Self Care with Soultanicals Day 4: Issa Beach Vibe

June 29, 2017, 7:44 am

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Candid moments captured by The Flatlay Photog

If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I'm born, bred, and living in Los Angeles. I never really realize how much of an "LA girl" I am until I go other places.

I complain about city noise, pollution, and overcrowding - then I go somewhere tranquil and miss the commotion 72 hours later. I complain about the traffic and how terribly LA folks drive, and then spend a week in Maryland wondering why everyone drives like they have absolutely nowhere to be.

And don't even get me started on the weather.

Even though I'm an LA girl and I live less than 10 miles from the nearest beach, I don't go too often. Not nearly as often as I should. Which is beyond strange, considering not only the proximity, but also the fact that it's quite literally my favorite place to go and be still. The beach is where I go when I'm really overwhelmed and looking to hear from God. Something about looking out at the seemingly infinite water with my toes in the sand reminds me just how small I am, and how big my God is.

It reminds me of His infinite wisdom, and how fearfully and wonderfully made all of his creations are.

I had only been to the beach recently to work out with Samuel, his brother, and Bailey. The second I opened Soultanicals' Marula-Melon Moisture Guru, ripe with summer melon flavor, I just knew.

Christina, take your behind to the beach. Stop waiting on a beach day with bae, and just go.

My life was basically covered in sand at this point. Photo by The Flatlay Photog

And so I went. Day 4 of 7 was all about me in my happy place.

Although I had Antoinette (aka The Flatlay Photog // Sup x Dine) with me, there was something so invigorating about my bare feet in the sand. It was almost like plugging myself into a charging station. The water was vibrantly blue (totally not common in LA, lol), and when Antoinette asked if I was stepping in, I was like, "umm heck yeah!' - intent on taking full advantage.

I didn't plan to have so much fun in the water - but I did.

I didn't plan to spend as much time there as I did - but I was happy it went down that way.

I also didn't plan to have my life taken away by 1 foot of sea water 😂 - but it almost happened. (more on that later - I promise you'll laugh)

Thanks to the summery goodness of Marula-Melon Moisture Guru, I found myself having the time of my life at the beach. My spirits were lifted in a way they hadn't been in some time - and I'm so glad I didn't wait a moment longer to do it.

So much good stuff. Photo by The Flatlay Photog

Marula Melon Moisture Guru

What it is
Marula-Melon Moisture Guru is a summertime take on the epic Marula-Muru Moisture Guru. It's a super creamy, medium consistency moisturizer and hair revitalizer packed with strand-nourishing botanicals. It smells like a watermelon Jolly Rancher, and leaves hair super moisturized and smooth. It can be used as a leave-in, or to add moisture to the hair in the days following styling.

How I used it
Knowing I was beach-bound, I used Marula-Melon Moisture Guru to protect my strands from the elements. I took a moderate amount, emulsified it in my hands and scrunched it into my curls. I also used it later that night for date night with Mr. Samuel, and you know what?! As we waited for our table, I placed my head on his chest and he said, "yo, your hair smells nice." I replied, "awww, thank you!" but in my mind I was like, "MARULA-MELON ON MINES, CUH!!!"😂 Y'all know I don't got no good sense.

Moral of the story - it's #BaeApproved.

If you could reach through the screen and feel the softness...

Key benefits
Packed with aloe vera, glycerin, olive oil, agave, kalahari melon butter, pracaxi oil, and flaxseed gel, this botanical powerhouse moisturizes, enhances shine, and smooths the cuticle to help retain hydration inside the hair.

Oh, and your hair will literally smell amazing.

I can't tell you how much good the beach did for my soul. Thanks to Marula-Melon Moisture Guru, on day 4 of 7, I was encouraged to:

• Get out and re-connect with my own back yard
• Take time out and marvel at God's creation
• Stop waiting on others to take me where I know I need to go (both literally and metaphorically)

This was literally the perfect beach day. Photo by The Flatlay Photog

Oh, and what I said about almost dying in 1 foot of water? Here's what happened.

Some of you may know, I'm building my skill set as a photographer. And photographers often find themselves in compromising positions to get the perfect angle. Antoinette and I both had the idea to put the entire Soultanicals collection at the shoreline, because the low tide coming up made for a dope background.

True to the game, Antoinette arranged the products right at the water where the tide was lowest. I got face down on my stomach, to capture the products at ground level, instead of from above.

Unexpectedly, a stronger wave came along as my eye was in the viewfinder snapping away. By the time I realized what was happening, the wave crashed up on me and my camera, and started taking some of my products out to sea.😂 Luckily, Antoinette helped me recover them all.

Here's the frame-by-frame of it all unfolding:

The calm. Still a pretty dope shot.

(me snapping away): It's happening! A little stronger than I wanted, but still dope!

MAYDAY! MAYDAY! Send for backup!

SAVE THE PRODUCTS AND SAVE YOURSELF! :::goes down with camera:::

I'm still scraping sand off of my camera til this day.

Do you have a special place you love to go and think or recharge? I wanna know!

Catch up with the entire 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals series here!

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Self Care with Soultanicals Day 5: Growing Green

July 1, 2017, 11:32 am

≫ Next: How to Slay Your Silk Press on Natural Hair Without Heat Damage

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Whoever took this picture needs a cookie. It was either Samuel or my oldest nephew.

I'ma just come right out and say it - I am the most unlikely candidate for gardening. Spiders and their ghoulish webs freak me out. Bees give me the creeps, but I respect their hustle. I finds ants annoying, and worms, beetles, and other creepy crawlies make me shudder.

But here I am in 2017, gardening.

It started out with me just thinking it would be cool to have some herbs at-the-ready as I cooked. The first time I made chicken with the rosemary and sage I planted, I was hooked. I fell in love with the idea of not having to buy every single thing at the store, and the idea of literally cultivating things in my own backyard.

A snippet of my garden goodies!

I started out with the collard greens and lemons that were already growing here. Then, I planted mint, sage, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. In the next flowerbed, I put down lavender, aloe, scotch bonnet, and red bell peppers. And in the last flowerbed, garlic and red onions. I'm not done - eventually I'd like to plant kale, broccoli, spinach, basil, and maybe even cabbage.

I'm clearly holding myself back from going 0 to 100 with gardening, because there's so much about it for me to learn. I'm impatient, and a full steam ahead kind of gal, so I'm trying to learn to pace myself - especially with things that are only so far within or totally beyond my control.

And even though it seems like my home-based horticulture is poppin', I'm far from a gardening expert - and I definitely don't have it all figured out.

The collards! I can't take credit for 'em though. Picture credit belongs to Samuel or my neph.

When I first planted everything, I was in the backyard almost daily checking on my green babies - making sure no harm befell them (but also trying to get them to hurry up and grow lol). Eventually, I got annoyed with what seemed like slow or no growth, and I got a little neglectful. Weeks would pass without me getting down in the flowerbeds to clear out grass, and closely inspect their growth. After spending some semi-quiet time in the back yard (because Samuel was raking leaves in the front yard, Bailey thinks the rake is a toy, and my oldest nephew was visiting), I came away with a hearty number of revelations and reminders that apply in gardening and everyday life.

So much good stuff going on here.

Working with Soultanicals Coil Soil Clarifying Hair Fertilizer and 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair definitely inspired me to seek self-care in the garden. They both work their magic at the roots (ha) - so let's dive in.

Coil-Soil Clarifying Hair Fertilizer

What it is
Coil-Soil is quite possibly Soultanicals' most potent hair and scalp detox treatment. The top 3 ingredients are activated charcoal, dead sea mud, and bentonite clay. It's the trifecta treatment for those of us who suffer with itchy/dry scalp, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, and sebhorreic dermatitis. The trio of powerhouse ingredients lift dandruff and flakes while soothing irritation and drawing out impurities from the scalp and hair.

See all that definition? From Coil Soil! Yassss!

How I used it
I wet my hair down with warm water to remove as much product buildup as I could. I then went through my hair, finger parting and massaging Coil-Soil into my scalp. After my scalp was completely covered, I ran my fingers through from root to ends to allow the excess to work along the length of my hair. The heaviest concentration of product remained on my scalp. I clipped my hair up and into a plastic cap, and then used my Hot Head Thermal Cap for 30 minutes.

Key benefits
Coil-Soil helps relieve itching and flaking, while removing toxins and debris from the hair and scalp. Although it's incredibly potent, it's also very moisturizing thanks to olive oil, aloe vera, and sweet almond. It has good slip, and makes it very easy to work through tangles. If your hair has been feeling a little limp, like its lost some 'oomph' - this treatment is exactly what you need. My curls were super soft, springy, and defined after rinsing.

'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair

What it is
Honestly, the deep conditioner that might oust Afrotastic Curl Elastic as my favorite. But to be more specific, think of it as a green juice for your hair and scalp. It's loaded with botanicals and vitamins - biotin, spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, oat grass, chlorella, alfalfa, MSM, and so much more. This deep conditioner is best for hair that is damaged, distressed, color treated, weak and brittle, or just in need of a strengthening boost.

So much slip. SO much good stuff. Quite possibly my new favorite DC from Soultanicals.

How I used it
After cleansing with Coil-Soil, I applied a generous amount of 'Fro Despair throughout my hair in sections, working it from root to ends. I clipped my hair up and into a plastic cap, and then used my Hot Head Thermal Cap for 30 minutes.

Key benefits
Loaded with as much slip as it has greens, 'Fro Despair is literally Amazing Grass in deep conditioner form. It nourishes hair at the root, strengthening follicles and promoting growth thanks to horsetail, rosemary, sage, and biotin. Wheatgrass, barely grass, chlorella, and alfalfa work in tandem to help slow and reverse signs of aging and damage while promoting healthy hair growth - and brown rice protein along with Pro Vitamin B5 and cetrimonium chloride help strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.

Day 5 was a much-needed day to not only focus on my roots and hair growth, but to slow down and take in a few lessons on self-care from the garden. A lot of quotes and concepts I've previously read about make more sense now - and I even got new clarity on a familiar passage of scripture.

My bells! One of them has started turning red since the taking of this photo - by Samuel or my neph lol.

Getting in my garden with Soultanicals Coil-Soil and 'Fro Despair helped me achieve better mental clarity and diffuse a lot of personal stress I've been carrying about achieving goals and my next steps in life. Here's what I walked away with on day 5:

• Pruning is not a one-time activity. It's a consistent, proactive measure that must be taken to yield the best results. Without pruning - in gardening and in life - those activities/things/people (or vegetables) that are not the best or do not have the potential to be the best are just siphoning off resources and hamstringing those that do. I had to cut a hefty bit of my oregano back, and one of my bell peppers for this reason. Pruning is a heavy topic, and I'll tackle it in an upcoming blog post.

• I never realized gardening is as nuanced as it is. I thought it was as simple as digging some dirt, throwing some seeds or shoots down, and watering. With that method, sure, something is bound to grow. But how much? Gardening, like relationships and even talents, must be nurtured, fed, and attended to in order to reach their maximum potential. 

SO many scotch bonnets now. I might start selling them on IG lol! Picture credit: Samuel or my neph.

• Even plants that wither and almost die can bounce back. I ended up having to move my mint plant to a bigger flower bed, because it was suffocating my sage and thyme. It looked so hearty and healthy, I was sure it would take root in the new bed and thrive. I was wrong. It basically died. I cut the dead leaves and branches, and watered the mint faithfully. In a week or so, I saw green leaves again. If that ain't a word....

• I have Galatians 6:9 committed to memory, because it helped me through a really difficult personal time. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not." I was reminded of this while gardening. Keep on pressing, Christina.

Clearly, I learned a lot. Oh, and I like ladybugs.

Am I the only one who learns life lessons in the garden? Let's chat in the comments below!

Catch up with the entire 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals series here!

How to Slay Your Silk Press on Natural Hair Without Heat Damage

July 3, 2017, 11:59 am

≫ Next: Self Care with Soultanicals Day 6: Detoxing from Social Media

≪ Previous: Self Care with Soultanicals Day 5: Growing Green

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I feel like I channeled my inner ATL Silk Press Master for this one, lol.

I've been mentally preparing for this for at least a month.

The last time I did a blowout on my hair was over 6 months ago, in early December. And my hair ain't seen a flat iron since October of 2015. Back in my transitioning days, I used to flat iron my hair every 3-6 months for a length check and trim. But after I discovered the glory of the wash & go, those straightening sessions became a lot less frequent.

I knew I was long overdue for a straightening when I found myself obsessed with silk pressing videos and blog posts. I was almost convinced that I'd be able to do a professional straightening job at home. And once I learned about the new Design Essentials Natural Agave & Lavender Blow-Dry & Silk Press Collection, I knew it was meant to be.

Available EXCLUSIVELY at Sally's. If you see it somewhere else, issa bootleg.

The collection is brand new and available only at Sally's (aka my 2nd home). It features 4 products that are perfect for the naturalista who'd rather DIY than visit a salon. The collection includes 4 steps designed to provide moisture, strength and protection from heat damage:

• Moisturizing Hair Bath
• Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner
• Blow-Dry & Styling Primer
• Thermal Protectant Creme

I was so excited to use not only a cohesive collection for my hair, but by a Black-owned company, no less! Did you know that Design Essentials was a BOB? Yasssss! #support

Come along with me as I break down the 411 on each product in the collection, and share how I used each product to create this bangin' blowout and silk press on my natural hair. If you're just here for the silk press steps + demo video, scroll ahead toward the bottom of this post :)

Moisturizing Hair Bath

Cost

$11.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate: Water soluble, coconut derived surfactant. Is known to be incredibly mild, and one of the safest on the market.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Coconut oil-derived detergent, anti-static, and hair conditioning agent.
• Sodium Methyl Oleyol Taurate: Mild surfactant and foaming agent derived of the sodium salt of coconut fatty acid.
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Salt surfactant derived from the fatty acid of coconut oil.
• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: Gentle cleanser used to increase the viscosity (thickness) in a surfactant mix, and provide lather.

What it is

The Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath is a sulfate-free shampoo designed to hydrate the hair and scalp while gently cleansing and improving the overall look and feel. It conditions and softens by smoothing the cuticle and removes dirt, oil, product buildup, and other debris from the hair and scalp while replenishing moisture. 

How I used it
Following my pre-shampoo detangling session, I shampooed twice with the Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath. When using direct heat on my hair, I always shampoo a minimum of two times. Hair with any old dirt or product buildup can actually singe, burn, and cause heat damage. I was also able to keep my hair from tangling back up, thanks to the slip in the Moisturizing Hair Bath.

My thoughts
The shampoo has a very delicate, high-end salon fragrance that's lightly floral with a hint of sweetness. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's addicting and I love it. To be honest, the Moisturizing Hair Bath is easily my favorite product in the Agave & Lavender collection. It's super moisturizing, yet cleans the hair and scalp thoroughly. You guys know I have scalp psoriasis, and I found that after 2 thorough shampoos with the Moisturizing Hair Bath, my scalp was flake-free - even in the days after straightening (which is no easy feat for those of us with scalp issues). The slip was off the charts for a shampoo - another winner in my book. I definitely plan on using the Moisturizing Hair Bath on GP, as a regular shampoo.

Did you know the first 2 steps in preventing heat damage involve shampoo and conditioner? #issafact

Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner

Cost

$11.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Cetyl 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.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.
• Amodimethicone: Silicone-based hair conditioning polymer that becomes water soluble (yes, a water soluble cone!) when accompanied by cetrimonium chloride and trideceth-12. In this case, amodimethicone is water soluble.
• Glycol Stearate: A compound of ethylene glycol and stearic acid, which is a naturally occuring fatty acid with opacifying, emollient, and conditioning properties.
• Glycol Distearate: Fatty acid compound that acts as an emollient and controls viscosity (thickener).

What it is
The Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner is the 2nd prep step in the collection for blow drying and styling. It's a rinse-out conditioner that's designed to hydrate, strengthen, improve elasticity, and stave off heat damage by boosting internal hydration within the hair. The instructions advise leaving it on for 1-3 minutes following the Moisturizing Hair Bath, but it can also be used as a deep treatment with heat or steam for enhanced benefits.

How I used it
3 minutes of conditioning before heat styling didn't sit well with me, so I applied a generous amount of the Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner and combed it through my hair to evenly distribute. After my hair was thoroughly coated from root to ends, I put on a plastic cap and sat under my hooded dryer for 30 minutes.

My thoughts
The Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner carries the same bomb fragrance as the shampoo, and is definitely thicker than the average rinse-out conditioner. It doesn't have a super creamy consistency, but it definitely feels moisturizing. I would have liked a little more slip, but it wasn't difficult to work with by any means. When it comes to applying direct heat to my hair, I'm super picky about which products I use. I always look for conditioners and heat protectants that contain ingredients like cetrimonium chloride (improves tensile strength of hair when it comes into contact with heat), silicones (to protect and delay transfer of heat to the hair), and humectants (to draw moisture to the hair and prevent drying out). The Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner hits all the marks with cetrimonium chloride, amodimethicone, and agave, respectively.

This duo added so much shine, softness, and moisture to my hair.

Blow-Dry & Styling Primer

Cost

$10.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Isopropyl Myristate: Emollient and conditioning agent composed of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, a common, naturally occurring fatty acid.
• Polysorbate 20: Emulsifier that enables oil and water to mix. It helps product disperse, is a thickener, and stabilizer of essential oils.
• Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
• Cetrimonium Chloride: Compound close in composition to Behentrimonium Chloride. In addition to having the same penetrating, conditioning, and anti-static properties, centrimonium chloride has been scientifically proven to strengthen the hair when activated by heat.
• Propylene Glycol: Humectant and conditioning agent.

What it is
The Blow-Dry & Styling Primer is a lightweight blowout spray that primes the hair for blow drying and flat ironing. It provides moisture, softness, and strength while protecting from heat damage. To use, simply shake to activate the product, and spray throughout the hair and comb through for complete coverage. Then, blow dry. The combination of lightweight moisturizers and conditioners make the blow-drying process easier and up to 50% faster. 

How I used it
As directed, after rinsing out the Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner, I parted my hair into sections to work the Blow Dry & Styling Primer through. I combed each section to make sure I had covered my hair evenly.

The results speak for themselves, yo!

My thoughts
It looks pretty, smells pretty, and works pretty well. When first spraying and combing though my hair, the primer almost seemed too lightweight. But as I applied blow-dry heat section by section, I realized that my hair felt soft, and I couldn't find any breakage on my shoulders or shirt. The no-breakage is a total win in my book and a top concern when blow-drying natural hair. It didn't particularly make my blow-drying time shrink by 50% - but that's because thanks to YouTube, I was convinced that I was a round brush pro (I'm not). I definitely need to go back to the attachment, because ya girl does not know what she's doing there. I'm sure had I used the blow dryer attachment, the experience would have been a breeze.

Themal Protectant Creme

Cost

$9.99

Where to Buy

Exclusively in Sally Beauty stores and online.

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Mineral Oil: Cosmetic-grade petroleum byproduct with excellent moisturizing and thermal protection properties. When applied properly, it is a better moisturizer than silicones and can be washed out of hair easily. When applied to damp hair prior to thermal styling, it helps to protect hair from heat damage.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable-based carrier oil blend used to moisturize the hair.
• Oleth-10: Compound used to help reduce surface tension of formulas and get ingredients to dissolve in liquids that normally would not. Oleth-10 helps ingredients better penetrate the hair as well. 
• Isopropyl Myristate: Emollient and conditioning agent composed of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, a common, naturally occurring fatty acid.
• 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.

What it is

The Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant Creme is exactly that, and step 4 in the collection of products. It's a lightweight creme designed to seal in moisture and provide heat protection and shine. It's formulated for silk pressing medium to coarse textured hair, and provides heat protection up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.

How I used it
I pumped a bit more than a dime-sized amount of the Thermal Protectant Creme into my hands, and rubbed them together. I distributed the creme throughout my hair, and brushed it through for even coverage. I then separated my hair into sections to prepare for flat ironing.

I'm now a beliver in the Thermal Protectant Creme.

My thoughts
At first, I was super confused by the creme. I swore up and down that I needed to use it before blow-drying and not after, because of the water content. But everything I read said to use it after. So I did - and I was pretty impressed by the results. After applying the creme, I flat ironed my hair in small sections on 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on past experiences with my natural hair, I know that 410 is a safe temperature for me to make with two passes to straighten. My first pass was with the flat iron only, and I used the chase method with a fine-tooth comb on the second pass. I noticed instantly that my hair glided through the iron with ease, and zero snagging. No funny snap, crackle & pop sounds, either. Oh, and it smells amazing - just like all the other products.

For the final step in my style, I applied a tiny bit (like, less than pea-sized) of Thermal Protectant Creme to my hair before using my flat iron to add curls. I'm 100% confident that my curls will revert, because I tested all four steps of the collection on a small section of my hair, a few days prior to styling:

Left: Agave & Lavender 4-Step Collection test. Right: Post-wash and heat damage free!

To see all of my steps and the Agave & Lavender Collection in action, watch my video below:



If you'd rather read along with the video, I've got you covered. Here are the 10 steps I took to silk press and curl my natural hair:

My 10 Steps to Silk Press & Curl Natural Hair

1. Pre-shampoo treatment and detangling with Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Conditioner. This was an important step for me to remove tangles and begin the process of hydrating my hair. Hair that is properly hydrated internally is less susceptible to heat damage.

2. Shampoo twice with the Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath. I always shampoo at least twice prior to straightening, to remove buildup that can cause heat damage while keeping my hair moisturized. It seems counter intuitive, but shampoo can moisturize and hydrate the hair!

Talk about a transformation! After shampooing, and before conditioning. Shrinkage is a beast!

3. Deep condition with heat for 30 minutes using the Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner for deeper moisture, better penetration of ingredients, and strengthening of hair to prevent heat damage and improve elasticity.

4. Rinse and towel dry to remove excess water, and then apply Agave & Lavender Blow-Dry & Styling Primer in sections. After spraying each section, I went through with a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles and distribute product from roots to ends.

5. Blow dry in sections, thoroughly. If you know your way around a round brush, definitely use it to achieve straighter blowout results. But if you can't hang, don't be like me. Just use the attachment and be humble, lol.

My blowout probably would have been straighter if I just used the dang attachment, lol.

6. After hair is completely dry, apply a small (pea to pearl-sized) amount of Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant Creme to the hair. I rubbed it in my hands first to make the small amount easier to distribute and not go on too heavy in certain sections. After thoroughly applying, I went through with a paddle brush to ensure that product was distributed from roots to ends.

7. Flat iron the hair in small sections. I used two passes on 410 degrees Fahrenheit, but use however many passes and whatever temperature works best for you.

8. Trim the ends of the hair (optional). Not mandatory, but this step is recommended. I always lightly trim my hair when it's straightened, because I can better see the damaged ends. Plus, healthier ends make for a better style.

9. Wrap and set under a hooded dryer. Another step that's not mandatory, but works - especially for more frizz-prone natural hair. I skipped the saran wrap and went straight for the satin scarf, but the result is still the same - enhanced shine, and hair that lays a little smoother.

Shine. Body. Softness. Moisture. #teamnatural #aintnovixensewin

10. Unwrap and curl with flat iron for finished look. I applied a bit more Thermal Protectant Creme, brushed it through, and curled my hair in medium-sized sections. The trick to curling with a flat iron is to start mid-shaft, turning the iron inward, rotating as you pull down to create the curl.

