The Mane Objective

Christina's Choice 2015: Best Leave-In Conditioners for Natural Hair

In 2016, I seriously hope you're not side-stepping leave-in conditioning as a part of your healthy hair regimen.

Seriously.

Leave-in conditioners are like, everything. When you have a good one, it does exactly as the name suggests -- conditioning the hair post-wash, while softening, de-frizzing, retaining moisture, and sealing the cuticle of the hair. Leave-ins are also a part of the secret sauce of a great wash and go style. They help capture your curl pattern in it's most hydrated state, helping your curls ascend to epic levels of washing and going.

If your leave-in isn't achieving those levels of greatness, you're looking at this list for all the right reasons. Let's get on with the get on, shall we? Without further delay, here are the best leave-in conditioners of 2015:

Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip, 8oz/$16
Two words: botanical magic. Not only does it smell like a tropical paradise, it envelops my curls in a curl-boosting cocktail of botanical goodness. It glides onto my curls like sweet, sweet buttah with tons of moisture and frizz-fighting goodness. Oh and the slip? Off the charts -- which makes Mango Dip Detangling Slip a rockstar leave-in, detangler, mid-week moisturizer, and natural gal's best friend. I seriously mashed through a salon sized bottle and then some in 2015, which should let you know just how much I love Mango Dip. Super mega bonus? Mango Dip Detangling Slip plays nicely with all of my favorite curl definers...but I won't ruin the surprise by telling you which ones :)

Watch Mango Dip Detangling Slip in Action
How I Use Mango Dip Detangling Slip on My Wash & Go

Ouidad Whipped Curls, 8.5oz/$24
Yes, another rock star leave-in conditioner form 2014 makes its way onto the 2015 roundup! Whipped Curls is a true curl primer -- boosting curls with a super thick dose of glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, and green tea extract. It's a bit pricey, but because it's so thick and concentrated, a little bit goes a long way -- especially if applied under running water to dilute it. Seriously, the 8.5oz whipped cream inspired canister lasts forever. It helps tremendously to de-frizz, packs tons of moisture, and doesn't weigh the hair down. Plus, when combined with my DIY Mud Rinse, it's the perfect product for a conditioner only wash and go!

Ouidad Whipped Curls Review

Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner, 8oz/$9
When it makes the list 2 years in a row, you know it's real! The Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In is super thick, has tons of slip, and coats the hair gorgeously. The first ingredients after water are aloe vera juice, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and safflower seed oil, so you know what time it is! I highly recommend this one for anyone suffering with super dry hair that's looking for a leave-in. It's also the perfect leave-in for those of you who have a curl definer that makes your curls pop, but leaves them dry as a bone. It's the perfect buffer!

The $5 Wash & Go

And the Deserted Island Award pick goes to...........

Eden's BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner

Why: No lie, it was by a very narrow margin. I almost considered awarding both Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip and Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner...but then that would violate the spirit of the Deserted Island Award. It was an incredibly tough call, guys. Both leave-ins smell amazing, are similar in consistency, provide amazing slip and moisture, and hit every other mark I love in my leave-in. The ingredients in both are awesome, and I've kept them both equally in rotation all year long. I had no choice but to declare Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner the winner based on two factors alone: price and on the ground availability. The truth of the matter is, Eden BodyWorks is $7-8 cheaper than Mango Dip (both are 8oz) and is sold everywhere. Heck, I could probably even get some Eden BodyWorks on that deserted island.

What leave-in conditioners are winning with you into 2016? Let me know in the comments below!

Up next: Moisturizers!

Check out all of the 2014 Christina's Choice winners here!
Keep up with the Christina's Choice 2015 winners here!

Christina's Choice 2015: Best Moisturizers for Natural Hair

Guys, guys, don't hate me. This list was supposed to be done like, a week ago. I don't have any excuses, it just didn't happen as planned. But I'm here now, right? So let's get this party started!

Moisturizers, moisturizers, moisturizers. Everybody loves moisturizers, right? For many of us, they serve multiple functions -- revitalizing old styles, adding much-needed moisture and shine between wash days, and sometimes, they function entirely on their own as styling products. Although deep conditioners, curl definers, and leave-ins get me exxxxxtra hype (in that order), I've learned to love on a good few moisturizers. Ladies (and natural Gentlemen), never underestimate the power of an awesome moisturizer. An awesome moisturizer can mean the difference between rocking a suspect, parched looking bun and getting 4th day curl poppage.

Here's my 2015 faves for keeping ashy curls at bay!

Honey's Handmade Macadamia & Avocado Salted Caramel Custard, 8oz/$17
I know, I know. Another product you've never heard me mention on the blog. Well, if you followed me on Instagram you'da seen this one already! Honey's Handmade Macadamia & Avocado Salted Caramel Custard is responsible for this level of curl shine realness and much more. It's a phenomenal "C" in the LOC/LCO method, is justified in its own right as a leave-in, and makes one helluva moisturizer. I mean, did you see that shine?! Oh what, you didn't click that link 3 sentences ago?! Anyway, I'm so happy that I ordered from Honey's Handmade in 2015. I found myself a keeper -- be sure to follow them on Instagram (@honeyshandmade) because you can catch a good sale or get free shipping (like right now -- free shipping through the end of January 2016). Sure, I'll add Macadamia & Avocado Salted Caramel Custard to my growing list of products to review in 2016. Just for you guys, cuz I love you and whatnot. Oh and by the way, it smells just as delicious as the name suggests.

LRC Healthy Hair Care Shake & Go, 8oz/$23
No, you're not tripping. In 2014 I listed Shake & Go as one of my favorite leave-ins. Well in 2015, I upgraded it's purpose for one reason and one reason only: cost effectiveness. As you guys know, I'm super heavy-handed with products. With Shake & Go being a liquid spray, I found myself running through it. In order to get more bang for my buck, I started using it as a curl refresher and moisturizer. Everything I said about Shake & Go in 2014 rings true in 2015 and beyond. It's one ridiculously amazing and versatile product -- and worth every penny. PS. If you're gonna do it, I totally recommend the salon bottle.Way better value.

LRC Shake & Go Review

Hydratherma Naturals Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream, 8oz/$21
Miracle in a jar. 8oz of pure dopeness. Botanical bliss. A crusty curl's archnemesis. I could go on and on about Hydratherma Naturals' Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream, but I've already done that in this video. As a matter of fact, I warned you in that same video that this was gonna happen -- a Christina's Choice nomination! I may never use this product for its intended purpose, because it's SOOOOO darn good at being a moisturizer. Seriously, every time I use Hydratherma Naturals Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream, I have serious hand-in-hair syndrome for the next 2 days. It makes your hair shiny, soft, buttery smooth, and super duuuuuper moisturized without feeling weighed down or greasy. Ugh. I wanna stop this blog post and go use some now. It's definitely magic in a jar and absolutely worth every penny.

Hydratherma Naturals Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream Review

tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer, 12oz/$16
Got the Butter Cream listed baaaaack to back! Baaaaack to back! Yep, that's right! tgin's Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer made another appearance! I love this stuff for a few reasons. It's super thick, rich, and creamy without being heavy, greasy, or super oily. It packs an incredible moisturizing punch, and I swear, a jar of this stuff lasts forever. Because it's super cost effective, and well, super effective as a moisturizer -- it landed in the rotation for my epic $5 Wash & Go. I could go on and on and on about the curl slayage that tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer delivers, but that's what reviews are for. Oh, and Christina's Choice 2014 selects.

TGIN Moist Collection Product Review

And the Deserted Island Award Pick is........

Hydratherma Naturals Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream!

Yes, I had to shake what little I had left to the front of the jar for this photo. #judgenot

Why: Yet another tough pick. Each of the moisturizers listed are awesome within their own right. But I absolutely must declare Aloe Curl Enhancing Twisting Cream the winner. The moisture levels in this product are BANANAS! The ingredients are amazing, and after using it I just want to play in my hair all day. If your moisturizer isn't doing that for you, then it's time to switch! #ijs

Learn More about moisture:
How to Retain Moisture in Transitioning and Natural Hair
Curl Care 101: Defining Curls, Managing Frizz & Maximizing Moisture

What moisturizers are winning with you into 2016? Let me know in the comments below!

Up next: one of my absolute favorite things in the world... Curl Definers!

Check out all of the 2014 Christina's Choice winners here!
Keep up with the Christina's Choice 2015 winners here!

Christina's Choice 2015: Best Curl Definers for Natural Hair

MAJOR KEY!!!!

Okay, maybe I've been watching too many DJ Khaled snaps, but this category has me soooo hype right now! You guys know I'm talented at nothing else but the wash and go, so curl definers are very near and dear to my heart.

But I wanna warn you -- there were some major switch-ups in 2015. Familiar faces disappeared (not in a bad way though), and I even found new ways to love the same product over and over again (lol). Although I'm going to go into detail about why I love each product individually, I wanted to share with you exactly what I look for in a curl definer -- so it can help you determine if these products would likely work for your hair. Here's the rundown:

1. My hair is a multi-textured beast. I don't have baby smoove 3c curls out the gate like the perfectly positioned selfie would suggest. The back half of my hair is somewhere between 3b and 3c (its wavy and loose when wet, and dries into legit ringlet wavy curls with minimal product and manipulation). The crown of my hair has yet to be captured by any chart I've ever seen -- there might be a curl deep down inside somewhere, but with the amount of frizz and shrinkage, the world will never know. The front/middle section is the most disrespectful of the bunch. Where the crown is absolutely not here for my shenanigans, my front/middle section is that friend who don't never listen. You told them to meet you at Starbucks at 7, and they show up to Coffee Bean at 4. Just all kinds of loud and wrong. When wet, my front/center hair looks all wavy and sleek, very similar to my back half. But let that sucka go 2 seconds without water or product and it's poof city. It frizzes and shrinks like nobody's business, and doesn't even really "curl" except for the ends. The vast majority of it is some deep wave that might have wanted to be a curl in life, but dropped out of school 3 semesters shy of the degree.

2. I'm a gel kind of girl. The thicker and heavier, the better. 2015 was not the year for botanical gels and curling creams (save for one). In particular, I love gels that contain the thickening agent carbomer -- because it tends to make for a heavier gel that laaaaaaaays the frizz. Plus, I've discovered that no matter the application technique, some botanical gels don't allow my curls to "open up" and become juicy, full-looking curls, and I'm absolutely not here for ramen noodle teas.

3. I LOVE protein. My curls are protein junkies, and have zero interest in rehab. In all my years of transitioning and natural-ness, I've NEVER experienced protein overload. My hair looks at jars and bottles like hey, hey, you...you got some protein? Knowing this, I seek out products with proteins and amino acids along every step of wash day. Curl definers are no exception. 3 out of the 4 products on this list contain a hydrolyzed protein, and the 4th has keratin and silk amino acids. Gotta give the curls what they want, right? GIVE THE CURLS WHAT THEY WANT!

Sorry, they took my keyboard hostage for a second. Now let's get on with my picks for best curl definers for natural hair. As you can see, the lineup has been condensed considerably:

Eden BodyWorks Kids Berry Natural Smoothing Gel, 8oz/$8
What can I say about this gel that hasn't already been said in this review? As the first gel off the block for Eden (although word on the street is there's going to be an adult gel verrrrrrry soon), I just knew I had to try it out. I first encountered the Berry Natural Smoothing Gel at BeautyCon LA back in July 2015 while on assignment for my then-employer...#dontjudgeme. From that point on, it's been a love affair like none other. Why? It smells amazing, works flawlessly, and gives me curl slayage for the masses. Plus, you can layer it with other EBW products like the Coconut Shea Leave-In and Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme and not have white flakes and globs of white buildup. Where I come from (Washandgoville, USA), we call that a WIN.

Eden BodyWorks Kids Berry Natural Smoothing Gel Review

Obia Natural Hair Care Curl Enhancing Custard, 12oz/$20
Obia blew my mind back in 2013 when I did my first review as a transitioner. 2 and 1/2 years later, I'm still ordering 2-3 jars whenever a sale pops up. Some products just have staying power, and I mean that both ways. Not only is Obia's Curl Enhancing Custard pH balanced for maximum curl poppage, it delivers shine, definition, and softness without leaving curls stringy or dry.

