when it comes to deep conditioning. I loved this product this is it for me. I don't know if I want to even try any more deep treatments for my hair after trying this one.

Natural Curling Gelo
This particular product has been compared to the famous Kinky Kurly curling custard. I must say it's almost similar in look and texture. I again loved the smell and consistency of this product.  The price was very reasonable $9.99 8oz. I applied this product to my hair after rinsing the Sweet Honey Rose Treatment. I used the leave in conditioner from this line and applied this gel on wet hair. Styling my hair in a wash n go, this product was very light weight, creamy and easy to even finger comb into my hair. I would recommend using a thicker moisturizing leave-in conditioner before applying the gelo. When this curling gel dried it was a nice definition to my hair. It gave a soft some what firm hold to my hair in it's curly state. Haven't tried this gelo in a twist out style but it's pretty good I will repurchased.

Leave- In Conditioner
Now this product wasn't a total favorite out of the four that I tried. It smelled nice but was a little too watery for my type 4 thick hair. I'm thinking since this line is natural based the consistency was gonna be more on the liquid side. It was all bad it did work very well with the other products and I will use it when styling my hair in wash n gos or when I want lighter products in my hair. I don't think I will repurchase this leave-in conditioner.

Sulfate Free Shampoo
This was another ok product from this line. This was a creamy shampoo. It did sud up in a soft way but I HIGHELY recommend not to over use this shampoo. I was able to really detangle or finger comb my hair when using this product. It wasn't very moisturizing and for that fact I didn't really care for it. My hair was clean but I feel like this product formula needs some work. It's almost as if there are a few things missing that would make it a great shampoo. Maybe adding some aloe vera juice or extract with a few heavier oils like olive etc. to help this shampoo perform a little better. Over all it will be in my stash to use up maybe I can remix to make it work for me, or maybe give it away.


 

Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Twist and Lock Gel (Product Review)

At first glance I was happy to see this product in the store. Cantu isn't a stranger in my house. I didn't over think this product. I thought to myself, "Ooh a new product by Cantu". Then I took off the lid to smell and look at the physical product. It was the weirdest looking consistency of a product I had ever seen. I'm a product junkie and I've seen alot of different types of products but none with this feel to it. Its a cross between a light whipped yogurt jello and vanilla pudding. The smell is amazing just like the other Cantu for natural hair products. I used this product after my extended wash routine. I applied this product on detangled wet hair, that was conditioned, oiled, and moisturized (SEE L-O-C METHOD POST). Styled in the form of twists for my go to hair style (twist out). I loved this product!!! It's simple and easy to use. The key to this product is not using a lot and rubbing it between your fingers before working it into the hair. I find that this warms the product up making it easier to distribute onto the hair. After I let my twists air dry for 2 days I untwisted them to find my BEST TWIST OUT EVER!!!! My hair was so soft yet firm & defined. The shine from this product was amazing alone by it's self. For 13 oz of product this will be in my stash for a while. I normally have to put a huge dent in my gels, curly cremes, and etc but I have hardly used any of this product. I feel like I'm getting my money's worth on this one.  I would highly recommend using the LOC Method with this product. I enjoyed this product and I will make my rounds to try more from the Cantu Shea Butter for Natural hair line.

Today's Modern Food: It's not what you think - Part 2

Poet "Truth Be Told" (2nd Annual Naturals In The City Hair&Wellness Expo)

The L-O-C Method

 The rise of natural hair awareness (trend or not) has sparked many questions from natural haired woman. The most frequently asked question being, "How do I keep my hair moisturized?". I think alot of woman relaxed or natural have come across this issue more than once in their life time. It's a "hair thang" that alot of woman from all walks of life have to deal with, but mostly black woman. The lack of retaining moisture will bring any naturalist to their knees. Most woman in general run out and try to buy or find any miracle product that will promise or ensure their hair will be fully packed with moisture. Which sadly becomes a lost cause and another product to bury in the product stash grave yard. Maybe it isn't just what you pt in your hair, but how you your using the products. Which leads my to the topic at hand. The L-O-C Method (Leave in, Oil, Conditioner) I first came across this method my first few months post big chop (Dec 20 2011) after transitioning for 7 months. After watching so many youtubers explain and break down this unique and easy method for retaining moisture. The "L-O-C Method" is simply applying certain products in a general order on wet or dry hair.

(The Break Down)  L-O-C

 

1. Leave In
2. Oil
3. Conditioner

Leave in conditioner acts as the foundation product that helps continue the conditioning process which soften, detangles, and makes the hair more manageable.