I can't wait to bust out this collection again in another 6 months or so!

That's it! To maintain my hair, I wrap it at night with a paddle brush and secure using a satin scarf.

Will you be giving the Agave & Lavender Blow-Dry and Silk Press Collection from Design Essentials a try? Let me know in the comments below!

Oh and by the way - The Agave & Lavender Collection is on sale at Sally's - Buy 2, Get 1 Free until 7/30/2017! 

Self Care with Soultanicals Day 6: Detoxing from Social Media

July 4, 2017, 1:40 pm

≫ Next: Review: I Washed My Hair with Mud & Skipped Deep Conditioning Thanks to Femme Noire

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It's Bailey's first appearance on the blog! Yes, she has an IG - @baileythesheprador lol

I know this post is a lil' late - and I'm sorry. The words that follow are brutally honest, and I sat on them for a few days to make 100% sure that I was comfortable sharing my innermost thoughts.

Here they go.

I put my first post on Instagram in 2012 - a few months after I re-launched my blog as The Mane Objective (formerly Kinky Crown). It was a simpler time back then - blogs were poppin', YouTube hadn't become the absolute monster it is today yet, and Instagram was all about sharing everyday experiences in real-time. There was no such thing as an "Instagram Influencer", photos were confined to 612x612 squares, and the Valencia filter reigned supreme.

And Snapchat wasn't even a twinkle in Evan Spiegel's eye yet.

When I opened the box of goodies from Soultanicals for this 7 Days of Self Care series, one label stood out immediately - Curl Blaze Hair Glaze. Talk about a trip straight down memory lane.

I first experienced Soultanicals in 2013, while still transitioning. Ayo was one of the first business owners happy to work with me as I built my blog and launched the series spotlighting Black owned natural hair businesses. Curl Blaze Hair Glaze was one of the first Soultanicals products I tried - and I've been a loyal customer and supporter since then.

Over the years that The Mane Objective brand (saying that feels so weird) has grown, I've been blessed to cultivate relationships with some amazing folks online and in real life. I'm grateful for every single reader, follower, and subscriber - because you all allow me to occupy visual real-estate in your life. In turn, I do my best to respond to every comment (sometimes it's hard to keep up and if I didn't answer a question you asked - I'm sorry and I promise it's not personal) and inquiry. In turn, I consistently push myself to churn out creative, unique, and useful quality content that is both educational and informative. 

And my promise is always to keep it 100% real. That's why I have to get this off my chest - being a blogger can be emotionally draining. 

Before you click that X in the upper right corner, hear me out. I'm not one of those "influencers" who lives on sponsored content and ad revenue alone. I work a full-time job, and would never give it up to blog for a living. I'm not cut from that cloth.

But if I can keep it 137% real, I've had my fair share of frustrating moments with the blogosphere. Over the years, I've had my words stolen, watermarks cropped from images I've taken and re-used, and plenty of folks with bigger audiences boost my ideas and re-create them as their own (without so much as a mention or credit). Most influencers claim the source of their woes is the people that follow them, ask questions that were answered in the caption or description box, or that come on their pages/channels starting drama and spreading chisme.

See, my issue isn't with you guys. Even if you ask a question I answered, I'm happy to answer it I again - because sometimes I'm long-winded and unclear, and sometimes humor is lost when read and not heard. I've been blessed with the best community ever - there's like, never any negativity on my blog or social media. Even on YouTube it's rare - which is no easy feat. And for that, I love y'all. You guys are dope.

My issue, my axe to grind, is with my fellow "content creators", and the brands that enable them. Creativity, honesty, and authenticity have become lost art forms on social media. Everyone is rinse and repeating what someone else has already done - and not even trying to hide it. Blogging/Vlogging/Instagram Influencing is now a system that rewards solely based on aesthetics. Content creators are going off the deep end, staging photoshoots for what should be intimate experiences. Taking 100 photos to get 1 that looks "candid" instead of actually living in the moment. Living to give the appearance of 24-7 slayage, and taking weekend excursions for photo ops instead of creating memories.

I'm caught somewhere between "I refuse to participate in the foolishness" and "gotta play the game to keep up" - and it's emotionally exhausting. I've put blood, sweat, and even some tears into The Mane Objective, and I want my blog to be recognized by brands and treated with the respect I believe it deserves. But it's hard to score in a game when you don't agree with the rules.

I've gotten plenty of no's and denials from brands - especially those that claim they didn't have the budget to work with me - only for me to turn around and see they've decided to pursue 5 popular Instagram influencers instead. I've been turned down for mainstream campaigns because I don't have enough Instagram followers - even though my blog is SEO gold. And don't even get me started on the limitations of not having a whole bunch of pretty pictures of myself in cool outfits against dope city and tropical backdrops, or not spending my days with my face contoured and highlighted to the gawds.

But that's another story.

I say all this to say, it gets hard to keep going sometimes. I spend a lot of time feeling like I'm behind the curve, because I refuse to turn my entire life into a series of pretty photos instead of actually living it. It almost feels like I'm not cut out to be an influencer in 2017.

As I walked down memory lane with Curl Blaze Hair Glaze throwing myself a personal pity party, I hit a realization - I've been running The Mane Objective blog and social media for over 5 years, virtually nonstop. I've taken mini-breaks (like 2 or 3 weeks tops) from blogging, and gone a few days here and there without posting on social media. And then it hit me - I've never really unplugged and stepped away.

Not to invalidate my own feelings, but perhaps I was in too deep? Could it be that the culture of blogging - and consistently taking it in - was skewing my perception of reality? Maybe it was time to step back and divert my energy elsewhere.

So on day 6, probably my most-needed day of self care, I totally unplugged. No Instagram, no Facebook, no blogging, no Snapchat, no nothing. I spent my time cooking, focusing totally on my workout, spending time with Bailey, reading the Bible and my devotionals, catching up on Adam Ruins Everything, and being present in my relationship.

And it felt great.

Not a bunch of pretty pictures to show here - because I even pulled myself from behind and in front of the camera lens. #sorrynotsorry #selfcarehasacost

Back in the day, this used to come in a jar. The pump is much more effective, lol.

Curl Blaze Hair Glaze

What it is
Curl Blaze Hair Glaze is a botanically-based curl defining gel. It's lightweight but has a solid medium hold. It's the perfect curl definer for transitioners who are confidently in the wash & go stage, or for full-blown naturalistas who prefer bigger hair on day 1.

How I used it
Because I was detoxing from all things blog related, I chose not to spend a bunch of time on my hair I co-washed, did a quick condition, scrunched a little Marula-Melon Moisture Guru into my hair, and raked Curl Blaze Hair Glaze through my hair. No rake & shake, no praying hands, no Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush method, nothing. Just rake, and keep it moving.

Key benefits
Thanks to Blue Malva and Marshmallow Root, Curl Blaze Hair Glaze has tons of slip and adds crazy moisture and shine to the hair. Aloe vera pH balances the hair, while honey, coconut oil, and glycerin hydrate, soften, and thoroughly nourish the hair from root to end.

Day 6 helped me SO much y'all. And while I'm a work in progress, spending a full day completely detached put me on the right path. On Day 6 of 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals, I walked away understanding:

• That unplugging from social media is something I need to do regularly. Probably monthly, if I'm honest about it. I thought I would be immune from the pressures of social media, but I'm impressionable just like everyone else. Admitting that alone has been incredibly helpful.

• That I need to actively work toward finding balance between social media and real life.

• That things about blogging are going to get under my skin. The game is cutthroat, but I don't have to be. I need to remain grounded in my integrity, stay true to who I am, and always remember why I started.

• It's so important to be present. I didn't realize how much I'm always on my phone - even absentmindedly - until I couldn't go on social media. I'm now making an effort to be totally present and give my full attention to the things and people that matter.

How has the presence of social media impacted your life? Let's discuss in the comments below.

Catch up with the entire 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals series here!

Review: I Washed My Hair with Mud & Skipped Deep Conditioning Thanks to Femme Noire

July 6, 2017, 3:25 pm

≫ Next: Self Care with Soultanicals Day 7: Reflections & Redirections

≪ Previous: Self Care with Soultanicals Day 6: Detoxing from Social Media

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I gotta admit, I'm in love with Femme Noire's packaging.

Y'all, I did the unthinkable.

You read that title correctly - I completely skipped deep conditioning on wash day. Nope, I'm not clickbaiting you either. I didn't use a regular, or rinse-out conditioner either. I legit completely skipped the step - and felt zero qualms about it.

Femme Noire is to blame.

Some of you guys may be looking at the photos and thinking, Femme Noire looks real familiar!

It should. Femme Noire is the rebirth of of the curated subscription service Curl Collection, focused on nourishing the hair and scalp with vegan, non-toxic ingredients that truly embrace natural. Femme Noire is a Black and woman-owned business, with a product line that focuses on self-love and confidence for women with coily, kinky, and curly hair.

In addition to inspiring women, Femme Noire is a brand that spreads love by giving back. A portion of profits from products sold are contributed to women's empowerment charities and used to donate clothes, blankets, and beauty products to women's shelters.

Now that's a mission, I can get behind.

Come along and explore the world of Femme Noire with me - and learn why I skipped deep conditioning on wash day!

If you're not big on the details but just want to see products in action, here's the video:



If you want to know the magic behind Femme Noire, keep reading for ingredients and more!

Dirty Curl Cleansing & Conditioning Clay
Cost
$24 for 8oz

Where to Buy
Shop Femme Noire

Active Ingredients

• Moroccan Rhassoul Clay: Also known as Moroccan Red Clay, is naturally found and mined from ancient deposits in the northeastern region of Morocco. Rhassoul clay is mineral rich - high in silica content and also contains significant amounts of magnesium. Rhassoul clay is great for reducing dryness in hair, improving elasticity, removing toxins, and leaving hair with body and bounce.
• Bentonite Clay: Bentonite is a natural clay that forms as a result of aged/weathering volcanic ash and water. Bentonite is incredibly powerful, possessing a negative charge (anionic), making it an ideal clay for cleansing and detoxifying, as it has the ability to remove positively charged (cationic) conditioners and products that can build up on the hair and scalp.
• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• Water
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
• Cocoa Butter: An anti-oxidant rich, nourishing, moisturizing, shine enhancing, and UV protecting emollient known to help reduce damage to hair, soften, and stimulate growth.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

Definition from jump.

The Good
I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing - but Dirty Curl looks and smells like a decadent chocolate icing. On more than one occasion, I considered tasting it. But I maintained my dignity, and kept Dirty Curl about the hair. And I'm glad I did. Dirty Curl is by far one of the smoothest clay blends I've ever used, and definitely made for a positive first-time experience with rhassoul clay. Dirty curl was not gritty or drying (far from it!), and made it really easy to work the tangles out from my hair.

The best part about Dirty Curl? I don't know what sorcery or magic Nadja employs, but my hair felt so soft and moisturized after I rinsed out Dirty Curl. The Femme Noire collection of products doesn't have a deep conditioner, and I see why. The moisture, softness, and definition in my curls felt as though I had already deep conditioned, so I went right into styling.

The Bad
My first instinct was that it couldn't possibly be healthy to use rhassoul clay as a regular cleanser without a serious case of the build-ups. After doing some research, and checking out The Natural Haven (my trusted science blog of choice), I realized I was wrong. Rhassoul and bentonite clays are about as effective as co-washing in terms of removing oils and buildup from the hair. Poof to my theory. Lol!

The Bottom Line
Dirty Curl is an excellent co-wash substitute, and does exactly what it says it will do - gently cleansing and leaving behind soft, conditioned strands. I literally could not ask for more. Except for Nadja to get in the business of making desserts.

Knotty Nectar Leave-In Conditioner
Cost
$19 for 8oz

Where to Buy
Shop Femme Noire

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• 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.
• Stearalkonium Chloride: Cationic surfactant derived from stearic acid, a fatty acid found in plants. It is an antistatic agent, and positively charged salt that attracts and binds proteins, which are negatively charged. It is found to increase luster and improve the condition of wet or dry hair, often serving to detangle the hair.
• Silk Amino Acids: Building blocks of protein that help repair the cuticle layer of the hair. 
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.

Protein Free?

When it comes to amino acids, you gotta make that call. Technically, it's hydrolyzed protein free.

Curly Girl Friendly?

Yes!

Perfect for these hot days of summer coming up!

The Good

More chocolate-inspired heaven. Knotty Nectar is a spray-on leave in with a silky, velvety texture that hydrates the hair, adds moisture and strength, and primes curls for styling. It was the perfect follow-up to Dirty Curl, and really set my curls up to pop. Typically, I'm not impressed with spray-on leave-in conditioners, because I find them to have significantly less moisture than their creamy squeeze bottled counterparts. Clearly, a reoccurring theme with Femme Noire is proving me wrong. Not only is Knotty Nectar silky and babysmoove, it packs tons of moisture and helps keeps the curls untangled. Y'all saw in the video what happened after I sprayed it on my hair in sections - right? Right. Plus, because of its thinner consistency, it plays nicely with so many different curl definers.

The Bad

Not a single thing. The spray nozzle didn't even get clogged up. Lol.

The Bottom Line

If you find that most leave-in conditioners sit on top of your hair or take a while to penetrate, Knotty Nectar is definitely worth a try. I'll for sure be keeping her around for Summer 17!

Sweet Cream Daily Moisturizer

Cost

$24 for 8oz

Where to Buy
Shop Femme Noire

Active Ingredients

• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• 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 soften hair and skin, and aid in moisture retention.
• Cocoa Butter: An anti-oxidant rich, nourishing, moisturizing, shine enhancing, and UV protecting emollient known to help reduce damage to hair, soften, and stimulate growth.
• Palm Oil: Oil rich in vitamins E, D, K, and beta carotene - all which help boost scalp health and hair growth by nourishing and promoting cell growth. Contains essential nutrients to reduce breakage, shedding, and dry itchy scalp. 
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?

Do CG folks use butter creams? Y'all gotta bring me up to speed on this one.

Lightweight, everyday moisture.

The Good

I'ma just say this - butters have a permanent place in my regimen. Especially aloe-based ones. Aloe mixed with butters and oils makes a world of difference for my hair - in softness, moisture, and shine. Aloe-based butters like Sweet Cream Daily Moisturizer work magic on my hair and ends, without weighing it down or making it feel greasy. As you saw in the video, I used Sweet Cream twice in the same day - as a sealant for my leave-in, and again to help break up my gel cast and protect my ends. Hair still wasn't greasy! Total winner in my book.

The Bad

The only bad thing about Sweet Cream Daily Moisturizer is something that's not even Femme Noire's fault. My house gets so hot (no central AC), that things just melt and perpetually stay that way. Coconut oil been liquid since May, and every single hair and body butter I own has literally turned to oil and putty. 

I tried to salvage Sweet Cream for the video by freezing it, but I left it in for too long.It was still workable, but have you ever seen frozen butter? 

Like I said - totally not Femme Noire's fault. Next time I'll just refrigerate 'em.

The Bottom Line

Sweet Cream is a butter that's lighter than shea, but still softens and helps seal moisture in the hair. If you're a LOC, LCO, etc. method follower, then you'll love the shortened version with Knotty Nectar and Sweet Cream. Tons of moisture, shine, and softness with only 2 products.

Scalp game on 100!

Flower Bomb Hair Growth Oil

Cost

$21 for 8oz

Where to Buy
Shop Femme Noire

Active Ingredients

• 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.
• 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.
• Avocado Oil: mega 3-rich nourishing oil extract that can enhances shine, moisture retention, softness, and elasticity in hair.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Smoothes hair cuticles, promotes hair growth and thickness, boosts shine.
• 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.

Protein Free?

Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?

I believe so - I see lots of curly girls all over the place using botanical oils.

The Good

First of all - it's SO pretty! I spent extra time on it in the video - did y'all catch them flowers?! I love it when oils are infused with dried petals and herbs. Not only is the infusion potent and long-lasting, but it consistently smells amazing.

Flower Bomb did not disappoint - in fact, I became kinda obsessed with it. Not particularly for hair growth, but really for soothing my scalp on and between wash days.

It's no secret that I have scalp psoriasis. Dryness and flakes can literally appear the day after I wash my hair - the same day in some cases. To keep from having to wash my hair every day, I rely on some oils to help soothe my scalp and ease flaking. Since Flower Bomb landed in my lap, it's been my go-to. I even used it when I had my silk press!

Not to mention, hats off to Nadja for giving me a blend with olive oil that doesn't smell like it. Y'all, I can't stand the smell of olive oil. Flower Bomb is so delicately fragranced, I never would have guessed it contained olive oil. Definitely a favorite of mine from the collection!

The Bad

To be honest, some of you guys may be put off by the price - and I get it. $21 for a floral-infused oil isn't exactly Wal-Mart Rollback prices. But when I did my googles, I discovered that forever-knocking-off-and-perpetually-in-bad-taste Urban Outfitters is selling similar oils in 3.9oz bottles for $28. In context, I'd happily give Femme Noire my money on this one. #perspective

My hair is SO full of moisture and softness!

The Bottom Line

I can't speak to the hair growth angle, but the soothing properties of Flower Bomb are spot on. It's legit one of the best - if not the best- oil I've ever used on my hair. It's up there with the Be Kekoa Tamanu.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Femme Noire. The straightforward and effective, minimalist approach to wash day was something different for me - and definitely showed me that with the right stuff, you can skip a few steps.

 Which products from the collection are you interested in trying? Let's chat in the comments below!

Self Care with Soultanicals Day 7: Reflections & Redirections

July 7, 2017, 9:48 am

≫ Next: Now Serving: Super Moisturized Curls with HairVeda [Review]

≪ Previous: Review: I Washed My Hair with Mud & Skipped Deep Conditioning Thanks to Femme Noire

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Do you see the SunKissed GLOW on that leg?! Photo Credit: Samuel

If there's nothing else I learned from 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals, it's that you never know what you need until you need it. Spending 7 days exercising self-care has been nothing short of powerful.

I woke up on day 7 feeling a sense of energy, clarity, and direction that seemed wane in recent months. I immediately felt the need to harness this opportunity and chart my course for the rest of 2017.

There was only one problem - I couldn't for the life of me find my goal journal. I turned my office upside down looking for that thing, and came up empty handed.

Not one to be deterred, I went to my favorite place to think - the shower (anybody else a shower thinker like me?) Craving something to match my upbeat mood - Soultanicals Skinny Dippin' Mango Trippin' Organic Sippin' Body Juice and SunKissed Melanin Mist were calling my name.

Yes - Ayo has finally brought skincare products back into the mix!

While in the shower, I thought, and thought, and thought about where that journal could be. It wasn't on my newly de-cluttered desk. Not on my book-turnt-product shelf, either. It wasn't hiding in that extra drawer Black folks just seem to have with everything from pens and pepper packets to twine and telephone cords, and I checked every closet, work, and gym bag. I knew exactly where my Class of 2008 UCLA Afrikan Grad stoll was, but couldn't find the journal I wrote my goals in from January.

I was in too good of a mood to stress it, so I let Skinny Dippin' take me away (#nocalgon) while I came up with a new game plan.

Then it hit me - use your iPad, silly!

I spritzed myself down with SunKissed Melanin Mist, got dressed, and sat down with my iPad notes to chart out some new goals.

Shower game tight all summer 17!

Skinny Dippin' Mango Trippin' Organic Sippin' Body Juice

What it is
An organic, vegan, body wash bursting with skin-loving oils and tropical realness. Loaded with organic coconut, olive, hemp, jojoba, shea, and aloe, this cleanser leaves skin feeling soft and supple instead of dried out.

And it smells heavenly.

How I used it
Skinny Dippin' is a body wash (and a good one at that), so I definitely lathered it all over myself. But what I also discovered is that it makes a kick-butt shaving soap - especially for sensitive skin. Skinny Dippin' left my skin soft, smooth, and feeling like I needed to be laid up at somebody's pool.

Key benefits
Crafted with some of the best oils for the skin, Skinny Dippin' gently lathers away the dirt of the day (sorry, I didn't mean for that to rhyme lmao) without stripping skin of essential moisture. I highly recommend it for dry and sensitive skin.

SunKissed Melanin Mist

What it is
A vegan, oil-based body spray that produces a natural glow while providing gentle UV protection and intense moisture for the skin.

How I used it
Depending on my mood, I'll either spray SunKissed on while I'm still in the shower and my skin is damp, or on my exposed skin right before I leave the house. Either way is a win - and the fruity, earthy fragrance will definitely have me skipping perfume all summer 17.

Key benefits
Cocoa butter, carrot, moringa, and sunflower oil provide the skin with powerful antioxidants to help prevent free radical damage while softening and moisturizing. SunKissed also gives you a gorgeous, natural glow while out - and can even help you tan a lil' bit. Have you seen my legs? They need all the help they can get. #justkeepingitreal

I wish you could smell these through the picture! Photo Credit: Samuel

On the 7th Day of Self Care with Soultanicals, I decided it was time to make a pivot and start fresh in July. I walked away:

• Understanding that self care is necessary, and should be ongoing.

• Believing there was a reason I couldn't find my old goal journal. It was almost like God was telling me, "don't look back that way. It's time for a new season." He's going to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:19 NIV) - and I'm excited.

• Feeling like July gave me a fresh start. The first half of 2017 was behind me - the second half, is ahead of me. How I finish the year will define how well I spent it, not how I started.

• Wanting to become a finisher. Full transparency moment - I'm great at starting things. I'm really good at picking up the pieces to get moving - I know how to ramp up, build momentum, and taxi off the runway at full speed. My comfort zone is in starting. But I suck at finishing stuff. Half-written e-books and blog posts, unmet fitness goals, and even a few books with pages unturned plague me. That stops here. I'm going to close out the year by closing in on my goals - finishing the things I started. Crossing that threshold into completion. Pray for me, lol.

Have you ever felt the need to start over in the middle of the year?  Let's discuss in the comments below.

Catch up with the entire 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals series here!

Now Serving: Super Moisturized Curls with HairVeda [Review]

July 26, 2017, 3:05 pm

≫ Next: 5 Ways to Increase Moisture in Low Porosity Natural Hair

≪ Previous: Self Care with Soultanicals Day 7: Reflections & Redirections

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Don't let dry curls get you down this summer!

This review has been a looooong time coming. HairVeda is one of those brands that's been on my radar since like 2013, but I never got the chance to get my hands on.

2017 is straight up blessings on blessings on blessings - because not only did I get to test drive HairVeda products, but I discovered some new faves in the process! Which products might end up on the Christina's Choice 2017 list?

Keep reading and take a guess!

By the way, if you just want to see HairVeda products in action and don't quite care for the details, feel free to scroll down to the demo video :) Either way - thanks for being here!

If you're new to HairVeda, let me give you a quick rundown. HairVeda is a Black owned natural hair company specializing in handcrafted products to moisturize dry, thirsty hair. And they're legit reasonably priced, especially considering ingredient quality. All of the products in this review are silicone free (for those who follow CG), and only the Red Tea Nourish Curl Popping Gel Smoothie contains protein.

Let's dive in!

The shampoo that lives up to its name.