Obia Natural Hair Review

Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel, Lifetime Supply/$10
Can we all agree that there are no surprises here? Two years in a row, Eco Styler has been at the top of my list, and rightfully so. Why? let's count the reasons:
1. It's incredibly affordable
2. It makes curls POP
3. You can get a lifetime supply for $10 or less
4. IT WORKS (#nowraps)

Are the ingredients all that? Not really. Is it pH balanced? Maybe. Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel is a super popping curl definer without all the pretentiousness. If you need a little more convincing, read on:

I'm in Love with Ecoco!
The $5 Wash & Go
How to Get the Perfect Wash & Go Curls

Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme, 16oz/$10
Did somebody say sleeper?! Yes! I've had an off and on relationship with Eden BodyWorks Curl Defining Creme over the years, but in 2015, the relationship came full circle. Although I'm a gel girl, I'm not too proud to shout out a cream that gets the job done (hi TIGI Curls Rock Amplifier, with yo' expensive self). For 2015, Eden BodyWorks had the cream (or creme, rather) that got the job done. It works great as a leave-in, moisturizer, and as a curl definer in it's own right. The secret to making your curls pop with this one? Smooth it on repeatedly over your strands. Although I will say, this product doesn't quite hold down my crown/front and center frizzy bits unless I do a mud rinse first. But never fear, pairing with ANY of the gels on this list works!

And the Deserted Island Award pick goes to.....

Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel!

Why: Oh come on, don't act all brand new now. If nothing else, you KNEW this was going to happen. Okay, maybe you didn't...because I love all of these curl definers SO much. But for price point, widespread availability, and the fact that I butchered a song for it, I HAD to select Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel. I know there's likely to be some Eco haters in the building (and that's okay), but for me, this gel was a winner.

By the way, 2016 is already shaping up to be really interesting year curl definer wise. Some new kids on the block that I'm feeling just *might* find themselves in this position at the end of the year.

What curl definers are winning with you into 2016? Let me know in the comments below!

That's it for Christina's Choice 2015! Thank you all for coming along for this ride two years in a row!!!

Check out all of the 2014 Christina's Choice winners here!
Keep up with the Christina's Choice 2015 winners here!

The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be 3-in1 Conditioner and Crystal Orchid Biotin Styling Gel Review

New products get me sooooo hype! So you could imagine the fanfare involved in opening a box of goodies from The Mane Choice.

In true killin' tha game fashion, The Mane Choice has dropped several new products (including a talking flat iron!) in 2016. Among those new product offerings are the Soft as Can be 3-in1- Revitalize & Refresh Conditioner, and the Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel. You guys have already seen me roll out my favorite leave-ins and curl definers of 2015. So how did these two products from The Mane Choice stack up? Keep reading to find out!

Watch the video:

Soft As Can Be 3-in-1 Revitalize & Refresh Conditioner

Cost
$13.99 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.themanechoice.com

Active Ingredients

Purified Water
Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also give conditioner its velvety feel. without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Sodium PCA: A derivative of the naturally occuring amino acid proline that acts as a natural humectant and moisturizing factor for human skin and hair.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: A gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.
Castor Seed Oil: Thick, highly viscous oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and humectant properties. It is also a great moisture sealant, and promotes hair thickening and growth.
Avocado Oil: Omega rich oil extract that can softens, adds moisture, and promotes shine.

For the full ingredient list, click here.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
Let's get straight to the point. This product blew me away. Like, I don't think I was actually ready for it. In my mind, I figured that Soft As Can Be would likely make a good leave-in conditioner, and a decent co-wash and detangler at best. I. Was. WRONG. Oh my goodness, I was wrong. The consistency is thicker than your average leave-in, closer to that of a rinse out conditioner. It spreads super easy and smooth, and melts right into my strands. The slip is off the chain. It makes detangling a super breeze, and leaves my hair feeling clean, yet soft. As a leave-in, it's super hydrating and quenches frizz (as you'll see in the video). It hits all the marks for performance and then some! I'm beyond impressed, and I don't mean that lightly. The Mane Choice definitely knocked it out the park with this one!

The Bad
The only thing I didn't care for? The size. A girl like me who co-washes twice a week definitely needs more than 8oz of anything in life. So ummm, Courtney... can we get this in a 32oz or nah? Lol!

The Bottom Line
Nothing makes me happier than when a product delivers on exactly what it says it will do. Soft As Can Be TOTALLY exceeded my expectations in all areas -- as a leave-in, detangler, and co-wash. It hits all the important marks -- moisture, awesome ingredients, slip, and more. I am blown away and totally impressed.

Would I Buy it Again?
Although the Soft As Can Be 3-in-1 was sent to me by The Mane Choice, I would totally buy it again with my own money. Believe me, it's off the chain.

Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel

Cost
$11.99 for 16oz

Where to Buy
www.themanechoice.com

Active Ingredients

Purified Water
Polysorbate-20: Emulsifier that enables oil and water to mix. It helps product disperse, is a thickener, and stabilizer of essential oils.
Avocado Oil: Omega rich oil extract that can softens, adds moisture, and promotes shine.
Vitamin E Oil: Antioxidant-rich oil that supports hair growth, and believed to assist in preventing hair loss. Also has been known to be a proven UV protectant.
Biotin: A water-soluble vitamin, vital for the body's normal processes such as synthesis of protein and conversion of food and stored fats into energy. It's also a major role player in maintaining the health of the skin, nails and hair.
Silk Amino Acids: Used for conditioning, moisturizing, known to make hair glossy, and give hair more body. It is a strong humectant, and is made from a mixture of amino acids, the most common in this mixture are Glutamic acid, Serine, Proline, Arginine, Threonine, and Aspartic acid.

For the full ingredient list, click here.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

Hair styled courtesy of Soft As Can Be & Crystal Orchid

The Good
First things first: Praise God for 16oz! Now that I got that out of the way, let's talk about how off the chain the Crystal Orchid gel really is. For starters, do you see those ingredients?! Stellar, just....stellar. Now, let's talk performance. As you'll see in the video, Crystal Orchid is a moving gel, with a consistency that reminds me of a thick caramel or fudge. Not runny or watery, but not jiggly like jam either. To be honest, it was my first time trying a gel with this consistency, and I was a little skeptical about how it would work. I have to say again, I'm totally and utterly impressed. Completely blown away. Not only does the gel have great slip, it glides down my curls and leaves them frizz free, smooth, and shiny. And even though it's a botanical gel, after air drying, my curls plump right on up in all their shiny splendor. I love this gel!!! Oh my goodness, I love it. It calms my frizzy bits without giving me the ramen noodle vibes. It doesn't dry my curls out or make them feel parched. Super shoutout to @ktwatkins on IG who said I'd love it. You were right, girl!

The Bad
What I'm about to say isn't particularly indicative of Crystal Orchid, but it's a best practice in general when styling with gels. I'm heavy handed with product, but it's totally possible to have too much of a good thing. When you've overused a gel, it typically causes white flakes and epic levels of crunchiness. With Crystal Orchid, overuse can cause a slight tacky feeling on the hair. Just be mindful of how much product you're using, and adjust your ratios accordingly!

The Bottom Line
To be not as thick and heavy as the gels I normally use, I was most certainly impressed by Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel all the way around. It made my curls pop with enhanced shine and definition. Something else that I found to be pretty awesome? It didn't take my hair allllllll day to dry. It was pretty much dry within 3 hours, which is a record for my hair. My verdict? AWESOME gel. Because of the consistency, it would probably make for a pretty epic flexi rod set -- but you'll have to find somebody else to drop that tutorial lol!

Would I Buy it Again?
Absolutely, 137% YES.

Because clearly, I love my hair styled with Soft As Can Be & Crystal Orchid

Have you tried the new products from The Mane Choice? Let me know in the comments below! Also, feel free to drop any questions!

By the way, if you're interested in reading about my experience with The Mane Choice vitamins, read here:

1 Month Manetabolism Update
2 Month Manetabolism Update

Perfect Curls that POP: Boost Your Mud Rinse with Blackstrap Molassesfor Strong, Shiny and Frizz Free Curls

Are you ready to learn how to infuse your curls with more moisture, shine, and strength with a simple modification to my super easy mud rinse recipe? Keep reading!

In 2015, I introduced my recipe for flawless curls via the DIY Mud Rinse. Several of you messaged, commented and e-mailed letting me know how much you love it (and I couldn't be happier).

Wanna know something funny? Before this post, I hadn't mud rinsed in months.

Wanna know something funnier?

I don't know why I stopped. Seriously.

All I know is that while putting together my 2015 style collage for tha 'gram, I came across some of the dopest wash and go styles I created. I thought to myself, what the heck is different in my routine?

I. Stopped. Mud. Rinsing.

I know, shame on me.

Well in the "new year, new me" spirit (lol) allow me to get brand new with my mud rinse.

Mud Rinsing 101
For those of you who may have forgotten, or don't feel like reading my other post, here's a little refresher on mud rinsing.

Mud rinsing is an intermediate step between your cleansing and deep conditioning, where a water-based clay mixture is allowed to sit on the hair briefly prior to deep conditioning. It is most easily done in the shower, but can be done over the sink as well. Mud rinsing has been easier to do and easier on my strands than clay masks have been. Clay masks are thick, messy, and can sometimes difficult to work through my hair. But mud rinsing? Simple and fuss-free.

Here are a few more benefits of mud rinsing:

It's all natural. One of the best thing about DIY mixes in general is that you get to control what goes into them. A mixture of earthen clay, oils, water, aloe, and apple cider vinegar? Talk about a dream for mixtresses and ingredient snobs.
It's moisturizing and fights frizz.Due to the water content and the oils, the mud rinse hydrates the hair while the oils soften, and the aloe and apple cider vinegar help lay the cuticles to improve shine and moisture retention while reducing frizz.
It detoxifies the hair and scalp. Bentonite clay is incredibly powerful, possessing a negative charge (anionic). It has the ability to remove positively charged (cationic) conditioners and products that can build up on the hair and scalp. It is also said to have the ability to draw out toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals. It lifts impurities from the hair, aiding in conditioning, shine, softness, and definition.
It enhances curl definition. No one is quite sure why, but it does. I want to throw in some sciency jargon about ions and whatnot, but for the life of me it doesn't make sense. I just know that it works -- and not just on my hair either. Click here to see how bentonite clay fares on 4c natural hair. Since science can't explain it away for me, I'll just chalk it up to one of the good Lord's miracles and send a fist bump back to the ancestors because this stuff has been around for thousands of years.
It works instantly. Back when I was doing clay masks post MHM, I was under the impression that it needed 20-30 minutes on the hair, like a deep conditioner. Nope! You can literally work the mud rinse into your hair, and rinse it right out.

Now, here's where things get exciting.

You ready?

I've remixed the recipe for 2016.

I want to say it's because I've been in the lab, mixtressing and experimenting for the best ways to use bentonite clay. But truthfully, I stumbled upon this recipe remix because I have a big @$$ bottle of Blackstrap Molassess, and I need to use it up.

I initially bought the blackstrap for some healthified recipe, but when that didn't pan out, I started looking for other ways to use molasses. My first use I wrote about here: boosting your deep conditioning session with Blackstrap Molasses. Once I realized how much I loved deep conditioning with it, I started pontificating on other ways to make use of my health food investment.

Refresher spray? Nope, Samuel wouldn't come within 50 feet of me if I did that.

Pre-poo? Sure, why not.

Leave-In booster? See idea #1.

Blackstrap & Bentonite Mud Rinse? DING! DING! DING! DING!

And here we are!

Instead of talking this one through, I made an easy to follow video for you guys...yay! See? I told you guys I'd try to do more videos in 2016. Before we get to the video, you might be wondering why I went with Blackstrap Molasses for the bentonite clay. Here's a quick recap on the benefits of Blackstrap Molasses:

Blackstrap Molasses, in all of its dark, thick, sticky, and pungent glory is a nutritional powerhouse that can benefit both the hair and skin. Packed with iron, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, and other antioxidants, Blackstrap Molasses boosts a number of benefits like:

strengthening hair
promoting hair growth
reverting grey hairs
soothing itchy/flaky scalp
boosting shine
improving hair elasticity
increasing hydration levels in the hair

It's a common misconception that Blackstrap Molasses contains natural sulfur (which is awesome for the hair), but it doesn't. The confusion often lies in the labeling of Blackstrap Molasses as "unsulphured", which simply means that sulfur dioxide was not added during the sucrose extraction process by which Blackstrap Molasses comes to be.

Now that we've got that out the way, let's get on to the good stuff - the video and recipe. Grab these ingredients (if you're big on DIY, you likely have most of them already):

Bentonite Clay
Blackstrap Molasses
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar (with mother)
Water
Plastic or glass mixing container (I use this one)
Plastic or wooden spoon (no metal)
Plastic applicator bottle (I use this 8oz bottle)

Come through, curl poppage!!!

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments below if you decide to give it a whirl!

February is Black History Month: Natural Hair BLACKOUT Challenge!

As you probably already know, February is Black History Month. While I'm a tremendous advocate of Black history being 365 days a year (well, 366 days this year), I would be remissed if I didn't take advantage of the next 29 days to issue a challenge near and dear to my heart:

The Natural Hair BLACKOUT Challenge!