Oil works as a sealant for the hair shaft and nutrient for the scalp. Oils vary in uses and benefits research which oil works best for your personal preference, seasonal weather and health.

Conditioner (moisturizer) is used to soften, strengthen and moisturize the hair making the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.

This is the only method I personally used that really locks the moisture in my hair. I've tried different ways but this simple 3 step method is a sure way to keep the moisture in my hair longer. Another key ingredient is picking the right product for your hair texture, porosity and hair type.

 

ORS Hair Mayonaise (Squeeze Tube) Review

 

Price Point $5.49-$7.49

This product is not a complete stranger to me, but I am new to using it in general. My mom use to use the old formula all the time. I remembered the smell the look and the thickness of it. I was a little weird about trying this since it was a NEW formula. I bought it any way and it set up in my product pile for two months before I actually used it. I waited until I really needed a good protein based deep conditioner I did my normal routine shampooed my hair using Taliah Waajid Total Body black earth shampoo. I section my hair off in detangled twists and applied the product from the back (nape) to the front area. Working the product in using the finger comb method. It was easy to use, thick and creamy like most deep conditioners I buy. One thing I didn't care for was the smell of this product. It wasn't a bad smell it just reminded me of Cool Water cologne that the old men use to wear back in the day with a hint of spice and mayo lol. Never the less I placed my plastic cap on my head and sat under ye' old hair dryer for 30 mins. I wanted to push this products abilities and left it on over night. Old man juice spray smell and all. I rinsed the very next day. My hair was very soft and conditioned. I give this hair mayo it props it's kinda nice. I honestly can't say if I would try this product again. It wasn't bad it just didn't rub me the right way for some reason. Maybe the old man juice spray smell did it. They changed this product from what I remembered as a child growing up. I will say it's worth a try. I ended up cleaning out my product stash and gave this away to my sister in law. She enjoyed this product it soften her hair after having her hair in braids for 2 and a half months. It's a great treatment to put back into the hair. It was worth a shot. No direct hard feelings, but I would give it a new scent.

Tropical Roots Twist Cream by Bronner Brothers REVIEW

 

                                  

Price Point $4.99-$5.99

Normally I like to test out a product at least twice or in a months time  before giving a total review of a product. I follow this protocol to ensure that I give a product a fair chance, testing it out in different ways in my current hair regimen according to my current hair needs or season. This product is going int the PRODUCT HALL OF FAME!!!! I only used it once and I am very impressed. This product was purchased at my local beauty supply store for $4.99. This product has a very light almost tropical pineapple smell. The consistency is a very thick yet creamy white based cream. Which is why I love thicker products for my hair. The product claims to seal, no build up, flakes, lasting hold and maintains different types of natural styles. For once a company got it right. It did everything it said it would do, which is awesome. It left out how great of a shine it keeps. I started using this product with my go to style of a twist out. I got CRAZY definition with this cream. Coming from a woman with type 4 hair its hard finding a product that give us amazing results. You normally have to go through a million products almost to find at least one that's half way good.

Tips when applying this product:

• Apply on wet or damp hair
• Use a light but hydrating leave-in conditioner
• Apply your favorite oils lightly to the ends and shaft of the hair before applying this product
• Use a finger tip of this product on detangled hair for each strand before twisting 

 

Over all I would highly recommend this product. I will be keeping this in my stash of products for the fall/winter months ahead. This is one of the best moisturizing twist/curlcreams I've ever tried. A keeper I say  keeper!!! ENJOY :)  XOXO -GIRLFRIDAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cocoa Curls Cleansing Conditioner by NeutraLab Product Review

                                                                                              Price Point  $6.99-$7.99
I first eyeballed this product last year and was a little more than cautious to try it, since I've wasn't familiar with this product. I of course took the naturalista's routine of reading the labels for directions, ingredients and every company's open promise that this product should give to me (The Consumer). I'm glad that I gave this product a try. At first glance I was okay with the ingredients. I'm not super hard or picky on products that have more norishing ingredents than "BAD" ones that my hair can use. The consistency was perfect, thick and creamy. The smell of this product was very suttle and not overly fragrant. It reminded me of the Queen Helene Cocoa Butter stick when I was younger. I followed my normal wash day routine. Stepping  bare naked in the shower, turning the knob and letting the water cover my head for a minute or two before applying my product of choice. I loved the consistency and major slip it gave me. After less than two rounds with this product, I was hooked, lined, and sunk into this stuff. My hair felt like butter, detangling was easy and my hair was very moisturized. I followed up with the my special oil blend, a little of my perfect 7 leave in conditioner and Ph Balanced Moisture Gel from this very same line. Over all I enjoyed this product and most likely will keep this in rotation at least for the summer and early fall. There's nothing bad I can say about this product. I give this a major green light for transitioners, newly naturals, and veterian curly tops alike to give this product a try.
(VIDEO VLOG REVIEW COMING SOON--------->www.youtube.com/GirlFridayblog)

