Product Review || Hydratherma Naturals Protein Deep Conditioner

If you've seen any of my other posts, you'll know that I've already done a short review on the Hydratherma Naturals DC. I feel like now I can do a full review because I've practically finished my trial sized bottle and have used it about 4-5 times.

What it says

Strengthens the hair and prevents breakage. With just one use, you will see and feel a difference. This treatment contains an exceptional and unique complex of structurizing proteins, all of different molecular weights. These proteins penetrate deep within the hair shaft producing benefits like no single protein can. Enriched with 10 amino acids, vitamins and botanical extracts. Strengthens each hair strand and protects the hair from harsh weather. Also provides sunscreen protection. Your hair will look and feel terrific. Superb for all hair types. For best results, use with other Hydratherma Naturals brand products. PH balanced. How to use: Shampoo hair with Hydratherma Naturals shampoo of choice. Gently towel blot hair and saturate hair with conditioner from root to tip. Cover head with plastic cap and use our Hair Therapy Wrap or sit under a warm dryer for 10-20 minutes, comb through with a wide tooth comb to remove tangles then rinse with water. Great for all hair types. For extreme deep conditioning, apply the Hydratherma Naturals Hair Growth Oil to the hair / scalp along with the deep conditioner. Cover with plastic cap and then deep condition with heat. 

Ingredients

Water/Aqua, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phytonadione, Pyridoxine HCL, Biotin, Sodium PCA, Betaine, Sorbitol, Glycine, Alanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Arginine, Lysine, Glutamic Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Methyl Gluceth-10, PEG-45M, Triethanolamine, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. PARABEN FREE.

What I think:

I've gotten used to the smell by now. It smells like ... I don't know. I really don't, but that's not the point! The consistency is thin so at times I was like ... is this stuff really in my hair or what? But it sure was! Anyway, after applying it to my hair, I left it in for about 60 minutes. When rinsing it out it didn't really help much with the detangling, but the breakage was so little! Obviously this isn't for you if your hair is protein sensitive because this is a protein DC but if you're like me, and your hair is THIRSTY for that weekly protein treatment, then try out this product. My hair ALWAYS feels so much stronger after using this product. When I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration after it, it helps soften up my hair while keeping the strength from the DC. (New regimen I think?) But anyway, I was hoping it would help soften up my hair but it does not and I'm not even mad because it didn't promise that it would. However, it did everything it said it would. My hair always feels stronger, the breakage decreases drastically and I did feel the difference in just one use! At least it doesn't lie.

It runs kind of expensive at $15.99/8oz + shipping. I have one use left in my trial size from my CurlKit so after that I'll look for something less expensive and maybe buy this when I have money to blow. 

Rate: 8/10


You can buy the product online on Amazon or here: http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/Amino-Plus-Protein-Deep-Conditioning-Treatment.html

Much Love,
Dez.

Video || Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner Quick Review

Comment !

Video || Products I use on my natural 4a/4b/4c hair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp4y88gdr24

Comment, rate and subscribe to my channel and tell me what you think.
I'm open to all suggestions and opinions.
Much Love,
Dez

First Impressions || Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

So I was running out of my old conditioner that I bought before I researched natural hair products (Pantene Aqua Light). I was good for my hair but I felt like something out there could do better. So, I posted the question on my tumblr page (dezcurls.tumblr.com) and asked for suggestions on conditioners. I got some really good ones like the Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle and Tresseme Naturals. The closest WholeFoods/TraderJoes is about an hour away and I couldn't find Tresseme Naturals at Sally's or Walgreens so I picked up HE Hello Hydration for like 3.99/10oz.


Okay so here we go. I did an ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) rinse on my hair and deep conditioned with my homemade Honey deep conditioner (Honey Deep Conditioner). So after rinsing it out, I used the Hello Hydration and LORD! The slip was like instant and just ... omg. I can't even. I love it. Rinsing it out was great and my hair felt soft afterwards. I'm not doing a full review until I've gone through at least half of the bottle so I'm not posting the ingredients or doing a rating for now. But so far, so good.

