Hair Update: 1 Year Growth Comparison

Hello beauties, it's been a long time since I posted a comparison picture or even a picture of my hair, apologies. The top picture was taken last week (September 2015) and the bottom picture at the same time last year (September 2014). I appreciate that the pictures are both from different angles but I hope you can see the improvement. My last relaxer was April 2012, so the top pictures shows just under 3 1/2 years of growth. I strongly encourage everyone on a hair journey or even a weight loss journey to take pictures, I didn't even notice that my hair had grown until I saw the picture from last year. The best tips I have is to listen to your hair, keep it moisturised and be consistent. 

Review: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo

Promises

A clarifying, Sulfate-free shampoo that removes product build-up, while infusing hair with moisture. Leaves hair soft and shiny. Gentle enough to use every day. Promotes growth by nourishing and strengthening damaged or chemically processed hair, reducing the appearance of breakage and shedding. Apple Cider Vinegar aids in regulating and balancing pH levels on the scalp, while softening hair to promote enhanced growth.

Directions

Apply to wet hair, gently massage from root to ends. Rinse Thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Vinegar, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Niacin, Dextran, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Caramel, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract *Certified Organic Ingredient*

Verdict

This shampoo is definitely a keeper. One of the best shampoos I've ever used... but this is no surprise to me as Shea Moisture rarely fails to impress. I was hesitant to buy this shampoo at first. My main concern was that Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) would leave a film on my hair due to the consistency. I'm glad I gave in and finally got it. It definitely does what is says on the bottle. It removes product build up in one application without me having to repeat. After I rinse the shampoo out, my hair feels soft and refreshed. It doesn't matter how dry, dull and frizzy my hair is prior to washing, this shampoo will always bring life back to my hair. I'd say this shampoo is slightly more watery than most. In my opinion, the shampoo would have probably been better suited to a pump dispenser, that way you have more control over how much comes out of the bottle. Despite the consistency of the shampoo and lack of sulphate it definitely lathers well. The ingredients in this shampoo are impressive. It contains Shea Butter to moisturise, Jamaican Black Castor oil to promote growth and Apple Cider Vinegar to help clarify and regulate the PH level of the scalp. Shea Moisture claim that the shampoo is gentle enough for daily use, I personally don't recommend daily shampooing with any shampoo... You know what they say about too much of a good thing. This shampoo has 16oz, 25% extra than the shampoos in the other Shea Moisture lines. I paid £9.97 for it, reasonable price for the size and quality. In the UK you can find this from most hair & beauty shops, if you live in South East London, Peckham has a wide selection. Amazon also sell it for those of you who cannot find it in your local shop. For my friends from across the pond, you should be able to find it in your local CVS.  For those of you that have read my review on Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo , I'm still a fan. In  my opinion it's still a favourite as it's amazing for the price. However if I had to pick between the two, Shea Moisture would be the winner, purely down to the products being better and the black castor oil line working really well together. 

Have you tried anything from the Shea Moisture JBCO line, let me know what you thought.

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.