Ori Essentials Cleansing Conditioner (Co-Wash)

I was first introduced to this lovely product in the May Curlkit box. This is my first natural co-washing product that I've ever used. I must say I am enjoying this product. I'm not a stranger to Ori Essentials line since I've recently tried the leave in conditioner in which was also from the April Curlkit box. (Got to love Curlkit for that) I enjoyed the leave in conditioner so when I saw this product one month later I couldn't wait to use it. I followed the standard hair washing method wet hair, apply product in sections, finger comb product through hair. I thought it was interesting that this product as it states doesn't sud like a shampoo but cleans like a soft cleanser. I was able to just finger detangle and didn't have to use it more than once in one wash application. One of the few perks of this product outside the fact that it's a natural product (CG friendly) would be the good slip and smell. I really like the smell of fresh bannana - tropical coconut type of aroma. This product left my hair so soft and clean. I have been thinking about repurchasing this product since I live in the south and the summers here are extremely hot and I find my self co-washing more often than in the cooler month. I've been building my summer hair care staples and this has made it to my favorites list for simple go to product. I would highly recommend this product to anyone who co-washes more than shampoo or anyone looking for a nice natural product that simple and just all around just yummy  and easy to use. It's definetly worth trying out.  

Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Deep Treatment Masque

Price Point $7.99 - $8.99

 

I first came across this line of products a few months ago while shopping at Walmart. I wasn't a stranger to using the original line of Cantu hair products. I've tried everything from the creamy shampoo to the now imfamous leave-in conditioner and have always enjoyed using Cantu products since I started transitioning (May 2011) and into my natural hair journey. I've always been a fan of Cantu products because of the great quality and reasonable prices of their products. At first glance of the Natural Hair products from Cantu I was curious and very tempted to try them but I was on a strict no buy at that moment in time and  had to past on them. Fast forward a couple months and half empty product stash later, I started seeing reviews well as vlogs via youtube which lead me back to the Deep Treatment Masque. Being in the 4 hair type catergory my hair was screaming for a new deep conditioning treatment since my Elasta QP DPR 11+ gave out and no longer worked to hydrate, moisturized and deep condition my thick head of hair (we broke up). I decided to go a head and try the Deep Treatment Masque and I must say I was very impressed with this product. It retailed for 7.99 - 8.99 in most places here in Memphis, TN. The product was delicious in smell, thick in consistancy and had a lot of product in th jar. I was able to saturate my hair in it's pina colada coconutty goodness. I applied it as I would normally do any deep conditioning treatment after shampooing, conditioning, and detangling well as sectioning off my soaking wet hair into fat twists. I followed the direction, (sorta) but made a few adjustments of my own to fit my hair needs. Instead of leave in the products for 30 mins with a plastic cap I left the product on for 1 hour and a half. I did sit under a hooded dryer (went old school) for an hour then just kept it on for an additional 30 mins while I finished some errands around the house. I was amazed at how conditioned my hair was when I rinsed out the product. My hair was in big twists and I simply started to squeese out the product while standing under the shower head. Since this product doubles as a leave in conditioner I wanted to leave a little bit in my hair. I rinsed out about 90% of the product out of my hair. I was able to finger detangle with no problem and started my normal routine for my twist out. The next day after I untwisted my twist can you say soft and supple hair like it was nobody's business!!! This product is going in my staple product stash as my go to hair mask for now on. Over all this makes me want to try more products from the Cantu Natural Hair line. The Curling Cream is next on my list to try out from this company. I would highly recommend this product to any person with thick hair or who have problems with abtaining moisture in their hair. This product well as the many different Cantu products can be found in local beauty, grocery, super centers, drug stores in most cities and can be found on many online webstores. Video review coming soon www.youtube.com/GirlFridayBlog

Overnight Natural.com Haul

Natural Hair: The Complete EcoStyler Gel Review (All Colors)

Youtuber/Vlogger MAHOGANYCURLS breaks down one of the popular and most used hair care products in the NHC (Natural Hair Community)

ECOSTYLER GEL

I enjoyed watching this video. MahoganyCurls gave a great personal perspective on each individual gel, while listing additional information in the description box of this video. I'm a big fan of ECOSTYLER GEL, "Olive Oil" is my favorite out of the line of products. I came across this video while researching hair care products and yet again a "HOW TO WASH AND GO" video on Youtube(#I SUCK AT WASH AND GO'S). I'm glad I did click on the link to this video. I will be trying the "ARGAN OIL" BRAND FROM ECOSTYLER. Hopefully I'll be able to have more luck this time around doing a wash and go. Check out the video below and stop by MAHOGANYCURLS on Youtube she has excellent videos on all your CURLY GIRL needs and just great videos period on natural hair.