Deep Cleanse Silky Shampoo + Aloe & Flax
Cost
$10 for 9oz

Where to Buy
www.hairveda.com

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate: Natural, plant-based surfactant, cleansing and foaming agent.
• Disodum Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate: Natural, plant-based surfactant, cleansing and foaming agent.
• Cetyl Betaine:Antistatic and hair conditioning agent.
• Lauryl Lactyl Lactate: Mild, naturally derived surfactant and cleansing agent.

What it is
An SLS-free deep cleansing shampoo designed to gently remove oil and product buildup without drying out the hair.

How I Used it
Because I filmed wash day on camera, I couldn't hop in the shower like I normally do. I wet my hair down and distributed shampoo throughout my hair from roots to end. I alternated between massaging my scalp and lightly finger detangling to prevent major tangles during the process. After I felt my hair and scalp were thoroughly cleansed, I proceeded to rinse with warm water.

My Thoughts
I feel like 2017 is the year of the dope shampoo. I've encountered so many great ones, I'm seriously going to have some tough decisions come December when it's time for Christina's Choice 2017. Deep Cleanse Silky Shampoo is definitely no exception. I love that it's super silky, goes on smooth, and has enough slip to do a lil' detangling while still cleansing my hair and scalp.

But did you see my curls after rinsing though?! POPPIN'. Like as in super moisturized, defined, and serving all sorts of product-free naturale realness. Deep Cleanse is the kind of shampoo I live for - one that almost makes you not wanna deep condition afterward. Oh and a SUPER bonus for my sensitive scalp and nose naturalistas - Deep Cleanse is fragrance FREE. Like, as in you gotta inhale deeply to smell even the slightest somethin' somethin'. For someone who deals with psoriasis like me, this is a HUGE bonus in the scalp health department.



Acai Berry Phyto Restoring Conditioner
Cost
$12.50 for 16oz

Where to Buy
www.hairveda.com

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Soybean Oil: Carrier oil used to lubricate and nourish the hair, providing softness and shine.
• Hydrolyzed Soybean Oil Butter: Soy-based emollient and moisturizing protein
• Acai Fruit Oil: Antioxidant rich extract that helps fight and reverse the signs of aging and damage in hair. 
• Cetyl and Stearyl Alcohols: 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.

Can you believe this 16oz bottle is only $12.50?!

What it is

An intense oil therapy conditioner designed to hydrate and restore dry, damaged, and color treated hair. Infuses strands with strength and nourishing moisture.

How I Used it
After shampooing with Deep Cleanse, I applied a generous amount of the Acai Berry Phyto Restoring Conditioner throughout my hair. I worked it in from roots to ends using my fingers to make sure it covered every single strand. I was totally heavy-handed with it. I then deep conditioned using my Hot Head Thermal Cap for 30 minutes and rinsed - again with warm water.

My Thoughts
Hairveda did 👏NOT👏COME👏TO👏PLAY👏!!! You guys saw how much conditioner I used. And the bottle still has the nerve to still be 85% full. I absolutely LOVED how the Acai Berry soaked right into my strands. Not sure if you guys know or not, but the front half of my hair and crown are low porosity. Normally, conditioners sit on top of my strands before eventually soaking in with heat. The soak-in realness with Acai Berry was nearly instantaneous.

As far as as slip goes, I give it an 8 out of 10. Not the slippy-dippyest, but absolutely work-withable for detangling. Plus, it made my hair feel suuuuper smooth on contact. After rinsing, my curls were crazy moisturized, defined, de-frizzed, and all around amazing. I definitely recommend for my low porosity gals looking for some extra moisture and strength.

A must-try for the low porosity gals!

Whipped Creme
Cost
$10 for 9oz

Where to Buy
www.hairveda.com

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to soften hair and skin, and aid in moisture retention.
• 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.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Smoothes hair cuticles, promotes hair growth and thickness, boosts shine.
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
• 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.

What it is
An oil-in-cream style moisturizer and leave-in conditioner designed to impart hydration, softness, shine to dry hair.

How I Used it
I generously applied Whipped Creme throughout my hair after rinsing Acai Berry. I used it as my leave-in for wash & go styling.

My Thoughts
Whipped Creme is PACKED with moisture - yet does not feel greasy or leave the hair weighed down. It has a consistency true to its name - light, smooth, and easily workable in the hair. I would have enjoyed a teeeeeny bit more slip, but I can't deny the levels of moisture it gave my hair in preparation for styling and in the days after. If your current rotation of leave-in conditioners leaves much to be desired, I highly recommend Whipped Creme.

Now serving...transformed curls!

Red Tea Nourish Curl Popping Gel Smoothie
Cost
$12.50 for 9oz

Where to Buy
www.hairveda.com

Active Ingredients

• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• Riboos Tea Extract: Infusion of Riboos tea provides a beneficial boost of natural antioxidants, antibiotics, and stimulation of blood circulation to hair follicles, all which promote hair growth.
• 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.
• Carrot Seed Oil: Beta carotene-rich oil that promotes healthy hair growth and hair elasticity.
• Corn Oil: Oil rich in Vitamins E and K to improve blood circulation, prevent hair loss, and help retain moisture in the hair. 
• Carbomer: Chemical composed of acrylic acid monomers that acts as a viscosity controlling agent (thickener).

I need this in 16oz.

What it is

An aloe and African red bush tea-based cream gel fortified with lightweight, nourishing oils to tame frizz, define curls, and provide long-lasting style.

How I Used it
The Curl Popping Gel Smoothie was my curl definer of choice that I layered on top of the Whipped Creme. Section by section, I generously coated my curls in the Curl Popping Gel Smoothie using the rake & shake method. I chose this method over my detangling brush method because I wanted more elongation in my curls.

My Thoughts
The opaque-ness and consistency reminded me instantly of my fave Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard, and it definitely did not let me down. Curl Popping Gel Smoothie is creamy, smooth, tames frizz, and defines curls. And to be honest, the results speak for themselves. Curl. Poppage. Moisture for days. A gentle gel cast that easily loosened by day 2. Basically, Curl Popping Gel Smoothie is a winner, and I can't wait to grab more come Black Friday :)

Honestly, I now want to try the entire Red Tea collection.

Doesn't it just look yummy?!

Red Tea Nourish Curl Sealing Ends Repair Serum
Cost
$8 for 4oz

Where to Buy
www.hairveda.com

Active Ingredients

• Caprylic-Capric Triglyceride: Fractionated coconut oil that is light weight, nutrient rich, and fast absorbing. All the benefits of coconut oil without the heaviness.
• Soybean Oil: Carrier oil used to lubricate and nourish the hair, providing softness and shine.
• Butylene Glycol: Colorless, organic alcohol that helps water and oils mix. 
• Water
• PPG-26-Buteth-26: Conditioning agent used to restore the appearance of dry, damaged skin and hair by reducing flaking and improving suppleness.
• PEG -40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Polyethylene glycol derivatives of castor oil used to help form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of ingredients, also acts as a solvent to help ingredients mix that normally would not.

What it is
A multi-use oil designed to serve as a pre-poo or hot oil treatment, sealant, scalp massage aid, shine enhancer, and end repair serum.

How I Used it
I used the Curl Sealing Serum two different ways. As you see in the video, I used it on my scalp directly to keep it moisturized and prevent itching and flaking - which I did again between wash days. Secondly, I used the Curl Sealing Serum to seal and protect my ends from damage by scrunching a few drops into the ends of my wet hair.

My Thoughts
I appreciated the lightweight nature of the Curl Sealing Serum - it definitely wasn't oily, greasy, or heavy. And you guys already know I'm a sucker for herbs and flowers floating around in oils - so the hibiscus petals made it that much sweeter (and better for my scalp). The Curl Sealing Serum added tons of shine to my hair and definitely kept my scalp itch at bay.

Super moisturized curls...yassss!

I've mentioned previously that I'm not a huge fan of soybean oil. I would have loved to see carrot or argan oil in its place - but I'm not complaining because the Curl Sealing Serum didn't have that soybean oil smell at all. All in all - still a good oil that I'm happy to use to the last drop.

Well guys, the verdict is in. HairVeda promised moisture, and they delivered! Will you be giving their products a try? Let me know in the comments below!

5 Ways to Increase Moisture in Low Porosity Natural Hair

August 2, 2017, 8:03 am

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You see that frizz halo? Yep.

Does your hair seem like it's always dry, difficult to moisturize, and always frizzy? Then you've come to the right place. You just might be low porosity, and in need of some help with increasing moisture in your natural hair.

After my second transition (from color damage) back to healthy, natural hair I noticed something that hadn't happened the first time around. My disrespectful front/center and crown reached peak levels of rudeness.

Like, to the point where nothing seemed to be able to tame and define the curl that I knew existed. Multiple coats of Eco Styler later, I had a realization while observing my hair in the shower. For some reason, water wasn't penetrating the front like it used to. And once I managed to saturate the sections, the second I moved them away from the water, they frizzed and went poof!

It was then that I understood what was going on - my curls in this section were not only a different pattern/texture, but a whole 'nother porosity.

My front/center and crown went low porosity on ya girl.

What is low porosity hair, exactly?
Imagine if you will, a strand of hair. Magnified a bajillion times, you'll notice that the outer layer of the strand is actually a bunch of pieces arranged together, kinda like shingles on a roof. Those shingles are the cuticles of your hair, and the outer protective layer responsible for your  hair's strength, ability to absorb and retain moisture, elasticity, shine, and overall health.

With low porosity hair, those cuticles are tightly compacted, creating a near impenetrable layer that makes it difficult for water, products, and pretty much anything to penetrate and reach the cortex (inside). The benefit of low porosity hair is that although it is initially difficult to hydrate/moisturize, once water gets in there, it remains trapped inside the hair for longer periods of time (aka the hair stays hydrated for longer).

Working a few hacks and lots of gel later...

How can I tell if my hair is low porosity?
First things first - please don't take a strand of your hair and float it in some water. I don't know why your favorite gurus insist on telling you otherwise, but POROSITY TESTS WITH A GLASS OF WATER ARE JUNK SCIENCE. I don't know where it began or who perpetuated it, but putting your hair in a strand of water to understand water uptake is like telling someone to bake a chicken by just throwing the chicken in the oven on 375. Sure, the chicken will bake. But is it any good? Probably not. Just like haphazard chicken bakery, float porosity tests are grossly oversimplified and will almost always lead to useless results. Sorry if it seems like I'm popping off, but it grinds my gears when I see bloggers promoting this test as though it will revolutionize your haircare regimen. Jc of The Natural Haven has my favorite article on why the water glass test is hella unscientifc, but let it just suffice to say that sitting your strands in a glass of water is a lightweight waste of time.

So how do you test for porosity? Unless you know how to do nitrogen sorption tests, you can't. But what you can do is study your hair on your next wash day. If it feels like water just runs off your hair before actually absorbing, your conditioners have difficulty penetrating, and you notice that your moisturizers require extra elbow-grease to work them in (or they just sit on top of your hair altogether), then it is highly likely that you have low porosity hair.

On the contrary, highly porous hair tends to always be dry, is more prone to breaking and splitting, and feels rough on the way up or down the shaft (remember point number 2), because the cuticles are cracked, weathered, or damaged. Medium porosity hair sits right in the middle, allowing penetration of ingredients and retaining moisture fairly well. It is entirely possible to have varying porosity across your hair, so don't freak out if you discover some areas of your hair take more work than others.

Okay, I'm low porosity. Now what?
I'm glad you asked! Here are 4 tips and 1 cautionary option (gotta keep it real) for increasing moisture in low porosity natural hair:

Shampoo is the magical ingredient that most regimens could use more of.

1. Shampoo More Often
This probably seems like counter intuitive, bad advice. I promise, it's not. I've spent a lot of time in the company of haircare professionals, and the hands down, number one recommendation they all make is to shampoo. Like them, I'm fairly confident that 75% of all hair related issues can be solved with a good sudsing.

I explained it a wee bit in this Instagram post, but let's take it a step further on the sciency level. Our hair typically carries a slightly negative charge. Most shampoos are formulated with anionic (negatively charged) surfactants (cleansers) that boost this negative charge and gently lift the cuticle of the hair. Raised cuticles allow more water into the strand, improving internal hydration. This is why "moisturizing shampoo" seems like an oxymoron, but is really a thing.

Just to complete the lesson, conditioners have a positive charge (cationic). Within seconds of coming into contact with the negatively charged hair, it closes the cuticles and effectively "seals" that water in.

If you've been heavy in the co-wash game, but it seems like your hair is drier than normal - it's probably time to shampoo.

Looking for a good selection of shampoos for natural hair? Check these out:
3 Shampoos with Super Slip for Natural Hair
Christina's Choice 2016 Best Shampoos for Natural Hair

2. Turn Up the Heat
It's a well documented fact that indirect heat boosts the effectiveness of deep conditioning. This is especially so for my lo-po sistren. Basically, heat lifts the hair cuticle, allowing for deeper penetration of ingredients. Heat also facilitates increased adsorption of ingredients (aka sticking to) to the hair. Heat around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) so as to not burn the skin or scalp is found to be most effective. You can achieve this by placing your conditioner in a hot water bath, sitting under a hooded dryer (or hooded attachment), or using something like a Hot Head.

Bentonite clay makes me emotional. In a good way.

3. Play with Clay
For the longest time, I've been trying to figure out why clays work like they do. And more importantly, why certain hair types seem to benefit from clays like bentonite and rhassoul more than others. While more research is needed (because Google is my friend), I'm seeing a few reputable-esque sources report bentonite clay sitting somewhere on the pH scale between 8.5 and 10.5. I couldn't find any solid info on the pH of rhassoul - but I'll report back if that changes.

Knowing that hair is a 4.5-5.5 on the pH scale (acidic), one could stand to reason that using an alkaline clay like bentonite would have a positive benefit on low porosity hair. Because cuticles are impacted by pH as well, solutions with a low pH (like Apple Cider Vinegar) tighten or compact the cuticles, while higher pH solutions (like bentonite clay) lift the cuticle and again, allow moisture to penetrate.

This could explain why after rinsing away bentonite, my curls are super defined, defrizzed, and soft.

Of course, I've got you covered on the clay front, too:
My DIY Mud Rinse Recipe
Blackstrap Boosted Mud Rinse
My DIY Mud Masque Recipe
Femme Noire Dirty Curl
Soultanicals Master Cleanse
Soultanicals Pumpkin Kaolin Clay

The sections of my hair clipped up are still super saturated, thanks to tip #4

4. Water, Water, and More Water
This one isn't particularly a new hack, but it's pretty much how I do my hair every time I'm in the shower. Warning - extreme wetness ahead!

I've shared on several occasions that I always apply my leave-in in the shower (unless I'm on camera). But instead of applying it and moving on, I take a few extra steps. After my hair is sufficiently covered in my leave-in of choice, I dodge my hair back under the shower water for 1.5 seconds (literally), just enough to get the product all soppy and moving. Using my hands, I lightly move the excess water and product down the shaft of my hair. Instead of wringing it from the ends of my hair and down the drain, I pull the ends of my hair up (like I'm about to do a bun), and squish them into the roots of my hair.

It sounds weird, I know. But it works.

Yes, my hair is hella wet when I come out of the shower. But I find that a few minutes into styling my wash & go, the dripping subsides and the sections of hair that I'm not working on at the time retain moisture infinitely better. With this method, I don't have use for a spray bottle of water to re-wet/reactivate product in my hair.

I'm not sure what this has to do with porosity, I just know it works for my hair every single time.

5. Play with pH (and proceed with caution)
If you've tried the above 4 methods and low porosity hair is still frustrating you, then it may be worth considering doing something to alter the pH of your hair. HOWEVER - proceed with EXTREME caution. I'm not a licensed professional, cosmetology student, chemist, or even a hair guru. So take what I'm about to tell you with a grain of salt and a heaping helping of CAUTION.

As a matter of fact, don't even look at this as a tip or recommendation. I'm simply presenting information based on my understanding - and it is totally up to you to dismiss it or act upon it - of your own volition. Let me put it plainly - Christina Patrice and The Mane Objective are not liable for anything that happens to your hair as a result of the information shared. Should you act upon any of the information contained here, you are solely, wholly, and completely responsible for the outcome.

There. I said it. 😂

Since we're talking pH, here's a picture of my Max Hydration Method curls. Vastly different.

I could not in good conscience go further in this article without making that disclaimer. pH in and of itself ain't nothin' to play with when it comes to your hair. One wrong move, and you're headed for a long, irksome road of recovery.

Now, there's a few ways to go about this. One, is essentially to go the Max Hydration Method route, incorporating baking soda (high pH) into your wash day to force the cuticles open into receiving moisture. Now, I'm not sure how many people are still on the MHM train in 2017. And I've heard some thangs about the long-term effects of regular baking soda use on hair (it ain't pretty). So proceed with caution. 

Again, I'm just presenting information.

The second route is something I personally experienced after this most recent bout of flat ironing my hair. After reverting my hair back curly, I noticed that my typically disrespectful sections seemed slightly more accommodating in the moisture department. No curl loosening, no texture change. Those sections just didn't fight me gloves on like they used to. I don't have all the answers, but direct heat does have an effect on the cuticles of the hair (it raises them). It could be that flat ironing my hair raised my porosity slightly - just enough to allow more moisture in without causing damage.

I googled my findings extensively, looking to see if anyone had talked about this before. I found like, one message board where somebody reported a similar experience. 😂 Basically, this is at best theory territory - proceed with extreme caution.

The last route is likely the most effective, but also has the most potential for damage. We're talking about hair color. All hair dyes (demi, permanent, etc.) use a developer to lift the cuticle and allow the pigments to penetrate. This does have some impact on the health of the hair and ultimately, the porosity. Low level developers (10 and some ammonia free varieties) have no ability to remove melanin, and simply serve to lift the cuticles of the hair. Higher level developers will do both - lift the cuticle and lighten.

For my red hair color, bleach was used - which gave me high porosity hair (and therefore no lo-po issues). For the record, I later developed damage to my curls and spent the past nearly 2 years rehabbing them.

So there's that.

In theory - I'm just hypothesizing based on my hair looks after a bout with boxed dye at home - ammonia-free dye should gently lift the cuticles to allow more moisture in on a longer term basis. If you're not looking for color (or even just a lil' grey coverage and to enhance your natural color), this could be the route that kills a few birds with one stone.

Maybe.

Again, use your judgment. 

Got a low porosity hair hack not mentioned in this post? Share in the comments below!

---

Battle of the Co-Washes: My Holy Grail vs. The "Popular" Brand

August 17, 2017, 4:41 pm

≫ Next: How to Build a Sneaker Collection on a Budget

≪ Previous: 5 Ways to Increase Moisture in Low Porosity Natural Hair

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It's the Battle Royale!

This blog post and video has been a few years in the making. Let's not dwell on why it took me so long - but rather, let's bask in the fact that its finally here! 😂 For a while now, I've been marinating on pitting some of my personal favorites/holy grail products up against the "leading" favorites that seem to get all the buzz, PR, and have all the popular YouTubers and Instagrammers talking about them.

I present to you the first of many holy grail head-to-head comparisons - co-wash style.

If you've followed me for any length of time, checked out any of my Christina's Choice posts, or simply asked me which co-wash I adore forever and ever, then you probably know the holy grail. And if you're at least mildly active on social media, then you know what the "leading" brand co-wash is.

But for the sake of avoiding bias on your end, I covered the labels with white paper, simply referencing them as Co-Wash #1 and Co-Wash #2. How do they stack up against each other? Let's start with the easy comparison points - price and ingredients.

Want to know why I only discuss the top 5-7 ingredients after water? Here's why.

Price & Active Ingredients
Co-Wash #1
Price: $16 for 8oz ($2 per oz)
Active Ingredients:

• 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.
• Glycerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Isopropyl Palmitate: Palm oil-based emollient derived from coconut oil, used as a thickening agent, lubricant, and softener. It works to improve the luster, silkiness, and softness of the hair, helping the hair to become softer, healthier, and more manageable over time.
• Cyclopentasiloxane: Emollient and hair conditioning silicone-based compound. It is water-thin and evaporates easily, so it does not weigh the hair down. It gives your hair a wet, slippery, soft feel without greasiness or making it dry and crunchy. As soon as it is done conditioning the hair, it evaporates.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.

Co-Wash #2

Price: $22 for 12oz ($1.83 per oz)

Active Ingredients:

• 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.
• Gylcerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Isopropyl Palmitate: Palm oil-based emollient derived from coconut oil, used as a thickening agent, lubricant, and softener. It works to improve the luster, silkiness, and softness of the hair, helping the hair to become softer, healthier, and more manageable over time.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent
• Laureth-4: Lauryl alcohol derivative used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer. It also acts as an emulsifier, keeping ingredients from separating. While gentle, it is also mildly comdeogenic (causes breakouts on skin).

(For what it's worth, the "more moisturizing" version of Co-Wash #2 has an identical active ingredient list. #themoreyouknow)

The major difference between the two (I don't consider 17 cents major) boils down to cyclopentasiloxane vs. Laureth-4. Cyclopentasiloxane is one of personal preference. If you're a staunch "Curly Girl" supporter, then this will likely turn you off - no matter how many times I explain that we've basically been brainwashed into thinking silicones are bad. That aside, both ingredient lists are essentially the same with regard to active ingredients after water.

To be honest, it made me laugh - thinking especially of Co-Wash #2. But as I'll later discover, one active ingredient switch can make all the difference...

Performance
Detangling
Given that I was working with my holy grail, I knew exactly what to expect. As soon as I applied the product and wet it down to start detangling, it was smooth sailing. That's one of the reasons I live for Co-Wash #1 - it helps me save SO much time on wash day thanks to the creamy slip. It detangled flawlessly, and in less time than Co-Wash #2.

I gotta be honest - I expected way more out of Co-Wash #2. With all the hype online, I was expecting a botanical revolution on my hair and scalp. Unfortunately, Co-Wash #2 can't hold a candle to #1 in the slip and detangling department. Where I was able to just start moving the comb through the side of my head with Co-Wash #1, I had to stop and pull certain sections with Co-Wash #2. Not exactly the smooth sailing I had expected.

Buildup Removal
To be fair, I found the cleaning abilities of both products to be on par with each other. They both equally removed buildup from the hair and scalp. No news to report here.

After Rinsing
Talk about where the rubber meets the road! One of the perks of co-washing is getting those silky, soft, moisturized strands that you don't typically find with shampoo. Co-Wash #1 delivered that effortlessly (one of the many reasons I love it), while Co-Wash #2 struggled in that department.

I'll mince no words here - I hated the way my hair felt after using Co-Wash #2. It felt rough. A lil' crunchy. Not smooth in the slightest. I remember saying to myself repeatedly, "why do people buy this?!"😂 But in all seriousness, I'm never putting this stuff in my hair again. And there's nothing you can do to convince me otherwise. I learned a looooong time ago, that if a product doesn't work the first time, stop trying to force it.

The Winner
Co-Wash #1, by leaps and bounds. From ease of detangling to appearance and feel, Co-Wash #1 over and outperformed Co-Wash #2. In fact, I got my receipt ready to return Co-Wash #2 and get my schmoney back. 😂

The Reveal
Co-Wash #1 - Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner
Co-Wash #2 - DevaCurl No Poo Original

How many of you knew which was which?

Aiight y'all - let's hear it! How shocked are you? Lets chat in the comments below!

