Hair Mistake: Under Conditioning

If you are relaxed or natural, your hair needs to be conditioned. I like to condition my hair at least every time I shampoo, so that would be once a week. Now I'm talking a deep conditioner, where I apply it to freshly shampooed, damp hair, and allow it to really get in there by adding some heat with my hooded dryer.

I double condition, meaning I use an instant conditioner and then a deep conditioner. When I used to just use an instant conditioner my hair wasn't thriving like it is now. The best way to start is to use a moisturizing conditioner over a protein based conditioner, because most people need more moisture.

Dr. Miracle's Restorative Treatment Combo Packs

Brand new product alert! Dr. Miracle’s Restorative Treatment Combo-Pack! Your fave brand has embarked on its distinctive approach to the reconstruction of healthy hair with 3 unique scalp therapies all in one convenient carton. For an affordable $4.19, each carton features individual packets of Argan Hot Oil Treatment, Acai Thermal Protection Styler, and Coconut Milk Leave-in Conditioner. These daily scalp remedies restore, revitalize, and condition your hair from root to tips, encouraging the growth of super-strong strands. Just what the Doctor ordered in time for warm weather.

Visit Dr.Miracles.com for more information and info on where to purchase!

Can't wait to try it!

Rusk DeepShine Smooth Keratin Care

Rusk DeepShine Conditioner, $7.00 Folica.com

Rusk Deepshine Smooth Keratin Care Deep Penetrating Treatment is an intensive conditioning treatment recommended for chemically and color treated hair. Formulated with natural keratin, vitamins and nourishing marine botanicals to improve the strength of the hair, leaving it smooth, shiny and in luxurious condition.

AHS Thoughts: The is a great instant conditioner (leave on for 1-3 minutes) to use in the shower. It immediately made my hair feel soft and made detangling a breeze. The scent reminds me of summer, probably due to the hint of coconut. Overall, I liked the conditioner, but I still needed to use a deep conditioning treatment.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glycerin, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carageenan) Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame) Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Propylene Glycol, Quaternium-91, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Honey (Mel, Miel), DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Butyphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol.

Miracle Mask Protein Conditioner

(Inova Miracle Mask, $48.00 InovaProfessional.com)

The name Miracle Mask is appropriate when it comes to Inova Professional's all star deep conditioning mask, Miracle Mask. I tried it and my hair loves it.

Product Description: Formulated with avocado oil, keratin protein, silk protein and white carnation oil to provide intensive nourishment and hydration, The Miracle Mask repairs split-ends and other symptoms of dry, weak, and damaged hair, while simultaneously detangling and improving manageability. Hair will be healthier, luxuriously smooth, and with brilliant shine.

Thoughts: We all know nothing will repair split-ends, I'm not sure when hair care companies will realized we won't be tricked by that claim. Although, it cannot repair split ends like it claims it does help out tremendously with detangling and softening. The scent is amazing and it leaves my hair feeling soft and strong. The strength comes from the Silk and Keratin proteins. The packaging is unique and you get a lot of product for your money, 17.6 oz. to be exact.

Sponsored Post: Brazilian Fever for Hair

I hope you didn't think BrushLove was just a place to purchases brushes! I mean it is an amazing site with tons of different brushes for every hair type, like the new Fresh Thermal Round Brush but they also have hair care products. The newest line to hit BrushLove is Novex.

Product Description: This hair protein replenishment was designed for all types and textures. The Brazilian keratin is a substance that reinforces the structure of the hair follicles, establishing shine, softness, and increases the natural movement of hair. This keratin is hydrolyzed, guarantying a fast absorption by the hair follicles. Treat your hair with a bath of proteins resulting in softer, shinier, healthier hair. See all the Novex Treatments available, here!

Usage: For deep nutrition after shampoo, massage into moist hair. Allow to remain in contact for 25 minutes with plastic metalloid cap or 15 minutes with a Hair Therapy Wrap. Rinse well. Curl/Straighten with a ceramic coated barrel brush. Also use as a conditioner for daily care.

Thoughts: I really like this product as a protein based treatment. This product helped my hair feel stronger and made my new growth slightly smoother and definetly softer. If protein treatments are not your thing, then skip this product because you'll be sorry. There are other options though, Novex makes a variety of different conditioners that you might find appealing, like the Brazilian Olive Oil Treatment.

More on the Fresh Brush: So far I haven't met a Brush Love brush that I don't like. This brush features 100% Natural premium cut boar bristles and thermal ceramic coated barrel to help evenly distribute the heat to prevent over drying & damage.

