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 :(. 

10 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is one of my favourite oils. Not only does it smell heavenly, last forever but it is also multipurpose. Below, I've listed 10 of my favourite uses for coconut oil. 

1. Prepoo 

Applying coconut oil to the hair prior to washing helps protect your strands against hygral fatigue. Hygral fatigue is damage caused to the hair by the frequent swelling and contraction of the strands through the absorption and release of water during washing. 

2. Makeup Remover 

Apply coconut oil to cotton wool and use it to gently remove your makeup, especially stubborn eye makeup.

3. Body Scrub 

 Mix coconut oil and sugar to make your own body scrub.

4. Oil Rinsing

 Check my post here to find out more about oil rinsing.

5. Face Mask

Mix coconut oil with honey to create a moisturising face mask.

6. Facial Moisturiser

 Coconut oil works as a gentle moisturiser for those with sensitive skin.

7. Soften Dry Elbows

 Massage coconut oil into elbows whilst damp.

8. Soothe Burns 

 Coconut oil can be used to soothe sun burn, to burns caused by the iron or even the flat iron.

9. Oil Cleansing Method

 1) Mix Coconut with Olive oil and/or Castor oil, massage into your face. 2) Apply a clean warm towel and allow the steam from the towel to open your pores. 3) Once the towel cools down, remove it without scrubbing. 4) If necessary repeat process. 

10. Bath Oil

Melt coconut oil and apply to bath water for smoother, softer skin. 

5 Reasons You Are NOT Reaping the Benefits of Protective Styling

Hey beautiful people, I hope you're all doing well. It is now now getting colder and many of you, like myself, will be tucking your hair away to protect it from the drying weather. Protective styles include weaves, wigs, extensions, two strand twists, canerows/cornrows, mini braids and the list could go on. Protective styling can be used for length retention, time saving, versatility and personal choice. Below I have put together 5 reasons why you may not be reaping the benefits of protective styling.

Love this picture of Beyonce!!

1) Incorrect Installation

Hair that is too tight can pull the hair straight out the follicle, especially along the hairline. Over a period of time this can lead to traction alopecia. Incorrect installation also includes frying your hair with a blowdryer before styling, I've heard one too many stories of how an impatient stylist ripped through people's hair with a high heat blowdryer and little heat protectant. There is a wealth of information on the YouTube, if you do not want to fall victim to a impatient stylist, learn to do your hair yourself. 

2) Not Taking Care of your Hair 

When protective styling it is very important that your still care for your hair. Moisturising your hair is a must, especially when using synthetic hair as it draws the moisture out of your hair more than human hair. Failing to moisturise your hair will result in dry brittle hair upon take down, dry hair equals breakage and breakage leads to lack of length retention. Cleansing the scalp is also important, a clean scalp creates optimal conditions for hair growth. For those who do not wish to wash their hair whilst sporting a protective style, there is an easier way. By applying witch hazel to a cotton bud you can effectively cleanse your scalp. 

3) Being Over Protective a.k.a Keeping the style in for too long

Hair kept in braids, weaves etc. for too long can cause more harm than good. As your hair grows more, added stress is put on your hair follicles from the added weight. For protective styles done solely with your own hair such as mini twists, keeping the style in for too long can lead to matting. 

4) Incorrect Removal of Style

Patience is key when taking down a protective style especially when using scissors. You do not want to cut your own hair in the process of cutting thread or added hair in a bid to save time. You also need to avoid ripping through your hair when you stumble upon a tangle. Once you have removed your style you need to spend time thoroughly dentangling your hair, you will have an ample amount of shed hair that needs to be removed. 

5) Your Braids/ Twists are Too Small or Too Heavy

 Poor choice of style can be detrimental for the health of your hair. Braids/Twists that are too small can also be detrimental. Attempting to undo these little braids/twists with your not so little hands can cause substantial damage to your ends especially when you start running low on patience. Hair that is too heavy puts added stress on the hair follicle and can potentially rip your hair out. 

What would you add to the list?