First Impression || Terresentials Organic Mud Wash

Okay so I've always wanted to try the Terresentials Mud Wash ever since I saw my favorite Natural Hair Vlogger, Naptural85 rave about it. I finally ordered it about 2 weeks ago and tried it as soon as I got it.
Some background info: I have 4a hair around the front, 4b in the middle and 4c in the back.

 As you can see, I was pretty damn excited. Anyway, I used the mudwash like I used regular shampoo or conditioner. I parted my wet hair in sections, raked it through and then smoothed it onto my hair. There is a detox period of about 7 days but it requires you to wash your hair 3 times each day and I didn't want to waste my product or my time so I just left it on for 60 minutes and rinsed out. After letting my hair air dry, I noticed that my hair was stretched, moisturized and very soft even though I had NO PRODUCT in my hair. I didn't even condition because the website said not to and I wanted to follow the instructions as closely as possible.

Anyway, I like the product a lot but I feel like I'll only use it as a cleansing masque once every two weeks because the website tells you to use mostly natural products with the mud wash. I have a lot of products that are both au naturale and not so natural and I can't just throw them out or stop using them. The Terresentials product is great. I purchased the lavender scent mud wash, which smelled wonderful. It left my hair stretched and soft but it is expensive ($19.50/8oz if you count shipping) and it would require me to drop most of my other products. However my hair was VERY clean and was not stripped at all. It washes out very well too and there was almost no need for detangling after. My mom actually asked if I had a little blow out because my hair was so stretched when it had dried. The product is completely organic and certified by the USDA.
I can see why it works so well for Naptural85 though because most, if not all, of the products she uses on her hair are natural/organic/homemade so why not?

Anyway, I give Terresentials an 8/10 for a first impression. Below, you can find a link to their website and Naptural85's video review of the product.

Terresentials Website - http://www.terressentials.com/haircare.html
Naptural85's video review - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR3n1GCQQQk

July Curlkit + 3 Product Reviews

So a few days ago I got my first Curlkit so I decided to try out a few things.

Ur Curly Soya Shampoo

Ingredients

Artesian Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Taurate, PEG 150 Distearate, Polyquat 10, Menthol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Polysorbate 20, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Fragrance, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinine. 

*** silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free

What I think: 
I used it on my hair which was due for a wash and I loved the feeling I got. I don't like using shampoo so much but this one looks like a keeper. It has a great minty scent you can tell that the Tea Tree Oil is in there. My scalp felt tingly when using it and I'm sure my hair was clean. However, I'm not sure if it made any sort of difference to my hair at all. Rate: 7/10 Cost: $8.99

Hydratherma Naturals Deep Conditioner

Ingredients:

Water/Aqua, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl  Acetate, Glycerin,  Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis  Leaf Juice, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed  Corn Protein, Retinyl  Palmitate, Ascorbyl  Palmitate, Phytonadione, Pyridoxine HCL, Biotin, Sodium PCA, Betaine,  Sorbitol, Glycine, Alanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Arginine, Lysine,  Glutamic Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Methyl Gluceth-10, PEG-45M, Triethanolamine, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.   PARABEN FREE
What I Think:Right off the bat, I hate the smell. HATE HATE HATE HATE IT. It's so weird. I can't describe it. HOWEVER, this product is one of the few that actually does what it says. The instructions said to leave it in for about 10-20min but I did 60min to really get it in there. I loved the results though. I wouldn't say that my hair felt super soft like it does with other deep conditioners, it felt normal. However, my hair felt strong and the breakage was minimal (just like it said). The consistency is thin and I was afraid that I would use the whole 2oz on my hair but I barely used that much. It didn't take much to cover my hair, which is shoulder length when straight and halfway down my neck when curly. I'm keeping my bottle until the winter because I feel like it would help me more later than right now.

