Mielle Organics: The Perfect Gift for the Eco Friendly Naturalista

HEALTHY HAIR REGIMEN PACK 1 ($56.96) - With this package you will get the 

• Honey Dew Berry Co-Wash, a cleansing conditioner to cleanse the hair of natural products in between shampoos to help de-tangle and prevent breakage and leave the hair ultra soft and moisturized.
• Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioning, a major part of healthier hair is a good deep conditioner. This is the perfect balance of moisture and protein, leaving hair soft, manageable and balanced.
• Healthy Hair formula, a natural supplement that supports healthy hair and immune system to go along side you taking care of the outside you are taking care of your insides for healthier hair.
• Mint Almond Oil, an all natural oil used as a sealant, moisturizer and growth stimulant oil.

Introducing JIRANO BEAUTY- Results-Oriented Haircare Line for Curly Hair Based on Global National Ingredients

Hair expert Jane Nyachiro is energized and excited about the launch of her new haircare brand, Jirano Beauty. With a Colgate-worthy smile and perfectly smooth curls spiraling around her shoulders, it’s easy to see how her line – co-founded with her twin sister, Jedi – has become so successful in such as short period of time. She’s her own walking billboard for the products, which focuses on all-natural, vegan-friendly formulas based on ingredients indigenous to her native Africa, specifically for women with curly, textured hair. She’s the ultimate testimony that natural ingredients are powerful enough alone to restore hair back to life. {Product provided for review/feature consideration}

I "Want THAT Hair!"

Thanks to Pantene, I have all of the products I could possibly need to create the perfect hairstyle! 

But what will it be? With this arsenal of beauty goodies, the possibilities are endless!

To see more info on these Pantene products {including a selection from their Truly Natural Collection} click here!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Fab Five Friday: Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Line

From top to bottom: Cleansing CoWash, Curl Defining Creme, Hair Milk, and Control Edge Glaze

I first discussed Eden BodyWorks last summer when I reviewed their Jojoba Monoi line, and it has since become a staple in my house {along with the Peppermint Tea Tree Oil line}. So it should come as no surprise that our house of curls is totally enamored with the new Coconut Shea line {especially since it has my favorite ingredient, COCONUT}. {Products sent for review}

A CGC For the Mini Me's: CURLS Curly Q's Line

London and her glorious crown of curls! 

I love that I have 3 daughters-honestly I have no idea what I'd do with boys (but that's probably because I don't have them). I have to admit though, with 3 very different heads of hair to deal with (two of which are very, very curly), at times I envy mommies that have the comparably easy duty of grooming boys. 

Original Sprout Natural Styling Balm AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

Original Sprout offers natural hair styling products that help improve hair health and are ideal for all hair types. Their Free & Clean formulas contain soothing emollients & organic botanicals to smooth frizzies, tame flyaways & support curls softly. Their leave-in treatments restore moisture and help protect hair from UV damage and dryness.

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo and Moisture Balancing Conditioner AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo (MSRP $6 for 10 fl. oz.)- was created to both correct and prevent. A special combination of lipids, vitamins and polysaccharides provides needed hydration to correct moisture-depleted hair. To further prevent dryness, a special surfactant derived from coconut oil is used. Moisture Benefits shampoo is exceptionally color friendly. This dual purpose (gentle cleansing and conditioning formula) shampoo detangles and improves your hair's manageability and texture. Perfect for dry and/or color-treated hair. This moisture-adjusting formulation selectively determines the proper level of moisture needed. Excess moisture is simply dismissed in the lather during rinsing.

My Tropic Isle Living (JBCO) Routine! AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

A while back, I did a post about a hair care regimen I was trying out, that incorporated products that included Jamaican Black Castor Oil. They garnered decent results, but being the true product junkie that I am, I jumped on the chance to try another line of products featuring the “miracle” ingredient. Enter Tropic Isle Living!

Hydratherma Naturals AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

There is one more product that I received to review from NaturallyCurly.com and Hydratherma Naturals, but this is the series of products I used initially. The review on the last product, the Moisture Boosting Deep Conditioning Treatment, will be covered in a later CGC. 