Spicy Tofu Scramble

My on going love affair with Tofu has yet blessed me with another favorite dish. This has got to be one of my favorite Sunday morning dishes to date. (sorry pancakes) It a vegetarian take on the imfamous "Scramble eggs" even though it tastes like a stove top quiche to me. All you need are a few select around the house ingredients. This is what I call a "Kitchen sink" recipe, because no matter what you have around the old fridge it will always taste great. For this dish I used 4 eggs, extra firm tofu (DRAINED AND CRUMBLED), an array of diffrent spices,canola cooking oil spray, olive oil, two types of onions (white and green), a good ole' green bell pepper,Rotel brand tomatoes and chiles, and mild cheddar cheese. It's quite simple just preheat(medium to low heat) skillet and spray canola oil cooking spray and drizzle olive oil to coat the pan. Saute onions and bell pepper in skillet for only a couple of mins (DON'T FORGET TO STIR). Next add in the Rotel tomatoes and chiles and tofu. Make sure you stir to keep everything from burning or sticking to the pan. Then while everything is sauting crack the 4 eggs and beat with a fork. Add the spices of your choosing, I chose a dash of salt, pepper, garlic&pepper, Tony's brand creole seasoning (love that stuff), crush red pepper flakes. Add just a dash of each then later while cooking you can go back and add more as desired. Once eggs and spices are mixed in add them to the veggies in the skillet. At this time add a sprinkle of cheese to the dish. Stir the ingredients as the scramble begins to bond together. This process only take a couple of mins so keep stiring. When the dish is almost in scramble egg form sprinkle more cheese and spices as desired until everything has been completly cooked. Turn off the heat and plate the scramble. I normally eat this dish with a small bowl of oat meal or fruit in this case, along side a glass of almond/soy milk, green tea, lemon&honey or a cool glass of my favorite fruit juice. This dish will keep you full through out lunch time. Hope you enjoy!!!

CHEF SIDE NOTES: YOU CAN ALSO ADD AND MIX IN DIFFRENT TYPES OF PEPPERS, SPICES, AND VEGGIES TO MAKE A NEW SCRAMBLE TO CALL ALL YOUR OWN. TRY USING SEASONAL VEGGIES GROWN IN YOUR LOCAL FARMER MARKETS. THERE IS ALSO A VEGAN ALTERNATIVE TO THIS RECIPE:INSTEAD OF EGGS YOU COULD USE MORE TOFU OR SEITAIN, AND USE A SOY BASED VEGAN CHEESE LIKE DAIYA

Hot Item

E.L.F. Studio 2 IN 1 CONDITIONING GLOSS
SHADES - (LEFT TO RIGHT) Plumtastic, Love It, Super Model, Perfect Pink, Bedazzled, Golden
Price Point:$1.00 each
Location: Dollar Tree

Haven't tried this line of glosses, even though I'm no stranger to E.L.F. Cosmetic but by what I'm seeing I think it may be love at first sight. I saw these at my local dollar tree store and fell in love. I knew I had to collect them all like they were Pokemon. They look so pigmented and super glam!!! The quality of theses glosses shine through the stylish packaging. I could tell right off that they were the right kind of gloss for me. Thick and creamy with a super touch of glam to them. I was thrilled to have them in my beauty arsenal so much that i haven't even opened them yet. I feel like i'm hording them just a bit : ). These gorgeous glosses were all $1.00 each. E.L.F. IS DOING A GREAT JOB WITH THEIR COSMETIC PRODUCTS!!! Looking forward to finding more E.L.F. products in my local area.

De La Cruz Day 1 VLOG

DAY 1 of using De La Cruz 10% ointment acne medication topical pomade. I really like this and even though its been one day I see and feel it working on my acne. It has a certain light smell to it but it only reminds me of Sulfur 8 products so I didn't mind it at all really. I like it checkout the VLOG below to see how I prepared for this Acne Medication.