Rate: 7/10 Cost: $15.99/8oz

Shea Whip

Ingredients:

raw unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed castor oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e oil, fragrance oils.

What I Think:I think this is a great product. It's completely natural too! The one that I got was the Coconut Lime Verbena and I didn't really like the smell too much. It was kind of citrus-y. I only used a dime sized amount and it was enough to cover my entire head. My hair felt very soft immediately after using it. I'll definitely buy a full sized one after I finish my trial size and my Cantu Shea Butter. Rate: 9/10 Cost: $12.00/8oz
Watch the video review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ICRcik_mOM

Compliments & Clients :)

I've gotten more and more compliments on my natural hair, especially when I wear in it a fro. Last night, two of my managers told me how great I looked with my fro (and they were men so who said men don't love naturals??).
So basically everyone at work loves it and this girl has been asking me to twist her hair for her so we finally made an appointment for 10am, my house. The downside is that she's Spanish (no offense) and her hair is SO soft, I wonder if the twists will hold or not. I might just twist her strands, then do bantu knots and then bobby pin them until they dry and I can take them out.
Either way, I'm excited for my first client.

Product Review || Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

Shampoo

What it says:

A precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening. Derived from the southwest region of Morocco, argan oil protects from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection. Paraben free. Why We Love It: It's the perfect indulgence for soft, seductive, silky perfection! Why You Want It: This exotic precious blend of Moroccan argan oil penetrates, moisturizes, renews and creates softness and strength while protecting your hair from harmful styling heat and UV damage as it gives you smooth, sexy tresses. What's In It For You: This rare formula has a centuries-old history of providing natural vitamin E and antioxidants while renewing your hair's cell structure, sealing in shine, and creating lush softness. What It's In: Organix bottles are eco-friendly, manufactured from materials containing recycled post-consumer resin. All labels are printed utilizing environmental inks and compostable label film made from annually renewable resource corn, not from petrochemicals. Not tested on animals. Made in USA.

Ingredients:

Dl Water (Aqua), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Dimethicone Copolyol, Cocamide DEA, Glycol Distearate, Argania Spinoza (Argan) Oil, Cacao (Cocoa Butter) Extract, Parfum, Theobroma Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Leaf) Extract, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, DMDM Hydantoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-23M, Red 40, Yellow 5.

Directions: 

Apply Organix Shampoo generously to wet hair, massage into a lather through to ends, then rinse the 
hair thoroughly. After shampooing, follow with Conditioner.

Conditioner:

What it says:

Same as shampoo

Ingredients:

Dl Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Argania Spinoza (Argan) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Leaf) Extract, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Red 40, Yellow 5.

Directions

After shampooing, apply Organix Conditioner generously to hair, working through to ends. Wait 3-5 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly.

My Review:

What. The. Hell. I bought both the shampoo and conditioner when I first started my natural hair journey and didn't know a thing about Silicones, parabens, sulfates or even looking up reviews online! This stuff is terrible for my hair. When I first tried the shampoo, it stripped my hair like crazy! My hair felt dry, straw-like and limp. I forgot how the conditioner was the first time but when I used it again yesterday because I couldn't find my other one, same thing. When I rinsed my hair, it was so dry and coarse, definitely unlike my usual soft hair. It took forever and a day to detangle and there was so much breakage after. I think the EVCO I added helped it out a little bit but still! This set just does not work for my 4a/4b hair AT ALL!! I'm not even going to try to finish it. I'm throwing it out. It also has the perfume-like smell that I don't really like. Both were $7.99 each at CVS and you can find them at Target, Walgreens or Walmart. On the flip side, I've heard that the other products in the line work very well. However, after using this, I don't think I'll ever think of purchasing them. 

Rate: 1/10 for the shampoo and 3/10 for the conditioner.

I'll leave it to your own discretion but in my opinion, I would not buy again. Ever.

KISS (:

Fourth of July: Co-Wash n Go !

