Let me tell you - my hair was the most easiest to detangle ever experienced! I use my fingers only to detangle my hair now, and the picture at the top is what I was left with from the shed hair. Sticking to fingers only has taught me about my hair, and how to properly handle it, and remove knots and tangles. That pre-poo did the magic. Also, can you notice my hair has thickened up? I noticed I had a lot more sections to twist up. JBCO hot oil treatment is doing the work!
Once I twisted my hair up, I went on to shampoo and deep condition with my avocado treatment. Only one twist untwisted so it's fair to say my hair is at a good length. And it feels great to have the twisting done and ready for a stretched look tomorrow. I'll be doing kinky twists tomorrow as the two week break is complete. Protective style time!
I have heard many great reviews about Giovanni Leave In conditioners, especially as a cheaper alternative to my current Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In. I can't wait to try it out (save me money) instead of buying a new KCKT which is nearly running out.
Update 7-032-06 Review:
So I took down my twists and used these products to deep condition and to finger detangle. Unfortunately the deep conditioner did not do much to my hair. My hair still felt kinda crisp, even though the liquid feels soft 'as silk'. However, it did not WOW me. I'll be giving it to my bf.
The leave-in conditioner was applied to a section of matted and tangled hair. I still had some difficulties detangling it despite having applied the product. Then I switched to my KKKC and it saved me! The slip was so goood. So let's just say I bought another bottle of KCKT Leave-in (£13 Amazon). It's just everything. I have to accept it - this product is a staple - in fact, it's a necessity. The slippery elm root in it (which you can DIY) is just golden for detangling kinky hair. The tangles just come out and smooth out so easily. So unfortunately, while I will keep the Giovanni Direct Leave-in as a leave-in conditoner, it won't work as a detangler for me because I heard reviews about it competing with KCKT. Despite them both being 'natural', Giovanni products contain alcohol in them wheres KCKT is nearly 100% natural: ''Organic mango extract, organic slipper elm, organic marshmallow root, organic lemongrass, cetyl alcohol, *behentrimonium methosulfate, citric acid, phenoxyethanol and natural fragrance.''
I wanted to record a review video comparing Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In vs Giovanni Leave In conditioners, but given the result on my hair, this post will do. I'll stick with what has always worked KCKT, but definitely keep the Giovanni Direct as a Leave-in.
I have been eyeing this recipe for a while now so I decided to head to Holland and Barret and was lucky to find this crazy deal (two packs for £2.75). In addition, I am not so keen on the ingredients in the very popular eco-styler gel.
Flaxseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is rich in essential fatty acids, which can be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. In addition to helping with skin disease, cholesterol and digestive problems, flaxseed oil may also assist with hair growth and the replenishment of brittle hair or dry scalp. While evidence supports the use of flaxseed oil to promote healthy hair, there is no solid proof of its effectiveness.
Why Flaxseed Oil Helps Hair
One of the reasons flaxseed oil can promote hair health is because it is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known to support scalp health, while a deficiency can result in dry scalp and dull hair, says Jim White, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, according to “Men’s Health.”
Flax seeds also contain lignans, disease-fighting compounds that may help fight hair loss. But because lignans are found in the shell, whole seeds are a better source than oil
Gives hold with no crunch/non flaking/not drying to the hair/doesn’t cause breakage/or shedding
Fast drying
Mixes well with oils/conditioners/ many products
All natural
My experience
Simply put: I have never had curl definition like I have had with flaxseed gel. Added to my staple? Yes, why not. It gives my tresses that extra moisture boost as I twist up my hair and makes detangling much easier. What you'll need
- Strainer or stocking sock
- Wood spoon
- Air tight container ( you can use an old product container and place stocking sock over the top part to strain it)
- 3 cups of water
- 1/4 of flax seed (linseed) depending on how thick you want it
- 3 drops of lavender oil (preservative and scent)
I often use a heat cap to condition my hair and the benefits are great. It is insulated and gives more heat to allow all of that good moisture to penetrate into your hair strands. Amazing.
My mum bought it for herself but I decided to try it on and I love it. My staple product. I've used it in my Conditioning video:
So I have changed from water to aloe vera juice because it just changed how my hair feels. My hair feels soft, conditioned and super healthy when I moisturise it. I also feel like with aloe vera juice, you don't have to deal with the hard water vs soft water issue that you do with tap water (unless ofcourse on wash day). It's a great natural alternative to water with all of these loaded benefits:
Aloe Vera is a plant that originated in North Africa and has been used historically as far back as 6000 years ago in Egypt where the plant was depicted in stone carvings. It is a legendary healing plant used historically by the North Africans, Greeks and Native Americans. The aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used topically (externally on the skin, scalp and hair). The green part that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called a latex) that is taken orally (by mouth).