If you've been rolling with me for a while, then you know I've been talking about supporting small Black-owned natural hair businesses for a few years now. Check the receipts on the series I did with Black Girl Long Hair:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4 (Black Owned Beauty Supply Stores)

The core of the Natural Hair BLACKOUT Challenge is this: to purchase and use only products from Black-owned businesses on my hair during the month of February. I'm talking Be Kekoa. tgin. The Mane Choice. CURLS. Mielle Organics. Soultanicals. Kyra's Shea Medleys. Eden BodyWorks. Up North Naturals. Obia Natural Hair Care. Hydratherma Naturals. If there's a product in my regimen that's holy grail status but not Black owned, my challenge is to find a replacement.

The point of the Natural Hair BLACKOUT Challenge is not to "limit" myself, but rather to make a conscious decision to financially invest in, and support Black owned businesses in an arena that I am most vocal - natural hair. It also serves as a way to remember who supported who first.

When I say that, I mean, recognizing that the L'Oreals, the Garniers, the Pantenes, and the relaxer companies with our faces on the box were terribly unbothered by our natural hair until they realized how profitable the natural hair industry was. I speak with my platforms (blog & social media), but I also speak with my wallet.

I'm encouraging you all to the same, and stand along with me this February. Take the Natural Hair BLACKOUT Challenge in your own way. If you can't afford to completely overhaul your regimen, then commit to purchasing at least one product from a Black owned natural hair business. Take advantage of at least one sale (I'll be sure to share them all on FACEBOOK, so be sure to like my page!) And if you really are about that life, go ALL IN with me!

Chat with me in the comments below -- share some of your favorite Black owned natural hair brands, and let me know if you're joining me this February for the Natural Hair BLACKOUT Challenge!

Review & Demo: Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner and Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk

You ever look at your own hair like, "wow...that's ME?!" Ummm...yeah. That's me right now.

Okay, so... I'm gonna come right out and say it.

I'm MAD at somebody.

Tell 'em why you mad, C!

I'm mad because alllllllll this time, y'all left me hangin' in these natural hair streets. It's like, all y'all knew that Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner and Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk were ridiculously off the chain, but y'all couldn't be bothered to let a sista know. I mean, dang.

Saltiness aside, I'm super thrilled that I got the opportunity to try the Mielle Organics Babassu Mint Oil Deep Conditioner and Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk because they are straight FIYAH. Like, don't make no sense. You ever stood up and looked at your hair products like this?

Source

That's pretty much how I feel about Mielle Organics right there. Like first of all, I'm mad I just found out. Second of all, how DARE you be that bomb?! And third, look at my hair!

Before I continue rambling or resign to a string of yassssssssss-es, let me get on with this review.

Fun times ahead: watch the video while you read! Or, watch the video and don't read. Just click something! Lol!

Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner

Cost

$14.99 for 8oz

Where to Buy

www.mielleorganics.com

Active Ingredients

Water
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.
Cetearyl Alcohol:Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Acetyl Esters: Hair conditioning agent. (research here is lacking -- come through, scientists!)
Babassu Nut Oil: Oil pressed from the kernel of the Brazilian Orbigynya Palm Tree, with a similar chemical composition to coconut oil. It is able to penetrate the hair (to a degree), improving moisture, strength, elasticity, softness, and shine of hair. It is a wonderful alternative for those who want the benefits of coconut oil, but don't care for it in the hair.
Biosaccharide Gum-1: Moisturizing, soothing ingredient made from the fermentation of plants. Creates a moisture-binding film on hair and skin that leaves both feeling smooth, soft, and velvety.
Acai Pulp Oil: Powerful, antioxidant rich oil that revitalizes the hair and fights signs of aging and damage.

Protein Free?
This is something that needs to be clarified for me as an ingredient nerd, and for the ladies with protein sensitive hair. The Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner says on the front label that it is a "protein/moisture replenisher". However, there are no proteins listed on the ingredient list - no hydrolyzed wheat, quinoa, soy, or Keravis (read here about that) protein. But what the ingredient does boast is a chain of amino acids - arganine, aspartic acid, PCA, glycine, alanine, serene, valine, proline, threnonine, isoleucine, histidine, and phenylalanine. I don't have a degree in Organic Chemistry, so I'm not even going to pretend like I know each amino acid intimately enough to explain how it impacts the health and vitality of hair. But allow me to share this little tidbit of information based on my research (#shoutout to Science-y hair blog for coming through with the supplemental knowledge):

Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids. The cuticle layer of the hair (we've talked before about how the cuticles lay like shingles on a roof) contain the highest concentration of amino acids. The cuticles of the hair are responsible for everything from porosity and strength, to moisture retention and how the hair behaves (or curls). According to Science-y Hair Blog (linked above), glutamic acid, proline, valine, and cystine are very prevalent on the outer layers of the cuticle, and epicuticle, helping to keep the cuticle layer healthy and strong. In deep conditioners like Mielle's Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner, amino acids help damaged hair restore normal porosity by improving the sealing ability of the cuticle layer. Aminos also strengthen and moisturize the hair, as they attract water. According to studies (hi again, Science-y Hair Blog), histidine, phenylalanine, and arganine improved the strength of the hair. Glutamine has been shown to help promote healthy hair growth. So to wrap this thing up with a neat little bow, the deep conditioner contains elements of proteins that help strengthen, restore the cuticle layer, balance porosity, and stimulate growth.

Is Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner protein free? That's for you to decide :)

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
Ohhhhh my God YES! Can we just go ahead and call the Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner exactly what it is? A blessing in a jar. Absolutely. Deep conditioners make me emotional, and this one is no exception. I absolutely love how bright and invigorating the fragrance is - it reminds me of a citrus herbal mint tea. It truly is brightening. It lingers in the hair (I smelled it hours after I had rinsed and done my wash and go), but it's not pungent, sour, or gross. It's cheery. I like it. Like I said in the video, the fragrance will either draw you or drive you. It drew me innnnnnn! The consistency isn't as thick as most deep conditioners are, but that had no impact whatsoever on it's potency. My hair soaked this stuff up and smiled! After deep conditioning, my curls are suuuuuper soft, extra hydrated, ridiculously shiny, and all kinds of smooth. Curls? POPPINNNNNNN! Oh, and how could I forget to mention the SLIP?! Lawdamercy, the SLIP! You guys know I have high standards when it comes to deep conditioners. The slip on this stuff is off the chain, and makes it suuuuuuuper easy to keep hair detangled during deep conditioning and in preparation for styling. See? Blessings on blessings on blessings.

The Bad
I only have two issues with this product: one, I just found out about it in 2016. Two, it only comes in 8oz. Team Mielle, we need more! The people need 16oz! I mean, I need a salon sized 33.8oz bottle but.... hey. Maybe I'm just being selfish.

The Bottom Line
Real talk, like, all theatrics and extra-ness aside, the Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner is 100% dope. All the way around. I say time and time again, if your deep conditioner isn't keeping tangles, splits, knots, breakage, and dryness at bay - then you need a new deep conditioner. And I'm just gonna go ahead and put this out there right right now... the Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner will be on the Christina's Choice 2016 list. I already know that for a fact. So when I say this deep conditioner is EVERYTHING and then some, believe me.

Would I Buy it Again?
Umm, yes please. I need a Mielle Organics affiliate to come through and bless me with their discount code so I can buy like 82 deep conditioners. Maybe not 82...but definitely like 4 or 5. #nogamesplayedin2016

#GoGreen

Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk

Cost
$15.99 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.mielleorganics.com

Active Ingredients

Water
Aloe Vera Gel: 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.
Cetyl & Cetearyl Alcohol:Considered "fatty alcohols" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate:Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.
Glycerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
Organic Avocado Oil: Omega 3-rich nourishing oil extract that can enhances shine, moisture retention, softness, and elasticity in hair.

Protein Free?
No. Contains hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
Annnnnd the blessings don't stop. You guys know I don't get excited much about moisturizers and hair milks. But when I find a good one?! Pshhhhhhhhh! I absolutely adore every single thing about the Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk. The consistency is perfect. The slip is amazing. It intensely moisturizes without leaving my hair greasy. It provides brilliant, non-oily shine, and keeps my curls moisturized for days. So what's good about this product? Everything. I love it as a leave-in, I love it as a moisturizer and refreshing product. I love it here. I love it there. I love Mielle Organics, I love green eggs and ham.

Lol.. that's the delirium setting in for sure. Just know that the Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk is amazing.

The Bad
I tried really, reeeeeeeeeeally hard in this video to come up with something I didn't like about the Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk. I got nothin'. Certified dopeness.

The Bottom Line
Are you seriously still reading this?! Get yourself on over to MielleOrganics.com and get you some. Like, yesterday!

Would I Buy it Again?
In a heartbeat. So ummm.... who got that Mielle Organics affiliate code one time? Hook a sista up.

Have you tried Mielle Organics' Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner or Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk? Let me know how you liked them in the comments below!

Valentine's Day Style: Romantic, Heatless Curls with CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In and Curl Control Jelly

Happy Valentine's Day....
(every day is the fourteenth!)

Sorry, I had to go a little Andre3K on ya. I'm taking a little creative liberty this weekend, and deviating from the wash and go in honor of Valentine's Day. Truth telling time: Samuel won't let me cuddle and lay on him when my hair is wet. He loves my wash and go's, but does not relish wiping curl goop off of his shirt or jacket.

I get it, I get it.

So to appease him, and make sure I get ALL the boo lovin' time, I decided to switch up my style and do a Curlformers set, using the CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner and Curl Control Jelly to hydrate, nourish, eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and provide touchable hold and definition.

Because I'm extra fancy in 2016, you guys already know there's a video demo companion.

WARNING: Super cute curly realness ahead.

Check out the video, and my take on the CURLS Blueberry Bliss Collection:

Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner

Cost
$11.99

Where to Buy
Check your local Target here!

Active Ingredients

Water
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.
Cetearyl & Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohols" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Certified Organic Blueberry Fruit Extract: Antioxidant-rich extract that reverses signs of damaging and aging in dry, damaged, over-processed hair. Blueberry extract also shows promise in promoting hair growth.
Certified Organic Coconut Oil: Oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid). One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.
Glycereth-26: Glycerin-based oil used as an emollient, lubricant, and thickening agent.

Protein Free?
No. The Reparative Leave-In Conditioner contains hydrolyzed quinoa.

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
First of all, the smell. Sweet Jesus, the smell. I absolutely LOVE the smell of both products, honestly. I knew I was in for a treat when I used the Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste on my edges some time ago (maybe over a year?). It's sweet, Jolly Rancher-esque, and just gives me life over and over again. It's not an overbearing fragrance, and it doesn't really linger in the hair. I appreciate the literal blueberry bliss that I receive every time I open the bottle. Beyond the fragrance, the Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In has thoroughly impressed me for a number of reasons. The slip is off the chain. As you can see in the video, I am gliding my Eternally in Amber comb through my curls with absolute ease. My curls are definitely sucka free with the Reparative Leave-In. I'm also impressed with the level of moisture it provides, without weighing my hair down or making it feel greasy -- and you see in the video how much product I used! I'm also incredibly impressed by the presence of blueberry extract so high on the list. You know how some brands "name drop" ingredients in their labeling, fragrance, and color, but on the ingredient list it's dead last, if present at all? The Reparative Leave-In is NOT the one. It's an active ingredient, and I'm absolutely here for it! All in all, it's everything I want in a leave-in conditioner, and more. CURLS definitely knocked it out the park with the Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner!

The Bad
Listen... I don't know what it is, but maybe 2016 is the golden year for natural hair. Or maybe it's just the magic of the #NaturalHairBLACKOUT taking over -- but the Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner is GOLDEN! I can't think of a single bad thing to say. I don't know...I guess if you don't like smelling good, and having moisturized hair, you won't like it? Maybe? Lol....

The Bottom Line
All. Systems. GO! It's intensely moisturizing, strengthening (no breakage in the takedown or installation of my Curlformers...yasss!), and provides shine while easing frizz and serving detangling realness. I couldn't ask for more. Definitely keeping this in rotation in 2016!

Would I Buy it Again?
Yes, yes, and more yes.

Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly

Cost
$14.99 online, Target price: TBD (I can't remember, lol)

Where to Buy
Check your local Target here!

Active Ingredients

Water
Blueberry Leaf Extract: Antioxidant-rich extract that reverses signs of damaging and aging in dry, damaged, over-processed hair. Blueberry extract also shows promise in promoting hair growth.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Acrylates Copolymer: Light film forming hair fixative
Carbomer: Chemical composed of acrylic acid monomers that acts as a viscosity controlling agent (thickener)
Polymide-1: Styling resin for gels, alternative to PVP.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
The Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly carries the same fragrance as the leave-in, and you already know how I feel about that. I'll admit, I didn't know what to expect with the Curl Control Jelly -- I was wondering if my Curlformers were going to come out sticky, crunchy, and stiff. I am BEYOND thrilled with the performance of the Curl Control Jelly, because... LOOK!