CGC: Cantu Shea Butter Creamy Hair Lotion

Cantu Shea Butter Creamy Hair Lotion (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description: This hair lotion will soften, moisturize and detangle your curls, leaving them light, shiny and bouncy. Made with 100% pure shea butter and formulated without chemicals or harsh ingredients. For natural hair. Restores your real, authentic beauty and conditions curly, kinky or wavy hair. No mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates, gluten, paraffin, propylene glycol, PABA or DEA. This finished product is not tested on animals. 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) , Canola Oil , Cetearyl Alcohol , Ceteareth-20 , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Fragrance , Stearalkonium Chloride , Glycol Stearate , Cetyl Alcohol , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond) , Simmondsia Chinensis Oil (Jojoba) , Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive) , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera) , Mangifera Indica Seed Butter (Mango) , Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem) , Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot) , Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil (Macadamia) , Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean) , Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle) , Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract (Sage) , Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract (Grape) , Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle) , Silk Amino Acids , Phenoxyethanol , Ethylhexylglycerin

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free, animal friendly

My Take: I was almost shocked by how much I like this! I used it initially to work through the tangled, matted mess that was London's 4a/b hair. She is tender headed, and worse than that, a total drama queen and she has a THICK head of hair! Using this made an impossible task way easier for both of us! Not only did it provide the necessary slip to get through the tangles, it was rich and creamy enough to add a beautiful sheen, visibly improved the texture, and sealed the ends of the two strand twists I put in her hair. What's more, while most products that work for her hair tend to be too heavy for my own (3b) hair, this worked beautifully in mine too! I use it at night and wake up to soft, shiny, bouncy curls. AND it smells so good! 

PS- Product was provided for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC: Entwine The Manipulator Creme Jelle Styler

Entwine The Manipulator Creme Jelle Styler (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Designed with real-world technology, perfected with natural Honey, Safflower Seed Oil & Vegetable Protein for limitless, re-definable styling for natural and transitioning. Adds definition, provides frizz control.

Ingredients:  Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Oleth-20, Polyacrylate-14, Candilla Wax, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Behenyltrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth 25, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Hair Strengthening Complex), Ethyl Hexylmethoxycinnamate, Fragrance, PEG-90M, Aminomethylpropanol, Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Phenoxyethanol

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free 

My Take: I really like the packaging on this product. That alone had me intrigued. It has a very light, pleasant scent, but a very unusual, almost chunky texture. I used just a little bit to smooth down the edges of my 3rd day hair and while it worked fairly well at that (my edges didn't look as dry and it definitely tamed my mane in front, which is what I was looking for). However, I am skeptical to use this all over, as it felt a bit waxy and sticky and was actually kind of difficult to remove from my hands. Let's just say I'm not looking forward to the task of having to wash it from my hair. After I test to see how easily (or not) it washes out of my hair, I think that it will be perfect to use on London's 4a/b daughter, to seal the ends of 2 strand twists and to smooth her edges as well as Peyton's (who has transitioning 4b/c hair). 

PS- Product was sent for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC: Matrix Total Results Silk Wonder Smoothing Oil

Matrix Total Results Silk Wonder Smoothing Oil (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description: Sleek Silk Wonder Smoothing Oil instantly restores shine and silkiness. Lightweight oil treatment quickly absorbs into hair to smooth and control frizz all day. Provides shine and frizz control.

Ingredients: cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, olea europaea oil, parfum, benzyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamal, butyrospermum parkii butter, linalool, limonene, carrot oil

 paraben free

My Take:  And so my ongoing love affair with oils continues... I really didn't think I could like anything as much as I like coconut oil and Mizani's Supreme Oil, but Silk Wonder has proven me wrong! It's thicker and more viscous than coconut oil (and Supreme Oil), similar in consistency to EVOO. Despite it's thickness, it was not sticky and absorbed quickly in to my dry hair. I used it initially to detangle, and while it worked for that purpose, I think it's better suited as a treatment for fizz control and shine and as a sealer. The scent of it is divine, something like a mix between citrus and the ocean, perfect for the summer time! I love that it is packaged with an applicator tip: it means there's less mess and it's easier to apply to the scalp if so desired. I also like that a little goes a long way, so even though it's a bit pricey (it retails at professional beauty salons for $32/3 oz.), you really are getting your money's worth.

