Product Review: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque

Promises 
This deep conditioning masque restores strength and resilience to damaged, brittle or chemically processed hair. Perfect for those who regularly color, straighten, perm or heat style their hair, as well as kinky, curly or wavy natural styles. Helps promote growth by supporting hair's elasticity, reducing the appearance of breakage and shredding. Peppermint oil stimulates the scalp for an invigorating experience. Leaves hair soft, manageable and shiny.

Directions
After shampooing, apply a generous amount of the strengthening masque from root to ends. Pay particular attention to hair ends. Comb through for even distribution. Place a plastic cap over hair and sit under a warm dryer for 10-15 minutes. May be left on hair for up to an hour without heat. Rinse thoroughly. Style as usual.

Ingredients 
Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Stearyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Behentrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Yeast Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Vinegar, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Niacin, Dextran, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Caramel, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract *Certified Organic Ingredient

Verdict
This treatment masque is Amazing! If you're looking for a deep conditioner, this might just be your holy grail. Since the start of my hair journey, I have tried a variety of deep conditioners. I can firmly say this has to be my favourite. I have used both with and without a hooded dryer and have gotten good results with both methods. This deep conditioner leaves my hair so soft after 15 minutes with the dryer and about 30 minutes without... No need to spend forever and a day deep conditioning. Not only does my hair feel soft after I rinse the conditioner but also after it dries, which is the most important part. As with all the products I've used from the Shea Moisture line, I cannot fault the ingredients. The masque is brown (assuming from the jamaican black castor oil), with a thick consistency. It glides through damp hair well, allowing for quick application. Alike my previous review on the SM Curl & Shine Conditioner, a little does not go a long way. I can get approximately 8 uses out of the container at most, of course this will vary from person to person based on the length and density of their hair. One thing I don't like about the Shea Moisture JBCO line is the scent  smell. It smells like fisher price play dough, I do not find it appealing but it is definitely bearable. I do however have a friend who thinks this range smells divine so the 'fragrance' may not affect you. Either way, the 'scent' does not linger. I purchased the masque for £9.99 for 12oz from a hair shop in Peckham, opposite the cinema... for my local readers. On Amazon you can purchase it for £11 including P&P. Would I use the masque again? Most definitely.

Have you tried this product or any others from the Shea Moisture line?

Let me know by leaving a comment below :).

ps. Sorry about my hiatus, I started a new job earlier this year and I'm still adjusting. 

Review: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner

Promises

This lightweight daily conditioner for thick, curly hair restores and smoothes dry hair cuticles. No more knots, snarls and tangles. Helps tame frizz as it defines and enhances natural curls.

Directions

After shampooing, apply generously and comb through for even distribution. Leave in for 3 minutes. Rinse. Style as desired.

Ingredients

Deionized Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut ) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Sorbitol Esters, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive ) Fuit Oil*, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Proprietary Essential Oil Blend, Silk Protein, Aloe Barbedenis Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Rosemary Extract, Caprylyl Glycol *Certified Organic Ingredients

Verdict

I love this conditioner. This is definitely one of my favourite Shea Moisture products! It is so versatile. I use it as a pre-poo, leave in conditioner and a daily moisturiser. Since I started using this conditioner my hair milks were forced to take a back seat. The pump makes using this hair product so easy and dare I say... fun. This conditioner makes my hair so soft and defines my hair better than the shea moisture milks. Along with the other products from the shea moisture range, the ingredients are amazing. The Coconut & Hibiscus range has by far the best scent. This conditioner smells divine. It is a light conditioner with a medium consistency. In comparison to the Shea Moisture milks, the consistency of the conditioner is runnier. I'd be lying if I said a little goes a long way. I have to use about 3 -4 pumps each application. If you suffer from dry hair you may require something a little heavier. In my opinion, this is best used in spring and summer as it doesn't pack a punch in winter. This was purchased for me for $11.99 (12oz) by someone who travelled to the US. It is widely available from Walmart, Walgreens and Target. For my fellow Brits, Shea Moisture is more accessible here now and cheaper. I've stumbled across many London Hair Shops, selling it for £9.99-£12.99. If you're having trouble finding any of the Shea Moisture range, try Amazon. 

What are your favourite products in the Shea Moisture range?

Review: Shea Moisture Coconut Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser

Promises
This detergent-free conditioning cleanser removes impurities without stripping hair of natural oils. Lightweight moisturizers soften and control frizz in one easy step. Leaves curls vibrantly bouncy

Directions 
Massage in for 3 to 5 minutes working from roots to ends. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat as needed

Ingredients
Deionized Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Magnifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Cetyl Esters, Kaolin Clay, Grapeseed Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Behentrimonium Chloride (Conditioner), Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Vegetable Protein, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Stearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), African Black Soap Extract, Sea Salt, Rosemary Extract, Caprylyl Glycol. *Certified Organic Ingredient

Verdict 
I love this product. I have always been a bit iffy with co-washing because I've always felt like it doesn't clean my hair and/or scalp effectively. I can definitely say there is a big difference between using a regular conditioner for co-washing and using a conditioning cleanser especially formulated for co-washing. This cleanser lives up to all of it's promises. My scalp and  hair were clean but not stripped. It did not weigh my hair down and my hair was definitely as bouncy as one could expect type 4 hair to be. I apply this product as directed and repeat the process twice. Before purchasing I watched a lot of YouTube reviews claiming that they were able to get two uses out of the bottle... for the life of me, the only explanation for this can be heavy- handedness. You do not need to overdo it, a little goes a long away and the cleanser has a good amount of slip. It has a similar consistency to a thick lotion, despite this it easily comes out the bottle and easily glides through the hair. The scent is gentle, I can't put my finger on what the scent is, possibly hibiscus? It shares the same scent as the other products in the Coconut and Hibiscus line. This was purchased for me from the US, 8oz for $12.99 the equivalent of approximately £8. The price is reasonable for the ingredients. Sadly for my fellow brits, purchasing the Shea Moisture Coconut Co-wash here will cost you something in the region of £12.99. Will I purchase again? Definitely! My aim this year is to replace shampoo in my regimen with conditioning cleansers and clay.