My curls are soft, defined, have tons of body and bounce, and zero flaking. My curls withstood my daily activities without budging or getting poofy. The flexible hold provided by the Curl Control Jelly is really unmatched. I mean, did you see how smooth and shiny it went on in the video? I'm a fan. Like, the Curl Control Jelly has me ready to retire Wash & Go's for a while....

The Bad
Honestly, I'm a fan. I thought long and hard and tried to find a way to not like the Curl Control Jelly. I've got nothin'.

The Bottom Line
If you're looking for touchable hold that actually, like, really lasts, Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly is definitely the way to go. Not only does it lay the hair smooth, provide touchable definition, and shine, the results are long lasting. My curls are standing the test of time (without me doing much of anything to preserve them). My curls aren't dried out or frizzy after sleeping on them, and that's a total win. No refreshing, no oils, no butters. Just winning all the way around!

Would I Buy it Again?
Absolutely. What, y'all thought I was playing about the wash & go thing? Chi.....

Have you tried CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner and Curl Control Jelly? Let me know how you liked them in the comments!

Photo Credit: Samuel W.

No, you're not seeing things.

This is not a test of the emergency broadcast system.

I am reviewing a car.

Why am I reviewing a car? Let's start with a strong dose of good ol'e fashioned honesty here. Because I wanted to. There's a really cool program called Drive Shop that partners with bloggers and social media influencers such as myself. What Drive Shop does is bridge the gap between car manufacturers and influencers by providing us with vehicles that fit our lifestyles that we can then turn around and share on our blogs and social media platforms.

Pretty awesome, huh? Now you see one of the reasons why I wanted to do participate in the Drive Shop program and do a review. The second reason? My car is pretty old (hey 2010), and technology develops at a rapid pace. I wanted to be up on all the latest features, so that when I'm ready to get rid of Abigail (don't judge my car's name lol), I know what's out there and what to look for. Lastly, I wanted to get my feet wet with an SUV. Because I'm a pretty active gal now (heyyyy #EveryDayFitness), I feel like the Sport Utility Vehicle is my spirit animal. I wanted to test that theory out, and Drive Shop came through and blessed ya girl with a 2016 Kia Sorento SXL. Now that you know the why, let's get on with this review. Because I'm all about format and order, I'm going to use my very familiar review/breakdown structure here, too.

Let's dive in!

Photo Credit: Samuel W.

Cost
The 2016 Kia Sorento SXL retails for about $48K, with the specific package I had. WELL worth it!

Where to Buy
Click here to find a Kia Motors dealership near you!

Active Ingredients
Clearly, I'm going to use this section to talk about ALL the wonderful features and specs of the 2016 Sorento SXL that made me fall in love!

V6 engine
4WD
Eco and Sport mode options
Push to start
Keyless entry with FOB/Smart Key
Leather seats with temperature control
Tinted Window
Touch screen in-dash audio system with bluetooth, navigation, and more
Moon roof
Backup and parking camera with sensors
Optional third row seating
Lane departure and vehicle proximity alerts
TONS of room!

There are other features and specs that I can't remember, but these are the ones that I used and loved the most.

The Good
When I say I feel in love with the 2016 Sorento SXL, I'm not exaggerating. I was legit sad when I had to give it back. I know I don't talk a lot about my day-to-day, but here's few things you should know about me when it comes to driving:

I live in LA (hello, atrocious traffic)
I'm a point A to point B maximum efficiency driver (to some people, this translates into a-hole...but I really can't stand driving behind people that don't know what they're doing or where they're going
I'm very active - in a given week, Samuel and I will visit the gym several times, hit the beach, and the golf course, go play tennis, or bowling. Sometimes this happens all in one weekend.

All of these things made the Sorento perfect for me. Because I was riding in such extreme comfort, I didn't mind the traffic. Thanks to the Bluetooth stereo, I was able to listen to What a Time to Be Alive as much as I wanted to from Spotify. The sound system in the Sorento? Super legit. Even Samuel, who is an audio/sound nerd, was impressed. It was also awesome to not have to worry about scrambling to find a headset to take or make phone calls. I did it all from the dash!

My 2 Co-Pilots: iPhone and Pre-Workout!

Thanks to the V6 engine, my driving efficiency was on fleek! My car is a V4 (although it feels like a V1.5 sometimes lol), so having all of this power under the hood was amazing! It was such a smooth ride (even at faster speeds), I had to look down at the odometer occasionally to make sure I wasn't breaking any laws that would land me in jail.

That third row of seating was a major key! I was able to fit tonsssssss of stuff in the back of the car - groceries, golf clubs, gym bags, and more, easily. There was no shuffling around and trying to find space in the back of the Sorento! Heck, I even sat back there just to see how comfortable and roomy it was. You can definitely have a picnic lunch or sleepover in the back of the Sorento - that's how big it is!

Photo Credit: Samuel W.

As far as the safety features are concerned, I found them super helpful. In LA, there are a bajillion accidents on the road at any given time. Thanks to the lane departure technology, I received an alert every time I started moving from a lane without signaling - it's a great feature if you're having trouble seeing the road ahead. I also got notifications about the proximity of other cars, when trying to reverse or lane change. Safety precautions are definitely on my must-have list!

That panoramic view...

My two most favorite features? Moon roof and heated seats. The Sorento spoiled me. For my next car, heated seats and a moon roof are non-negotiable. I loved the crisp air above me, while having my butt nice and toasty. Samuel thought I was a weirdo, because every time he got in the car, my seat warmer was on. There's also a seat cooling option, but who wants a cold butt? Maybe me in Summer (lol).

Another amazing benefit of having a moon roof? Built-in diffuser! You guys know I'm a wash and go gal, and being able to have my curls dry while I'm driving was sooo dope! In my car, I turn the heater all the way up, and put my windows down. It gets the job done, but sometimes I end up burning my eyeballs (lol). In the Sorento, I didn't have to do all that. I just opened the moon roof, put my butt warming seat on, and drove off. No burnt eyeballs, just glorious curls. I'd kindly appreciate it if you took this opportunity to not judge me.

Photo Credit: Samuel W.

The Bad

The only bad thing about the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL? I had to give it back. I was hoping Drive Shop would be like hey Christina, you're so awesome..keep the Sorento as a gift.

But they didn't say that. Lol.

Seriously though, I'm in love with everything about the Sorento. I've got nothing bad to report!

The Bottom Line
The 2016 Kia Sorento SXL really opened my eyes to technology and offerings in new vehicles. My poor little 2010 car is so out of date, but I'm grateful to know now what I like, what I love, and what I'm looking for in my next car purchase. The 2016 Sorento SXL is perfect for active couples on the go and families. It's big, while being sporty, sleek, and cool. The features are top of the line, and the safety measures can't be beat.

Photo Credit: Samuel W.

Would I Buy it Again?
I didn't buy this one, but I would absolutely go for a Sorento as my next vehicle. I just have one request: black it out! Black paint, tinted windows, black rims, black leather interior...yasssss!

Thank you guys for checking out my review of the 2016 Sorento SXL! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!

A special shout out to my rockstar boyfriend Samuel for being my official Drive Shop photographer! XOXO

And thank you again to Drive Shop for allowing me to be part of such an amazing program!

It's 2016. Let's Not... (aka 6 Bad Natural Hair Habits to Ditch in 2016)

2016 is well under way, and I don't think I ever did this on the blog -- but Happy New Year, everyone! Now that it's almost the end of February, I think it's time we had that conversation.

You know, that conversation.

Yup, that's the one. That heart to heart I love to have with my fellow transitioners and naturalistas at the top of the new year, so that our kinks, coils, curls, community, and edges flourish.

Without further delay, I'd like to offer up for discussion 6 things we don't need to hold on to in 2016. Ready? Let's chat.

Hair Texture Hiearchy
For better or worse, the Andre Walker hair typing system has left an indelible mark on the natural hair community. We've discussed ad nauseam the benefits, drawbacks, shortcomings, successes, failures, and flaws of the typing system, so I've got nothing more to add to that conversation. But what I'm absolutely not here for in 2016 is the desire to continue to create a hierarchy out of the typing system, which sits perfectly springy, bouncy, baby soft curls squarely at the top. Even if within ourselves and our circles we've established that all textures and hair types are beautiful, we're still met with social and conventional media imagery that suggests otherwise. I for one believe it's high time to call shenanigans on brands and media outlets that fail to support the beauty and diversity of all natural hair textures. If you don't see yourself reflected in a brand's marketing, don't toss a single coin their way.

Damage Denial
2015 seemed to be the year of the heat and color plunge for many naturalistas. I for one am so happy that we've (for the most part) moved past the "you're not natural if...|" mindset and the definition of natural hair has evolved. This open embrace of ombres, silk presses, and unicorn curls made for some dope selfies, blog posts, and BuzzFeed articles, and I was here for every single bit of it. But while the colors and sleek tresses were absolutely gorgeous, the aftermath wasn't always peachy perfection -- because heat and color damage are very, very real. If your curls, coils, and kinks don't curl, coil, or kink like they did pre-color/heat, are constantly breaking or splitting, or are perpetually dry and dull, you're a likely candidate for damage. And that's okay. Just embrace the truth and keep it moving.

Read More:
The Pros and Cons of Hair Color
Best Treatments for Damaged Natural Hair

Unnecessary "Rules"
Use silicones if you want.
Use products with petroleum and mineral oil if you want.
Dye your hair if you want.
Straighten your hair if you want.
Protective style with wigs if you want.
Big chop again if you want.
It's your hair; do what you want.

Not Supporting Black Brands
The natural hair community is a financial force to be reckoned with. With the Black hair industry being worth over $700 million, and relaxer sales continuing to decline, I firmly believe that it's time to invoke the post-LA Uprising mindset of the 1990's: Recycle Black Dollars. At some level, we should be aiming to devote a portion of our beauty budgets to Black owned brands and businesses. In 2016, find a few Black owned haircare brands to support throughout the year. I promise, you'll discover at least one new staple your hair can't live without. By the way, I'm a huge fan of Be Kekoa, tgin, Soultanicals, Obia Natural Haircare, Eden BodyWorks, and Up North Naturals. Need more buying Black inspiration? Check these out:

Black Owned Natural Hair Businesses to Support Part 1
Black Owned Natural Hair Businesses to Support Part 2
Black Owned Natural Hair Businesses to Support Part 3
Black Owned Beauty Supply Stores to Support

Not Prioritizing Self Care
Prioritizing my total wellness in the final quarter of 2015 (via #EveryDayFitness) taught me one thing: everything on the outside is a direct reflection of the inside. While I still have a looooong way to go on my wellness journey, I'm more committed than ever to taking care of myself. For those of us who find ourselves sacrificing our energy, emotions, and time for others (and our jobs), we owe it to ourselves to invest in self care. There's tons of way to manifest this -- massages, working out, therapy, writing, traveling, and much, much more. Here's to happiness, healthy hair, and healing in 2016.

Believing Products will Reduce Shrinkage & Elongate Curls
With natural hair being what's hot in the streets, companies are more pressed than ever to part you and your precious coins. They'll craft product cocktails that make all sorts of lofty promises -- elongated curls, perfect spirals, texture management, shrinkage reduction, and more -- and disappoint you every single time. Let's walk into 2016 understanding this: your natural hair is not some ill-behaving problem child that needs to be manged. Shrinkage is a part of the package deal, and Magical Potion Royal Curling Jelly with Random Never Before Heard of Extract is not going to give you a curl pattern that you didn't have to begin with. But your hair is dope, so don't be hoodwinked and bamboozled by some relaxer turnt natural hair company...

What things are you not fooling with in 2016?

15+ Black Owned Swaps for Your Favorite Natural Hair Products

During the month of February, I was all about that #NaturalHairBLACKOUT life (tbh, I still am). So many of you have left encouraging words, pledged support, or let me know that you already #buyblack. Man, I gotta tell you... this ish is heartwarming. I had a conversation recently with a friend about how Black commerce is developing, and I gotta say -- I'm LOVING how Black businesses are investing in developing practical things that we need, like personal care and laundry products.

When I first came up with the idea for the #NaturalHairBlackout, I almost backed out. How was I gonna replace my beloved Eco Styler? How would I get along without random product junkie sprees at Sally's and Ulta, for products that I'd likely return anyway? On a more serious note, how would I effectively care for my color-treated curls?

Now that February is almost over, I can confidently say that I've been able to compile a list of proven, effective swaps. That's right, I figured out how to abandon holy grail cult favorites for natural hair, and support Black owned business.

And guess what? My curls are thriving.

Let's dive in.