The Chinese call it ‘the harmonious remedy’, the Egyptians ‘the herb of immortality’ and the Russians ‘the elixir of youth’. It’s also mentioned in the Bible in John 19:39 -40: He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
Promotes hair growth
Aloe vera can be used as a safe and natural treatment to prevent hair loss. It is great for both men and women to promote new hair growth in places that have experienced hair loss or significant thinning. Aloe vera stimulates the production of new hair and may even lessen the effects of Alopecia.
According to University of Hawaii researchers, using aloe vera for hair growth can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who caught on to the miraculous healing and balancing properties of the spiky green plant.
Packed with replenishing enzymes and proteins, aloe vera provides all the necessary nutrients for strengthening lackluster strands. The enzymes help to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp hindering hair growth, as well as deliver a proper pH level to the roots – a necessary component to growing hair.
Reduces dandruff
The natural enzymes found in aloe vera can soothe and moisturize the scalp, helping to eliminate the scaly dryness that causes dandruff. It also helps to increase blood circulation in the scalp, which works to stimulate the production of moisturizing oils. Aloe vera reduces the dry, itchy feeling that accompanies dryness or oiliness. It keeps the hair’s natural oils in balance to prevent excessively oily or dry scalp. Aloe vera also brings a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.
Natural Conditioner
Aloe vera acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness. It naturally combats frizz but does not have the greasy buildup that many hair care products leave behind.
Regardless of the scalp or hair’s condition, whether too oily or too dry, aloe vera can restore the proper balance.
I've used this product only twice but today was wash day and my hair was feeling really brittle and thin. I decided to use this product to deep condition (along side my usual olive and avocado oil).
Result: AMAZING. My hair feels super strong again and it gave it volume! My hair feels thicker. It's definitely my staple to use whenever my hair feels limp.
Ingredients
Baobab Oil - Contains Vitamins A, C, D, E and F to fortify and strengthen hair. Yucca - Thickens hair while adding volume. Biotin - A powerful B vitamin that strengthens the hair follicle.
I'm going to look into the Yucca & Baobab line because it might just be what my hair needs - since I have fine hair and this line specifically helps to promote thick hair (it has biotin). Shea Moisture impressed me. I guess you'll have to see which of their range works for you!
My hair is thin and so I need a conditioner that is more on the protein side of things.
Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise - 30oz jar
With Oat Protein, Cholesterol & Botanicals
Repairs Damaged
Rejuvenates Fragile Hair
Moisturizes & Conditions
Enriched with Natural Botanical extract, Oat Protein, Vitamins, Egg Proteins and Olive Oil to intensively conditions , moisturizes and strengthens damaged and over processed hair. It renews weak fragile hair, leaving it healthy looking with shine, elasticity and moisture.
So me and Lisa went product shopping. The way we scan the ingredient list so intelligently, the shop keepers were getting a bit annoyed with us. Oh well, I managed to get the Vitale conditioner that Lisa has been recommending to me for ages! Oh, and cantu!!
Okay, okay, hold up, you are using products?? Yes I am. My hair has been feeling super dry lately, especially with its length.
Here are my new product stash:
MOISTURISER
Water/Aloe Vera Juice + Shea Butter
CONDITIONER + AVOCADO OIL
This conditioner is amazing. When I soaked my cleansed strands in this, the moisture comes back in even greater amounts. I LOVE IT. Thank you, Lisa! :D It h
SHAMPOO
THIS SHAMPOO DOES WONDERS. Also comes in Rosemary. Leaves my hair and scalp feeling super cleansed and lathers so well so you can really dig in deep. When I then read the description about the luxurious foam, I was liken yes indeed. There was a lavender version but the scent was stronger.
Old Product Regimen ALL NATURAL REGIMEN!! Daily moisturiser Water in a spray bottle My Shea butter mix/castor oil Hair ends oil: castor oil Twisting cream: Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle Shampoo Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo (LOVEE! No sulphates, parabens or silicones and super-moisturising, yummy, gentle smell and a cheapie £1.80!) Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter for Moisture Retention Clarify ACV! Protein Conditioner ORS Mayonnaise (stopped the egg treatment because it left lumps in my hair, yuck! lol) Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Masque Conditioner + honey and olive oil Hello Hydration by Herbal Essences (loveee it!) Leave-in conditioner: Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Leave-in Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Leave-in: Kinky Curly Knot Today
Update Now that I have changed my regimen, Shea Moisture wasn't doing anything for my hair.
Check out my Hair Duties list at the top to see the amazing products.
Remember that I bought lots of Shea Moisture products from America last year December... well, they've been working so well for my hair. The shampoo cleanses my hair squeaky clean!
