PRODUCT REVIEW: Entwine Curl Jelle Styler

I haven't been this excited about a product in a LONG time. Seriously, I didn't think another product could get my hair the way I wanted it to be: a truly defined twist-out. But when the good people at Entwine sent me their product, my thoughts were surely changed. 

Below, I review Entwine's THE MANIPULATOR, cremè jelle styler. 

Product Review: Konadu Bodycare

Earlier this summer I was invited to the launch party of an exciting body care brand sold right here in Nashville. The Konadu brand, created by Jennifer McGill, is a brand you need to keep your eye on. This all natural line has moisturizers, bath products, and lip care. I was on hand to try each product; they are sooo good. I'm already addicted to the lip balm and you will be too.

Owner/Creator, Jennifer McGill, introduces her line of bodycare

Jennifer McGil, grew up in Ghana, West Africa. While in Ghana she made all her own bath and bodycare using organic and native butters and oils from her homeland. When she moved to the states, she couldn't find products that matched the products she made at home. So she decided to make her own. Jennifer named her business and product line “Konadu” which is her native name, as she desires to share a piece of the rich, colorful and natural beauty of her African homeland by offering high quality products at affordable prices.  (source)

Sharing high quality products at affordable prices is EXACTLY what the Konadu team has done. From bath salts to lip balm to CANDLES, Konadu has covered many bases to give the customer an awesomely natural experience. AND, the company is centered in Nashville. How much better can it get? 

On top of that, the company has an amazing website. The Konadu company worked very hard to develop a comprehensive site that answers all your questions. It's easy to order and set up subscriptions of your favorite items. 

So, take a look at the Konadu brand. It's currently available online. All the products smell amazing and work well. I give it two thumbs up. 

www.konadubodycare.com

READER REVIEW: Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard

Below is a READER REVIEW  by Tiffany P:

I received a Product Junkie Box from It’s My Hair Magazine.  Inside was one of the best products I’ve ever tried! If you’re not using the Design Essentials Natural Honey Curl Forming Custard, I’m telling you you’re missing out! My hair and I are absolutely in love with it. There are so many great benefits that this product promises. The label claims that it defines and elongates curls and coils and adds shine. I can say, for me this was definitely true.

READER Review: Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink

READER REVIEW submitted by Kenya M., Nashville, TN:

I was surprised recently when I saw a clear gel in the Aunt Jackie's line of products. The Don't Shrink label touts flaxseed gel (skeptical) and both curl elongation AND definition (oxymoron).
I'm not really a fan of Aunt Jackie's products but I'm willing to give almost any clear gel a try. 

The scent was pleasant, although a bit strong. But, the scent fades quickly so it's not annoying for long. The weight and density of the product is unlike flaxseed gel but helped my curls to clump for definition. The consistency might provide elongation for finer hair types. From application (wash-n-go) to fully dry, my hair was very shiny. The hold is strong enough to keep my style without being stiff. I've refreshed my wash-n-go for up to two weeks with no flaking, drying, or tangles. 

Kenya's hair, using Aunt Jackie's 'Don't Shrink'

Got a product review you'd like to share? Submit your 200-300 word review to melissa@natural-nashville.com. If your review is selected, you will recieve a free Natural in Nashville T-shirt!

Product Review: Taliah Waajid Hairline Help 2in1

I haven't been excited about a new product in a LONG time, especially one that promises EDGE CONTROL! LISTEN! I promise you need to try this one! Taliah Waajid Hairline Help 2n1 is an edge control product you need in your closet. Click below, and I'll tell you why:

PRODUCT REVIEW: 20 Ways I Use Coconut Oil

After cutting my locs, one of the things that has been most interesting is exploring a new world of products. Now that my hair is free, curl defining products and leave-in conditioners, a smarter, more focused "product junkie" has emerged. I'm not interested in trying every new product I see, but when I see something that I feel will work, I happily add it to my "must try" list.

One thing that has not changed is my hair and skin's love for coconut oil. My hair loves it more now that it is free to soak it in to each strand.

SUPERFOOD: Coconuts + Coconut Oil.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Samson's Secret Hair Growth Supplements

One the biggest deterrents in cutting my locs was regrowing them.  I feel like I've paid my dues once and I wasn't really sure I could be as patient as I was the first time around.