PS-Product was sent for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC: Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine

jane carter solution nourish & shine (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Oh my gosh...You have never in your life experienced a product like this! We blend all-natural butters with vitamins and essential oils to create this hair nourisher. It completely melts into your hair and adds incredible shine. It never leaves your hair feeling greasy! Nourish & Shine helps to reduce dryness on the skin and scalp. Order two and hide one for you! It's a great mid-day frizz-banisher! Carry one in your purse to touch up flyaways. Product adds moisture, shine, and provides frizz control.

Ingredients: Natural Butters, Essential Oils, Vitamins

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, glycerin free

My Take:  After reading other reviews, I feel a bit guilty for not liking this more than I do; perhaps I did not use it correctly, and I'm certain I will give it another shot. I'm pretty much a wash and go girl; I don't generally do shingles, twists, or braids (which I think this product is more suitably used for). I used this on wet hair and while it left my hair "moisturized," it was also kind of sticky. I did find better results when I used it to smooth down some flyaways when I pulled my hair back in a high ponytail. It imparted a nice sheen to my hair. I found the scent refreshing, citrusy, and very reminiscent of summer time, but the hubby thought that it was too intense and overpowering and requested that I not use it again in his presence (he alluded to it smelling like a citronella candle). I do really like that the product is all natural and is multipurpose. I think I might like it better as a skin moisturizer as opposed to a product for my hair...

PS-This product was sent to me for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and the opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :) It is available for purchase on CurlMart.com and select Target Stores. 

I'm on NaturallyCurly.com, Y'all!!!

I shared this on Facebook and Twitter last week, but just in case you're not following me there (you really should be), I have some fantabulous news: I am one of four women featured in a series on NaturallyCurly.com called "Texture Perspective!"

Texture Perspective is a new series of discussions involving the perspectives of four different women (including me!) of different hair textures and types, of varying ages who are in different stages in life. It is a complete and total honor for me to be asked to participate in this (especially considering that the 3 other ladies featured are actual employees of NaturallyCurly.com) and I'm so excited to be a part of such a stellar community!

Check out the first installment, an introduction, here. And stay tuned for the next installment which will focus on straightening. While you're there meet Tracey, Suzanne, and Cassidy to learn their hair stories too! Feel free to leave comments, as this series is meant to spark dialogue and discussion. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

CGC: Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  This thick conditioner uses shea butter for its moisturizing properties, adding great softness to super dry hair. It also utilizes the beneficial properties of 14 different herbs and spices. Good for daily use for those with thick, dry hair, but might be too heavy for hair that gets weighed down easily. Finer curlies might want to try our Aloeba conditioner. It adds moisture, shine,  and aids in detangling.

Ingredients:  Water infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp, Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage and Thyme, Aloe Vera Juice, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Letchin, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour,Fragrance,Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (the last three are the preservative system.

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free, animal friendly, and available in a  fragrance free option



My Take: The Citrus Lavender scent is pleasant and I like that the product is cruelty free and vegan (though I am not one). The appearance/texture of the conditioner struck me as a bit unusual; at first glance it almost appears paste like. The ingredients list reads like a veritable herb garden; it's full of good for your hair ingredients. It provided enough slip in the shower for me to be able to detangle and while it made my hair look curlier (if that's even possible), I didn't feel like my hair was as soft as I would've liked (even though I left it in for 5 minutes). I do like that it can be used as a traditional conditioner, leave in, or deep conditioner, so perhaps my tresses will like it better as a leave in moisturizer.

PS- Product was provided by NaturallyCurly.com for review. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. :)

CGC: Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner

Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:   This daily, ultra-rich conditioning and softening treatment promotes suppleness, manageability and shine in parched, spongy, frizzy and lackluster hair. 

Formulated with honey and glycerin to enhance moisture penetration, protect against breakage and encourage hair's natural tendency to curl. Super-conditioning shea butter, coconut and olive oils, with extracts of avocado and jojoba, keep kinky, curly and wavy hair healthy and lustrous. Adds moisture, shine, frizz control.