How to Build a Sneaker Collection on a Budget

August 19, 2017, 9:25 am

≫ Next: We Gotta Root for Us - Psychology & Self Love in the Natural Hair Community feat. Genedor Beauty

≪ Previous: Battle of the Co-Washes: My Holy Grail vs. The "Popular" Brand

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Adidas | Tubular Shadow | Solid Grey

Heyyyyy y'all!

I'm long overdue for another Sneakers+Life post. Every time I post or share something sneaker related on IG, I get lots of DMs asking where, how, and are they custom.

I'm gonna share a lil' secret with y'all - none of my sneakers are custom made (yet), and the majority of them were purchased with some sort of discount. That's right - ya girl lives for a good sale. Especially on sneakers and workout gear - but that's another story (workout gear).

So how exactly did I amass a collection of Jordans, Nikes, Adidas, and more - without spending full price every time? Check out my 8 tips for building a sneaker collection on a budget below:

Tip #1: Understand Sizing
Now this tip won't apply to everyone. But if you wear up to a size 9 in women's, for the most part you're able to get the same or similar shoe in grade school sizes for $20-60 cheaper. This is how I come by every single pair of Jordans I own.

Nike | Air Max 90 | Black + Volt + Total Crimson + Pink Blast

To figure out your size in kids/grade school, simply subtract 2 from your women's size. Depending on the shoe in women's, I wear an 8.5 or 9. In kids/grade school, I wear a 6.5 or 7. If you wear larger than a size 9 in women's, then I'm afraid this tip won't apply. No worries - there are 7 more ways to get your goodies at a discount!

Tip #2: Avoid Release Day
...unless you absolutely MUST have the shoe, on that day, and fear they will sell out with no restock in sight. To date, I've only made the effort to get one shoe release - the Space Jam 11s. My original plan was to order them online, but literally every sneaker website was crashing. So I hopped out of bed and made my way to the Footaction/Jumpman23 store, and got told I had to wait until 2pm to purchase my pair (mind you, it was before 9am). Not one for the shenanigans, I moseyed my way down to Kids Foot Locker, and put tip #1 in motion. I requested a size 7 and was in and out in under 10 minutes.

Jordan | XI "Space Jam"

Barring any extreme situations like the above (by the way, my $140 jams are now being hawked on various sites for $325), it's often times worth it to wait. Because new shoes are released almost every week and weekend, a bit of patience will probably pay off. If you're willing to wait it out, you'll find your coveted sneaker price drop by up to 50%.

I spotted these Jordan VI "Chameleon" sneakers in Maryland. Original price - $180. I shoulda got 'em then.

Tip #3: Get Seasonal
The best time to buy summer gear? Fall. The best time to buy cold weather attire? Spring. Just like clothing and home decor, sneakers are seasonal. With each season change, you've got the chance to score the pair you've been eyeing - at a discounted price. And if you happen to catch a sneaker store during a seasonal blowout/sale, you can often score an extra 20-30% off the already discounted price.

Tip #4: Sign Up for Rewards
I have more reward card sign-ups than probably should be allowed for one person - from Best Buy to Vitamin Shoppe. Somewhere in the alphabet soup of rewards memberships, I'm a proud holder of rewards memberships at FinishLine, Footaction, and Footlocker - all of which send certificates/coupons for reaching a certain threshold of purchase. For example, FinishLine sends $20 certificates for every $200 spent. All of them send at least $10 certificates for your birthday.

My favorite thing to do is stack rewards certificates on top of already discounted shoes and pay next to nothing :) #allthiswinning

Nike SB+Concepts | "Stained Glass" aka "Holy Grail"

Tip #5: Shop Around
Most of these competitors price match each other - just show proof that a similar retailer is shelling the same shoe for less. You can also try your hand at boutique shoe stores and skater shops, who are often anxious to clear inventory and will undercut the pricing of the big-name shoe store next door by $20 or more.

Tip #6: Hit the Outlets
I haven't had much luck on this route, but I haven't put in the time that other folks have to come up in a real way. But the truth is, the further out you're willing to go, the better your chances are at a score. Try your luck at Nike Factory/Outlet stores, Ross, TJ Maxx, Burlington's, and Marshall's - you just might be surprised with what you find at a price that's almost too good to be true. Check out this Instagram account dedicated to outlet hunters to see what I'm talking about.

Tip #7: Take Your Time
The truth is, you don't have to build your sneaker collection in a week. Or even a month. Or a year. I've been building my collection for years, at my own pace. Sometimes, it seems like I'm adding a new pair of sneakers monthly. Other times, I go several months without a new shoe. I'm not in competition with anyone to build a shoe collection.

Take your time, and build at your own pace.

Jordan | XIII "Wool"

Tip #8: It's OK to Pass
Some people buy sneakers just to buy them, or because everyone's buzzing about them. These people are called hypebeasts. I don't hypebeast. Hypebeasting costs a lot of money - just ask anyone with a pair of Yeezys or KAWS collab Jordan IVs.

Don't get me wrong - some of these shoes are dope. But I draw the line when sneakers start costing more than my DWP bill (water+electricity+trash for those of y'all not in California). I don't buy sneakers to flex on Instagram, or impress people as I walk around the mall. I buy sneakers to be comfortable, and because I like them.

As a result, I end up spending a lot less money than some of my fellow sneakerheads/hypebeasts - because I know when to pass. I don't care who designed what, how limited of a release it is, or how "valuable" they might be later - an ugly sneaker is an ugly sneaker.

And I don't wear ugly sneakers.

I hope you guys enjoyed this sneaker post! Got any questions about sneakers? Leave 'em in the comments below!

We Gotta Root for Us - Psychology & Self Love in the Natural Hair Community feat. Genedor Beauty

September 23, 2017, 10:15 am

≫ Next: How to Rock a Wash & Go During Fall and Winter

≪ Previous: How to Build a Sneaker Collection on a Budget

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Since I began my own blogging and natural hair journey back in 2012, the community of women has grown exponentially and beyond my wildest dreams. And while there is still a lot of work to do, I choose to celebrate how far we've come because as Black women, we all we got.

Time and history has shown us that we can't rely on anyone but ourselves to celebrate and lift us up.

To be honest, that need to promote ourselves in a positive light is a major driving force behind why I continue to keep The Mane Objective going. From information to inspiration, we need us. This blog post is a tribute to our #BlackGirlMagic, in the form of a feature with a brand that I definitely consider a rising star - Genedor Beauty. 

What is Genedor Beauty?

Genedor Beauty is a new (as in just launched a few months ago new), Black Owned hair and skincare brand that hails from Frisco, Texas. The brainchild of Ketia Bradley, Genedor Beauty aims to take the marketplace by storm with specially crafted beauty products to meet the specific needs of Black women.

 In a few short moments, you'll see why I couldn't just "review" Genedor Beauty. Ketia is a part of the new entrepreneurial wave - Black women who are multi-passionate, driven, and determined to excel as a professional and entrepreneur. Knowing her background as a nurse and clinical psychologist, I could not resist discussing topics ranging from the psychology of natural hair to self care and mental health.

If you just want to know about the products (ok, product junkie!), then let me do this for you - Genedor Beauty is legit fire. The Superfruit Antioxidant Shampoo detangles and cleanses, the Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment is literally amazing, and I can't get enough of the Swirl Curls Gel Styler. The gummies are addictingly delicious (I have to make myself remember they're not candy), and I'm feeling good about the Even Tone Retinol Complex. Although I want to use it a bit longer to see how it improves my skin.

Wanna see everything in action? I've got a video for you! Check it out here:



But if you're ready to deep dive behind the scenes with owner Lekitia Bradley, keep reading for our Q&A!

Interview with Lekitia Bradley - Founder, Genedor Beauty

For those not familiar with Genedor Beauty, introduce yourself! Where do you and the Genedor Beauty brand hail from?

To be honest, Ketia is simply a semi-shy, down-home girl from the Mississippi Delta. I’m a mom of three very amazing children (Anthony, Tavoris, and Amaree).  When I look into their eyes, I’m constantly reminded that I don’t have the option of sitting back and watching my dreams pass by.  They’ve fueled a fire in me that empowers me to push myself beyond life’s limits.  Genedor Beauty hailed from one of those burning fires.

What profession were you in before you launched Genedor Beauty, and how did that inspire you to create the brand?

I launched Genedor Beauty in addition to maintaining my current careers. I say careers because I hold positions as a clinical psychologist, professor, and nurse of 18 years.  I love each role that I’ve played because they have allowed me to nurture, and educate clients mentally, as well as physically.  My desire has always been to treat the individual as a whole, including the mind, the body, and the soul. The fusion of my careers made this possible.

My love for the cosmetic industry stemmed from me working as nurse in the cosmetic surgery/medspa industry.  This industry is also where I gained my skincare, and product development experience.  The desire to create my own products was always there, but the timing never felt right.  After praying about it, I decided step out on faith and go for it.  My goal with Genedor is to not only build beauty, but to also help build self-esteem. 

Wash & Go with Swirl Curls Gel Styler

How did you come up with the name Genedor Beauty?

Genedor is a combination of the first few letters of my mother’s name “Geneva” combined with the first few letters of a longtime friend, and business partner of mine mother’s name “Dorothy”. Unfortunately, Dorothy passed away a few years ago.  The name Genedor is extremely special to me because it honors these two strong, and beautiful women.

Natural Hair - Community, Psychology & Self Love 
From your perspective, how has the natural hair community evolved over the years?
I think the natural hair community has evolved immensely.  We have gone from having a deficit of products that spoke to the direct needs of our hair, to having several amazing brands that have made it their mission to understand naturally textured hair from every angle of the arena.  Because of this, we now have top quality products that have been chemically balanced with our hair’s best interest at heart.

Another great evolution in the natural hair world was that of YouTubers, Bloggers, and Vloggers.  I can’t begin to explain my love, and appreciation for these talented individuals. They have become brilliant educators within the natural hair communities across the world. When I began my natural hair journey…I knew nothing about styling my curls.  It was these gurus that taught me everything that I know.

It’s no longer uncommon to see a beautiful head of textured hair from business board rooms, all the way through to simple everyday life.  We’ve shown the world that natural hair is not a just a phase passing by.  It’s now an embraced way of life.

How has the history of how our hair has been perceived impacted Black women on a psychological level?
I personally think that at times, it has had a tendency to be psychologically crippling.  I say that because, the negative history behind our textured hair once left wounds so deep that many women allowed it to strip their confidence, and skew choices made in their lives. It’s as if society attempted to drill the words, “How dare you proudly step out into the world with your unattractive, unruly, and untamed hair!” These were the blistering words forcefully embedded into our mental psyche…so much so that many believed them as being true. The thought of being unaccepted…made it desirable for some to give in and conform to a European set standard of beauty.  Individuals (women in particular) were suffering from a society induced form of “Toxic Shame” which encouraged them to believe that the hair that they were born with (as it grew from their scalp) was never going to be good enough for the world they lived in.

I’ve learned to embrace all of my natural beauty for what it is…and it feels good!  It is my mission to help uplift, and empower other women to reach the same place in their lives. 

A few days later... Swirl Curls puff for the win!

Let’s talk texture and skin color. Do you believe there is a texture hierarchy and colorism at work in the natural hair community – and how do these elements play a role in our journeys to self love and acceptance?
This is a highly sensitive topic for many, so I won’t take us so far into the deep end that we find it difficult to come up for air.  The answer is yes, I do believe that there is a texture hierarchy and colorism actively working within the natural hair community.  The problem goes back way deeper than hair alone.  It travels back to the history, and perception that we spoke of previously.  The European standard conditioned many to believe that true beauty was only seen in individuals possessing a certain set of physical characteristics. Anyone falling short of these characteristics were pretty much considered defective. The texture hierarchy, and colorism that is being seen in the natural hair community is a prime example that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to reframe the negative ideas of what beauty presents as. Until strides are made to replace these thoughts, there will continue to be an underrepresentation of darker skin complexions, and beautiful kinky textured hair.

As a follow up to the previous question, how do we address and work through these issues?
There is no magic antidote of resolution for these issues.  It will take conscious efforts on everyone’s part to correct them.  We must work diligently to break down the barriers that have been put in place.  In cases where inclusion is not taking place…we must begin creating our own paths to travel.  As a business owner within the natural hair community, it is a strong mission of mine to be inclusive of all skin tones, and hair types.  With the platform that I now have, I plan on using it to be a part of the change that I’d like to see.  Business owners have a choice as to who they contact to represent their brand. 

So much collective good has come out of the natural hair community. How do we ensure that it remains a positive space of acceptance and self love for Black women for the long term?

I wholeheartedly agree.  The natural hair community has been one of the most efficient places for textured hair individuals to find detailed information regarding caring for, and styling their hair. I can’t speak for other business owners, but black women will always be well represented in my brand.  My plan is to be an all-inclusive company celebrating every woman in a way that shows them they are very loved and appreciated. 

More Swirl Curls love.

What are some practical ways Black women can exercise and practice self love?
As Black women, we need to be more open to celebrating our strengths, and place less focus on the things that we don’t have, or can’t control.  When we look to our strengths, it motivates, and inspires us to be the greatest versions of ourselves.  We also have to take note of the people that we choose to have around us.  Not everyone deserves a place in your life.  If an individual thrives on negativity, they are not ones that will bring positive energy, and love to your circle.  A solid support system should be built with people who have your best interest at heart.

As women, we are the most critical of ourselves.  If we idle down our inner critic, and forgive ourselves for not being perfect, we’d begin to feel more kindness, and love for who we are as individuals.

For the Product Junkies

Let’s talk products! If you HAD to choose, which Genedor Beauty product is your favorite and why?
I would have to say that there is a tie between my Super Fruit AntioxidantShampoo, and my Even Tone Retinol Complex.  I love all of my products, but these 2 are closest to my heart because they corrected issues that were problems for me.

My scalp would terribly itch, feel sore due to me scratching it, and my hair began to show signs of product buildup.  I was always on an active search for a shampoo that would cleanse my hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural moisture.  I also wanted my shampoo to offer some conditioning properties.  After months in the lab driving everyone crazy (lol)…I had a formula that satisfied everything that I was looking for in a shampoo.

The Even Tone Retinol Complex was created to help me get rid of post acne hyperpigmentation.  During a hormonal pregnancy with my daughter, my skin developed moderate acne.  After giving birth, my skin normalized, but I was left with dark spots.  I had an allergic reaction to the traditional “hydroquinone” based products that most dermatologists use to treat discoloration. Because of this, I set out to create my own hydroquinone-free treatment to clear up my skin. Again after driving everyone in my lab crazy! 

Speaking of the Even Tone Retinol Complex, can  you share with us how it works? Some of my followers are curious about the price point as a skincare product.

The Even Tone Retinol Complex was the first product that I decided to create.  It is also the one product that I put the most work, time, resources, and money into creating.  It has one of the highest percentages of Retinol that can be added to a product without the need for a prescription.  It also has very effective levels of powerful peptides, vitamins, antioxidants, and natural skin brighteners all housed in one of the best delivery systems that my team and I could scientifically find. The delivery systems aids in the ingredients deeply penetrating directly into the source of the skin’s problems. It then addresses these issues without causing irritation, or damage to the skin.  I always say that in this product, I mastered the art of creating a gentle powerhouse.  It actively lightens hyperpigmentation, decreases pore size, improves acne scarring, diminishes lines and wrinkles, and assists in smoothing uneven skin tone and texture.  Traditionally, it would take the use of several products to achieve what this product is designed to do alone. 

So far so good with Even Tone Retinol. Unfiltered before & afters to come!

In creating this treatment, I consulted with chemists both inside, and outside of the United States.  The chemist who worked alongside me in creating this product, is one who has assisted in creating many of the top products that you find in medical spas, as well as in big department stores such as Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, QVC, etc.  

When creating this treatment, my initial thought was to only offer it to our Medspa clients.  The product was so successful in correcting some of the most difficult to treat skin concerns that I decided to offer it in my online store as well. If consumers were to research products similar to this one, they will find several products on the market with ingredient decks, and delivery systems less powerful than this one - that are way more expensive.  Some of them have Retinol as their only active ingredient, yet cost nearly $200.

(That's right girl - charge your worth! No sense in charging bargain basement prices for top shelf results!)

Genedor doesn't have a leave-in (yet), but these #BlackOwned beauties pair perfectly with Swirl Curls.

Which Genedor Beauty products are your best sellers?
My best sellers are the Swirl Curls Gel Styler, Moisture Resuscitate DeepConditioning Treatment, Super Fruit Antioxidant Shampoo, and Healthy HairGummies.

Yasssss to the gummies! How did you come to include gummy vitamins in your lineup?
I knew that I wanted to include a way to nourish the hair, and body from the inside out, so I began researching ways to do this without the need to swallow huge capsules, and/or caplets. With these gummies, there's no traditional vitamin smell, and bad taste.  I tend to tell people that they’re vitamins so good, you won’t believe they’re not candy.

Spotlight on the gummies!

The Healthy Hair Gummies and Healthy Choice MultivitaminGummies were created in a way that customers could add one or the other to their current regimen, or pair them together as a couple.

Any new products coming down the pipeline for Genedor?
Absolutely!  We have several more, hair, skin care, and body products going in the lab right now.

Any other exciting news about Genedor that you’d like to share?
We are currently in the process of getting our products into local stores so that they are easily accessible to all of our Genedor Beauties.  We will also be seeing a lot of you very soon in several upcoming hair, and skin care expos that we will be participating in.  In addition to the things that I’ve mentioned, we’re in the process of expanding our space which means employment opportunities will be available soon.  

I don't know about you - but for me, that last tidbit is the most exciting. I love seeing our brands grow to the point that we're able to hire and build.That's how we get free.

To learn more about Genedor Beauty, visit www.genedorbeauty.com. Don't forget to follow Genedor on Instagram @genedorbeauty and Like their Facebook page!

This blog post and video is sponsored by Genedor Beauty.

How to Rock a Wash & Go During Fall and Winter

September 28, 2017, 2:49 pm

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≪ Previous: We Gotta Root for Us - Psychology & Self Love in the Natural Hair Community feat. Genedor Beauty

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I put on makeup and an adult shirt for this one!

The wash & go has long been championed a spring and summer staple for naturalistas looking to break out of their twisting, rodding, braiding, and protective styling routines of the colder months. 

But what if I told you that you could rock a wash & go all year long? With a few simple tweaks, it's possible to achieve curl poppage in every season - without walking around with a perpetually soggy scalp. All it takes is a few simple styling tweaks, and you're golden!

For the fall and winter friendly version of a wash & go, I'm using products from the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado collection. Y'all. I don't know how or why I slept on Design Essentials for so long...but these products are FYE! Like, I wasn't ready.

Let's jump in to the 8 steps you'll need to rock a wash & go during fall, winter, or whenever the temperatures drop below 70 degrees (we have very loose expectations around seasons here in LA, lol). By the way, there's a video! Keep scrolling, and don't forget to subscribe!

Co-Wash...Shampoo it's up to you!

Step 1: Co-Wash
The essence of the wash & go involves capturing the coil and curl pattern of wet hair with a combination of water-based leave-ins/creams and gel. The success of the wash & go is built on how hydrated the hair is. Co-washing is an excellent primer for the wash & go, because it removes enough dirt, oil, buildup, and primes the hair for another round of styling. I used the Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash to gently cleanse and detangle while infusing moisture. The end result is curls that are soft, hydrated, and primed for styling. Truthfully, I could've skipped conditioning after the Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash, but I don't wanna start building bad habits.😂

By the way - if you've got extreme buildup or can't remember the last time you shampooed, please shampoo first. The Co-Wash ain't going nowhere.



Step 2: Condition (But You Knew This)
Even though my hair looked and felt great after the Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash, my spirit wouldn't let me skip the conditioning step. Great wash & go's are never dehydrated and crispy, so the Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner added an extra layer of hydration and detangling to my curl prep. If you feel confident enough in your curls to skip this step, by all means do it. But I will say this - I've never known a naturalista to skip an opportunity to condition...whether it be for 3 minutes or 30.

Step 3: Rinse and Don't Apply Leave-In (Yet)
One of the biggest reason why no one looks to rock wash & go's during the colder months is well, wet hair. Especially for the ladies that don't care for or believe in diffusing (like me). Wet hair takes exponentially longer to dry in cold air, so without the proper measures in place, wash & go curls will literally never dry.

During the warmer months, you'll hear me yell from the mountaintops that the best results are achieved when leave-ins are applied to soaking wet hair. For maximum soakage, I usually do this in the shower. But for fall and winter? No ma'am!

After rinsing your conditioner, squeeze the excess water from your hair. I know, it sounds crazy. I promise, I'm just trying to help. #scoutshonor #imnotascouttho

My styling lineup

Step 4: Work Leave-Ins and Creams with Warm Water
Here's a hack for my ladies on the lower end of the porosity spectrum - put warm water in that spray bottle, sis! 

Applying Almond & Avocado Leave-In and Curling Creme (or any leave-ins, really) on barely wet hair is a recipe for clumpy flakes and buildup, thanks to products sitting on top of the strands and not penetrating properly. But after applying the Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In and Curling Creme, I sprayed my hair all over with a spray bottle of warm water. The warm water helps the leave-ins to penetrate adding moisture and style longevity, without keeping the hair perpetually soaked.

Not to mention, products just seem to spread and move better with warm water.

Step 5: Style On 'Em
Once the hair is primed for styling, it's time to define those curls. While I'm a gel girl at heart (and the thicker, the better), colder temperatures can sometimes mean lightening things up a bit to accelerate drying time. Design Essentials Honey CurlForming Custard does just that. It has enough heft to help clump my curls, but doesn't leave them wet for an eternity. In fact, as I worked in sections, previously defined curls started to dry almost instantly.

Use this opportunity to rake & shake, shingle, smooth, brush define, finger coil, pray - whatever you gotta do to define those curls!

Step 6: Spray
For a boost of added shine, a little heat protection, and to help speed up the drying process, finish with a few sprays of Almond & Avocado Curl Control & Shine Mist. I didn't think I needed a finishing spray, until I used it. This lightweight spritz helps ensure a faster drying time, helps minimize frizz, and leaves your hair smelling like green Jolly Ranchers. Plus, it gives excellent shine, without that "girl, you greasy" look and feel.

Basically, I'm using it every single time I wash my hair.

Obligatory puppy face Snap while sitting under the dryer in a robe I've had since middle school lmao

Step 7: Roll to the Hood(ed Dryer)
One of the best investments I made in the past year was a hooded dryer. Initially purchased for flexi rods and deep conditioning, this gem has transformed into a fall and winter must-have. I spent 30 minutes tops under my hooded dryer (similar to this one) before it was time to skedaddle to the gym. I kept raving over, and over, and over to Samuel in the car that my hair has NEVER been this dry so shortly after doing a wash & go. Seriously - I had slight dampness in my roots/crown area, but that was IT! I was able to work out without leaving embarrassing hair goop on benches or my gym towel.

And thanks to my Design Essentials lineup, my hair didn't feel crispy or dried out, either. Don't have a dryer yet? Check out this one.

Step 8 (Bonus): Lay Them Edges & Take Excessive Snapchat Photos
I always like to finish my wash & go off with sleek edges for a more polished look. The Honey & Shea Edge Tamer delivers super sleek results, with tons of shine, great hold (I was shocked), and no flaking.