Changes in my diet and self-care routine are sure to help my hair grow back faster than they did 12 years ago, but when Melissa shared Samson's Secret with me, I was definitely intrigued.

Knowing me, the first thing Melissa shared was, "it is an all natural supplement, there are no harmful ingredients in Samson's Secret."

Samson's Secret: Vegetable Capsules + Liquid Form

PRODUCT REVIEW: Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer

As much as I love having my hair braided, I don't mind wearing my hair out so I can try new products. This one I've had in my cabinet for about six months. It's so hard for me to try new studd because I know what works well for me. But I was intrigued by this product because it SMELLS SO GOOD! So, let me tell you how it worked . . .

PRODUCT REVIEW: Samson's Secret Hair Growth Supplements

I wanna be mad because Samson's Secret hair growth system has made me have to remove a weave installation months earlier than expected, a braid installation weeks earlier than expected, and is the cause of my hair getting to fro status faster than I'd ever imagined. I wanna be mad, but NAH! I'm happy as happy I can be. I'm not saying this is a miracle potion, but it's pretty close. Let me tell you about Samson's Secret 

Samson's Secret is a hair growth SYSTEM that works at stimulating hair growth topically (drops) and internally (capsules). Made from 100% natural ingredients, you take two capsules a day and add three drops of the liquid to whatever drink you'd like. The pills are small and easy to swallow. The liquid is tasteless and can be used topically; massaging it into areas of concern on you scalp.

This product has been around for more 20 years, being used in hair salons. Now, the company is poised to take over the hair world. The difference between Samson's Secret and other hair growth supplements is that Samson's Secret targets the blood stream and the removal of toxins. By doing this, it supports the flourishing of hair follicles, promote hair growth, and stimulates the nervous system to aid in stress reduction. 

CHRISTMAS WISHES: Shea Moisture + Sofn'Free

 

Welcome to day 2 of our Christmas Wishes giveaway! Today we are giving away a full size jar of Shea Moisture's Curling Souffle, PLUS, three samples of Sofn'ee Gro Healthy products. One of these your fave or you wanna try something new? We all love Shea Moisture! Their products are GOLD! Sofn'Free is a new kid on the block, but they boast all natural ingredients - no parabans/no sulfates! Hmm!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  This is not a sponsored post - product shown has been purchased outright.

Finding Natural Haircare lines in NASHVILLE - Kim's

I was at the local hair-store in Nashville, KIM'S HAIR PLUS. Like most Asian-owned hair supply stores, Kim's has the monopoly on the game. There's a Kim's Hair Plus in the most popular areas of town, north Nashville on Jefferson St, Antioch on Bell Rd, and South Nashville on Nolensville Rd. Kim's works hard at making sure you get all your hair supplies from one location. 

Never the spot that boasts support for the natural hair community; the folks at Kim's know times are a-changing! Most hair -stores are all about that RELAXER life. But even the best hair supply store should have seem the trend of #TeamNatural taking over. Even if you aren't about the non-relaxer life, more people are looking for natural products in their products. 

On my last visit Kim's showcased more than enough of our favorite hair brands and a couple unknowns. Take a look below - Kim's has stepped their game all the way up! Take a look at what I found at the Bell Road location:

What made me start taking pics (like a natural hair spy on enemy lines) was seeing all these Shea Moisture products. Of course, at the hair store you won't get those BOGO deals like you get at CVS and Walgreens, but if you run out of your fave product between sales you can hit up Kim's. 

Product Review: Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Shea Hand & Body Scrub

Now that I inadvertently set myself on a protective style challenge (I've been weaved up for about 3 months, growing out these sides) I haven't been trying new hair products. However, I have some natural bath & body products I need to review and YOU are going to want to buy.

Back in the summer, I received this Hand & Body Scrib from Shea Moisture. As soon as I opened the jar, I fell in love! It smells like CAKE! I hadn't used a body scrub in years. This product seemed the best way to bring some shine back to my body.