Moisturiser: Shea butter mix + water Shampoo: Shea Moisture Restorative Shampoo Protein Conditioner: Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner or Mayonaise Moisturising Conditioner: Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner Leave-in/detangler: Kinky Curly Knot Today Clarifier: Apple Cider Vinegar Treatments: Hot Oil (JBCO, Castor, Jojoba & Rosemary oil), Garlic and onion treatment and Avocado and greek yoghurt hair mask.
Shea Moisture products are super effective and a little goes a long way so you get your money's worth! ACV cleanses my hair so well! There is no way for any sulphates, parabens, and any other harsh chemicals to enter my regimen or hair. My hair is doing great and I'm so proud of it. I thought that it wouldn't feel as clean as it could with a sulphate regimen, but no.
My hair is super healthy (compared to my relaxer times, uuh) and I love it. :)
On thursday after I came back from
Holland I took down my twists as they had been itching. I had them in
for exactly 30 days and this is why I love doing singles because I can
track and see my hair growth at the root! Whereas when i have my hair
out it sometimes feels like my hair isn't growing.
It was wash
day so as I do, I detangle with a conditioner before I twist them up snd
wash and condition in the twists. I detangled with my detangling
cocktail mixture:
- water
- a 5cm strip of KCKT leave in
This
mixture was magic! I'm telling you, my 4C hair was never detangled this
easy! I was so happy! Lisa even came over and she saw how easy the
combs glid through my tiny curls. I for once, actually enjoyed my wash
day. It was blissful. The great reviews about kinky curly knot today are
true - this product is magic! I had been suffering unecessarily for too
long with my hair. It gives it such a slippery slip that even the hairs
want to looses before my hand touches them. I don't care about the
price, anything that makes my wash day a joy is worth buying again.
Please don't stop this product. It smells great, has a minimum
ingredient list and contains all natural stuff. Perfect! Definitely the
best detangler. Try it!
I added the ACV because my hair was obviously dirty and I needed it to loosen up the dirt while conditioning at the same time.
Last week I travelled with my university course group to San Francisco, USA to carry out a research project. I was excited not only because I got to travel to the states, but also because of the shopping that I could do! I have been longing for these products, been biting my nails jealous of the amazing videos and reviews, and couldn't wait to purchase them! They were on average $11 dollars apart from Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle which was $4. Naptural85 uses this.
I've heard amazing reviews about Kinky Curly Knot Today's detangling abilities, and if you know about 4C hair, you know that detangling can be a pain sometimes. I hope this does magic. It's so sad that these products are not being sold here in the UK and even if they are, they are super expensive, and when travelled over hundreds of miles, look like expired yoghurt on the shelves. A hair shop near me sells Shea Moisture for £15!! :/ Yeah.. No. So I'm glad to have been able to travel to America and purchase these for myself. Very cheap for me, since I have a higher purchasing power with the pound.
Let's hope my hair loves them! I shall be reviewing them.
So I was inspired by Naptural85's shea butter mix video and I made both the fluffy and the oily one. Finally, got it to be fully! So happy. This is because I did not melt it before and I whipped it up so well with the machine + I think it's important that you put the cream in a clear glass as long as it is clear. I have found that it solidifies a lot more when it is in a darker cup which is why the cream in my small pink cup is a bit more solid than Whitney's (Nap85) one. This will be my one and only moisturiser for my hair! As I said before, I want to minimise the chemicals in my regimen and this cream is simply 100% natural!
I have made alot of changes to my regimen since I have been transitioning. Changing products is part of the journey but you feel a lot happier when you have found something that you know you will settle with for good! Shea butter moisturises my hair so amazingly. I SERIOUSLY LOVE IT.
What's in my shea butter mix:
- shea butter
- tbsp coconut oil
- tbsp castor oil
- tbsp jojoba oil
- tbsp almond oil + vitamen E included (this is super moisturising! I love almond oil both for my skin and hair because its one of the very few light oils that superbly moisturises the body, never gives me spots and can help to lighten lips and dark circles around the eye
- tsp lavender oil (gives a great smell!)
I did not add olive oil or peppermint oil (from my stash) since I have incorporated these in other parts of my regimen (hot oil treatment) and I find olive oil too conventional. Spray water and then moisturise with shea butter. This is definitely about a healthy hair journey and youtube has helped alot !
Also the best tip I have ever heard (by DearNap85) is to have fun with your hair! It is hair, it will grow! It will always grow!
I want to use this for when I rinse out my henna tomorrow or to wash out the egg protein treatment. It is very cheap, smells amazing, and has no sulfates! Rather, good alcohol. It just smells lovely! No more worries that I can not get Suave or Vo5. This just does it and it can be used to co-wash although I don't think I will have time!