Because my curls were poppin' (albeit, shrunken because they're healthy AF), I took to Snapchat for excessive selfie-ing. I've made peace with the fact that you're going to judge me.

Shrinkage is crazy, but curls are poppin'!

Add me on snap: maneobjective

You know the filter. Don't lie, it's your favorite too! 😂

Let me know in the comments how you're switching up your hair routine for fall and winter!

This post is sponsored by Design Essentials.

Your Favorite Instagrammer Probably Buys Likes.

October 4, 2017, 10:34 am

≫ Next: Review: Soultanicals 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair

≪ Previous: How to Rock a Wash & Go During Fall and Winter

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I know, I couldn't believe it either.

Yeah, I said it.

Truth be told, this post really isn't about all of that (kinda is, kinda isn't). I just said that to get you to cliiiiiiick (Ma$e voice)

I just said that to get you maaaaad! Image source

(Don't act like you don't remember that line from Phone Conversation, before Cheat on You on the Harlem World album. Don't play me.😂)

Today's post is inspired by a few things. One, my honest feelings. Two, the fact that my Detoxing from Social Media post was the most-read from the Self Care with Soultanicals series. And three, my girl Ijeoma (aka Klassy Kinks)wrote a post of her own, which pretty much confirmed that I needed to purge these thoughts if I had any hopes of moving forward with new energy in October.

So grab a glass of your finest tea, coffee, or wine (I don't judge) and settle in.

I'm about to get real.

Fun fact: I took these photos in the yellow sweater back in January, playing around. It's almost like I knew some tomfoolery would be afoot.

The Problem with Instagram
If you've been within 200 feet of an influencer, then you've heard about the fallout of Instagram's many algorithm changes - from killing organic reach to putting your timeline on shuffle mode. The honest truth is, everyone's hurting - but Instagram is a business. And owned by Facebook, at that. 

Snapchat ain't turning a profit no time soon (Google it), but that's another subject for another time.

I bring up the business aspect to say, that Marky Mark and the FaceBunch are in it to make money. Period. Instagram is a pay-to-play economy. Yes, you can try your hand at beating the algorithm with comment pods (more on that later) and such, but gaming the system doesn't work in the long run.

To truly succeed at Instagram in 2017 and beyond, you've got two options - put in the work to build an organic following, or pay to let Facebook do it for you. But some influencers across all genres, and non-creatives with a general thirst for attention and validation have created a third and fourth route, of Joanne the Scammer proportions.

Pods, and Purchased Likes, Oh My!
Full disclosure - I just left the 1 pod I was in like, two days ago.

Engagement pods were created in an effort to "beat" the Instagram algorithm by tricking it into thinking your post is poppin', because in theory, the more people organically engage with a post, the more visible it becomes on timelines, explore pages, etc.

In theory, engagement begets increased visibility, which begets more followers, which begets more sponsored collaborations.

The problem with this model is that ultimately, it doesn't work.

As someone who works in marketing by day (I'm a Copywriter & Account Manager), I'm always A/B testing something - blog content, posting times, copy, images, and more. You can best believe I A/B tested the efficacy of comment pods. Now, my experience is based on 1 pod. There are influencers out in these e-streets in 15, 20, 30 pods but that's not my business, or my lane.

And by the way - this is NOT an e-dragging of the pod participants in any way, shape, or form. I honestly believe I was in a great pod - and had the chance to meet some of these ladies in real life. They're dope creatives, and their work deserves to be seen.

Now back to this A/B testing. I found the law of diminishing returns alive and well in my posts that I selected for pod support. Meaning, that over time, engagement steadily declined. Sure there were outliers and anomalies, but the general trend was stagnant or declined engagement, even as my number of followers went up. The kicker? My non-pod supported posts either performed at level or above the podded ones.

My conclusion? The pod life ain't for me - but not just because I found it ineffective.

It started to feel disingenuous.

When I collaborate with brands, I do so because I believe in the products. I want them to grow and prosper. Heck, I want to grow and prosper. But forced engagement does nothing to help either. Solicited likes does not equal blog clicks, and does not equal sales for the brand. It's like buying flowers for yourself and hoping your ex notices. The truth is, he probably won't care, and you've wasted time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere.

It's basically like...buying likes.

Yes, Buying Likes is a Thing, and You'd Be Surprised Who Does it
I know, you scrolled down here thinking I was dropping Instagram handles and screenshots. But I've got plans for heaven and y'all ain't gon' make me petty myself out of the rapture. No ma'am.

I will say this - there are plenty of Instagrammers (and businesses!) buying likes.

Yes, businesses.

Never mind that businesses buying likes is the epitome of hustling backwards. Let's get into why buying likes is fraudulent AF and almost pushed me out of the blogosphere completely.

Hey there business owner, you do know buying likes doesn't mean they're buying product - right? #helpfultips

For the longest time, I was having an existential crisis with The Mane Objective. I felt like I wasn't poppin'. Like my Instagram wasn't growing how I thought it should be. Like there was some magical "it factor" I lacked. Was my hair not big enough? Do I need to hire a photographer to take photos of me pretending to do stuff? Should I post pretty pictures of me brunching with girls I don't really like? Am I not taking advantage of the cool street art in LA to stand in front of for selfies?  Is it because I don't know how to wing eyeliner (or put it on at all, for that matter)? What was I missing?  Did my curls need to be blonde to get noticed? Is it because I don't have those long claw nails that I can't for the life of me figure out how people wear and function daily? Should I start practicing whatever it means to "slay"? WHAT AM I NOT DOING?!

I like to pretend I'm too prideful and above the fray, but I was really in my feelings y'all. Seeing people who I thought were peers soar ahead of me. Watching chicks come out of nowhere and all of a sudden jet set around the world with brands and land exclusive partnerships.

I was on full Bitter Betty mode, in spite of what God had already done for me (ain't that some mess). I used to legitimately stress - like how am I still getting slept on? I've been blogging since 2012, and 20K+ followers is ALL I can get?

Issa conspiracy.

Then I learned, that not all is what it seems in the land of perfect selfies and great hair days. Some folks are really out in these e-streets buying likes, and faking the funk all the way to the bank.

As if the Instagram Rapture of 2014 wasn't a thing.

And here I am, trying to complete with folks that are literally buying their way into brand partnerships, and compromising the integrity of influencer relationships for all of us. If you want to be able to spot fake likes on IG, read up on Klassy Kinks's thoughts. She breaks it down pretty clearly.

Thank God for reflection and redirection, because ya girl was about to throw in the towel. Like, I legit planned to hang up my hat (and even take down all my posts so nobody could steal more of my content), and shut it all down. I was literally about to throw The Mane Objective in the trash.

And then, Samuel told me I was being stupid. In those exact words.

He reminded me that I don't blog for Insta-fame. That I've got an entire audience that's been rocking with me since day 1, and to ghost on them would be hella disrespectful (I agree). He also reminded me that despite what the social media numbers say, my blog performs. It's full of content that I've poured YEARS into creating.

He asked me one question - why did you start blogging in the first place? The answer was the same that it has always been - to help people by sharing my own journey with natural hair. To show the ups, downs, good, bad, frustrations, triumphs, and blessings as I learn about my hair and leading a healthier lifestyle.

And at the end of the day, it's mine. I own it. It's my own little slice of internet real estate. Actually, I've got a couple of slices - but that's another story for another day.

I can't say the same about Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or anything else. I don't own any of those platforms, or my content on them for that matter. If Instagram disappeared today, what would I still have? My blog. If YouTube ceased to exist, where does my content still live? Right here.

I had to fall back from obsessing over houses built on sand.

I'll probably never have the respect or adulation that influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers and subscribers get - even though my blog traffic is legit. But I'm at peace with it.

My Path Forward
I spent a lot of time trying to "make" my Instagram pop. For a while, I tried to do things like everyone else - showing off my hair, posting video clips with cool covers, obsessing over hashtags, joining a comment pod, posting only at peak times, trying to organize my feed, and more.

I stopped just short of makeup and fancy photos of me sipping lattes at hipster coffee shops.

But in all those things, I was getting further and further away from who I am, and why I joined Instagram in the first place. I had become calculated and methodical, attempting to compete with chicks who either weren't thinking about me, or were too busy buying likes to be concerned with my feed.

To invoke 808's Kanye, I was worried 'bout the wrong thangs. The wrong thangs.

After disappearing from the 'Gram for a few days, things started to click. There's nothing wrong with wanting to see growth and progression. There's nothing wrong with wanting to reach more people. But I had to do it the right way, and for the right reasons.

Smiling more because there's a sense of freedom that comes from being who you are authentically, and not who people think you are on social media. #issaword #betruebeyou

Instead of hacks, trying to beat the system, corny gimmicks and those awful loop giveaways where you have to follow 95 random international people, I'm turning inward and challenging myself to step my game up. To become a better writer. A more creative photographer. To enhance my current knowledge of SEO. To break away from the pack while leveraging new opportunities on and off social media. To make sure that I'm helping, inspiring, and educating by sharing the totality of my journey. To continue to walk in authenticity.

Even if those things don't bring more followers, more likes, and more readers - I'm good with that. Why? Because the end result is a more dope version of Christina, and time spent working on yourself is never wasted.

Dassit.

I'd love to hear from you in the comments - influencers and community members alike. How are you feeling about the current trends in social media? What are you longing to see that everyone is ignoring? Speak ya mind!

Review: Soultanicals 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair

October 6, 2017, 6:00 am

≫ Next: How to Use Combing Cream for Long Natural Hair Growth

≪ Previous: Your Favorite Instagrammer Probably Buys Likes.

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So many great ingredients make 'Fro Despair a powerhouse for natural hair.

So, I typed a post to a DC I used to see,
Saying that I chose a new condish with whom I wanna be, 
And I apologize if this blog post gets you down,
Then I CC'd every DC that I bought around town...

Somebody tag Andre3K and let him know I ain't got no sense! 😂

I am completely, utterly, and hopelessly obsessed with 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair. I'll tell you why - but first, let me break down how we got here (and why I dedicated the opening verse of Int'l Players Anthem to it lmao).

Y'all know I've been ride-and-flourish ('cause I don't want nothing related to them to EVAH die) for Soultanicals since my transitioning days. Ayo is incredibly blessed and gifted at what she does, and the handcrafted hair and beauty products she creates are nothing short of a blessing in a bottle. I fell truly, madly, deeply in love with Afrotastic Curl Elastic in mid-2015, and I've got the blog posts to prove it:

• Christina's Choice 2015 Best Deep Conditioner + Deserted Island Pick
• Christina's Choice 2016 Best Strengthening Deep Conditioner
• Self Care with Soultanicals featuring Afrotastic Curl Elastic
• 15 Black-Owned Swaps for Your Favorite Natural Hair Products

Suffice it to say, Afrotastic Curl Elastic and I were meant to be together. 

But then, the strangest thing happened. Through my 7 Days of Self Care with Soultanicals series, I was introduced to 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair on Day 5 of the series, inspired by tending to my home garden.

It was love at first detangle.

The slip is off the chain.

I was immediately conflicted - like, am I 'bout to sit up here and cheat on Afrotasticbae? If I had to choose sides, who do I pick? 

By the time I reached the end of the 'Fro Despair bottle, I knew. And by the end of this review, you'll know too!😂

Cost
$16 for 8oz (but I highly recommend the 32oz for $40. ESPECIALLY during the $25 salon size sale. #wortheverypennyandthensome)

Where to Buy

Exclusively at www.soultanicals.com. My prayer is that eventually, this deep conditioner will enter Target in the way that Afrotastic has done.

Ingredient closeup. Yes, there's even MSM!

Active Ingredients

• Water infused with Horsetail, Rosemary & Sage: Herbal infusion that promotes growth, strengthens the follicles, and staves off hair loss by stimulating blood circulation.
• 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.
• Organic SuperGreens (Spirulina, Wheatgrass, Barley Grass, Oat Grass, Chlorella, and Alfalfa): This combination of superfood algae and grasses work in tandem to help slow and reverse signs of aging and damage while nourishing the scalp to promote healthy hair 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.
• Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient and gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating.
• Organic 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?

No - contains brown rice protein

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
WHERE DO I BEGIN?! Seriously, 'Fro Despair is life giving. It's literally like a green juice shot for your hair and scalp. First of all, the ingredients are freakin' stellar. I could be totally wrong, but I've yet to see any brand pack so many greens into a deep treatment. And it's not just a "very bottom of the list, just a pinch in there so we can claim it on the label" amount, either. 'Fro Despair is literally green, and you can see the flecks and grains of green powder without putting your face all up in it.

Consistency-wise, 'Fro Despair is creamy like Afrotastic, but not quite as thick. It's very spreadable, but not at all watery. And the slip? Off theeeeeeee charts. It's so easy to use, and I'm deeply appreciative. The last thing I want to do on wash day is fight with my deep conditioner. The fragrance is a toss-up. My first bottle (back in July) and my re-up (September) both have a deeply green and grassy fragrance - which played quite nicely into the whole "SuperGreens" theme (and made me feel like I was doing my hair major favors).

I don't EVER want to run out of 'Fro Despair.

But then I got another 8oz bottle with the grassy essence played way down in favor of a fragrance that I could only describe as something I'd grab from the cat selling oils and incense on Crenshaw (is he still there? Or did gentrification get him?). It's a yummy fragrance that I definitely enjoy. But I like the grassy vibes, too. I'm not sure if this was an error, or if the fragrance is changing for more commercial appeal - but I'm good either way. Just don't change the formula, Ayo!

The real win is how ah-MAY-zing my hair feels after I rinse. Soft, baby smoove, like buttah, and STRONG. Soultanicals has definitely cornered the market on moisture and strength with 'Fro Despair. It literally does not get any better than this.

This is peak deep conditioning, people.

The Bad
I couldn't point out something wrong if I wanted to. You don't buy liters of products you aren't passionate about.

The Bottom Line
Loaded with as much slip as it has greens, 'Fro Despair is literally Amazing Grass and the best of what Pressed Juicery has to offer - in deep conditioner form. While I think everyone and their cousin TeeTee could benefit from the goodness that 'Fro Despair has to offer, it works best on hair that is damaged, distressed, color treated, weak, brittle, or just in need of a strengthening boost.

In short, 'Fro Despair has joined the rank of the Holy Grail. Just don't be surpised when Christina's Choice 2017 rolls around.

My most recent Fan Friday haul from September. About $140 worth of products for under $70! #allthiswinning

Would I Buy it Again?
I'm buying 3 when the Soultanicals Black Friday sale rolls around, if quantities permit and without regard for what you might be tryna put in your cart. Set your alarm and act accordingly. 😂

Have you tried 'Fro Despair yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

How to Use Combing Cream for Long Natural Hair Growth

October 13, 2017, 7:44 pm

≫ Next: 17 Black Owned Natural Hair Brands to Watch in 2018

≪ Previous: Review: Soultanicals 'Fro Despair Vitamin Hair Repair

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These curls are only about to get longer....

Sis, get in here. We need to talk about combing cream and your length goals.

Fall is officially here, and colder months always kick off protective styling stints, and more vigilant care in hopes of acquiring a few inches before spring. I'm right there with you. I'm finally ready to call my hair 100% free of hair color damage, and it's about that time to start adding inches.

In my quest for hangtime, I've decided to incorporate a new product from Zotos Professional - the 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream. What is it exactly? How does it work? And where does it fit in your regimen to promote growth?

Don't worry, I got you. Let's dive in and break down this game changer for #lengthgoals!

My new secret weapon - 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream

What is Combing Cream?
Combing cream is a multi-use, lotion-like product that serves several functions in a natural hair routine. Borrowed from the women of Brazil, combing cremes have gained popularity among naturalistas in the US thanks in large part to how flexible and effective it is. Combing creams are known for having intense slip, which reduces the friction against the hair to make detangling a breeze. They're also known for their moisturizing and frizz fighting properties.

Where Does Combing Cream Fit in My Natural Hair Routine?

Between pre-poos, shampoos, co-washes, rinse-out conditioners, deep conditioners, oils, rinses, moisture mists, refreshers, balms, butters, and edge controls - the average natural's regimen is packed full of product. But what if I told you combing cream could easily replace 3 products in your regimen?

Up close and personal with the 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream

Yes ma'am! It surely can. If you're not pressed for length, but want to reap the benefits of replacing a few products in your regimen with one powerhouse product, jump ahead to the video breaking down the 3 ways I use 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream.

But if you're on a hair growth quest, let's get down to the nitty gritty.



Combing Cream for Hair Growth
When it comes to maximizing healthy hair growth and achieving length goals, there are two major factors - actual hair growth from the scalp, and length retention. Personally, I believe length retention is more important than the actual rate of hair growth - and here's why. Often times, when we feel like our hair isn't growing, length retention efforts (or lack thereof) are to blame. When we focus too much on increasing rate of growth and don't give enough attention to proper maintenance, the hair we did grow ends up breaking and keeping our length stagnant - creating the illusion that our hair isn't growing.

These four will have your hair RIGHT!

My philosophy - barring major medical conditions, our hair is going to grow. Proper maintenance and care will ensure the growth is visible.

And this is where 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream is about to change the game.

It's no secret that our kinks, coils, and curls are structurally weaker than straight hair - hence how we comb, brush, style, and handle our hair gently (or at least, we're supposed to). Look at a peice of your hair in the mirror. Did you know that each bend along the strand is a structural weak point and hotspot for breakage? And detangling is where our hair is the most vulnerable.

180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream eliminates the fuss and drama notoriously associated with detangling our natural hair. Whether you use a comb, brush, or your fingers, combing cream lubricates and coats the strands with lightweight moisture and slip - protecting the hair from damage caused by friction during detangling.

Pre-pooing with 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream

In addition to moisturizing, softening, detangling, and priming the hair, 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream works alone or in conjunction with the Length Revival Shampoo, Conditioner, and Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator to fortify and strengthen hair that is prone to breakage, dryness, and damage. This is major for naturals experiencing increased breakage and thinning due to excessive use of heat or color.

3 Ways to Use Combing Cream in Your Natural Hair Regimen
As I mentioned previously, 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream is a multi-use product that can easily replace 3 or more products in your hair routine. Here's how I've used it in mine:

Pre-Shampoo Detangling Treatment
As a rule of thumb, I always detangle before shampooing. Even the slippiest shampoos sometimes can't safely unravel all of my tangles, and detangling prior to sudsing helps ensure a fuss-free wash day. Because the 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream is packed with slip, it lubricates the shaft of the hair, allowing strands to glide past each other and release tangles with ease. As a result, I'm able to manipulate my hair while shampooing without causing breakage and damage.

Leave-In & Curl Primer
Y'all know I love me a good leave-in. Leave-ins are a key ingerdient in 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. For highly textured kinks, coils, and curls, 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream offers lightweight moisture and continued detangling while capturing the curl pattern for styling.

But here's why I'm really about to go peak #lengthgoals:

These two are a must-have for naturals who use heat often or have color treated hair.

It involves Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator, which you guys know I love dearly. (receipts) As my primer and leave-in duo, I combine Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator and Length Revival Combing Cream because the two are formulated to work together - binding to the weakest spots along the hair shaft to prevent breakage. The Pro-Peptide complex proteins target and reinforce the hair's weakest points like a magnet of sorts, protecting against breakage while conditioning the hair. Basically, the two help my hair not break off - whether I'm combing, brushing, or letting it all hang out!

Plus, I've found the two are incredibly gel friendly, mixing with some of my favorite gels sans white, goopy balls and flakes.

Healthy curls! Used 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream as my leave-in

Refresher
Even if my hair isn't begging and screaming for moisture, I make it a habit to put something water-based on it on days 2, 3, 4, and sometimes 5 (if I let it go that long). Hydrated hair is less prone to breakage, and 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream is lightweight enough to not make hair feel oil or greasy while hydrating, and enhancing shine. Plus, you still reap all the breakage-fighting benefits!

Oh and here's a bonus - if you've got a bit of a gel cast still on day 2, you can use the combing cream to break it while leaving hair soft and not disrupting the curl pattern!

The 180PRO Length Revival Combing Cream and the entire Length Revival Collection is available exclusively at Sally Beauty.

Alright now, I done gave y'all the secret sauce. Check for me in April 2017 - my comparison pics are about to be pahhhhhhpin! What are you doing differently this fall to help retain length? Let me know in the comments below!

This blog post is sponsored by Zotos Professional.

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17 Black Owned Natural Hair Brands to Watch in 2018

October 24, 2017, 8:58 pm

≫ Next: 3 Work From Home Tips for Side Hustlers & Budding Entrepreneurs

≪ Previous: How to Use Combing Cream for Long Natural Hair Growth

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Start making your Black Friday shopping list early...

At this point, I consider myself to be one of the oldheads in the natural hair blogging game. With The Mane Objective having been in business since March of 2012 (and the Triple OG predecessor Kinky Crown clocked circa 2010), I've been on this natural hair wave long enough to see hair trends die and resurface, bloggers I looked up to fade into obscurity, bad advice go viral, companies ignore us then reinvent themselves... you get the drift.

Fun fact: this was my first blog post under The Mane Objective.

My point is, there's nothing new under the natural hair sun - except for in one category.

My years of product junkie-ing has given me sort of a 6th sense about brands - something that gives me "this brand is gonna take off" vibes. Sometimes it's the story. Other times, the packaging and branding. All the time, it's because of the quality and performance of the products. In turn, I become these brands biggest cheerleaders - and have legit moments when I see them hit major retail, growth, and PR milestones.

I'm always going to root for long-standing faves - brands like Soultanicals, Be Kekoa, tgin, Mielle Organics (who remembers when they only had 2 products?!), Obia Naturals, and more. But they're established, and becoming household names among naturals.

It's time for a new wave.



And that's exactly what this blog post and video (yes video!) is about - that next wave of Black Owned natural hair brands that I feel deep down in my spirit are about to take off. Maybe they're next up for Sally's and Target. Perhaps they're getting ready to blow up on social media. Whatever the case, these brands have the "It Factor" in my book. And I've been dying for you to meet them.

So without further delay, I present to you - the 17 Black Owned Natural Hair Brands to Watch in 2018!



Note: This list appears in alphabetical order.

Alodia HairCare
www.alodiahaircare.com

Alodia Hair Care

Based in Maryland, Alodia Hair Care was launched in 2014 by Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, who holds a PhD in Bio-Medical Sciences. Like many relaxer-turnt-natural women, Dr.Chambers-Harris literally reached a breaking point with her hair and scalp, and made the decision to transition to natural hair. Drawing on her own journey, Dr. Chambers-Harris designed Alodia Hair Care to support the core needs of women with transitioning and natural hair. In her time spent vending at farmers markets, she discovered a lot of women were confused, overwhelmed, and unsure about how to properly use products to care for natural hair.

To streamline the process of caring for natural hair, Dr. Chambers-Harris created six core products, organizing them into kits that take the guesswork out building a regimen for healthy, moisturized hair. Dr. Chambers-Harris and Alodia believe in a holistic approach to hair care, with a focus on natural ingredients to care for the hair and scalp. All of Alodia's products are:

• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• free of artificial fragrances and colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly
• made with natural and organic ingredients

Another amazing tidbit about Alodia Hair Care? Dr. Chambers-Harris and her husband, Dr. DuPree-Harris (a Board Certified Physician) work together in offering consultations to their customers. They review medical histories and medication, analyze the hair and scalp, and create custom regimens to maximize results. How awesome is that?!