Here's some quick info about exfoliating:

• Exfoliating your body is a must. Your body sheds dead skin cells at an alarming rate and simply washing your body with soap doesn't even make a dent in the removal of dead skin cells. (source)
• Exfoliating your entire body can help prevent body acne in many places below your neck, such as the chest, back and arms. It also might help you avoid ingrown hairs by preventing dead skin cells from plugging up follicles where you've shaved or waxed. (source)
• Exfoliation is an important step in your cleansing routine to expose younger-looking skin underneath. If done regularly, you can improve your skin's texture and help stimulate the production of new cells and collagen. (source)

So, Shea Moisture's Argan Oil & Shea, Hand & Body Scrub is one of the best exfoliating products on the market. It's made with all natural ingredients which leaves your skin feeling smooth, moisturized, and lovely. The Shea and Argan oil mixture is light but doest the job. You don't even need much lotion after you use this product. Also, when you shave your legs, then exfoliate, you are the silkiest thing around town! I mean, does Shea Moisture ever make a bad product!

Ladies, you must put this on your Christmas Lists!

Product Review: Coco Curls Shampoo & Conditioner

 

I hadn't been excited about a new product since I tried the Briogeo brand back in the summer. But Coco Curls brand has won a new fan!

At the Coco Curls & Convo event last month I was given a sample of this wonderful product. I've tried alot of products in my days as a natural hair blogger, but this one is at the top of my list. Janelle, owner of Coco Curls, worked very hard to create a product tht delivers what it says, ultimate hydration.

After removing my weave installation, I wanted to cleanse and deep condition my hair with something that promises hydration and cleanliness. Coco Curls gave me just that. PLUS it smells so good! Your hair will smell like chocolate pudding! You'll want to spend the rest of the day telling people to smell your hair.

I've never used a shampoo that left my hair feeling so soft and not stripped. It's a sulfate-free formula, and usually my hair doesn't respond to sulfate-free shampoos, but this time my hair was screaming "GLORAY!". It has great slip and a LITTLE goes a LONG WAY. You'll definitely get your money's worth with this product. The conditioner is even better. It's thick, luxurious, and smells amazing. My 4b curls loved it! After I rinsed my hair, it was so soft! 

Before I finished styling my hair I was already thinking of when I could wash my hair again. It was THAT GOOD!

So if you are looking for a new product, try Coco Curls! You can order the product online or you can contact Tawanna at All Things Curly, the local retailer for Coco Curls products.

Product Review: Proclaim Professional Care Olive Edge Gel

This edge gel  is pretty amazing as far as slick edges and smooth styles go. It smooths without multiple application. It is also stick application so no sticky fingers and wasted product. I'm not super fond of the scent but this is a minor con in comparison to the pros. I give it four and a half out of five fros. I purchased this at Sally's. Have you tried Olive Edge Gel? Do you love it? Hate it? We want to hear from you! 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Briogeo Hair Care

Listen, Linda, LISTEN! If you are looking for a new product that your hair will LOVE please make your way to the Briogeo aisle of life. I've known about this product for about a year. Please don't ask me why it took me THIS LONG to do a review. But let's get into it.

So the nice people at Briogeo sent me some samples of their product about seven month ago. I received the Be Gentle, Be Kind - Cleansing Shampoo, Curl Charisma - Curl Defining Conditioner, and Don't Despair Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. When I tell you I was squeezing the package to get the LAST BIT of each product just because my hair love it so much!

First up, each product smells SO GOOD! The shampoo is SULFATE-FREE and it's amazing. My hair usually doesn't respond to sulfate-free shampoo, but this shampoo is ultra-moisturizing with a great amount of slip. It usually take a lot more product to cleanse my hair because it is very dense and very coily. I had a sample pack and I was able to get two washes out of the sample pack. Loves it!

Next, the curl defining conditioner that has no parabens, silicones or phthalates and all the fancy Nancy ingredients like almond oil, rosehip oil, and shea butter. It so moisturizing and it really helps define your curl. I couldn't believe it if it didn't happen on my head! If you do a light rinse you can use the conditioner as a leave-in as it continues to moisturize your hair. As with the shampoo, you don't need much to go a long way.

Lastly, I used deep conditioner - left it on for about an hour and my hair was looooooooving it.
It's fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin - ALL THE GOOD STUFF. Since I'm dealing with heat damage and shedding from my fibroid surgery, it helped my hair with overall and added to it's manageability.

So, if you are looking to try a new product, I suggest you try Briogeo. You can purchase online or at Sephora. It's a bit on the expensive side, but as I've said, "A little goes a LONG way" and you'll get your money's worth out of one bottle.