Review: ORS Olive Oil Smooth-N-Hold Pudding

Promises
Olive Oil Smooth-N-Hold Pudding™moisturizes, shines, and holds the hair. This lightweight, non-sticky pudding leaves a smooth and shiny hold whilst moisturizing the hair. Olive Oil Smooth-N-Hold Pudding™is a unique formula that won't dry the hair or cause flaking.  

Directions

1. Massage into palm of hands. Apply to the hair and brush for even distribution. Style hair as usual. Ideal for smoothing ponytails.
2. 
   

Ingredients
Aqua (Water) , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil , Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil),  Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyquaternium-11, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate,  Polysorbate-60, PEG-150 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20 ,PEG-20 Hydrogenated Lanolin, Peg-40 Stearate, Oleth-20, Carbomer, Aminomethyl Propanol, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone , methylisothiazolinone, parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl, Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Cl 42090, Cl 19140

Verdict
I would definitely recommend this product. It is great for twist outs and braid outs. Unlike a lot of other styling products it doesn't cause the hair to completely shrink, leaving you with a reasonably stretched style. It gives a medium hold, keeping reasonable definition for 2-3 days without resetting the style. After application, I did not need to moisturise my hair for 3 days, as opposed to every day/ every other day. The pudding also gives amazing shine. That being said it does have its drawbacks, it is quite greasy. If you rested your head against a window, chances are your hair would leave a mark. It also builds up quite easily on the hair, getting to the stage where your hair needs washing. However, this can be easily worked around. My suggestion would be to use the product to set twists as a protective style, take them out wear a twist out for a few days; or you could do a twist out on dry hair and then wash soon after. For those of you that are conscious about ingredients, mineral oil is present... Admittedly this made me hesitant to purchase the pudding for a few months but I wasn't put off nor do I have any regrets.  I paid £2.69 for 16.2 oz. from my local hair and beauty shop, which is a great price. Would I buy again, Definitely!

My Rhassoul Clay Experience

I have had my eye on both Rhassoul and Bentonite clay since my transitioning days. Last week was my second experience using Rhassoul clay, I first used the Anita Grant Conditioning cubes in June, this time around I made my own clay mix. I can definitely say that it is now a staple in my regimen.

Benefits (taken from anitagrant.com)
1. Softens skin and hair.
2. Regulates sebum secretion without drying. 
3. Regenerates skin cell tissue by gently removing dead cells and improving skin clarity and elasticity. 
4. Rebalances the skin and tightens the pores.
5. Provides optimal repair and renewal to both skin and hair by nourishing the skin and scalp tissue cells with pro-vitamins and trace minerals such as silicon, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
6. Reduces dryness and flakiness. 
7. Cleanses curly hair without stripping the natural oils (sebum). 
8. Detangles, defines and detoxifies naturally curly hair.  
9. Non-irritating to skin and scalp, suitable for all skin and hair types. 

  

My Recipe

50g Rhassoul Clay (micronised) 
40ml Apple Cider Vinegar
15ml Rose Water
15ml Hot water
5ml Coconut Oil
5ml tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel
2 drops Peppermint Oil


Directions
1. Mix ingredients together excluding the oil and gel until the mixture is smooth. (use plastic or wooden spoon/fork)
2. Add oils and gel once smooth consistency is achieved
3. Apply in sections to damp hair from root to end
4. Cover hair with shower cap/plastic bag for up to an hour
5.Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and there are no traces left in your hair
6.ACV rinse- optional (I didn't apply the clay to my scalp so the rinse was to cleanse my scalp)


Verdict
I love love love Rhassoul clay. I can't believe that it has taken me so long to use it. I used the clay mix as both a cleanser and a conditioner, a 2 in 1. My hair was definitely cleansed and softer than it has ever been after using store bought conditioner. Curlfriends, I have found myself a new staple. The clay kept my wash day tangle free, I didn't have to wash my hair in twists. I tend to have somewhat frizzy hair and the clay definitely reduced the frizz encouraging my hair to clump. One thing I would say is that the clay didn't leave my hair as shiny as I'm used to after deep conditioning but this is not an issue, I may just switch up my recipe to help this. A word of advice, rinse out thoroughly, especially if you have thick hair, you don't want to dry your hair only to find out you still have clay residue in it. You can also use the clay on your face, which I plan to do next.. altering the recipe of course, I don't want the peppermint oil to make me blind. I plan to use Rhassoul Clay to cleanse and condition my hair once a month which is every other washday because I wash my hair biweekly. Price wise, Rhassoul clay is on the more expensive side especially if you live in England. I purchased 250g of Rhassoul clay from Anita Grant for £5.80 during a 20% off promotion, normal price £7.25, she also sells 500g for £13.55. 

Have you used Rhassoul clay? Share your favourite recipes in the comments :)


ps. Sorry about my hiatus, I accidentally spilt smoothie on my macbook, had to get it fixed :(.