Best Sellers
Alodia's best sellers are the Nourish and Grow Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil, and the Style Kits for Twist & Braid Outs, and Wash & Go's.

My Picks
Hands down, the Moisturize & Define Curling Cream Gel and the Nourish & Hydrate Deep Conditioning Masque. The Curling Cream Gel is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It pumps out of the bottle smooth like a cream, but in the hair, it legit has hold and defines my curls. I've side-eyed cream-gels in the past, but Alodia has made me a believer - in theirs anyway. The Moisturize & Define Curling Cream Gel gave me a legit bomb 1 product wash and go!

Now, let's talk about my borderline obsession and deeeeeeeeep love affair with this Nourish & Hydrate Deep Conditioning Masque. It's literally everything. The consistency, fragrance, and performance reminds me of what would happen if Soultanicals Afrotastic and Mielle Organics Babassu Mint got together and made a deep conditioning baby dripped in moisturized, minty goodness. The Nourish & Hydrate Masque is thick, rich, has crazy slip, makes my scalp tingle, and leaves my hair feeling baby smooth after rinsing. Packed with grape seed, avocado, silk amino acids, aloe vera, basil and more - Nourish & Hydrate is EVERYTHING for maintaining a moisture-protein balance in the hair and feeding the scalp. I've got about 1 good use left before my jar is empty. 😢

Where to Buy
Alodia Hair Care products are available at www.alodiahaircare.com and select retailers across New York, Maryland, Connecticut, and California. Click here to find one near you!

Instagram
Follow Alodia Hair Care on Instagram at @alodiahaircare

Carmella Marie
www.carmellamarie.com

Carmella Marie

Carmella Williams and her namesake brand, Carmella Marie hail from Ohio. Launched in 2013, Carmella burst onto the natural hair scene with one mission - to help women with coily and kinky hair realize, "we are enough". With her infectious energy and unique, proprietary formulations, Carmella aims to be a beacon of positivity in the natural hair community. Carmella Marie products are designed to infuse moisture into dry, brittle hair using an array of all natural ingredients. In addition to developing her own haircare recipes, Carmella hosts Ohio's biggest natural hair event - Let's Talk Hair: The Mane Event in Youngstown every year. She also runs the Carmella Marie Natural Hair Salon popup twice per month, which has been featured in Refinery29. All Carmella Marie products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw, natural, and organic ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Carmella Marie's best sellers are the Treasure Natural Styling Cream, MyGel, and M2 Moisture Mist.

My Picks
Hands down, MyGel. I've been wanting to try it for years - after seeing all the rave reviews. Admittedly, a lot of flax-based gels don't do so well on my hair. It's finicky. But let me tell YOU! Carmella put her foot and the prayers of every ancestor into that MyGel. My curls in the video for this blog post? Courtesy of MyGel. Definition poppin'. Clumped curls poppin'. All without being crazy crunchy or dry. MyGel actually makes your hair feel good - moisturized, soft and smooth. I'm a fan - and definitely going to re-up at Tru'Mane (now located in Hawthorne!) real soon.

Where to Buy
Carmella Marie products are available at www.carmellamarie.com and select retailers across Georgia, Ohio, California, and New York. Click here to find one near you!

Follow Carmella Marie on Instagram at @carmellamarie30

Coco Conscious Collective
www.cococonscious.com

Coco Conscious Collective

Coco Conscious Collective was founded by Megan Johnson in 2012. As a long-time natural, she grew uncomfortable about the deceptive practices of companies that claimed to make natural hair products for Black women - touting the label "natural", but riddled with chemicals and cheap synthetics. Megan felt deeply that these companies violated the inherent trust we put into them - inviting them into our homes and using them on our hair and skin, only to be misled. Convinced that there is a higher standard to be held to, Megan started Coco Conscious Collective as a transparent, ethical alternative for women of color. Coco Conscious Collective is rooted in caring about the wellness and needs of women of color, period (a mission I can stand behind wholeheartedly). All Coco Conscious Collective products are:

• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial fragrances and colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Coco Conscious Collective's best sellers are the Curly Concoctions Bundle, the Curly Concoctions Hydrating Creme, and Straight Transformations Intensive Style Primer.

My Picks
Y'all, I love, love, LOVE me some Curly Concoctions Elasticity Restore Rinse and Luster Revival Leave-In. And here's why. The Elasticity Restore Rinse is a unique, fast-acting reparative conditioner that hydrates and strengthens in record time. I use the Elasticity Restore Rinse to give my curls a quick pick me up in the shower when I don't have time for a full on deep conditioning session. Because the Elasticity Restore Rinse is jam packed with essential amino acids, my hair is hydrated, silky smooth, and strong after rinsing. Oh, and the Luster Revival Leave-In? It's like the leave-in version of the Elasticity Restore Rinse - full of those same vital amino acids, creating the perfect moisturized, frizz-free style foundation. The consistency is to die for - and can I just say that the Coco Conscious Collective packaging overall is amazing?

Where to Buy
Coco Conscious Collective products are available at www.cococonscious.com and a number of online retailers including Amazon, Jet and Target. Click here for more information!

Follow Coco Conscious Collective on Instagram @cococonscious

Curl Origin
www.curlorigin.com

Curl Origin - from the makers of SheScentIt!

From the geniuses behind SheScentIt, I bring you Curl Origin! As SheScentIt's sister brand, Curl Origin was created in 2016 to cater to the specific needs of highly textured transitioning and natural hair. With a focus on making the transition from relaxed to natural easy, and the process of maintaining natural hair a breeze, moisture and health are the focal points of the Curl Origin brand. With unique blends of natural herbs, oils, and botanicals, the Curl Origins team wants to see your textured tresses flourish while making you look and feel your best. All Curl Origins products are:

• handcrafted
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Curl Origin's best sellers are the Coconut Kukui Double Moisture Overnight Mask, Avocado & Argan Hydrating Hair Moisturizer, and the Hibiscus Shea Curl Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner.

My Picks
I'm having a serious love affair with the Hibiscus Shea Curl Hydrating Conditioner, Mango & Olive Oil Beautiful Curls Geleau, and Babassu & Mango Nourishing Styling Pomade. First of all, don't these names sound scrumptious? But let's get to the nitty gritty. The Hibiscus Shea Curl Hydrating Conditioner is PACKED with moisture. Like, I got a little emotional after I rinsed my hair. How is this life? How did 5 minutes change my outlook on rinse-out conditioners forever? Why do you have so much slip? Why don't I have you in 32oz already? You get my drift. 😂 But the truth is, the Beautiful Curls Geleau left me an emotional wreck, too. I'm deeply appreciative of anything mango, and this beautiful curl definer delivered on so many fronts it wasn't funny. Curls poppin', smooth, and moisturized. Hold without the ramen noodle effect. Shine. I literally cannot wait for Black Friday y'all. This is your notice. I'm ballin' out on Beautiful Curl Geleau.

The Babassu & Mango Nourishing Styling Pomade is another product I went absolutely nuts for. It gave me all sorts of nostalgia - reminding me of the hair food grandma used to grease my scalp with, sans the vaseline and awkward green coloring. Not only are mango and babassu the first two ingredients, it's fragranced only with essential oils - which makes it heaven sent for my scalp. Scalp massages with the Nourishing Styling Pomade are nothing short of amazing - and it works great for sealing ends, too!

Where to Buy
www.curlorigin.com

Follow Curl Origin on Instagram @curlorigin!

Curls & Potions
www.curlsandpotions.com

Curls & Potions (I clearly got in the Halloween spirit here!)

Curls & Potions was created by Michelle Fontaine-Jones, and inspired by her mother's 14-year battle with breast cancer. Seeking all-natural alternatives to skin and hair care, Michelle started out crafting under the name Butterflyz Haven, creating bath and body products. As her mother's condition worsened, Michelle's need to create something bigger, with a lasting impact that would carry on in memory of her mother. To keep her mind off her condition and health, Michelle often involved her mother in the creation stages of Curls & Potions. With each bottle and jar wrapped in pink to honor her mother's enduring battle against breast cancer, Curls & Potions is a piece of her mother's legacy, created to share with the world.

Every October, a portion of Curls & Potions sales for the year are donated to breast cancer research, fighters, and survivors. In Michelle's personal mission to craft the healthiest products for hair, all Curls & Potions offerings are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with natural, raw, and organic ingredients
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicone, and petroleum
• free of artificial colorants
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Curls & Potion's best sellers are the Curling Potion, Curling Jelly, & Babassu Sealing Oil

My Picks
Can I just say that Curls & Potions has changed the game for me on wash day?! I recently found myself reading up on the benefits of fermented rice water for hair and scalp, and I reeeeeeeally wanted to try it out. But the way my DIY life is set up, I wasn't sold on storing sour rice water on my kitchen counter for a week. Then, Curls & Potions Bamboo & Rice Water Strengthening Hair Rinse came along and listen - Michelle, just TAKE ALL MY MONEY NOW. Forget mixing oils into your deep conditioner, that wave is over. Bamboo & Rice Water Strengthening Hair Rinse is where it's at. I follow the instructions to a tee - leaving it on my freshly washed hair for 5 minutes, then layering on my deep conditioner without rinsing. Baaaaaaaaby let me tell YOU something. It makes my hair so soft, shiny, strong, and really helps my curls pop. I've also found that my scalp feels less dry. I'm devastated to report that my bottle is empty, but I'm definitely buying more. These curls are not waiting until Black Friday for re-up.

Where to Buy
www.curlsandpotions.com

Follow Curls & Potions on Instagram @curlsandpotions 

Elaine Hair & Body
www.ehbody.com

Elaine Hair & Body

Elaine Hair & Body is the brainchild of Felicia Lowe, who struggled to find products that worked for her dry scalp and hair issues. After finding that none of the traditional means provided her relief, she was convinced the solution was all natural. After intense research, Felicia began developing products - testing their effectiveness on herself first, then among family and friends. Out of the relief and success of others, Elaine Hair & Body was born. Elaine Hair & Body's claim to fame is the signature porosity collections, with products formulated to work specifically with the needs of high and low porosity hair, respectively. All Elaine Hair & Body Products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Elaine Hair & Body's Best Sellers are he Low Porosity Leave-In Conditioner, Low Porosity Deep Conditioner, and Low Porosity Hair Moisturizer.

My Picks
With my low porosity crown and front/center area, I couldn't wait to see what Elaine Hair & Body had to offer my tresses. My picks are easily the Low Porosity Leave-In Conditioner and Low Porosity Hair Moisturizer. I definitely see why these two have become crowd favorites! The Low Porosity Leave-In Conditioner is low-key magical. It's lightweight, yet creamy and has great slip. It plays nicely with many of my stylers, and I've found that it doesn't sit on top of my hair. Oh and the combination of the Low Porosity Leave-In and Hair Moisturizer?! Talk about moisture for dayssssssssss! What I love the most about the combination is that even though it packs a ton of moisture (thanks to mango, sweet almond, and coconut oil), it doesn't make my hair feel greasy and it easily penetrates my strands.

Where to Buy
www.ehbody.com

Follow Elaine Hair & Body on Instagram at @elainehairbody 

For.ti.fy'd Naturals
www.fortifydnaturals.com

Fortify'd Naturals

After giving birth to her youngest child and moving to an area of New York where there were no stylists to cater to Black hair, Tracy Golborne decided to begin her journey to natural in 2013. Following YouTube videos and chasing down products, Tracy found her hair and scalp in a heap of trouble as she began developing huge flakes, a peeling scalp, and extreme dryness - all of which tragically led to breakage. Hesitant to cart a baby all over town in search of products and help, Tracey began doing her own research on hair product ingredients, and her findings were shocking. Not only were some products using ingredients that caused cell damage and retina deterioration, a number of them were marketed as safe for children.

Determined to correct her hair and scalp issues, while not using synthetic products on her children Tracy set out to formulate products to truly penetrate and moisturize the hair. For.ti.fy'd Naturals goes so far as to include ingredients that combat hard water - which can exacerbate dryness in the hair. All For.ti.fy'd Naturals products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
For.ti.fy'd Naturals' best sellers include the Intense Hydrating Potion, Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner, and Growth Enhancing Moisture Therapy.

My Picks
When it comes to For.ti.fy'd, I'm a HUGE fan of the Sage Infused Black Soap Shampoo. Seriously Tracy, my scalp thanks you. Back in the day, I used to rely on Shea Moisture's African Black Soap collection for my psoriasis, but they got brand new with the formula, and took out the ingredients that made the collection effective for my hair. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you for giving my scalp a healthy dose of plantain, sage, and tea tree for scalp relief. Moreover, thank you for being thoughtful enough to include a nozzle tip for the shampoo - it's little touches like that that let me know, "we got us".

Aside from the amazing shampoo, I love the Intense Hydrating Potion. It's super moisturizing without being greasy, has great slip, and works as a leave-in or moisturizer. It gave my hair so much shine y'all! Not to mention, it smells like a red Starburst. I don't care what the Tina meme says, red Starburst > pink Starburst all day every day.

Where to Buy
For.ti.fy'd Naturals products are available at www.fortifydnaturals.com and a number of retailers across New York, California, Ohio, Kentucky, and Texas. Click here to find a retailer near you!

Follow For.ti.fy'd Naturals on Instagram at @fortifydnaturals!www.instagram.com/fortifydnaturals

Genedor Beauty
www.genedorbeauty.com

Genedor Beauty

Genedor Beauty is a new (as in just launched a few months ago new), Black Owned hair and skincare brand that hails from Texas. The brainchild of Ketia Bradley, Genedor Beauty aims to take the marketplace by storm with specially crafted beauty products to meet the specific needs of Black women. Ketia is a clinical psychologist, nurse, and professor of 18 years, who draws on her clinical experience to propel Genedor Beauty forward. To learn more about Genedor Beauty, read here. all Genedor Beauty products are:

• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ngredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Genedor Beauty's best sellers are the Swirl Curls Gel Styler, Moisture Resuscitate Deep Conditioning Treatment, Super Fruit Antioxidant Shampoo, and Healthy HairGummies.

My Picks
C'mon son. You already know.

Where to Buy
www.genedorbeauty.com

Follow Genedor Beauty on Instagram @genedorbeauty!

Habesha Handcrafted
www.habeshahandcrafted.com

Habesha Handcrafted

Habesha Handcrafted was founded in 2014 by Kendra Monchery, a native of St. Lucia. A neighborhod stylist on the Caribbean island, Kendra regularly saw clients with scalp conditions, and sought to provide them with relief and real solutions. Using using herbal remedies and plant-based treatments was proud part of her heritage in St. Lucia that she would carry over to the United States.

Today, Kendra and her husband handcraft, package, and distribute a number of herbal solutions under the Habesha Handcrafted banner. Each product is carefully crafted with plant-based ingredients for maximum benefit to the hair and scalp, informed by her many years of work as a stylist in St. Lucia and Brooklyn. Habesha Handcrafted products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Habesha Handcrafted's best sellers include the Black Soap Herbal Shampoo, Herbal Leave-In Conditioner, Hair Growth Moisturizer & Hot Oil Treatment

My Picks
About a week ago, I posted this teaser video on Instagram. The shampoo I used in that video was none other than Habesha Handcrafted Black Soap Herbal Shampoo. Y'ALL. LISTEN. That shampoo is legit fire. I don't know how Kendra did it, but it has OFF THE CHAIN slip. I did not detangle before using that shampoo. It makes my scalp feel amazing, and doesn't leave my hair stripped. The Black Soap Herbal Shampoo is quite literally one of the BEST shampoos to ever grace my hair and scalp, period. I can't get enough of this shampoo, and you better believe it's going on the Christina's Choice 2017 list. Yep. Calling it early.

Where to Buy
Habesha handcrafted products are available at select Landcaster, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, and Dallas, Texas retailers as well as www.habeshahandcrafted.com.

Follow Habesha Handcrafted on Instagram @habeshahandcrafted!

HAIRiette
www.hairiette.com

HAIRiette

If Tanya Wright looks familiar, that's because you've probably seen her before - several times! This New York born and bred actress and naturalista has enjoyed a long career on the small screen - from the Cosby Show as Theo's girlfriend, to True Blood and Orange is the New Black. After reaching her wits end with relaxers in 2010, Tanya gave herself a big chop - and was shocked to find coily curls springing up from her scalp. Through her journey of re-learning her natural hair, she uncovered life lessons on patience, resilience, and letting go. These spiritual principles inspired Tanya to write a book, I Found God in My Hair. In 2016, Tanya branched out to create HAIRiette, her very own hair care line driven by these same principles.

HAIRiette was created to serve the unique needs of coily, kinky, and curly hair, infusing moisturizing ayurvedic botanicals with the unique HAIRiette Hydrating Complex of vegetable keratin to strengthen, protect, and grow natural hair. All HAIRiette products are:

• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
HAIRiette's best sellers are the Curl Creme, Oil Blend, and Co-Wash.

My Picks
Spoiler alert - HAIRiette will be adding new products to their collection soon - one of which is DEFINITELY my pick. Issa deep conditioner, and I can't wait for y'all to experience it. It's extra rich, hydrating, and has amazing slip! Make sure you're following @hairiette on Instagram so you can be the first to know when it drops.

The other product I'm reeeeeally diggin'? The Co-Wash! It features kokum butter and marula oil, along with amino acids and botanicals. It has amazing slip, leaves my hair and scalp feeling moisturized, yet clean - and smells sooooo good. The HAIRiette Co-Wash is definitely a winner, y'all - combined with the yet-to-be-released deep conditioner, wash day is a BREEZE!

Where to Buy
HAIRiette products are available online at www.hairiette.com, in select beauty supply stores, and 6 Whole Foods stores in New York! Click here for more info!

Follow Hairiette on Instagram at @hairiette! www.instagram.com/hairiette

Inahsi Naturals

www.inahsi.com

Inahsi Naturals

Founded and ran by husband and wife team Brian and Rhonda Marshall, Inahsi Naturals is quickly emerging as a serious contender in the natural hair care world. Rhonda is a cosmetic chemist (and science teacher!) by trade, with the degrees to back it up. This husband and wife duo (Rhonda and Brian Marshall) brings years of industry experience and #BlackExcellence to the table. Rhonda served as a laboratory technician for Helene Curtis/Unilever, where she worked on formulations under Suave, Salon Selectives, and Degree. Brian, who holds an MBA and degree in Mechanical Engineering brings high level manufacturing, production, and strategy together for the Inahsi brand. The end result is high end, performance-driven products made from top quality natural ingredients at a reasonable price. Inahsi Naturals products are:

• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

My Picks
You guys already know my love for Inahsi Naturals runs deep. Check the receipts here. But if you're looking to experience Inahsi Naturals for yourself, I highly recommend starting with the Aloe & Hibiscus Leave-In Conditioner and Mango Hemp Restorative Deep Conditioner. Your tresses will give you a thousand and one thanks.

Where to Buy
Inahsi Naturals products are available online at www.inahsi.com and at a select few brick and mortar retailers. Click here for more info!

Follow Inahsi Naturals on Instagram @inahsinaturals

Kriya Botanicals
www.kriyabotanicals.com

Kriya Botanicals

It was a fateful day in college chemistry for Claire Brown that brought Kriya Botanicals into existence. She and her classmates were formulating lotion, and needed to add Ammonium Hydroxide to the mixture. Exposure to the chemical caused Claire to experience shortness of breath - and led her down the path to discovering just how many problematic ingredients were in mainstream hair and body products. From that point in 2006, Claire made it her mission to create all-natural, effective products that would not trigger her allergies or cause adverse health reactions.

With the Kriya Botanicals relaunch in 2012, Claire positioned her brand as the forerunner in conversation around porosity-based haircare products. The Kriya Botanicals high and low porosity hair care systems pre-date any other mainstream attempts to reach naturals based on their hair porosity, and not texture. All Kriya Botanicals products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw, organic and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Kriya Botanicals' best sellers are the Low Porosity Hair Care System, High Porosity Hair Care System, and Mango Twist and Braid Holding Cream.

My Picks
Because my hair can't ever just be one thing (one texture, one porosity, one length, one color), I tried products from the Kriya Botanicals High Porosity Hair Care System, which is formulated for normal and high porosity hair. After my first time using the Honey & Fruit Cleansing Conditioner and Intense Rehab Deep Treatment Masque, I IMMEDIATELY sent Claire a DM and thanked her profusely. Not just for making products that contain strawberry, papaya, and royal jelly, but for including ingredients like turmeric banana, and hemp, which are proven to help scalp conditions like psoriasis. Y'all, my hair and scalp felt SO good after wash day with these two. I wish I could bathe them. The yellow you see in those two products? Turmeric. Freaking TURMERIC! I recently turned into a turmeric lovin' nutjob - taking turmeric supplements, adding it to my face masks - and now I can put it on my hair and scalp! I need y'all to understand how much joy this brings me. 😂

Where to Buy
www.kriyabotanicals.com

Follow Kriya Botanicals on Instagram @kriyabotanicals

Oujoi Naturals

www.oujoi.com

Oujoi Naturals

First things first - Ojuoi is prounced ou-ju-wee. Second things second - Oujoi Naturals is brand new! Oujoi Naturals launched in 2017, after spending years researching and surveying naturalistas about their hair challenges. Many women complained that their wash day routines were taking too long, were too complicated, and always involved cocktailing products. Many were fed up with extreme detangling sessions, and a never-ending stash of products that couldn't meet their specific haircare needs.

Oujoi Naturals was created as a system to address one specific need - moisture. For naturals of all textures who suffer with dry hair, Oujoi delivers intense moisture in a complete wash day routine that simplifies hair care, cuts detangling time in half, and helps hair grow longer and stronger. Third things third - isn't their packaging like, everything? Y'all knew these colors were right up my alley! All Oujoi Naturals products are:

• handcrafted
• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers

Although Oujoi Naturals is a newborn baby, the Pear Butter 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, Triple Butter Moisture Mask, and Pear Butter Moisturizing Hair Custard are the top sellers.

My Picks
Y'all, I'm officially in love with two Be Cleans. Yes, Oujoi Naturals also has a Be Clean, in the form of their Be Clean Hydrating Co-Wash. And it is amazing. Rich, creamy, and full of slip, Be Clean left my curls feeling like they touched the hem of Jesus' garment. Y'all know what I'm talking about. The experience was that real. And when it came to the Triple Butter Moisture Mask, these curls kept holding on because LISTEN! That mask is literally everything. It's thick, rich, packed with moisture, and amazing slip. And after rinsing, every problem I had literally melted away. Tangles. Dryness. Rough ends. Student loan debt. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get my point. Be Clean Hydrating Co-Wash and Triple Butter Moisture Mask are a wash day made in heaven.

Where to Buy
www.oujoi.com

Follow Oujoi Naturals on Instagram at @oujoi!

Rucker Roots
www.ruckerroots.com

Rucker Roots

Paying homage to their family roots, entrepreneurial sister duo Ellen Rucker Sellers and Ione Rucker Jamison launched Rucker Roots - a healthy haircare system designed for the natural who likes to switch it up often. Inspired by their grandmother Ruth, a hair model for Cannoline Hair Products (one of the first companies specializing in Black hair care) and mother Ruby, who always advocated her daughters keep their hair relaxer-free, Rucker Roots taps into the Rucker sisters' rich South Carolina history to deliver natural solutions for natural hair.