Product Review: Miss Jessie's Crème de la Crème Leave-In Conditioner

If you are familiar with the personalities of the writers, then you know that I, Candice, am an avid kitchen chemist. I love to mix my own products so that I know exactly what I'm putting in my hair. And if I am not making my own products, 92% of the store bought products I use are natural.

But about 2 weeks ago, I needed a conditioner to use for deep conditioning. Trader Joe's was too far of a drive (especially with the traffic barricade in that part of town) to get my usual conditioner. Long story short, I went to another store and decided to try something new. I saw Miss Jessie's Crème de la Crème conditioner, grabbed it, and headed home. I didn't even bother to look at the ingredients.

My "I found a good leave-in" face!

And that's when I realized that the conditioner I grabbed was actually a LEAVE-IN conditioner. I was so disappointed. Until lately, I considered leave-ins a waste of time. They never worked for my hair or made any noticeable difference in the way my hair looked, styled, or felt. But I figured that since I had it at hand, I might as well try it. My opinion can be summed up in 3 words:

Ah. Maze. Zing.

This is before I fluffed and separated. I wanted to get a picture before in case my hair frizzed up.

My hair loves Miss Jessie's leave-in. They don't go by the rules I learned for leave-in conditioners. Crème de la Crème  is not watery or oily. It's thick and creamy it takes work to distribute evenly. I suggest applying small amounts to sections. Also, the conditioner smells fresh. It reminds of the "salon scent" that you have when you use professional products. And because it's a leave-in, the scent lasts for days. It also works well with other scents. I used the leave-in with my favorite oil, which smells amazing on its own.

I tried the leave-in a second time, just in case the first set of curl-tastic results was a fluke. Nope. Both times I did flat twist outs. Both times I had minimal frizz, and the moisture from my wash lasted days longer than usual. It left my hair as soft as Drake's music lyrics. I am completely sold on this product.

This is day 2 shine... that you could see more clearly if I had a clean camera lense.

P.S. It is not natural. I do not care. My hair loves it.

Product Review: Aveda 2014 Fall Collection Romantic Grandeur

Aveda is preparing to launch their Autumn Collection: Romantic Grandeur.  Each collection that Aveda launches speaks to hair, fashion, and makeup trends for the season at hand. I am typically a MAC girl at heart because I never have to worry about colors that compliment my skin tone.   I love the fall collection because it is one of the first for in my mind that meets the needs of any woman.  It is defined by rich softness. It is bold and yet demure. 

Starting at Top from Left to Right. Lipsticks: Sheer Fig & Goji Berry. Lip Liner: Fire Maple. Nourish-Mint Lip Glaze: Rose Blush & Mangosteen. Eye Definer: Fresh Plum & Delphinium. Eye Shadows: Winter Lilac, Aubergine, Ivory Lotus, Golden Cyprus, Allspice, & Gypsum Grey

 Lipstick in Goji Berry with Fire Maple Lip Definer

Lip Glaze in Mangosteen  

There are also some beautiful hair techniques that I can't wait to try on my natural clientele.  

Sophie

The Sophie is wearing a Modern Roll a Janelle Monae esq Updo with a rich Garnett Color as the base. 

Alice

Tippi Shorter also has some amazing techniques using braid base and colored weaving thread to redefine shape and movement for textured hair. 

 my personalized version of the Sophie Haircolor.

How do you feel about some of these looks and do you think you will be rocking some of these trends for the fall.  How would you recreate these looks to make them your own? 

prebook with me to create our own fall version or Romantic Grandeur at True Blue Salon Nashville 

615.329.4454-Amber 

all of these images are owned by Aveda Corp.

Product Review: Oyin Handmade Go Tea

My current Go too is Oyin Handmade's Go Tea www.oyinhandmade.com

It's listed as an All-In-One Grooming Spray that hydrates and softens hair and that is also great for close cuts, facial hair care for men, or to encourage scalp health.

Ingredients: water, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and olive squalane. 

Fragrance: the fragrance is light and refreshing you get the tea tree and some hints of citrus. 

How I use it: I've been using it as a hair refresher dousing my hair with it as soon as I get out of the shower bit also is a great skin toner/moisturizer. When I'm putting it on my hair I also hit my face and neck. Thru out the day as I feel my hair getting dry I spray it on again an it is also awesome for resetting makeup as well. It's also great after a fresh haircut so if you're sporting a short edgy cut this great to have in your arsenal. it leaves hair soft an touchable with no oily residue.  I really have no complaints about this product except that I wish it came in a bigger container. 