Parts of my hair are spirally curly, thick strands. I tried to capture it as visible as possible. I am 9 weeks post relaxer. My hair has gained so much thickness! :D
Okay see, you can always keep track of my current products in the Hair Duties Track List page. I have finally gathered all my hair products. I did my hopefully, last hair products shopping a couple of days ago with Lisa. I like to just have all my needs catered for in one go instead having to go back and forth. I know my staple products and they should last me for hopefully more than 6 months or a year. Before the start of my hair journey, I never had this many products but I am pleased to say I care.
I bought a new deep conditioner, having paid a much closer attention to my old one by Elasta QP. The Soy Oyl DC contained petrolatum and lanolin oil. I had a constant battle with myself because I wanted to make a commitment to myself and my hair regarding these bad substances, however the cost of it made me consider just sticking to it. But you know what, I should respect my hair a lot more and care for, regardless of the cost or energy required. I want to make a good start. Indeed, one thing about this journey is you will learn and realise on the way and such should be embraced.
For some reason, the bottle in the picture looks smaller compared to the actual bottle. I bought this Professional bottle size for £6.45. I tried uploading my own but it wouldn't let me. This bottle is 1Litre. I bought it because it did not have any sulphates, lanolin oil, petrolatum etc. In fact, the second ingredient is soybean oil. The ingredient list is listed according to the percentage content. So as you read through the list from left to right, the percentage of that substance in the bottle is lower. The third ingredient is glycerin, then olive oil. This really impressed me and I bought it, after a long search around the shop for an affordable and healthy staple product. You would be surprised by the amount of hair products that contain harmful substances. You have to be determined to search specifically. It wasn't a problem for me because my love for my hair helps me with it. It wasn't so much a mission because I love hair product shopping! I will miss it for a while but right now I am comfortable having purchased everything now. This product should last me for about a year, hopefully and I find I will be using DC often. It is both moisturising and a light protein which can be used after my egg protein treatment aswell.
I also bought:
- Biona Virgin Coconut Oil: this actually smells like real coconut! It makes want to eat it, yum! The coconut oil I was previously using did not smell like coconut oil at all, but I didn't think it matteed because it moisturised my hair and strengthened it. However, thanks to Lisa (omg, get yourself a natural hair buddy!) she enlightened me and showed me where to buy this one she bought. It was about £5 but so worth it! She's used hers for about 6 months now and she's only half way. A little a day goes a long way.
- Applicator bottle: I will be mixing my oils in here for my hot oil treatment to make it easier for me to apply it to my scalp.
- Tiny spritz bottle: use during braids, to spray oil on my scalp
- Another spray bottle: one for my water and rose water mix and the other (older one) for anything like conditioner/shapoo mix for my braids
Lisa also stressed to me the need to get proper trimming scissors. Well, I made a huge mistake by using paper scissors because apparently, they aren't sharp enough and may therefore worsen the split ends. So yeah! I need to get proper sharp, trimming scissors!
I have finally been brought on into using egg as a protein treatment! I want to be as natural as possible so I won't be using Aphogee or ORS Hair mayonnaise, but instead, I want to stick to the natural properties as possible and stay away from too many chemicals. As usual, I shall be doing a protein treatment once a month after my usual hot oils/wash times (see hair duties track list). It is key to maintain a good moisture/protein balance according to your hair needs. I love protein, and since your hair is made up of protein (keratin), it won't do any harm at all, in fact, it is higly beneficial! Hitherto, I had been using greek yoghurt as my main protein treatment but I realised it was too costly for me every month so I am going to stop. Also, I used raw avocado mash which cost me a lot so instead I will buy avocado oil. Another reason for using egg is because there is nothing better than making use of in-your-kitchen or in-your-cupboard stuff, easy, accessible and cheap! Especially, if you're a busy woman. Egg is a great source of protein! Make sure you wear an old shirt before doing this, it could get messy. My treatment will follow:
Egg-yolk hair repair treatment
Crack open one egg
Mix in my mixer cup while pouring in one tablespoon of olive oil
Rub and massage around hair
Cover hair with shower cap
Leave for an hour
Rinse out with lukewarm/cold water and cheap conditioner (you do not want to cook the egg)
you can add:
yoghurt/mayo
Your hair should feel really strong afterwards! I have no complaints having used greek yoghurt because it made my hair feel really strong afterwards. Depending on your hair needs, you can use 1 or 2 eggs. Raw eggs contain a significant concentration of essential proteins and other nutrients. As a matter of fact, one egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids. Additionally, eggs contain naturally occurring vitamin D.