The 4 products in the Rucker Roots collection work together, creating a lightweight yet moisturizing blowout system that does not compromise the integrity of natural hair. The products can be used on natural hair without heat, but they really shine when it's time to blow dry, silk press, or wand curl natural hair. The Rucker Roots system seals in moisture to protect against heat damage, maintaining cuticle health and ensuring that hair bounces back without damage. All Rucker Roots products are:

• cruelty free
• vegan
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, and petroleum

Best Sellers
Rucker Roots' best sellers are the Smoothing Sulfate Free Shampoo, Detangling Cpnditioner, and Silkening Growth Serum.

My Picks
First things first - let me say I am 137% HERE for a Black owned blowout and silk press system that combines natural ingredients to preserve and maintain the integrity of our hair. The natural hair community is not as rigid as it used to be (thank God), so there's plenty of room for a brand like Rucker Roots to thrive. Many naturals switch it up seasonally, and others just want to rock straight hair without a relaxer. Either way, Rucker Roots is a win.

While it's not quite time for me to straighten my hair again, I tried out the system on my natural hair texture and I'm legit still impressed. Everything contains the Rucker Root Complex, which is a proprietary blend of ginger, carrot, and turnip extracts to stimulate hair growth, strengthen at the follicle, prevent hair loss, and control flaking. It gets better from there! The Smoothing Sulfate Free Shampoo legitimately smooths the hair. My ends tend to get really dry, and not a crispy end was found after shampooing. The Detangling Conditioner lives up to the hype - with crazy slip, tons of moisture, and everything I'd want to see in a product line meant to protect my hair from heat damage.

When it's time to straighten my hair again, you best believe I'm reaching for Rucker Roots.

Where to Buy
www.ruckerroots.com

Follow Rucker Roots on Instagram @ruckerroots!

Sarenzo Beauty

www.sarenzobeauty.com

Just a small sampling of what Sarenzo Beauty has to offer

Founded by Sarah Sarenzo, Sarenzo Beauty is a one-stop shop for everything from natural deodorant to styling creams. Sarenzo's hair care products stand out from the pack because not only do they carry an impressive scent library (spoiler alert: everything smells edible), but they're also all shea butter free. Yep, anti-shea butter folks, rejoice! Sarenzo has your back. Additionally, Sarenzo Beauty products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

My Picks
Full disclosure - I almost tried to eat the Sarenzo Beauty Hair Pudding. Before you judge me, hear me out. The fragrance is apple crisp - sweet, with a hint of twang and warm cinnamon. You could blindfold me, tell me it was a scoop of apple pie filling, and I'd believe you.

I told you, don't be so quick to judge.

In addition to smelling like a slice of decadence, the Hair Pudding has TONS of moisture and slip. I fell in love using it to put my hair in chunky twists - it made detangling my dry hair super easy (I didn't even need water), and my twists were hydrated, shiny, and juicy. When I took it down, my twist out pattern was poppin' - but if you know me, you know I don't do twist outs. 😂But if you love a good defined twist out, definitely give the Hair Pudding a Try.

The other product I couldn't get enough of is one I've heard my girl Ashkins Curls RAVE about - the Clay Wash. I have it in Peppermint & Tea Tree and it's quite literally amazing. Not only does it gently cleanse and make my curls pop, it makes my scalp tingle with buildup busting goodness. I'm all for brands replacing my bootleg DIYs with products that blow them out of the water - and the Clay Wash is definitely on that list!

Where to Buy
www.sarenzobeauty.com

Follow Sarenzo Beauty on Instagram @sarenzobeauty!

Tailored Beauty
www.tailoredbeautyproducts.com

Tailored Beauty

After doing research on healthy hair care practices, Tailored Beauty founder Keya James decided to give up relaxers and go on a healthy hair journey - using YouTube to document the process. In 2012, she started making her own whipped shea butter, which would later come to be the Tailored Beauty Everything Butter. Later that year, she became pregnant with her first child - Summer James. Keya used Everything Butter on her stomach throughout her entire pregnancy - with no stretch marks as a result! After Summer was born in 2013, Keya was convinced the only way to care for her and her daughter's hair was with all natural products she made herself. In showing her YouTube audience the products she made for her and her daughter, subscribers began requesting batches of Everything Butter for themselves. 

Sensing an emerging opportunity, Keya and her husband Aaron James started Tailored Beauty later that year - leveraging their degrees in Business to grow the Tailored Beauty brand. All Tailored Beauty products are:

• handcrafted
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Tailored Beauty's best sellers are the Everything Butter, Moisturizing Mist, and Perfect Coils Curling Jelly.

My Picks
When it comes to Tailored Beauty, I roll heavy with the Coconut Creme Conditioner and Perfect Coils Curling Jelly. And here's why. The Coconut Creme Conditioner is thick, but not impossible, rich, but not greasy, and super moisturizing. The slip is off the chain, and I LOVE the sweet, creamy coconut smell. Not only is it a stellar rinse out and deep conditioner, it can also be used as a co-wash! It's literally 3 products in 1, and is amazing at every single task. Next, I'm going to try it as a leave-in - because why not? The Coconut Creme Conditioner is top notch, and I can't get enough!

I feel like Black owned businesses are really honing in on this gel thing, and as a wash & go girl, I'm deeply appreciative. I don't have those easy, breezy, loosey goosey curls that turn into perfect spirals with two pumps of creme serum. These curls take WORK - but it's a delicate dance. I need hold and definition, but I don't want my hair stuck to my head. I like shine, but not grease. And at the same time, I don't want my hair feeling dry. I don't mind shrinkage and small hair on day 1, but I'm expecting fullness come day 2 and 3. It's a tall order, and I'll be the first to say that Tailored Beauty Perfect Coils Curling Jelly delivers on all those fronts. My only wish is that it came in a bigger jar. Ya girl needs more than 8oz!

Where to Buy
Tailored Beauty Products are available online at www.tailoredbeautyproducts.com and at select retailers. Click here for more details!

Follow Tailored Beauty on Instagram @tailoredbeauty!

Tree Naturals
www.treenaturals.com

Tree Naturals

In the early stages of her natural hair journey, Tree Sales struggled terribly with moisture retention. With YouTube providing little help, Tree began crafting her own products from scratch - out of sheer frustration. Friends, family, and co-workers took notice of her visibly healthier hair, and wanted to know her secret. Soon after, Tree Naturals was born.

Beyond ingredients, Tree believes that the source matters. Since the inception of Tree Naturals, the brand has always sourced their materials in ways that support the people and land that produce them. The raw, unrefined shea butter used in Tree Naturals products is harvested and curated by a fair trade group in Ghana that offers economic and social empowerment opportunities to local communities. Tree Naturals rests on a simple philosophy - doing the right thing. All Tree Naturals products are:

• handcrafted in small batches
• cruelty free
• paraben free
• sulfate free
• made with raw and natural ingredients
• free of artificial colorants
• free of phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, and petroleum
• curly girl friendly

Best Sellers
Tree Naturals' best sellers include the Rice Flower & Shea Leave-In Conditioner, Whipped Curl Creme, and Natasha's Growth Butter.

My Picks
The Rice Flower & Shea Leave-In is dripping with herbal decadence, literally. It's creamy, has tons of slip, but doesn't leave hair feeling weighed down or heavy. It is really an ideal product to lay the foundation for a great wash n' go or braid-out style. It plays nicely with many gels in my stash, so I'm not worried about dryness or flakes - and the moisture is long lasting. Plus, it doubles as a daily moisturizer!

Now let's get in to the other product I'm like basically flipping out over. The Calm Conditioner Bar with Green Tea & Coconut is amazing. I used it like 4 years ago (seriously, October 2013), and I was excited about a conditioning product in solid form. This time around, I'm like - this is some next level ish! Tree was before her time with this one! Yes, it's solid like a soap bar, and you can rub it on your wet hair to condition it, sans bubbles. HOWEVER - if you want to experience the Black owned version of that Lush Kinky stuff everybody ran out to buy (that I side-eyed the crap out of), I highly recommend picking up the Calm Conditioner Bar instead. And here's why. When you take a slice of the conditioner bar and place it in hot water, it melts into a creamy, hot-oil style treatment. And if you let it cool down? It takes on the full-fledged consistency of conditioner. I kid you not - I did it myself and I'll show you pictures later! It's amazing. And it existed before that Lush stuff. So yeah. #boom

Where to Buy
Tree Naturals products are available online at www.treenaturals.com, and a dozen brick and mortar retailers. Click here to see if one is near you!

Follow Tree Naturals on Instagram at @treenaturals!

Alright you guys - these are my rising star Black owned natural hair brand picks for 2018. Who you got? Let me know in the comments below. I can't wait to see where these brands are a year from now! Stay tuned for the ULTIMATE Black Friday Sale List - Coming November 2017!

3 Work From Home Tips for Side Hustlers & Budding Entrepreneurs

November 13, 2017, 9:06 am

≫ Next: Review: Eco Styler Leave-In Conditioner (Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil)

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Hopefully these tips help you #securethebag for 2018!

It's funny - every time I talk to someone about working from home, they have this idea that I lay in bed all day, watching cartoons and occasionally responding to e-mails.

And while I'm no longer making a 45 minute commute, dealing with office politics, or pretending to like people I wish that would just leave me the hell alone, working from home comes with its on set of challenges.

Like resisting the urge to lay in bed and watch cartoons.

If you're working your 9-5 from home with a hustle on the side, or already working for yourself as a budding entrepreneur, these 3 tips will help you get organized, get focused, and get those creative juices flowing - so we can get this schmoney!

Tip #1: Carve Out a Space for Work

My desk space. Minimal clutter for maximum focus.

One of the first things I did when Samuel and I moved in together was set up my office workspace. It's not a full fancy suite or anything, but it's definitely a space that's carved out for working and blogging only. My work space is decked out with my laptop, an essential oil diffuser, writing utensils, and enough space for me to use my many notebooks, iPad, or whatever I need to take notes on. Because I'm a visual and tactile learner, I also have an office-sized whiteboard adjacent to my desk that helps me flush out ideas, reminds me of upcoming projects, and helps me keep up with to-do's across The Mane Objective, Christina Patrice Creative, #30DaysofDope, and more.

Related:My 5 Favorite Photo Editing Apps  (2015)

My living room, although quiet, is better left as a relaxation and social space.

Having a dedicated workspace helps me focus more on the task at hand, while not associating other places around the house as work locations. Some people do like to lay in bed and work from a laptop. I tried that - it doesn't work for me. I either end up wanting to do nothing but lay around, or start associating my place of rest with work. Same thing with the living/dining area. And if you live with your significant other - they will at some point grow annoyed with your clickety-click-clacking of the keyboard while laying in bed. #trustme

Tip #2: Use Technology to Your Advantage

A real snapshot inside my Dropbox.

I learned a long time ago that having documents, photos, and videos saved to my computer and external hard drive were insufficient. Not only are some files huge (hi videos), but what would happen if my beloved desktop suddenly went kaputz? That's why Dropbox and Microsoft One Drive have been my right hand, and my go-to for organizing files, keeping me sane, and giving me access to things I need regardless of where I was.

One Drive is clutch for Microsoft documents and PDFs (if you write for a living you probably have the Microsoft suite of products) - and it's free with your Office subscription. Thanks to One Drive, I've been able to travel, attend meetings, or just work from somewhere else while having vital files still accessible. I can't tell you how many times I've written quick drafts or made last minute edits from my iPhone. 😂

Dropbox is one of the best media organizing systems I've ever used. As many of you know, I've branched off into photography in addition to blogging. I'm sure you can imagine the number of photos I've taken and amassed over the years. Thanks to Dropbox, I'm able to keep everything organized alphabetically - for easy access, sharing, and of course #tbt.  As soon as I'm done capturing photos, I immediately upload everything to Dropbox. I've lost, damaged, locked, and corrupted so many SD cards throughout my years of blogging, that I don't rely on them to retain whatever I captured. Yeah, I'm paying $9.99 a month for storage, but I'd rather do that and have my files forever than find out Bailey ate 128gb of my life.

Tip #3: Get Out & Get Inspired

How could I not enjoy being out in the CX-5?

When I first started working from home, I really embraced the home life. Robe all day. Curls up in a scarf pineapple. Only leaving home to go to the gym, or run an errand or two. And then after a while, I would start feeling anxious and caved in - like I couldn't leave home because I had work to do.

Which is crazy because the whole point of working from home or for yourself is to be location independent. Esepecially with a laptop, iPad, and cloud storage at my disposal.

My next car must have a touch screen in the dash. #nonegotiations

During one of my more challenging weeks of work, I teamed up with Drive Shop and got my hands on this gorgeous CX-5 in that Soul Red color I love so much. Inspired by the bright color and fun spirit of this compact SUV, I got out of the house and spent a few days working away from my house. I visited some of my favorite coffee and lunch spots like Peets, Specialty's (which also serves Peets - yes, I love Peet's more than Starbucks any day!), and Panera. Being out in a different environment gave me fresh air, a fresh perspective, and oddly enough, helped me focus more.

I was so sad that I had to give it back. If I had one of my own, I'd be looking for excuses to drive everywhere!

Thanks to the Mazda CX-5, driving around and maneuvering through traffic to reach my destinations was a breeze. With a comfortable interior and a bomb playlist, I rode through LA, Manhattan Beach, and the South Bay in style.

So even though you may work from home, and those long days in a robe and scarf are comfortable - it's still important to get out and about. See your area from a new vantage point. Get inspired by greenery, architecture, and caffeine. Sit in a coffee shop with people who are likely on the same grind you are. Savor a Panera soup. Flex those small-talk muscles. 😂

Trust me - breaking the monotony does wonders for creativity and focus!

What are some of your work from home side hustling and business tips? Share in the comments below!

This post is sponsored by Drive Shop and Mazda.

Review: Eco Styler Leave-In Conditioner (Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil)

November 14, 2017, 2:15 pm

≫ Next: Review & Demo: As I Am Long and Luxe Collection Part 1

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Read this review at your own risk!

Yes, Eco Styler makes a leave-in conditioner. Of course I went on a mission to find and try it out - and to be honest, it's been a while since I've felt this conflicted about a product.

I don't want to spoil all my feelings about the new Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Moisture Rich Leave-In Conditioner in the opening paragraph, so let's just dive on in to this review.

Cost
$10.99 for 8oz (make a mental note of this for later)

Where to Buy
Your local beauty supply store might have it, and here on Amazon.

Active Ingredients(stick a pin right here too)

• Water
• Dimethicone Copolyol: Conditioning polymer made from dimethicone and polyoxyethylene. Used in hair preparations to enhance slip and smooth the hair for combability.
• Stearyl Alcohol + Cetyl Alcohol + Ethylhexyl Isononanoate + Quaternium-82 + Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine (yes this is ONE ingredient): Also known as STEPANQUAT® DC1. This is a concentrated blend made specifically for hair conditioners to provide detangling and wet and dry combability properties. It leaves the hair shiny, full of body, and static-free.
• 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. It's important to note that the INCI name (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) listing for castor oil and black castor oil are the same.
• Linseed Oil: Flax seed oil, which is omega-3 rich. Benefits the hair by improving elasticity, smoothing the cuticle, nourishing hair follicles and stimulating growth, easing dry, flaky scalp, and increasing hair strength. [more on omegas in hair]
• Phenoxyethanol: A glycol ether preservative alternative to parabens

Protein Free?
No. The Eco Styler Leave-In Conditioner contains Hydrolyzed Milk Protein.

Their packaging gives me Sally's Generic Line vibes...

Curly Girl Friendly?
Not by a long shot. 😂

The Good
It's taking everything in me to not reverse the order of this review and list the bad before the good. But good news first, right?

The fragrance (although I am by no means a fan), does not linger in the hair for long. Because the consistency is not super thick, it soaks easily into my hair but doesn't altogether disappear. I can definitely tell there is a leave-in conditioner at work on my curls. The slip ability is decent, although less than I thought it would be. I've had slippier leave-ins (like all of these), and then some.

<End of backhanded compliments>

Do y'all see that definition?! Like, what the heck yo?!

I'ma just come right out and say it. The stuff WORKS. I don't know how. I don't know why. But it does. I paired it with my favorite Eco Styler (Argan Oil), and the results literally befuddled me. Not a frizz in sight on day 1 and day 2. My hair was shiny. Gel cast a little softer than normal without sacrificing hold. My hair felt moisturized, so much so that I didn't need to refresh on day 2.

By day 3, there was some frizz in my disrespectful areas (front/center and crown), but nothing that made me throw the wash & go away and start over. I've never been so disappointed that my hair looked so good. I was confused and excited at the same time.

The Bad
:::cracks knuckles:::
Let's start with those two items I told you to remember earlier. First of all, I am absolutely, completely, and wholeheartedly offended that Eco Styler, who notoriously sells gel by the tubful for banana peels and leftover chicken nuggets would dare set their price point for this leave-in at $10.99. Maybe I got swindled in the hood (I went to a beauty supply in Inglewood), but I fully walked in expecting to pay $5.99 at most for this leave-in. But there it was on the shelf, in all of it's $10.99 splendor.

The nerve.

Which takes me to my next point.

Deep down in my spirit, I know there is nothing on this ingredient list that justifies the price point. Don't get me wrong - I regularly pay over and above $10.99 for hair products. But they're often handcrafted, or produced by small, Black owned businesses and contain superior natural ingredients that are elusive and expensive. I thought maybe it was the STEPANQUAT ® DC1 stuff that drove up the price. I even called the company that makes it, but no one got back in time before I published this review. So my feeling stands - the price point is not justified by the ingredient list. And when I look at the rest of the Eco Styler products offered (there's a deep conditioner, beeswax, edge control, and oil), pricing holds at $9.99 and higher.

First of all, who needs a full 8oz of 48-HOUR HOLD edge control?!

The only other product I was interested in was the deep conditioner, but the fragrance was so off-putting, I just walked away. I have no time for deep conditioners that smell like Sis. Gladys that sits on the 2nd pew every Sunday morning after a cigarette. Speaking of fragrance, I hate the way the Eco Styler Leave-In Conditioner smells. It smells like an even more chemical-laden version of that God awful Victoria's Secret purple Love Spell spray everyone (myself included) wore in high school thinking we were cute and grown.

I'm not impressed by the slip either. I thought for sure a product so rich in silicone would give me the benefit of the slip. It was kinda there, but not enough for me to consider this a detangler. And while we're at it, let me just say I find the packaging to be an absolute waste. The label is ugly. I legit hate looking at it.😂 And the spray nozzle was a bad call. Trying to spray on leave-in in the shower with wet hands and wet hair was a struggle, to say the least. After two sprays, I unscrewed the top and squeezed it out to apply. Not only did it coat my hair better, but it took less time and energy than spritzing all over.

But these day 3 curls...😖

The Bottom Line
The packaging is an eyesore, and poorly thought out. The fragrance sucks, although it doesn't linger. All the good ingredients (argan oil, grapeseed oil, willowbark extract, mongongo oil, olive oil) are at the bottom of the list. The price is too damn high. But even with all that said - the Eco Styler Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Moisture Rich Leave-In Conditioner works. My hair looked and felt amazing. Are the results worth it to waver on so many other things I care about? To be honest, I'm not really sure.

I mean, I love a good hair day as much as the next natural. But at what cost (literally and figuratively)? I could say it's a terrible leave-in, and that would be factual. I could say it's a great leave-in, and that would hold true, too. I can't call it y'all. All I can say is try it at your own risk.

Would I Buy it Again?
All things considered, no. Eco Styler did not come out the gates swinging with this one. I hope they go back to the drawing board and revisit this thing from the ground up. I'll be finishing out my bottle for sure, but not going back for a re-up. I can think of better businesses to spend $10.99 with - that don't result in me calling a random chemical manufacturer. 😂

Aiight y'all. That's the good, bad, and ugly about the new Eco Styler Leave-In Conditioner. Will you be giving it a try? Let me know in the comments below! 

Review & Demo: As I Am Long and Luxe Collection Part 1

November 20, 2017, 7:46 am

≫ Next: 2017 ULTIMATE Black Friday // Small Business Saturday // Cyber Monday Natural Hair & Skincare Sale Guide

≪ Previous: Review: Eco Styler Leave-In Conditioner (Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil)

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The Long & Luxe Collection from As I Am was designed to aid in growth and length retention.

Y'all already know I'm on a length retention mission. Now that my hair is restored to health (Hallelujah!), I'm focusing all my energy on maximizing growth and retaining every inch that I can.

That's why I was so eager to get my hands on the Long and Luxe collection, the newest set of products from As I Am. This collection, made specifically for type 3 and 4 hair, is all about helping naturals retain length by strengthening and lubricating the hair to prevent knots, tangles, snags, and breakage.

Right. Up. My. Alley.

Over the next two posts, I'm going to deep dive and break down each product, and share how I used Long and Luxe to create two easy, cold weather friendly natural hair styles perfect for the holidays. I'll also be sharing which products are absolute must-haves for my stash!

Let's dive in!

The first style up is a super easy, super cute braid & curl. This style is perfect for naturals with multiple textures of hair, including transitioning hair! It's super easy to install, and the perfect alternative to a wash & go! Check out the video for style details!



Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo (Hydrating Hair Wash)
Cost
$10.99 for 12oz

Where to Buy
As I Am website and Sally Beauty (heads up - the Long and Luxe Line is BOGO 50% off at Sally's right now!)

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate: Cleansing and wetting agent derived from coconut oil fatty acids. Used to help water mix with dirt and oils to be rinsed away. As a wetting agent, helps product spread across surfaces for more efficient cleaning.
• Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid: Mild anionic surfactant (cleanser) with good tolerance in hard water (I personally thank you).
• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: Gentle surfactant and cleansing agent that is not a sulfate. It aids in foaming, degreasing, and emulsifying while being extremely gentle on the skin and hair.
• Cocamide MIPA: Surfactant, emulsifier, and foaming agent derived from coconut acid.

Protein Free?

No. Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin

Curly Girl Friendly?

As far as I can see yes - the shampoo is sulfate and silicone free.

Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo

The Good
First things first - I honestly love the fragrance of the line. While it is stronger in some products (like the conditioner and co-wash), it is less hefty in others. In the Strengthening Shampoo, the tropical pomegranate fragrance notes are lighter, and I'm totally here for it. As a shampoo, I enjoyed it in the way that you'd enjoy a traditional shampoo. It smelled great, foamed well, left my hair and scalp clean, and didn't turn my curls into a hot, tangled mess.

I can definitely say that after each shampoo use, my hair felt stronger - even before applying the conditioner. And I noticed that when following up the Strengthening Shampoo with the conditioner, I didn't see as much shedding as I detangled.

The Bad
Although I enjoyed the strengthening properties of the shampoo, I do wish it had some slip. It didn't tangle my hair all up, but I definitely wasn't able to run my fingers through the suds like I can with some of my favorites. 

The Bottom Line
The Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo made my hair feel clean and strong - there's no doubt about that. I wouldn't consider it a moisturizing shampoo, just something that gets the hair clean while strengthening and reducing shedding. If your hair is weak, overprocessed, or you suffer from excessive shedding and breakage, the Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo could do your strands some justice!