I also always aim to support Oyin and any other black owned hair care companies. Not only is it a great product you can feel good about what your pennies are supporting as well. Currently I buy mine online Oyin has been launched in Target it just hasn't made it to Tennessee yet. They are a Baltimore based company so if you are going to be in the DMV area stop by and support their cause. They also have a great shop called Exit The Apple that has rad tshirts, books and other rad items. You can find them on FB and IG! 

If you're interested in checkin out this line this is one of the lines I use on naturals in the salon. Prebook with me and give it a test drive. 

Amber 

True Blue Salon 

West End 615.329.4454

TIPS & Techniques: When's the right time to throw away your products?

This post is for all my product jukies who have too much stuff under their bathroom cabinet - it's time to throw away some of those products!  Looking for that holy grail, you start to amass more products than you hair can use. Sometimes you think about saving something for that friend or selling it to a colleague. But when is the right time to just THROW THEM AWAY! The list below will help you sort through that box of products just collecting dust.

But first, WHY should you throw away products? Jessica Wu, and MD of Dermatology practicing in Los Angeles said it best:

"Most beauty products are designed to stay fresh and stable only for a limited period of time. After that, they start to break down, so your cream might not work as well, your makeup may streak or change color, or — worst case scenario — you could develop a terrible infection.”

So, you need to throw products away because, over time, they may not work as well as they did when you first purchased them.

TIME TO THROW AWAY:

• It's past the expiration date - most products have an expiration date stamped on the bottom. Just like food, if the expiration date has passed, then it's time to toss that product.
• Smells Funny - That smell like 'peaches and creme' product that didn't quite make your curls curl quite right doesn't smell good anymore - it's time to throw it away. Change in smell indicates a breakdown in the formula. It's not gonna work as well anymore.
• Color Change - Color change is the best way to tell that's it's time to let a product go. Color change is another indication of a chemical breakdown. Which means the product won't work as well as it did when first purchased.
• Growing Mold - Yeah, for all of you who make you own products or purchase homemade products, if those products aren't stored in a cool spot, they will mold. Don't try to scrape it off, just throw it away.
• Just a dab left in the corner - Yeah, I know that Uncle Pete's Fancy Curl Creme costs $50 a jar, but c'mon homie it's time to let it go. Constant opening and closing breaks down the chemical formula. 

What's the best way to preserve you product - make sure to store it in a COOL dry location. Also, keep the lid closed.

I hope this helps. As you progress in you natural journey, you'll buy less products and have less waste. Until that time comes, make sure to swap out products with friends - that will save you from a throw away pile.

PRODUCT REVIEW: DIY Flaxseed Gel

One of the things I am very conscious of with my loc renewal is product build up.  I really do feel like I have a new set of locs and that allows me to do all the things "I wish I had known".  I've worked with flax seeds before and can easily see how the gel they produce could work to maintain locs without leaving a lot of build up behind.

Flax seeds via thehealthsite.com.

I used the tutorial by @Locrush as a guide after a quick exchange with her on Instagram about the process.  I made three batches before I finally had one I felt comfortable using on my hair.  When I considered the size of my locs and how much I would actually need to hold my locs in place, I felt like the first two batches were just too thick.  My remedy was to reduce the boiling time of the seeds and allowing it cool into a thinner gel.  It worked well and third time was a charm.

               

By creating a thinner gel, I'm hoping to reduce the chances of having any extra product left behind.  It seemed to work better than I thought because I wasn't looking for a really tight hold, I just wanted to create some control with some of the new growth.

For me, the most challenging part was straining the gel.  I used the same process demonstrated, I do think you're only as good as your tools in this step of the process.  I don't think the tongs I used were wide enough to really squeeze the gel and it didn't go as smoothly for me as in the video.  The seeds produced more than enough gel, I just couldn't squeeze it all out.  This is a process that definitely has to happen while the gel is warn as shared in the tutorial.

DIY Flaxseed Gel

I decided not to add any honey or oils until I nailed the right consistency for me, so I may explore the oils soon and pass on the honey.  DIY flaxseed gel is a win for me!