I was originally planning to do a dry twist out but I decided to co-wash and go instead.
** Co Wash = Conditioner Only Wash. (No Shampoo) **

I didn't have much time so I had to hurry and get through it as much as possible.

1. Conditioned my hair with Organix Renewing Morrocan Argan Oil Conditioner and Coconut Oil.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes while I showered.
3. Rinsed out and parted into sections (This time mine weren't so even because I was rushing).
4. Detangled with my Water and Aloe Vera Juice Mix.
5. Working by section, I raked in my Shea Moisture Curling Souffle and then smoothed on my handy dandy Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel (the green tub).
6. Move on to next section. 
7. Flat twist my bangs (I have heat damage there so I cover it up a lot).

And thats all! At most, it took about 10 minutes. 

Twist out!!

Took Out my flat twists :)

Natural Hair Tip: Water - A Natural's Best Friend

For us naturals, water is definitely a staple in our regimen. The curlier your hair, the more water you'll need in your hair. I know for my 4a/4b hair, it takes a LOT of water.

For those of us who had relaxers in all our lives (I had mine from age 5-14), water was always know as the enemy. I used two shower caps to make sure that no water touched my hair. I ran from the rain and I avoided a lot of pool parties. I was always taught that washing my hair all the time was bad and would break my hair. But now, that's all different.

Did you know?

1. Water is moisturizing. Our hair grows better and thrives in an environment with lots of moisture and water gives you just that. Just make sure you're using good water. Hard water is not H2O in its pure form and has some chemicals that strip your hair. Also, some shampoos are also stripping so make sure that you use sulfate-free shampoo.
2. Your body is 70% water. Obviously, you've heard this over and over again in every science class you've ever taken, but it's true!! And everyday we have to drink more water to maintain the balance. In order for our hair to grow, we also need to DRINK more water, not just spray it on our heads. No matter how much EVOO or Castor Oil or Miss Jessie's Buttercreme you use on your hair, it won't grow as healthy as it can without the intake of water. 
3. Too much water is not a good thing. If you're the type to wash your hair everyday, thats fine. Make sure that your hair isn't submerged in water for too long because that can cause cuticle damage. Swimmers should try to deep condition and protect their hair by using a swimming cap as much as possible.

As naturals, we should try to use water-based moisturizers, such as aloe vera juice, to really nourish the hair strands. Some people need to moisturize several times a day especially during the summer and winter. Others, like me prefer to moisturize once or twice a day, or as needed. Regardless, is it very important that our hair gets all the moisture it needs. This helps decrease breakage, and soften the hair. Drinking lots of water also helps with people who have dry or oily hair.

Hasta! :)

Honey Deep Condition Results!!

So first I clarified my hair with an ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) Rinse.
I use 1/4 cup of ACV to 3/4 cups of water.
Then I made the mix:
2 Tablespoons of Organic Honey (Trader Joes)
2 Tablespoons of Agave Nectar (Trader Joes)
2 Teaspoons of EVOO
2 Teaspoons of EVCO
1 Teaspoon of Jojoba Oil
I mixed them all together in a bowl and microwaved for 20 seconds and then let cool.
(Side note: You may need more if your hair is longer. Mine straightened slightly passes my collarbone)
After that, worked it through my hair, left it for 30 minutes, rinsed and then followed up with Pantene Aqua Light Weightless Conditioner, took a shower and then rinsed.

RESULTS!

It was great. My hair was shiny when it left it on and when I rinsed it out. I finger detangled and it was a breeze! Also, following up with conditioner gave my hair a lot of slip. I knew it was the DC because I don't get that feeling with just my normal conditioner. My curls were very defined and VERY shiny! 

Hasta!

Deep Condition Day !

Woo! Haha this is one of my favorite days.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE  mixing and trying new things so today I think I'm going to mix Agave nectar, organic honey, EVCO and EVOO and a little Jojoba Oil too and see how that works. I'll post the recipe and the results and hopefully make a video today :)
Hasta!