Cleansing
Holy Grail: DevaCurl No Poo
Black-Owned Swap(s): Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner, The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be 3-in-1 Revitalize & Refresh Conditioner

The 411: Both Be Clean and Soft As Can Be have three functions - they can be used as co-washes, leave-in conditioners, and detanglers. They both have amazing slip, cleanse phenomenally, and leave the hair soft and hydrated. Read the reviews here:
Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner
The Mane Choice Review

These also happen to be the best cleansers IMO...just saying.

Holy Grail: Creme of Nature Moisture & Shine Shampoo

Black Owned Swap(s): Be Kekoa Be Clair Sulfate Free Shampoo, TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo, Up North Naturals Clean Curls

The 411: The hallmarks of a great shampoo include thorough cleansing power, not stripping the hair dry, and having some sort of slip that doesn't leave the hair a tangled mess. All three of these shampoos hit the mark! If you're in the market for a sulfate-free shampoo that clarifies while hitting all the marks, Be Kekoa Be Clair is the way to go. For a gentle, moisturizing cleanse, TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo is a clear winner. And if you're looking to harness the power of African Black Soap, Up North Naturals Clean Curls is the clear winner!
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Shampoos & Cleansers
Be Kekoa Wash Day

Deep Conditioning & Treatments
Holy Grail: DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Black-Owned Swap(s): Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner, Shea Moisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3, 6, 9 Rescue & RepairHair Masque
The 411: This was huge for me guys. Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask might not mean much to you, but for me, it was BAE. Super thick and creamy, with slip, protein, and buttery smooth realness, it was hard for me to let the pink jar of awesomeness go for a month. But in it's place, I discovered that Shea Moisture did not disappoint. I know, I know - we hashed out the Shea Moisture/Bain Capital situation a few months back. But since they still purport to be majority family owned (and Black owned), I gave them a pass. To replace DevaCurl's Heaven In Hair (a cult favorite among CG followers), I've discovered that Obia Naturals is a cost effective swap. It's pH balanced, botanically enriched, super moisturizing, and of course, Black owned.
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask Review
Obia Naturals Babassu Oil Deep Conditioner Review

Holy Grail: ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
Black-Owned Swap(s): Soultanicals Afrotastic Curl Elastic, Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
The 411: if you have color treated hair, or hair that craves protein in general, a strengthening treatment is a must. One of the reasons I wanted to back out of the #NaturalHairBLACKOUT initially was because I needed my ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. Without it, my curls would go limp. Luckily, I've discovered that Soultanicals Afrotastic Curl Elastic and Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner both contain the necessary ingredients to strengthen, repair, correct porosity, and restore elasticity in the hair.
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Deep Conditioners
Mielle Organics Review

Moisturizing
Holy Grail: Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner, Carol's Daughter Original Hair Milk Leave-In Moisturizer
Black-Owned Swap(s): TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner, Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip

The 411: Both TGIN Green Tea and Mango Dip provide extreme slip, hydration, and moisture to hair of all types. They help calm frizz and set the foundation for long-lasting, soft styles. Every healthy hair regimen needs a good leave-in conditioner, and these two definitely hit the mark!
TGIN Review
Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip Demo
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Leave-In Conditioners

Holy Grail: Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Black-Owned Swap(s): Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk, Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme
The 411: Folks love Cantu for three reasons: it's affordable, readily available, and it works. I absolutely cannot knock that. But in the spirit of supporting Black owned brands, I present Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk and Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme. Mielle Organics is the more expensive of the two, but I love how intensely moisturizing it is. Plus, you can find it at select Sally Beauty stores nationwide (although you might have to fight somebody to get it, lol). Eden's Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme is available on an even more widespread basis, and much more affordable. Both provide intense moisture, softness, and medium hold.
Mielle Organics Review
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Moisturizers

Styling
Holy Grail: Lotta Body Styling Foam/Setting Lotion
Black-Owned Swap(s): CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
The 411: For rod sets. Curlformers, and other styles that work best with a styling foam or setting lotion, Lottabody is typically the go-to. It's lightweight, movable, and doesn't flake or dry out the hair. The great news here is that my Black owned swap, CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly does the same, and more. Check out how I used it for a super cute, bouncy Curlformer set here:
CURLS Blueberry Bliss Review

Holy Grail: Eco Styler Gel
Black-Owned Swap(s): Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard
The 411: The other reason I almost backed out of the #NaturalHairBLACKOUT? EcoStyler. Say what you will, but EcoStyler is bae. I even ~~butchered~~ dedicated a song to it. I wasn't quite ready to let it go for February, but I did. Guess what? Obia Naturals is the plug! I've always loved Curl Enhancing Custard, but it wasn't until I couldn't use Eco Styler that I realized how much I actually love and appreciate Curl Enhancing Custard. Multi day curl poppage!!!
Obia Naturals Review - updated review coming soon!
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Curl Definers

Holy Grail: Amla Legend Treasured Temple Edge Tamer

Black Owned Swap(s): At this point in 2016, there are a plethora of edge control options out in these #naturalhair streets. Seriously. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze (my fav), CURLS Passionfruit OR Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste, The Mane Choice Laid Back Effortlessly, and Mielle Organics Honey & Ginger Edge Gel are all viable options!

The 411: With any of the aforementioned edge controls, your baby hairs will be super sleek, laid, and flourishing. Again, Eden BodyWorks makes my fave (CURLS Blueberry Bliss is a close second), but it really comes down to preference. Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong!
My Favorite Edge Tamers & Tips for Using Them

Last but certainly not least, most of us (if not all of us) love Shea butter in some capacity - as a twisting cream, sealing balm, or softening product for our hair. I definitely recommend Kyra's Shea Medleys (Strength & Emollient Butter Cream is my love) for butter cream blends tailored to your hair needs. For pure Shea butters, Black Girl with Long Hair and Alaffia provide excellent, high quality and affordable options.

What are some of your favorite Black-owned swaps? Let me know in the comments below!

Obia Naturals Review Part I (Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar, Babassu Deep Conditioner & Curl Hydration Spray)

I'm no stranger to Obia Naturals.

Really, I'm not.

Since my transitioning days, I've gone on to write or include Obia's products in a number of my blog posts and articles. Click here to see what I'm talking about.

Even though I'm no stranger to their products, I'm an avid supporter of re-visiting and re-reviewing products from time to time. Especially after your hair changes. That's why when Obia launched their re-branded line of products, I was inspired to connect with them and see how their products would fare with my been-through-hell-and-back curls.

Of course, because it's 2016 and I'm fancy, there's a video for those of you guys that like product chit-chat. But for all the super juicy details, read on!

Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar
Cost
$10 for 4oz bar

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

Saponified Oils: When it comes to soaps and shampoo bars, the term "saponified" is always not too far away. Saponification involves sodium hydroxide aka lye - but it's not gonna relax your hair! Learn more about the science behind saponification here. This soap bar contains saponified oils of coconut, castor, palm, and safflower. Collectively they moisturize, treat dry and thinning hair, soothe itchy scalp, and improve elasticity in the hair.
Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
Rosemary Essential Oil: Concentrated oil great for stimulating blood circulation on the scalp, promoting nourishment and growth. Also has antibacterial properties, and can help relieve dry, flaky, and irritated scalp.

Protein Free?

Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?

Technically yes, because it contains no sulfates or silicones!

The Good
What's there not to love about the Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar? I was WILD about it back in the day, and I'm wild about it now! It's cost-effective, super moisturizing, has tons of slip, and gets the job done cleaning-wise! Plus, thanks to the natural oils, my hair is super soft and shiny Every. Single. TIME! What more could you ask for?! No like, but really. What more could you ask for in a cleaning product?

The Bad
The only down side to the shampoo bar is something I discovered on the user error end. Because it is made with natural oils, if you leave the suds on your hair for too long, the bubbles will turn, well...oily. For looser curls and finer textures, this isn't really the best thing. If your hair is on the drier side, you'd likely benefit from the additional oils. My workaround for this is simply not letting the shampoo suds sit in my hair. I rinse them right out!

The Bottom Line
The Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar makes an excellent travel companion, cost effective alternative to traditional shampoo, and great natural cleanser. Over the years I've tried a great number of shampoo bars, and Obia honestly has one of the best ones.

Would I Buy it Again?
Absolutely! It's easy, convenient, cost effective, and works beautifully!

Click here to read my original review of the Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar!

Babassu Deep Conditioner
Cost
$15 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

Cetyl & Stearyl Alcohols: Considered "fatty alchols" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Both Stearyl and cetyl alcohol are lubricants, thickeners, and emollients. They give conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine: A derivative of stearic fatty acid that is used to keep ingredients from separating, as well as provide "slip" (useful for easy detangling).
Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
Babassu Seed Oil: Oil pressed from the kernel of the Brazilian Orbigynya Palm Tree, with a similar chemical composition to coconut oil. It is able to penetrate the hair (to a degree), improving moisture, strength, elasticity, softness, and shine of hair. It is a wonderful alternative for those who want the benefits of coconut oil, but don't care for it in the hair.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
As you saw in the video (you did watch the video, right?), I mouthed something like, "this has more slip than I remember" when working the Babassu Deep Conditioner through my hair. Talk about FACTS! Back in the day, I likened this to Eden's Coconut Shea DC, but now I feel like that's not quite right! Obia should really consider changing the name of this deep conditioner to Super Moisturizing Magic for Trifilin' Curls because that's exactly what it is. The slip is way better than I remember, which made working it into my strands a lot more manageable. The deep conditioner itself is super velvety and full of nourishing oils for dry, damaged hair. And somehow, with some sort of sorcery, my hair felt strengthened without the presence of any proteins. Sorcery, I say!

But again, all the magic is in the rinse out. My hair was hydrated, springy, velvety smooth, and full of shine - like it soaked up all the good stuff without being greasy or weighed down. Yassss!

The Bad
When I initially reviewed the Babassu Deep Conditioner, I wasn't a huge fan of the fragrance. It wasn't bad... it was just not my cup of tea. I think I called it a hybrid between clean, floral, and plant oil-esque (lol). The fragrance hasn't changed, but I've gained a new appreciation for it (lol). This is simply because in the time since I initially wrote the review, I've seen and experienced some products that smelled much, much worse. I don't exactly love the fragrance, but I can appreciate it from two perspectives - one, I've smelled much worse (Shea Moisture Peace Jericho Lion of Judah Rose, I'm looking at you). And two, I know trying to mask the fragrance of certain strong oils (like babassu) is hard.

The Bottom Line
Every regimen (especially us chronically dry or color treated gals) needs a stellar, super moisturizing deep conditioner. And this is the one.

Would I Buy it Again?
Absolutely! With LA having terrible air and a never-ending drought, my hair needs all the moisture it can get. Deep conditioning is the best way to get much needed moisture deep within the strands of the hair - and Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner does that amazingly well!

Click here to read my original review of the Babassu Deep Conditioner!

Curl Hydration Spray
Cost
$10 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

Water
Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and contains omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids that provide nutrition for hair. It also contains Linoleic and oleic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize hair. Helps repair damaged follicles, imparts shine, and prevents frizz and rough ends.
Rose Oil: Extraction of oil from roses known to have antiseptic and healing properties, soothing and healing scalp itching and irritation. Also believed to help stimulate healthy hair growth.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E):Vitamin E. Supports hair growth, and believed to assist in preventing hair loss. Also has been known to be a proven UV protectant.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
If you watched the video, then you know that I have a very tepid reaction to refresher and hydration sprays in general. Most of them, I simply don't care for. But honestly, Obia Naturals changed the game on ya girl and I'm a believer! Curl Hydration Spray is lightweight, nourishing, and delivers serious hydration to second, third, fourth, and fifth day curls that need it the most. Seriously, it's now my go-to for getting my curls to spring back up once I've slept on them overnight, or laid them on every surface known to man in the gym. In addition to using it as a refresher, I use Curl Hydration Spray as a primer, when my curls are fresh off wash day. It helps infuse my hair with an additional layer of hydrating nutrients and oils that soften, shine, lay the cuticle, and preps my curls for optimal styling.

The Bad
The only thing I'm not wild about has absolutely nothing to do with the product itself. I'm not a tremendous fan of the spray mechanism on the bottle. When using Curl Hydration Spray as a primer, my hands tend to be soaking wet from washing, and it can be difficult to hold on to the bottle and spray simultaneously -- because well, my hands are wet. A trigger spray nozzle is a quick fix for this -- just swap the top and keep it moving. Otherwise, Curl Hydration Spray is a total win!

The Bottom Line
OMG guys, call me special, but at the time of this review, I just realized that Curl Hydration Spray is for the scalp too! Totally makes sense, with the rose oil being a main ingredient. My scalp was feeling a little itchy, so I sprayed it in parts directly on my scalp and WOWWWWWWW! It feels amazing! It's cool, refreshed, and doesn't feel dry or itchy anymore. I totally hadn't considered spraying on my scalp before, but this is so about to be a thing that I do. Yassssss! Talk about icing on the cake of an already awesome product!