Long and Luxe Conditioner (Strengthening and Hydrating Treatment)

Cost

$10.99 for 12oz

Where to Buy

As I Am website and Sally Beauty (don't forget about that BOGO!)

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Pomegranate Fruit Juice: Widely known as an anti-aging, antioxidant powerhouse, pomegranate juice protects the outer layer of the skin (scalp), facilitating cell regeneration and tissue repair. Pomegranate juice is also able to penetrate and treat dry skin, soothing and repairing dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It also strengthens the hair follicles and improves circulation at the scalp to encourage hair growth.
• Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
• Cetearyl and Cetyl 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.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.
• Passion Fruit Juice: Rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and proteins. This nitrient-packed juice works as an anti-inflammatory - rejuvenating the follicles to help combat hair loss.

Protein Free?

No. Contains Hydrolyzed Lupine (plant-based) Protein and Hydrolyzed Keratin.

Curly Girl Friendly?

As far as I can see yes - the conditioner is silicone free.

The Good
First of all, let me say this - the slip in this conditioner is OFF THE CHAIN! It's literally the perfect companion to the Strengthening Shampoo. The consistency feels less like a super creamy conditioner, and has more of that ooey-gooey slippy feeling. As I Am definitely called in a favor from the slip gawds on this one.

I've found that I get the most bang for my buck when combining the conditioner with the shampoo on wash day. I'm a little disappointed, but not surprised because conditioners always work better when paired with shampoos over co-washes.

Long and Luxe Conditioner

While detangling with the Long and Luxe Conditioner, I found that my breakage was significantly reduced, and I had a lot less shedding. With the immense slippage, I was able to detangle my whole head in record time. Mind you - this is after I shampooed the crazy way (aka "girl you trippin'" style) - not splitting my hair into sections! 

The Bad
I do feel like the Long & Luxe Collection over all is missing a true deep conditioner. You know, that thick, rich, creamy stuff that just lavishes your strands in immaculate splendor? Yeah, that. The Long & Luxe Conditioner is great for strengthening, slip, and some moisture, but it's not super moisturizing. It doesn't give me that baby smoove buttery realness that my curls crave. It's not bad - it's just not the best. 

The Bottom Line
To be honest, the conditioner isn't an essential part of the collection for me. It's cool, but not amazing - ya know? If you're suffering from weak, brittle hair, the conditioner would make an excellent detangler to help minimize hair fall and breakage. But for me and my tresses, it's not a must-have.

I found these dope rose gold hair jewels at my local BSS.

Long and Luxe GroWash (Cleansing Creme Conditioner)

Cost

$10.99 for 16oz

Where to Buy
As I Am website and Sally Beauty (don't forget about that BOGO!)

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Aloe Vera Juice: 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.
• Pomegranate Fruit Juice: Widely known as an anti-aging, antioxidant powerhouse, pomegranate juice protects the outer layer of the skin (scalp), facilitating cell regeneration and tissue repair. Pomegranate juice is also able to penetrate and treat dry skin, soothing and repairing dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It also strengthens the hair follicles and improves circulation at the scalp to encourage hair growth.
• Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
• 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.
• 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.
• Passion Fruit Juice: Rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and proteins. This nitrient-packed juice works as an anti-inflammatory - rejuvenating the follicles to help combat hair loss.

Protein Free?

No. Contains Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein and Hydrolyzed Keratin.

Curly Girl Friendly?

No. Contains propoxy tetramethyl piperidinyl dimethicone (albeit at the bottom of the list).

More: Why silicones aren't as bad as you think.

Long and Luxe GroWash

The Good
Can I be real with y'all? I've secretly been in love with the GroWash Cleansing Creme Conditioner since this summer. I first peeped the new Long & Luxe line at BeautyCon LA, and got my grubby lil' hands on a jar. I was immediately enamored with the slip. Like, the slip levels in GroWash are light years above and beyond anything that the revered As I Am Coconut Co-Wash could ever achieve.

You can have the most tangled, trifilin' hair and GroWash will know those knots out in record time. As with the Strengthening Shampoo, I noticed reduce shedding and virtually no breakage while working the product through my hair. Upon rinsing, my hair felt soft, strong, and very well cleansed. I've noticed that As I Am does this thing with their co-washes that gives them more cleansing ability than conditioner, but less than shampoo. I kinda like it. But that slip?! Unparallelled.

The Bad
The fragrance on the GroWash is a wee bit strong for my taste, but that's it. 

The Bottom Line
If you thought the Coconut Co-Wash was that jam, you definitely need to give GroWash a try.

Don't forget to watch the video demo for style deets!

Questions from the 'Gram
I dropped a post on Instagram asking what questions you guys had about the line. See my answers below!

Q: What are the must-haves/favorites from this line, if not all?
A: For me, the must-haves are the GroWash Cleansing Conditioner and the GroYogurt Leave-In. The Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a close third. I like it a whooooooole lot more than Shea Moisture's.

Q: Did you find these at Sally Beauty?
A: Sure did! And they're BOGO 50% off this month!

Q: I want to know what you think of the smell?...I'm afraid it's gonna linger in my hair.
A: I know you mentioned pine vibes - I don't catch that at all, lol! I'm definitely getting passionfruit and tropical vibes. A little perfumey, and I smell it more in the conditioner and co-wash than the other products. It does linger. I don't notice it hours later, but in the first hour or so after using the products, I still smell them. But I rather like the smell.

Leave your unanswered questions about the line in the comments below!

Q: I'd love to hear your comparison between this and their original line.
A: I haven't tried the entire original (brown label) line, but there are some definite differences. GroWash blows the As I Am Coconut Co-Wash out of the water. I love the GroYogurt Leave-In and original As I Am Leave-In about the same, with a slight edge to GroYogurt because it's creamier and has a wee bit more slip. I love the original As I Am Smoothing Gel, but the Long and Luxe Collection doesn't have a gel, and it's not fair of me to compare it to the smoothie - because gel will always win.

The Long & Luxe Shampoo beats out their Curl Clarity Shampoo in my opinion, and literally everything outperforms that Detangling Conditioner and Leave-In Tangle Releaser (do they still even sell it?) that I tried years ago. But the superstars are definitely GroYogurt and the GroWash!

Q:Does the scalp serum actually moisturize the scalp and help with dryness?
A: Without giving too much away for part 2 where I'll discuss the Scalp Serum in depth, I'll say this - it's not a serum in the way you might think. Rather than look like an oil, it looks like a runny ointment - think milk of magnesia. While it does contain some moisturizers (glycerin, aloe), the primary purpose of the Scalp Serum is to strengthen the hair, nourish the follicles, and stimulate growth. I would personally have the Scalp Serum and another scalp moisturizer in my regimen to balance things out.

Stay tuned for part 2! I'll be deep-diving into the GroYogurt Leave-In, Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and Scalp Serum!

This blog post is sponsored by As I Am.

2017 ULTIMATE Black Friday // Small Business Saturday // Cyber Monday Natural Hair & Skincare Sale Guide

November 22, 2017, 8:51 am

≫ Next: Review & Demo: As I Am Long and Luxe Collection Part 2

≪ Previous: Review & Demo: As I Am Long and Luxe Collection Part 1

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Are you ready?!

Alright you guys - I've held you up long enough. Without further delay, I present the ULTIMATE Black Friday // Small Business Saturday // Cyber Monday Sale Guide! A lot of you guys have been waiting on this list - and thank you so much for being patient with me. Between working a real job (I'm not an influencer for a living lol), blogging, photography, and life, things have been hectic!

You guys know the drill - grab your note pad (or get your screenshot thumb ready) and let's get down to business. I'm going to try to update this list as much as possible as new sales become available - so check back often if you don't see your favorite brands listed yet. I'll try to let you guys know about updates via Instagram Stories, Snapchat, and Facebook. So make sure you find me all those places - it's maneobjective all the way around.





The list below features brands of all sizes - with a special emphasis on small and Black owned businesses. This season and year round, let's make sure we're supporting the brands with a vested interest in the natural hair community beyond their bottom line. 

Oh - and don't forget to share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat - with a friend IRL - wherever! The more the merrier!

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adwoa beauty™www.adwoabeauty.com 
November 23th @ 5 PM CST – 24th 11:59 PM CST 
25% off site-wide - free shipping over $75 Code: ADWOABF17 Exclusions: no International Shipping to UK, Canada, and France only

Sale Date(s): November 25th @12 AM CST – 24th 11:59 PM CST Promotion: free shipping over $30+ Code: ADWOASBS Exclusions: on domestic orders only International Shipping: yes. canada, uk and france only

Sale Date(s): November 27th @ 12 AM CST – 27th 11:59 PM CST Promotion: 15% off site-wide - free shipping over $75 Code: ADWOACM Exclusions: no International Shipping: yes. canada, uk and france only

Alikay Naturals 
www.AlikayNaturals.com
November 23rd - 24th 40% off selected products + 10% off Kits & Collections + 20% off Gallons No Coupon Code Required Excludes Candles International Shipping Available

 November 25th - 26th 20% off selected products + 15% off Kits & Collections + Free Tote No Coupon Code Required 
Excludes Candles and Gallons. While supplies last.
International Shipping Available

November 27th 30% off selected products + 15% off Kits & Collections No Coupon Code Required Excludes Candles and Gallons. International Shipping Available

Alodia Hair Care  
www.alodiahaircare.com
 Sales Dates: Nov 24th-27th Promotion: 20% off site wide Sell link: https: //alodiahaircare.com/discount/blackfriday Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes 

Sales Dates: Nov 25th-27th Promotion: New Product Arrival For the Holidays! Nourish & Heal Organic Black Soap Hair Wash: $6.00 Sell link: https: //alodiahaircare.com/discount/blacksoapfor$6 Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

Sales Dates: Nov 27th Promotion: 25% off entire site. Also tune in the our FB Live starting at 8pm for your chance to win free product & learn great hair care tips Sell link: https: //alodiahaircare.com/discount/cybermonday Alodia's Face Book live starting at 8pm: https://www.facebook.com/alodiahaircare/ Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes 

Ashley's Naturalswww.AshleysNaturals.com Instagram - @AshleysNaturals Sale Dates: November 24 - 27th Promotions - Flash Sales, Bundle Deals, Exclusive Pre-orders, Gift Sets Exclusions - Terms and Conditions may apply. International Shipping: No

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Be Kekoa
www.bekekoa.com
November 24th - November 27th Promotion: Triple Bundle Deal- $40 8oz sizes of Be Clean, Be Clair and Be Moist Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes November 24th - November 27th Mana Sampler- $25 Travel sizes: Mana Handcrafted Hair & Body Butter, Be Clair, Be Clean and Be Moist Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes November 24th - November 25th Promotion: Get 50% off CocoManu OR Vanilla Infused Tamanu with 2oz Pure Tamanu or Essential Blend purchase Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

November 27th Promotion: Sample Pack- $15 Travel size Be Clean OR Be Clair OR Be Moist PLUS 1/2 ounce CocoManu Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

November 27th Promotion: Triple Bundle Deal- $45 FREE 1 ounce CocoManu with purchase of: Curly Girl Souffle, Be Hold Gel and Be Clean (8 oz) Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes November 27th Promotion: Purchase any economy size (32 oz) Be Clean, Be Clair, or Be Moist get a free travel size Mana Handcrafted Hair and Body Butter ($8.00 value) Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: NO

BEL NOUVO BEAUTY www.belnouvo.com Sale Dates: November 23-26 Promotion: 25% OFF All Orders Code: Noire Exclusions: None International Shipping: No

Blue Roze Beautywww.bluerozebeauty.com Sale dates: November 24th Promotion $50 beauty box with 5 full size products ships free 40% off products Code: Myblackfriday Exclusion: Beauty Box International shipping: Yes

Sale dates: November 25-26 promotion: 35% off $50 beauty box with five full size products code: Myblackfriday exclusions: Beauty Box international shipping: yes

Brown Butter Beauty 
www.BrownButterBeauty.com November 24th - 27th 25% off site-wide Code: BlackFriday Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

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Curls and Potionswww.curlsandpotions.com
Sale Date(s): November 24th thru 27th **November 24th EARLY BIRD 50% off from 6am to 9am EST** Promotion: 30% off site-wide Code: BLKFRIDAY (free shipping on orders over $25) **Early Bird code: EARLYBIRD Exclusions: None International Shipping: NO

Curl Origin www.curlorigin.com
Sale Date(s): November 23th – 27th Promotion: 40% Code: BLACKORIGINS40 Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

CurlShoppewww.curlshoppe.ca Sale Date(s): November 24th – 26th Promotion: 20% off site-wide Code: 20BF2017 Exclusions: Does not apply to bundles. International Shipping: No (US & CA only)

Sale Date(s): November 27th Promotion: $10 off $30+ Code: 1030CM2017 Exclusions: Does not apply to bundles International Shipping: No (US & CA only)

CoCoConscious Collective
www.cococonscious.com  
Sale Date(s): November 25th – 27th Promotion: Buy One, Gift One 50% OFF on Curly Concoctions and Straight Transformations Complete Regimens + FREE Shipping in US Code: BOGIFTO50 Exclusions: None International Shipping: Fee based, not included, but available

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Elaine Hair&Bodywww.ehbody.com November 22-24 
Spend $30 or more and get a full size bottle of hair gel(new product) 
No code needed 
No Exclusions
International Shipping Available

November 25 ONLY 30% off site-wide  
Code: SBS30% No Exclusions
International Shipping Available

November 27 free shipping on all orders over $40 CYBERM Valid on US orders only No International Shipping 

Embrace the Natural You www.embracethenaturalyou.com Sale Date(s): November 23rd to 27th Promotion: 35% off Embrace Hair Care, Satin Bonnets, Satin Beanies, Shower Caps Code: No code needed Exclusions: Twist Hair, Human Hair International Shipping: Yes

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Fortify'd Naturalswww.Fortifydnaturals.com Sale date: Nov 24 2017 Promotion: 30% Off Sitewide Code: BF2017 Exclusions: No International Shipping: Yes

Sale date: Nov 27 2017 Promotion: 25% Off Site Wide Code: CM2017 Exclusions: No International Shipping: Yes

G
Genedor Beautywww.genedorbeauty.com Sale Date: November 24th Promotion: 35% off site-wide Code: BLACKFRIDAY Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

Sale Date: November 25th Promotion: 25% off site-wide Code: SMALLBUSINESS Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

Sale Date: November 27th Promotion: 25% off site-wide Code: CYBERMONDAY Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

GlobalCouture www.globalcouture.net Nov 24- 27 Promotion: 20% off Code: SALE2017 No exclusions International shipping: Yes

GORGEOUSLY KINKY www.gorgeouslykinky.com Sale Date(s): November 23th – 27th Promotion: 40% Code: GORGEOUSLYBLACK Exclusions: Full size products only. Discount not applicable to Minis. International Shipping: NO . Free USA shipping on orders over $60

H
Hattaché Beauty & Lifestyle Goods www.Hattache.com Sale Dates: November 23rd – 24th Promotion: 25% Off (USA Free Shipping $65+) Code: BF2017 Exclusions: Excludes Synthetic Hair International Shipping: Yes/Limited

Sale Date(s): November 25th - 27th Promotion: 15% Off Code: CM2017 Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes/Limited

Hydratherma Naturals www.HydrathermaNaturals.com Sale Date(s): November 23rd – 27th Promotion: 30% off site-wide Code: SUPERSALE Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

HAIRiettewww.hairiette.com Sale Dates: November 23-November 27 Promotion: 40% off site-wide
No code necessary
Exclusions: NONE InternationalShipping: No

I
Inahsi Naturalswww.inahsi.com Sale Date(s): November 23rd -24th Promotion: 8oz as low as $11. Free Shipping $50 or more.+ Additional discounts announced Sat & Cyber Monday Code: N/A Exclusions: Free Shipping Domestic U.S. Orders only International Shipping: Yes

J
Juicy Essence www.Juicyessence.com Sale Date(s): Now until November 30th Promotion: 40 %off site-wide Code: BLACKFRIDAY40  
International Shipping: Yes to France , UK Australia and Germany

K
Keirenae Hair + Bodywww.Keirenae.com Sale Dates: November 24th - 27th Promotion: 50% off Site-Wide Code: MANEOBJECTIVE Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

Kurlee Belle www.KurleeBelle.com Sale Date(s): November 24th – 28th Promotion: Up To 50% off site-wide Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: No

Kyra's Shea Medleys
www.kyrasheamedleys.com Sales Dates: Fri-Mon, 11/24 – 11/26/2017 
Black Friday Mystery Box (all weekend) + 400 bonus points 
40% Off $50 or more (1st 50 customers) Coupon Code: BLACKFRIDAY17 Exclusions: trio packs, kits, gift sets, and BFM Box International Shipping: Yes

Sales Dates: Mon, 11/27/2017) - 30% OFF $30 + 400 bonus points Coupon Code: CYBERMONDAY17 Exclusions: trio packs, kits, and gift sets International Shipping: Yes

L

M
MICHE Beautywww.michebeauty.com Sale Date(s): November 23rd -27th Promotion: All products $10 Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes

Moisture Love Www.moisturelove.com November 25th 10am - 10PM 1 free 2oz item with every purchase Exclusions: none International shipping: yes

November 27th 12am - 11:59PM Free shipping over $40 Code: MLFREESHIP Exclusions: none International shipping: yes

Myhaircrush www.myhaircrush.com Nov 24- 27 Promotion: 20% off Code: SALE2017 No exclusions International shipping: Yes

Mytravelcrush www.mytravelcrush.co Nov 24- 27 Promotion: 20% off Code: SALE2017 No exclusions International shipping: Yes

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NaturalAnnie Essentials 
https://www.naturalannieessentials.com/ 
Sale Date: Nov 24th 
Promotion: BOGO (buy1 face butter get 1 free) + FREE SHIPPING 
Code: BOGOMO1 
Exclusions: none 
International shipping: no 

Sale Date: Nov 25th 
Promotion: Buy 1 face gel, get 1/2 off face wash + FREE SHIPPING 
Code: BOGOMO2 
Exclusions: none 
International shipping: no

Sale Date: Nov 27th 
Promotion: FREE SHIPPING ALL DAY 
Code: FREESHIPMO 
Exclusions: none 
International shipping: no

Naked Bar Soap Co.www.nakedbarsoapco.com Sale Date: November 25 Promotion: All in-store purchases over $35 will receive a complimentary gift. Code: N/A Exclusions: None International Shipping: N/A

Sale Date: November 27th Promotion: Orders $35+ will receive 15% off total order - USE CODE: NAKED35
Orders $50+ will receive 15% off total order + free shipping + free gift - USE CODE: NAKED50 Orders $100+ will receive 15% off total order + free shipping + 2 free gifts - USE CODE: NAKED100
 Exclusions: NONE
 International Shipping: No

Naturalsis72-Natural Hair Accessories and Productswww.naturalsis72.com Sale Dates: Cyber Monday Nov 27 -Tuesday Nov 28th Promotion: Free Shipping on All Orders Over $35 Code: FreeShip International Shipping: Yes

Naturaliciouswww.naturalicious.net
Sale Date(s): November 24th – 27th 
Promotion: 15% off all regular priced items, 20% off your first month of any new monthly subscription plus save another 10% every month thereafter
Code: SLAYBELLS
Exclusions: None 
International Shipping: Yes

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Oujoi Naturals www.oujoi.com Sale Date(s): November 23rd – 27th Promotion: 40% off site-wide Code: BLACK40 Exclusions: Free US shipping on orders over $75 International Shipping: NO

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Q-Redew Hair Steamerwww.qredew.com 11/24/17 $20 off the purchase price of a Q-Redew 
Code: BlackFriday Exclusions: none International shipping: US & Canada only

11/25/17-11/26/17 $10 off the purchase price of a Q-Redew Code: ShopSmall Exclusions: none International shipping US & Canada only

11/27/17 $15 off the purchase price of a Q-redew Code: CyberMonday Exclusions: None International Shipping: US and Canada only

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Rapunzel The Future of Hair www.rapunzelthefutureofhair.com Sale Date(s): November 24th – 27th Promotion: 25% off site-wide Code: PF2017 Exclusions: International shipping is NOT included International Shipping: Yes

Rucker RootsWww.RuckerRoots.com November 24-27 Promotion: 30% off Sitewide Code: Thanks30
Exclusions: None
International Shipping: YES

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S DOT Beautywww.sdotbeauty.com Sale Date(s): November 22nd - 27th 11:59 pm EST Promotion: 30% off Haircare & 25% off Skin, Body & Baby Free Shipping on orders $99 + up No Code Needed
Exclusions: Travel Sets & Collections
International Shipping: No

Shescentit www.shescentit.com Sale Date(s): November 24th – 27th Promotion: 40% off Code: BLACKFRI40 Exclusions: None International Shipping: Yes Additional: Free domestic shipping on orders $60 and over.

Soultanicalswww.soultanicals.com Sale Date(s): November 23-24 Promortion: 50% Off Sitewide Code: BFSOUL50 No Exclusions, No Minimums International Shipping: Yes

Sale Date(s): November 27 Promotion: 45% Off Sitewide + Free U.S. Shipping + $20 Int'l Shipping Code: CYBERSOUL45 No Exclusions, No Minimums International Shipping: Yes

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Tree Naturalswww.treenaturals.com Sale Date(s): November 24th EST Promotion: 15% off + FREE Shipping Code: BF2017 Exclusions: Free shipping valid on US orders only International Shipping: No

Sale Date(s): November 25th EST Promotion: 15% off $30 or more Code: SMALLBIZ17 Exclusions: None International Shipping: No

Sale Date(s): November 27th EST Promotion: 20% off $30 or more Code: CYBER17 Exclusions: None International Shipping: No

TréLuxe  
www.discoverTreLuxe.com Sale Date(s): November 27th Promotion: 25% off site-wide Code: CyberMonday17 Exclusions: Can't be combined with other coupons International Shipping: No

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Up North Naturals
www.upnorthnaturals.com
Sale Dates: 11/23 at 6pm - 11/24 @ 11:59pm
20% off site-wide
Code: UNNBLACKFRIDAY
Exclusions: None
International Shipping: Yes

Sale Date: 11/27
$10 off all orders over $59
Code: UNNCYBERMONDAY
Exclusions: None
International Shipping: Yes

Urban Hydrationwww.urbanhydration.com Sale Date: November 24th Promotion: 50% off your entire order sitewide Code: HOLIDAY or go to https://www.urbanhydration.com/discount/HOLIDAY to apply the discount code automatically International Shipping: Yes

Sale Date: November 27th Promotion: 50% off your entire order sitewide Code: CYBER or go to https://www.urbanhydration.com/discount/CYBER to apply the discount code automatically International Shipping: Yes

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Wonder Curl 
www.wondercurl.com Sale Dates: November 23-24 Promotion: 40% off site-wide Code: MANEHOLIDAY17 Exclusions: Cannot be combined with other coupon codes International Shipping: No

Sale Dates: November 25-27 Promotion: 30% off site-wide Code: 30HOLIDAY17 Exclusions: Cannot be combined with other coupon codes International Shipping: No

We Travel In Color 
www.wetravelincolor.com Nov 24- 27 Promotion: 20% off Code: NA No exclusions International shipping: Yes

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