CGC: The Name Says It All

First, the good news: I made it through the entire month of March (and a little bit before and up until now) without using a comb or brush in my hair to detangle it. This, in conjunction with the use of a myriad of various new products, has led to a noticeable difference in my hair: it is longer, thicker, shinier, and presumably healthier. Yay!

Now on to the bad news. Don't judge me, but I think I see straight hair in my near future. I probably won't keep it for more than a week or two, but I am in desperate need of a hair cut (due to an unfortunate and embarrassing accident involving a lit, 3-wick candle and my hair), and I feel like the cut will be more precise on straight hair (and it'll be easier for me to assess the actual loss of length my accident caused).

Thanks to the wonderful ladies at NaturallyCurly.com, I've been able to learn so much about how to take care of and make the best of my curly tresses. In addition to an ongoing and invaluable education, with them I have found constant encouragement to be myself and a sense of camaraderie and community.

Part of the education I have received has involved something called "The Curly Girl Method." I won't go into great detail about it (as I am not a staunch follower of the practice, but do recognize it's value), but one of the core principles is the "no-poo" approach. See, most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair, which is particularly fragile.Because they strip hair of it's natural oils and moisture, they  make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative. "The Curly Girl Method" encourages regularly using conditioner as an effective method of cleansing the hair without the stripping it, while incorporating gentle shampoos that contain mild cleaners (like cocamidopropyl bentaine or coco bentaine) occasionally for a deeper clean.

Use Me is line of vegan, sulfate and paraben free, salon quality products that are not only good for your hair, but are eco friendly too! I had the chance to try out the Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Curl Up & Shine Creme and was quite pleased. 

One of the things that I really liked about this line was the detailed instructions on how to properly use it. The cleanser says to use it every day or every other day, and to use it directly on your scalp and NOT the hair shaft or ends, and to rinse it thoroughly with tepid water. It left my hair clean, but not squeaky, and oh so soft. It also has a very pleasing, light and natural scent. 

The moisturizer (conditioner) has the same heavenly scent. It states just the opposite of the cleanser; you are to use it on your hair and NOT your scalp. You start by gently removing the excess water from your hair and applying the moisturizer from the ends up, while being careful to keep  it away from your scalp, and rinsing immediately with cold water. After using it, I was able to detangle my hair (with my fingers) and it was soft and smooth (silky even!). 

The Curl Up & Shine Creme has a slightly different scent from the cleanser and moisturizer (bummer). It can be used daily to prevent frizz and enhance your curls. Like the moisturizer, you start application from the ends of your hair and work your way up the shaft, putting only very little on to your scalp. It tells you that a little bit goes a long way (use only 1/2 a tea spoon or so), and once applied, not to mess with your hair until it is completely dry. This product was the only disappointment in the line. While it left my hair satisfactorily moisturized, it didn't do much to actually define my curls. But my hair felt really, REALLY good. 

All in all, I really liked Use Me as a line. I especially like that I feel safe using on my young daughters because it is free of chemicals and gentle on the hair.  I think that for me personally, when I use the line I use an additional styling product with, so as to give me the definition I like. 

So what are your holy grail products for your hair? What odd methods do you implement to keep your hair beautiful and healthy? Better yet, have you ever had a hair catastrophe that led to major re haul of your look? My inquiring mind wants to know! Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS: FTC Disclaimer-All the products mentioned were provided to me by NaturallyCurly.com and Use Me products. I was not paid to review them and the opinion stated is honest and entirely my own.