Would I Buy it Again?
Absolutely. Sign me up. I'm a believer!

Curls courtesy of Obia Naturals Curl Hydration Spray, Curl Moisture Cream & Curl Enhancing Custard :)

Now that we've got wash day down, it's time to style. Click here to read part II of my Obia Naturals line review - it's all about Curl Moisture Cream, Twist Whip Butter, and Curl Enhancing Custard!

Review & Demo: Obia Naturals Part II (Curl Moisture Cream, Twist Whip Butter & Curl Enhancing Custard)

You're here because it's time for part II of the Obia Naturals line review right? Right on! Just in case you missed part I of this review, click here! If you're all caught up to speed, let's keep on!

Oh, and here's the video again just in case you want to watch again (#shamelessployforclicks).

Curl Moisture Cream
Cost
$18 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

Water
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.
Cetearyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alchol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Grapeseed Oil: Pressed oil from the seeds of grapes, high in Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It is an antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing oil.
Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
Olive Oil: Olive Oil is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger and its emollient properties prevent hair loss.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
Can I just say that Curl Moisture Cream is life?! I hadn't tried Curl Moisture Cream prior to this review, and honestly, I was slippin'. Curl Moisture Cream is actually Obia's leave-in conditioner, and performs beautifully as such. I always say, if your leave-in conditioner isn't moisturizing, detangling, reducing frizz, adding hydration, and setting the canvas for a great style, then you need a new leave-in. Curl Moisture Cream does that and then some! It pairs beautifully with Twist Whip Butter and Curl Enhancing Custard - leaving no flakes, residue, or goopy weirdness. It's incredibly moisturizing without weighing the hair down or making it feel greasy. It has great slip, is super rich and velvety, and best of all - a little bit goes a long way.

The Bad
Seriously, nothing. Curl Moisture Cream is flawless. I even love the fact that it comes in a jar instead of a bottle with a pump - because you can get every last drop of product out.

The Bottom Line
If your leave-in is leaving much to be desired, definitely give Curl Moisture Cream a try! It's heavier than your traditional leave-in, but lighter than a butter cream. It's a dry-haired naturalista's dream!

Would I Buy it Again?
So....at this point I need to ask. Who got the coupon code, tho? Because ya girl needs to place an order with Obia. #hookmeup #illloveyouforever

Twist Whip Butter
Cost
$18 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

Water with Extracts of Aloe Vera, Lavender, and Lemongrass: Provides natural fragrance while balancing pH, smoothing the cuticle layer of the hair, and providing antimicrobial properties for the hair and scalp.
Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
Palm Oil: Oil of the palm fruit full of vitamins A and E, as well as beta carotene which gives it a yellowish-orange color. The high antioxidant content reduces the signs of damage and aging in hair, while moisturizing intensely and improving shine and elasticity.
Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
Castor Oil: Thick, highly viscous oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and humectant properties. It is also a great moisture sealant, and promotes hair thickening and growth.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
New kid on the block alert! Honestly, of all the Obia Naturals products, I was most hesitant to try this one. Like, what does someone like me, a wash and go loyalist, do with twisting butter? Like, how do I use this? HOW SWAY? As it turns out (and you'll see in a video verrrrry soon...like tomorrow soon), Twist Whip Butter is pretty damn much foolproof. I say foolproof because I broke every rule of the twist/braidout/perm rod manual and got epic results. Like seriously, look:

My hair wasn't 100% dry when I took it down. I didn't put oil on my hands during the takedown, and I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to unravel the rods like I did, but by the end result, you can't tell! Quiet as kept, I didn't even protect my hair properly at night, and my braid and curl still lasted for 3+ days. Like, if you don't know how to do your hair, but want it to come out like the girls in the YouTube videos, use Twist Whip Butter. Mega moisture, definition, shine, and softness without a weird tacky feeling, flaking, or product buildup.

The Bad
Umm...did you read the part about how I don't know how to do my hair, but still got amazing results? Yeah, alladat.

The Bottom Line
Get. You. Some. Twist. Whip. Butter. (Just imagine me clapping with each word.)

Would I Buy it Again?
Get. Me. Some. Twist. Whip. Butter. (I really was clapping as I read this back out loud.)

Curl Enhancing Custard
Cost
$15 for 12oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

Water
Olive Oil: Olive Oil is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger and its emollient properties prevent hair loss.
Grapeseed Oil: Pressed oil from the seeds of grapes, high in Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It is an antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing oil.
Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and contains omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids that provide nutrition for hair. It also contains Linoleic and oleic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize hair. Helps repair damaged follicles, imparts shine, and prevents frizz and rough ends.
Carbomer: A gel-like thickener.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Emollient moisturizing protein, also adds some strength to hair.

Protein Free?
No.

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
:::clears throat:::

Love,
Ever since the first moment I spoke your name,
From then on I knew,
That by you,
Being in my life,
Things were destined to chaaaaaaaange
'Cause Love.....

Sorry, I had to go a lil' Musiq Soulchild circa Y2K on y'all... cuz umm.... the love affair with Curl Enhancing Custard is real. It's been real. It's always gon' be real. We got that real love, that dark skinned Aunt Viv love, that Jada and that Will love... See? You know a product is amazing when the only way you can talk about it is through song lyrics. I just feel like Curl Enhancing Custardgets me. Like Obia, did you formulate this just for me, or nah?

I'm a gel kinda girl, and a heavy one at that. I like thick, jelly gells. Preferably with carbomer (I find that to be the one unifying ingredient in all gels that give me plump curls). Curl Enhancing Custard is thick, (but not as thick as Eco Styler) and elongates the curls as you apply the product. But when those curls are dry, it's a thing of beauty. Shiny, juicy, plump curls that last for days... and lately, I can't get those kinds of results with Eco Styler (leading me to my huge revelation in the video...you did watch, right?) I mean, I could go on and on about Curl Enhancing Custard if you let me. But I won't. So let me just sum it up in a few words (pardon the language):

Curl Enhancing Custard is the shit.

The Bad
Other than the fact that the jar doesn't come in lifetime supply size, I can't think of a single thing wrong with it. I mean, are you really prepared to argue with results like these?

The Bottom Line
I refer you to the picture above. 'Nuff said.

Would I Buy it Again?
Listen, Linda. I don't even need a coupon code for this one. I'm ordering. Regardless. Just like I have for the past what, three years? Cuz baby you my everything, you all I ever wanted...

Click here to read my original review of Curl Enhancing Custard
Why is Curl Enhancing Custard better than EcoStyler? Read here.
Christina's Choice 2015: Best of the Best Curl Definers (before my Eco Styler revelation)

Thank you guys for checking out my review of Obia Naturals! I have one more special treat just in store - a full tutorial (haha) on how I achieved my braid and curl results with Curl Hydration Spray and Twist Whip Butter! Check for that tomorrow (seriously, it's going live in time for Resurrection Sunday!)

Super Easy Style: Braid & Curl with Obia Naturals Twist Whip Butter

I'm not going to make this a long and drawn out post, but there's three things you should know about this tutorial featuring products from Obia Naturals:

If I can do this style, you can do this style...because if it ain't a wash and go, I don't know how to do it. And this braid & curl style came out amazing...so therefore, you can do it (and probably with much more success than me).
Twist Whip Butter is that JAM!
Again, this style is pretty much foolproof - and so is Twist Whip Butter. I broke ALL the rules, and got great results.

Here's everything I used to create this gorgeous braid & curl:

Don't forget to check out my Obia Naturals Full Line Reviews!
Part 1: Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar, Babassu Deep Conditioner & Curl Hydration Spray
Part 2: Curl Moisture Cream, Twist Whip Butter & Curl Enhancing Custard

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments below if you'll be trying this style!

Lookin', lookin'...

Okay, I'll spare you guys the Drake verses...today. But just know that my birthday is May 17th, and I want a Drake on Cake for my birthday, and Samuel has refused to comply with my wishes (lol).

In case you were wondering, I'm debating between these two lyrics for my cake:

Nobody really likes us, except for us
Your past behind you like a ponytail

Anywho, last summer was all about the $5 Wash & Go. It was cost effective, easy to do, and best of all, the products were available on the ground. But as we get closer to #SummerSixteen, I found myself having one *teeny* issue.

If you watched my Obia Naturals review video, then you caught wind of my announcement - that I had to chuck the deuces to my beloved Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel, at least for the time being. For whatever reason, my hair and Eco Styler are not getting along. And while I want Obia's Curl Enhancing Custard to be my right hand, my go to... I gotta wait until I can get that good sale price to recoup the shipping L. Or find somewhere in LA where it's sold on the ground.

Until that day comes, I'll be rocking with the $3 Wash & Go. You ready for all the details? Let's goooo!

WARNING: The $3 Wash & Go may cause endless selfies and serious hand-in-hair syndrome. Christina Patrice nor The Mane Objective shall be held liable for Snapchat or Instagram spamming, or for an excess of selfies taken resulting in the purchase of more iCloud storage space.

While waiting for the roots of my $3 Wash & Go curls to dry...

Now that we've got that out the way, let's cover what you'll need to get your wash day and subsequent $3 Wash & Go poppin:

Prep

Co-wash or cleanser of choice. Y'all already know my always and forever recommendation in this area is Be Kekoa Be (Bae) Clean. You can use whatever you want, though. No need to make any special purchases (unless you want to... #productjunkie). Just know that I use Bae Clean to cleanse and detangle at the same time.
Optional: Repairative Treatment. Because I'm holding on to my color treated curls like a hubcap in the fast lane, I can't afford to dip out on weekly treatments with ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor to keep my po' lil' curls in tact. If you don't have #coloredcurlstruggles, you can skip this step. But if your curls are damaged and don't pop like they used to, read here.
Deep conditioning. This is a critical step for maximum curl poppage. Curls that pop are shiny, elastic, and hydrated from the inside via the deep conditioning process. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner is one of my super hot faves for 2016. My 2015 faves are still alive and kickin', and you can read all about them here.

Another optional treatment: my Blackstrap Boosted Mud Rinse.

Now, let's get on to the style and price breakdown.

Eternally In Amber Comb not included. lol

Leave-In: Curly Kids Mixed Hair HairCare Curly Creme Conditioner, $4/6oz @ Sally Beauty

Now, before you click the X in the upper right corner and write me off as a lunatic, let me explain a few things. First, the name of this product irks my soul (for the record, so does Mixed Chicks). I don't think mixed people need special products - mixed hair is not a monolith. This jar of creamy moisture saves itself by qualifying that it was, "Developed for curly, kinky, frizzy and coily hair."... but then they lose me again by stating that their forumla works wonders on "mixed & multi-textured hair". Again, problematic as hell but I digress. Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner was on clearance at Sally's. I opened a jar, felt the consistency, and fell in love. It's definitely thick and creamy, and the price was just right. While still in the shower, I split my hair into 4 sections. and took a small dollop and finger combed it through each section, working it in with a little water. It's super smoothing, hydrating, and really helps set the foundation for moisturized, defined curls. The consistency and performance reminds me a lot of Ouidad Whipped Curls (bae!), just with a much smaller price tag and no cute whipped cream canister. The fragrance is light, and reminds me of my Grandma's Dax or bergamot hair grease (you know what smell I'm talking about lol). I'm pretty darn sure this line is going to be discontinued, so grab yourselves a jar or two for the long haul. By the way, in factoring out the cost of the $3 Wash & Go, I accounted for 2 jars of this. #yourewelcome lol.

Seal: ACV Spritz, $8/32oz @ Home

Switching it up a bit! I've written about my ACV Spritz before, but had simply forgotten about it. Apple Cider Vinegar pH balances the hair, and seals the cuticle - improving moisture retention, body, strength, and enhancing shine. You can read more about how I make it, and the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar here. To be honest, I applied it after my leave-in simply because I forgot to take the bottle with me into the shower. But lo and behold, it works phenomenally after the leave-in is applied too! I can always tell when my pH balance is on fleek, because the ends of my hair curl better (case and point: Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard). After I left the shower, as I began to style my hair, I used the ACV Spritz generously to prime each section. In case you're concerned, the smell dissipates after a few minutes, and it does not dry the hair out at all. I'll spare you the click and leave you the recipe here: 1 part ACV to 2 parts water. Whatever size spray bottle you use is up to you! I use a small 3oz bottle, so as to not have tons of leftovers hanging around. You can preserve the mixture in the fridge, (the cold temperature gives your hair extra cuticle laying power!) and use it as a refresher spray in the days to come. If you still can't jive with spraying ACV on your hair, ApHogee Keratin Green Tea Restructurizer Spray is a less fragrant alternative for the same price as a bottle of ACV and a spritz bottle. Review here!