Ingredients:  water, cetyl alcohol, cyclopentasiloxane, behentrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, cyclohexasiloxane, honey, hedychium coconarium root extract, cymbopogon schoenanthus extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, coix lacryma- jobi seed extract, gardenia tahitensis flower extract, butylene glycol, isopropanol, dimethiconol, dimethicone, polyquaterinum-10, ceteareth-20, hydroxyethylcellulose, fragrance, disodium EDTA, citric acid, DMDM hydantoin, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free, contains bee products

My Take:  Oh my goodness! I am obsessed with this conditioner! I only had a little one time use packet. but that one use not only made me want to purchase a full size bottle, I was so impressed I want to try more products in the line. Wish it was a little more budget friendly, but I totally understand that sometimes you get what you pay for. My hair felt like SILK as soon as I applied the conditioner. Detangling while it was wet was a cinch, and it rinsed out so clean! I'm definitely a fan of HAIR RULES. This is by far, the best conditioner I have used in a long time!

PS- A sample of this product was sent for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and are my own. :)

CGC: Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel

Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel  (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:   ... the most moisturizing styling gel we’ve ever made!  Free of parabens, alcohol and made with 100% PURE Olive Oil, our NEW Olive Oil Gel was specially formulated to meet the needs of consumers who wear their hair naturally and is also great for those who desire a hold without the hardness our protein gels provide! This product is alcohol free, paraben free, adds moisture, definition, and has no silicones.

Ingredients:  Artesian Water, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, VP/VA Copolymer, PPG-5 Celeth-20, DMDM Hydanloin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydrolized Soy Protein, Yellow 5, Blue 1

silicone free, paraben free

My Take:  I'm not usually a fan of gel (I hate for my hair to be crunchy and I generally don't need that much hold to get curl definition), but I tried this at first to smooth my baby hairs down (I used an old, clean toothbrush) and it worked so well and didn't flake a bit, so I mixed a dollop of it with some styling creme for an up do and it worked spectacularly! It provided that extra bit of hold I needed and gave my hair a beautiful, polished shine. I'm definitely a fan, and will purchase this when I run out!

PS- I was sent this product for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid to do the review and the opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. :)

CGC: Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream

Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Sea Buckthorn Berry (Obliphica) Curl Defining Cream with omega 7 + vitamin c tames, separates and smooths for curly, medium to course hair. Free of parabens, silicone and artificial colors. Safe for color treated hair. The Curl Defining Cream especially formulated for curly hair, provides conditioning and smooth separation without weighing hair down.  


Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hippophae rhamnoides (Obliphica) oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Polyquaterniu-7, Cetrimonium chloride, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Panthenol, Sunset yellow

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, animal friendly

My Take:  The fragrance is divine, the cream is nice and thick, and my curls looked great! Because of how thick and rich the cream is, I recommend using it on clean hair while it is still wet or damp. It offers frizz protection, curl definition, and wonderful shine. It is definitely one of my new favorite, go to products!

PS- This product was sent for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. :)

CGC: Hempz Couture Oil Treatment

Hempz Couture Oil Treatment (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Prolong the life of your hair color while nourishing hair with Hempz Couture Hempz Oil Treatment. This treatment not only conditions hair, it protects hair against damage caused by UV rays and heat styling. Enriched with pure organic Hemp Seed Oil, the formula absorbs into hair instantly, smoothing down split ends and eliminating frizzies without weighing hair down or leaving an oily residue behind.

Vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free and THC-drug free formula. 

My Take: LOVE this! It is perfect for sealing and layering over cream products for added moisture and lovely shine! It is wonderfully thick, so a little goes a long way! I recommend using it on wet or damp hair, and it's perfect for refreshing second and third day curls.

PS- This product was sent for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid to do the review and the opinions stated are 100% my own and honest. :)

CGC: Burt's Bees gud Orange Petalooza Natural Softening Conditioner

gud Orange Petalooza Natural Softening Conditioner (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Condition hair naturally with moisturizing botanicals and a delicious scent of blood orange and hyacinth. 

Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, fragrance, ceteareth-20, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, hibiscus sabdariffa flower*, mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract*, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract*, thymus vulgaris (thyme) leaf extract*, urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract*, glycerin, behentrimonium methosulfate, stearalkonium chloride, potassium sorbate, citric acid, alcohol denat. *Organic.

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free

My Take: The smell is utterly delightful! The conditioner is smooth and creamy and you kind of feel good using it because it's Burt's Bees, you know? It provided enough slip to detangle my hair while wet, but it was really the smell that won me over. As a conditioner it performed well, but it wasn't particularly outstanding.

PS- This product was sent for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. :)