Style: Proclaim Argan Oil Styling Gel, $5/32oz @ Sally Beauty

Now thisssssss is the moment you've been waiting for! I know you were wondering what curl definer I'd be using that would drop the price significantly, but wasn't Eco Styler? Ladies (and curly gentlemen), I've found it! But I'm kinda mad that y'all ain't tell me about it earlier. Proclaim's Argan Oil Styling Gel is a thick, heavy gel like Eco Styler, but it dries way lighter. Like, literally. My hair went from ramen noodle to luscious greatness in one day. The gel cast broke itself (how Sway?), and my curls were super soft, plump, and still defined. Proclaim Argan Oil Styling Gel ain't full of saintly, botanical ingredients - but that's not what the $3 Wash & Go is all about. The $3 Wash & Go is about affordable, effective products that can be accessed easily on the ground. Proclaim Argan Oil Styling Gel is available at Sally's, and the standard jar size is Lifetime Supply. I dare you to argue with these curls:

If you're curious as to how I apply my curl definer, check out this video on the Ouidad Rake & Shake Method. That's pretty much life these days! And if you're curious about the length of my curls, yes, I cut some (about 2-3 inches from the longest part in the back) for shape/health and as a result, of that and my ACV Spritz, my shrinkage is off the chain.

Refresh: FREE!

To refresh my hair, I use either water or my ACV Spritz, and a little bit more of the Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner if necessary.

Now let's get that good ol' math down:

Leave-In: $8 (I said I budgeted for 2!)

Sealant: $8

Styler: $5

= $21

Plus Sales Tax (LA is HIIIGH): $1.89 (but let's just say $2)

Grand Total: $23

To arrive at $3 per wash & go (sorry I tricked ya lol), I divided by the smallest product, and how many times I'd be able to use it. I figured I'd be able to get about 9 wash & go's out of the two jars of Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner, so $23/9 = $2.55 per wash and go. I rounded it up to $3 just because that's sexier to write than $2.55. Now when I get it down to that $1 wash and go.... I'll holla!

Let me know if you've tried any of the products mentioned, or if you'll be trying them!

Tip Tuesday: Don't Sleep on Hask for Natural Hair!

Can I be honest with you guys? Like, embarrassingly honest?

I feel like you already agreed not to judge me, so let's go forward.

I forgot that co-wash literally means to wash your hair with conditioner.

Embarrassing, I know. But allow me to explain. See, you guys know how I feel about my beloved Bae Clean. It's the love of my wash day life. It's the Uncle Phil to my Aunt Viv. It's the cookie dough to my chocolate chip. I love this stuff, seriously.

So it should come as no surprise that when my supply runs low (less than half a bottle), I panic. Recently, while on the brink of panic, I found myself scrummaging (scrambling + rummaging, you're welcome) for something to wash my hair with because my Bae was running low and I wanted to conserve. That's when I found myself in the bottom drawer, and I uncovered a half-used bottle of Hask Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner. Yes, Hask - the same Hask from your relaxed/heat trained Henna n' Placenta days.

It had been a while since I touched it, and I couldn't remember why I purchased it to begin with. Then, I wondered to myself, "can I wash my hair with this?"

Duh, Christina. Yes, it's conditioner. Co-washing is literally using conditioner to cleanse your hair. Co-wash away, for heaven's sake.

So I did. And then, I remembered.

THIS STUFF IS BOMB, YO!

It will nevah, EVAH replace Bae Clean. But what it will do, is allow me to make my bottles last longer. To that end, I've even gone back to Ulta and purchased 4 more (BOGO 1/2 off + couponage = win) bottles to keep in my co-washing rotation stash.

See, Hask has stepped their game all the way up - and I'm totally here for it. Let me explain why.

Ingredients

Although I'm not an ingredient snob, ingredients do matter to me. I'm never here for drying alcohols, and I try to avoid harmful preservatives. I also curve mineral oil and petroleum, but make a special exemption for ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. As a color treated natural, I gravitate toward ingredients that are going to strengthen, smooth, deeply moisturize, and improve elasticity in my hair. I love how each Hask conditioner is formulated differently, to meet the different needs of my hair at varying points in the month.

If I'm hitting the Sauna one week (hey #EveryDayFitness), I reach for my Hask Monoi Coconut Oil Conditioner, because it's rich in Monoi (coconut oil + gardenia), Argan, and Linseed which moisturize, nourish, and sofen the hair while restoring elasticity. It also has Pro Vitamin B5 and hydrolyzed proteins further down on the list, lending a little strength to the mix.

If I've been going hard in the paint with cardio, or need a little more cleansing power, I reach for Hask Charcoal with Citrus Oil. It's packed with activated charcoal powder and grapefruit and lemon peel oils to remove dirt, oil, and buildup while detoxing the strands and scalp.

Lastly, for maintaining strong hair that doesn't break, I love Hask Bamboo Oil Conditioner. It's an excellent protein and moisture balancing conditioner, fortified with bamboo extract, hydrolyzed collagen, biotin, and keravis protein (read more about keravis protein here). It balances these strengthening ingredients with avocado, coconut, olive, and kukui oils, plus shea butter. Hask Bamboo Oil Conditioner is my favorite and go-to.

Affordability

At about $6 a pop for a 12oz bottle of conditioner, you can't be mad at all. Sure, it's not Aussie Moist or Tresemme (they keep changing formulas anyways), but ingredient-wise Hask conditioners can't be beat. Add on top of that an Ulta BOGO and some coupons? Chiiiii....

Accessibility

Hask Conditioners are literally everywhere. Ulta. Target. CVS. Walgreens. Your Mom's Cabinet. Literally, everywhere. All under $6.

Performance

Did I mention before how BOMB Hask conditioners are?! Like, seriously. Sometimes, haircare brands play this dirty little trick where they come out with 10 different products, with 10 different names, 10 different marketing gimmicks, and they all work the same. I can honestly say, I feel and see the difference in all the Hask conditioners I've tried. Yes, they all contain some of the same base ingredients (like water, cetyl alcohol, and glycerin) - but so does every single other conditioner on the market. They're excellent co-washes. Thick, but not too thick. Tons of slip. Free of artificial colorants, and fragrance is the LAST ingredient on the list. No, they're not CG friendly (hi wonderfully water-soluble cyclopentasiloxane), but my hair has always done well with silicones anyway. Whatever the case may be, they work epically well.

Variety

There's like 80 bajillion different Hask conditioners, and for a product junkie like me, variety is the spice of life. I've used a handful (like the ones pictured in this post), but I'm looking forward to trying them all. You literally can't go wrong. And if you do, stores like Ult have pretty lenient return/exchange policies for hair products. Win win for product junkies everywhere!

Welp, that's my cue to exit folks! I'm officially in love with Hask conditioners. This post isn't sponsored by them in any way - I just wanted to let you guys in on a little secret I've been keeping! Heck, Hask probably doesn't even know who I am, lol!

Have you tried Hask? Let me know in the comments below!

Review: Penelope J Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk

I'm gonna just go ahead and say it:

2016 is the Year of the Hair Milk. For moisture and style, my hair is absolutely loving hair milks. I didn't expect this to happen though - and to be honest, I wasn't even checking for hair milks like that. But let me tell you now - hair milks are winning.

It started with Mielle Organics. Now, we're talking about The Penelope J.

The Penelope J. was founded by Tomeka Evans in 2009, and named for her late aunt, Penelope Jones who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005. The Penelope J. line of products was created to honor the legacy of Tomeka's aunt, and is committed to producing products that are safe, natural, and free from cancer causing ingredients and preservatives.

Tomeka reached out to me and told me that she thinks I'd love the Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk for my curls. Was she right? Let's see! Keep reading for the full review.

Cost
$21.99 for 16oz

Where to Buy
www.thepenelopej.com

Active Ingredients

Olive Oil:Oil is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger and its emollient properties prevent hair loss.
Cetearyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.
Coconut Oil:Oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid). One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.
Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
Avocado Oil: Omega 3-rich nourishing oil extract that can enhances shine, moisture retention, softness, and elasticity in hair.
Coconut Milk Powder: Extraction of the vitamin rich coconut milk, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the hair, prevent breakage, and stimulate hair growth.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
Off the bat, I love how thick and creamy the Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk is. Even though the thickness is real, it pumps out of the bottle easily and rubs smoothly into the hands and hair. It reminds me a lot of the awesome Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk - but without the Herculean strength necessary to move product out of the bottle (lol). Now where the real happens, is when I decided to use Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk, and only Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk to style my hair. I've never used hair milk only to style my hair - and my expectations were not high. Y'all might think this hair is cute on Instagram but chiiiii...let me tell you! It takes a village of hair product to raise this hair into something presentable. That's why I was absolutely SHOCKED when I saw that Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk not only moisturized my curls and gave them shine, but defined them too. And I didn't even mud rinse!

As far as fragrance is concerned, it's light, milky, and I can't quite put my finger on it. But it's not a bad smell, and it's not strong at all. I love how there are no artificial colors in Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk, and that it plays nicely with other products - whether it be leave-ins and butters or gels. I love how my hair just soaks it up, and leaves intense shine. See? How could you not love results like this?

The Bad
There's so much to love about Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk, drawbacks are kinda hard to find. The only thing that might be *slightly* off-putting is the slip. It has some slip, but not the super slippy dippy kind that you expect from leave-ins or other products. It's not difficult to work into the hair by any means though. I just wouldn't use it as a detangler, that's all.

The Bottom Line
Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk gets a "yasssssssssss!" in my book! Shiny, defined, moisturized hair was most definitely on the menu, and I was here for every moment of it. If you're looking to shop small, shop Black, and shop products made from all natural ingredients with integrity, The Penelope J's Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk is for you. I love it!

Would I Buy It Again?
Absolutely, 137% yes! Every so often, I like to give my hair a "gel break" for about a week or so. Coconut Lime Verbena Hair Milk gives me mucho moisture and style, without compromising on health and shine. And even if I'm not on a gel break, it plays nicely with others and gives great results without white goopy balls or flaking. That's the wash and go girl's dream!

Have you tried products from The Penelope J? Let me know in the comments below! #productchatter

#ZoomZoom: 2016 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door Review

Photography: Mr. Samuel W. (he's crazy good at this, right?)

I'm not even gonna lie, DriveShop got me all in my feelings.

I miss this spicy little number, a lot. I'm not gonna waste too much time leading in to this review, so let's just get on with the goods. This time around, we're talking all about the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door or as I like to call it, my Car Spirit Animal.

Cost

For the Mazda Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door fancy pants top of the line version I rode around and got it in, the sticker price is $30,270.

Where to Buy

Click here to check out your local Mazda dealership!

Active Ingredients (Features)

These are the features from the Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door that made me fall in love:

Sport Mode Option
Dash Pop-Up Odometer aka Active Driving Display
Push to Start
Keyless Entry with FOB/Smart Key
Heated Leather Seats
Tinted Windows
Touch Screen In-Dash Audio System with Bluetooth, Navigation, XM Radio, and more
Sunroof
Driver and Passenger Individual Temperature Controls (wayyyyy clutch)
Backup and Parking Camera with Sensors
Lane departure and vehicle proximity alerts
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Bose Speaker System
SMS Text Delivery and Reply System

There are other features and specs that I can't remember, but these are the ones that I used and loved the most.

Photography: Me. Not nearly as great as Samuel's. And you see my sister's big head up front (lol)

The Good

Have you ever felt like a car was your spirit animal? That pretty much sums up my experience with the Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door. Like, I need you guys to understand this. In the week and some change that I had this car, I developed a severe emotional attachment. I was legit sad that I had to give it back. Before publishing this blog post, I strongly considered penning a plea to Drive Shop and Mazda to let me have, hold, and cherishthe Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door forever and ever.

Photography: Mr. Samuel W.

I. Love. This. Car.

Did you catch that? I love it. I miss it. I want it back. I want one for Christmas. Literally. See, the Kia Sorento was hella smooth. But hear me when I say Car Spirit Animal. The Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door was EVERYTHING. From the Soul Red paint and glossy black trim, to gunmetal wheels and sunroof, I'm hooked. Every time I pulled up somewhere - church, family gatherings or otherwise, everyone said one thing: "That car fits you". We go together, like chocolate chip cookie dough and spoons. Like ashy lips and eos lip balm. Like naturals and deep conditioner.

Photography: Mr. Samuel W.

The car just fit my lifestyle. I'm active, so having a sports-inspired car is right up my alley. I love bright colors, and I absolutely could not get enough of the Soul Red paint. I'm sans kids, so the size the the Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door is perfect for rolling around the city with just me and the Mr. - or bringing the Nephs along. Honestly, the Mazda3 just gets me. Cool, but not too-too cool. Bright, but not gaudy. Tons of neat features without being over the top. And a sunroof...cause, melanin.

Plus, I mean, when you have kicks that match the car - it was meant to be, right?

Photography: Mr. Samuel W. (this is my favorite picture)

The Bad

The worst part about the Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door? It's not in my driveway right now with a big red bow and a "Just Cause You're Awesome" sticker. Other than that, I've got nothin'.

The Bottom Line

If I was trifilin', I'd start a GoFundMe so y'all could donate toward my goals of a Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door. But I'm not trifilin', I have a full time job, and a blog. Jesus didn't die on the cross to beg y'all for a selfish comeup, so I'll do what I need to do to put this baby in my garage by May 2017. If that means going out less, passing on sneaker releases, buying less hair products (gasp!), and grinding harder to generate income under The Mane Objective banner, then so be it. But I mean, if Mazda wants to bless ya girl, who am I to say no?

I told y'all I want this car. #zoomzoom

Have you ever tried out the 2016 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door? If not, you need a test drive ASAPtually! Much love and many thanks again to DriveShop for letting me whip this hot little number around LA for a week. If you guys ever get tired of looking at it, and wanna give it a new home...I have a parking space just for it. #justsaying #closedmouthdontgetfed

Lost Your Curl Pattern? How I Repaired My Limp, Stringy Curls in One Month

My curls are starting to look and feel like themselves again.

Up until very recently, I've been in a weird space with my curls.

Like, a really weird space. The kind of space that makes you start weighing the pros and cons of being a "straight natural".

We've all been there before... or is it just me?

Over the course of the past month and a half or so, I've noticed four major problems with my hair:

More breakage than usual
Some curl loosening (on my normally tighter, unruly front section)
Stringy ends
Limp, poofy (yet almost straight) crown that was perpetually dry

Pretty much like this:

You see that front section? Hot mess. Definitely didn't make the cut for the 'gram.

To be honest, it was frustrating as hell. We all know our hair's potential, and when the curls just won't be great, it gets annoying. Then, we result to angles and hair flips for the 'gram - or in my case, half up/half down styles. #justkeepingitreal #weallfrontforthegram

By my book, I was doing everything right. Co-washing and clarifying. Deep treating with a balance of protein and moisture. Handling gently, and sealing. What ever could it possibly be? Turns out, the answer was a LOT simpler than I thought it would be. But before I get ahead of myself to the "aha!" moment, let me walk you through the steps to take if you feel like your curls are in the same boat as mine were.

Keep reading to discover common causes for excess breakage, limp curls, and curl loosening, and how to get your hair back on track:

Problem #1: Limp, Stringy Curls
Yes, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Because our hair tends to be on the drier side, we naturalistas have a tendency to go overboard with moisture. Six hour pre-poo sessions. Overnight deep conditioning. Co-washing, conditioning, then deep conditioning (I personally never understood the need to dual condition, except for special treatments). Misting all day with water. Loading up on Magic Potion Hair Lotion no 5 every night.

Hygral fatigue is totally a thing, and it leaves your hair looking limp, stringy, mushy, and gushy. Additionally, buildup between wash days (layin' that product on thick daily) can have a similar effect. Both result in hair that breaks easily, has lost its spring factor, and has difficulty holding on to a style.

The Fix: Clarify!
The first step in remedying this issue is to reach for a clarifying shampoo. But - you gotta be careful. Hair that is experiencing hygral fatigue or weakening due to buildup is very succeptible to breakage. Prior to clarifying, I recommend pre-pooing and detangling with a light oil to prevent further mushiness while protecting your strands from drying out (and exacerbating the situation). My top picks for clarifying curls are Be Kekoa Be Clair Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo and Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo.

Read More:
Christina's Choice 2015 - The Best Shampoos and Cleansers for Natural Hair
How I Use Be Kekoa Products on Wash Day
Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo Review

Problem #2: Breakage
Because we get so gung-ho for moisture, sometimes protein can be an afterthought. But if you've got hair that has been color treated, or you like to rock the occasional blowout or flat iron, protein needs to be a part of your regimen. Damage to the cuticle of the hair - whether it be from heat or color - causes the structure of the strand to weaken by creating gaps along the hair shaft. Because the cuticle is no longer compacted due to the damage, the curl begins to weaken, loosen, and thin out - especially at the ends of the hair.

The Fix: Patch Those Cuticles Up!

The degree of damage that your hair has sustained will determine the measures that you take. If you're at the stage where you're just now starting to notice loosening and thinning of your curls, investing in a good deep conditioner that contains strengthening proteins and complexes to restore elasticity should suffice - just don't overdo it. My picks in that area: Ouidad Melt Down Extreme Recovery Mask, or ApHogee Curlific Texture Treatment (the budget-friendly alternative).

Review: ApHogee Curlific Texture Treatment

For more intense cuticle repair (or if you have a protein sensitivity), an amino acid rich deep treatment like Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner will provide your curls with a hefty dose of amino acids - the building blocks to the proteins that comprise the structure of the hair itself.

If you're absolutely at your wits end with your hair, and need the heavy artillery, then the ApHogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor is a must-have. This stuff has literally saved my hair on more than one occasion. Three things to note about this treatment: one, it's not that scary 2-step system with the stinky protein pack that makes your hair hard. Two, it definitely contains mineral oil. Three - and most importantly - the results are cumulative. Meaning, you'll see improvement in your hair with each use (just ask @ladyg7884 on Instagram).

Read More:
How ApHogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor Saved My Hair

Problem #3: Thin, Wispy Ends
Chances are, if you're dealing with problems 1 and 2, you've got problem 3 too. And it's hella annoying. Wispy ends are damaged ends - the culmination of damage to the oldest part of your hair. Wispy ends cause styles like twist and braid-outs to taper at the ends - resulting in a style that looks a lot less full. Wispy ends also cause wash and go styles to look weighed down and ramen-noodley (see top picture).

The Fix: Snip, Snip, Snip!
Absolutely, the fixes above will help your hair to a degree - but nothing, I repeat nothing, takes the place of a good ol' fashioned trim. Snipping off a fraction of the damaged ends can do wonders for your hair. Of course, this is not Christina saying, "Go forth and take scissors upon thy crown!" - this is Christina saying, "If you know how to do it, then do it. If you don't trust yourself with scissors, or you don't own a pair of hair shears to begin with, see a professional."

Read More:
3 Signs You Need a Trim This Season
How and When to Trim Transitioning Hair

Now, are you ready for my "aha!" moment? I did all of the fixes above, and reached 75% satisfaction with my hair. But what I'm about to share next is simple, cheap, and kicked my curls into overdrive. You ready?

Problem #4: Curl Loosening
Now, if you've already tried fixes 1 through 3 and made substantial progress - great! Solving seemingly small problems with simple fixes can often make a world of difference. But sometimes, we can still experience curl loosening, or loss of curl pattern - especially my fellow color treated curlies. Even with the buildup gone, protein in check, and fresh trim. This can be frustrating, because the loosening may not be even throughout all the curls - and can even vary by section or strand. Like I mentioned earlier in the post, my crown and front/center areas were the hardest hit by this phenomenon. Luckily, I solved it quickly, cheaply, and naturally.

The Fix: pH Balancing
I had my first "aha!" with pH balancing while using Obia Naturals products. My curls were curlier - especially when I used Curl Enhancing Custard. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and so did my jar of Curl Enhancing Custard. And because I'm in #usethestash mode, I'm all about finding workarounds to give me the same result. The second "aha!" came when it was time to do the $3 Wash & Go. I employed something I hadn't used in years - the ACV Spritz. The beauty of Apple Cider Vinegar is that it balances the pH of the hair - tightening up the cuticle structure on the strands. The result is curls that are springier (have more shrinkage and body), clumpier, and shinier.

To make my ACV Spritz, I simply take a 3oz travel-size spray bottle and combine 1 part ACV to 2 parts water. Shake, and spray. Sometimes I put it on before my leave-in, sometimes after. It works beautifully either way - and does not leave behind a smell. And if you're not a fan of the DIY, ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer Spray is a great swap.

Read More:
Apple Cider Vinegar, Revisited
Review: Obia Naturals - Vegan, pH Balanced Natural Hair Care
Review: ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer Spray

Annnnnnd that's it! In a little less than a month, I was able to completely transform my curls using the products and practices mentioned in this article. Remember that picture up top? Compare it with this:

My hair is happiest when the ends curl. #embracetheshrinkage

Now, If I could only fix that slacker left eyebrow with the perpetual thin spot...

By the way, guys - there's something else you should know too. If you're experiencing extreme changes in your hair, it could be the sign of something internally, too. Seek support and assistance from a trusted medical professional to rule out any potentially harmful health-related challenges.

I hope you guys found this helpful! Let me know in the comments below if you're going to try any of these methods or products!

Tamanu Oil and Shea Butter Works, Y'all - How I Healed Burned Naturally Skin in 4 Days

Y'all.

Listen.

Like, I need y'all to understand four things by the end of this post:
1. Tamanu Oil works forreal.
2. Shea Butter works forreal.
3. Essential Oils should be used with caution.
4. Google is your friend, but so is discretion.

Ok, so it goes a little something like this.

Last week, I woke up with a huge zit on the left side of my face, Not a pimple, a zit. Like, I just woke up as an 8th grader all over again zit. It wasn't cute, pretty, funny, or sweet.

I didn't appreciate it one bit.

While I know what happens on the outside is a reflection of the inside (I had been eating way more "quick" food and snacks, thanks to packing, cleaning, and the move), I still needed an effective remedy to help it go away with the quickness, cuz selfies.

I was all outta Tee Tree Essential Oil, and was in no mood to hunt for asprin to crush up. I had Bentonite Clay, Oregano Essential Oil, and Apple Cider Vinegar. Now, I shoulda left well enough alone and mixed the Bentonite and ACV and went about my business. But this zit was so disrespectful, I went stealth mode and added two drops of Oregano Essential Oil to my emergency zit fix.

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. So much wrong.

First mistake - I didn't do my Googles. I went based on my (sometimes faulty, always brimming with random useless information) memory, just knowing I read somewhere that Oregano Essential Oil was a swap for Tea Tree Oil when it comes to antiseptic and antibacterial properties. And there's some truth to that - just ask @goldnlyfe on Insta, who took it internally to cure strep throat. But apparently, I didn't get the memo that the need for dilution was real.

Second mistake - I was impatient. I get impatient, I get rushy, and I make rash decisions.

Third mistake - I didn't spot test. I just slapped the concoction straight on my face without a second thought.

Because of these three things, I ended up with a big fat burn on the side of my face. In addition to the zit, though. Had I just let the zit run its course, it would have eventually faded into obscurity. But thanks to my impatience, I had to spend the last week with a zit and a burn.

(Insert Usher Let It Burn jokes here.)

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw this pic in all its burnt realness:

Sorry if it puts you off as gross, but it's real.

The pic above was from day 3 of the burn, where it had just started that icky scabbing process.

Now, here's where things get real and miraculous.

Oh, you don't follow me on le Snap? Add me: maneobjective

It's the top of a new week, and I'm waltzing into it with a fresh, burn and zit-less face. In fact, I was all systems go for the weekend before. How did that happen? Two things:

Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil and Kyra's Shea Medleys Strength + Emollient Butter Cream.

The Quick 411 on Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil

It's handcrafted, fair trade, and sustainably sourced on a small farm on the island of Huahine in French Polynesia (I witnessed it firsthand on my trip to Tahiti).
Tamanu Oil is rich in vitamins A and E, and anti-inflammatory Omegas, which heal, protect, and fight skin damage while restoring elasticity and preventing discoloration.
It's incredibly potent - a little bit goes a long way forreal.

About Kyra's Shea Medleys Strength + Emollient Butter Cream

Also handcrafted in small batches - born and made in Los Angeles!
It's infused with carrot oil and Mango Butter, which is rich in beta carotene and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Both aid in moisturizing and stimulating the growth of new skin cells.
It smells ah-MAY-zing. My longtime favorite KSM butter.

Also worth noting, both Be Kekoa and Kyra's Shea Medleys are Black, woman-owned small businesses born and bred in California. And more importantly, Brandie (Be Kekoa) and Kyra are generous, community-oriented women who utilize their businesses to financially support and contribute to communities economically.

Now that I've gone off on a tangent, here's how I healed this burn in 4 days:

Cleanse with super diluted Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Castile Soap (I use this as my face and body wash anyway - I just diluted it more than ususal). I avoided exfoliating or agitating of any kind, so as to reduce the chances of scarring)
Spot treat with Be Kekoa Tamanu Oil daily, directly on the affected area
Cover Tamanu Oil treated area with Strength + Emollient Butter Cream
Repeat daily

Here's the progression of my skin:

Don't mind the tiny bumps - gotta get back on drinking my ACV.

As you can see, by day 4, my skin was ready to rock. By day 6 I was back in business forreal forreal.

So folks, that's the long and short of it. Tamanu Oil and Shea Butter are gifts from the heavens above. Oregano Essential Oil probably is too, but I got burned. So be patient, and do your Googles.

Have you ever had an experience gone wrong with "natural" treatments? Let me know in the comments!

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