Pantene Clarifies Conditioner Myths

While at the Pantene Pro-V breakfast the conditioner stories just kept pouring out.  Like most of  you, the women at the breakfast confessed that we love to leave our conditioner on long.  The directions say let sit 5-10 minutes?  We leave it on for at least 30 minutes with heat and sometimes even overnight, with the idea that if 5-10 minutes is good well 1 hour plus heat is even better.  Well guess what ladies?  Pantene Scientist Jeni Thomas says it's not true.  If the conditioner is not formulated to be heat-activated then adding heat is just a waste of time and enegry.  Another big mistake?  Using too much conditioner.  The directions say a dime sized amount?  We take fists full and glop it on our hair.  Guess what?  We are wasting product.  Celebrity stylist and Pantene user, Tippi Shorter says we only need enough conditioner to coat our strands and a dollar coin sized amount should do the trick, because remember you don't need to condition your scalp, in fact Tippi warns against it. 

Product tip:  The newest Pantene products are specifically tailored to different hair types.  Just because you are  a black woman doesn't mean Relaxed & Naturals is for you!  Keep your eyes peeled for more posts on more Pantene News.

Miss Keys 10 en 1: An Old Favorite

(Miss Keys 10 en 1 16oz., Amazon.com $11.45)

Miss Keys 10 en 1 was one of the very first conditioners I fell head over heels for when I first started this quest to healthy hair.  To this day I still use Miss Keys 10 en 1 and here's why:

1. The scent - It's light and sweet but not sickening.  Plus it lasts past your rollerset and blow!  I find myself catching whiffs of this conditioner days after I've rinsed it out. 

2. Softness - After each and every use my hair is much more soft than when I first applied it to my hair. 

3. Consistancy - I love a nice thick conditioner and this one is super thick!

4. Results - My hair loves this conditioner too and I can tell so why kick it to the curb?

5. Loves Oils - Not all conditioners like having oil mixed into them but Miss Keys 10 en 1 works wonderuflly well with a little coconut oil mixed in

Deep Condition without Over Heating

(Heat Therapy Wrap, Amazon.com $24.95)

As we get deeper and deeper into the summer months, I can't even bear to drag out my bonnet dryer to use heat to condition.  Instead I turn to my trusty Heat Therapy Wrap!  Ever since I got the Heat Therapy Wrap as part of my Beautyfix package, I haven't stop singing it's praises.

I just put the whole entire Heat Therapy Wrap in the microwave in 10 second intervals until the desired heat is achieved and then put it on my hair.  It's super easy and doesn't cause my body to over heat.  The end result is the same as when I use my bonnet to deep condition!  If you don't already have a Heat Therapy Wrap, what are you waiting for?  It's under $25.00 that's perfect for those on a budget and my college bound divas!  

Plus, all your favorite hair bloggers love it too!  Check us out!  

Me! The Anti Hair Slave

Wes from HoneyBrownSugar.com

 Sunshyne from Hairliciousinc.com  

  Fleurzty from TexturePlayground.com

Profectiv Mega Growth Conditioner

I use chemicals in my hair and I use heat in my hair, so I'm always using deep conditioners.  Deep conditioning is a staple part of my weekly hair care regimen.  It's a step that I never ever skip, I might cut down the amount of time I deep condition for but I never ever skip it.  I also hardly ever use the same deep conditioner back to back, that's not to say I don't have my favorite because I certainly do but how would I ever keep you guys updated on all the different deep conditioners available if I didn't test different varieties like it's my J-O-B?  The newest deep conditioner to soak into my strands?  Strength Of Nature - Profectiv Mega Growth - Deep Strengthening Growth Conditioner. 


Product Description:  Protects, restores, repairs & rebuilds fragile, damaged hair for healthier hair growth.  Fortified with Pro-Growth Complex - a deep penetrating blend of natural minerals, oils, and proteins.  MegaGrowth strengthens hair from the inside out to promote stronger, longer, healthier hair.  Excellent for deep repair of damage caused from chemical overprocessing, heat styling, over-styling stress and dryness. Stops breakage. Promotes Healthy Growth. Boosts Hi-Shine




AHS Thoughts:  I'm fond of conditioners that are thick and lush and this conditioner is just that.  Once applied to my hair, it felt soft and conditioned immediately but of course I slapped on my plastic cap and went to sit under my hooded dryer for a while.  The scent is not worth noting but it's nothing terrible.  The ingredients leave much to be desired, or should I say much to be undesired like mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, and cones.  If the ingredient list were better I would highly recommend this conditioner because it actually does condition your hair and really aids with detangling.  Plus, my hair felt like it already had a leave-in applied after only towel drying a little. 
 
Keep Reading for the entire ingredient list     
 

 
Ingredients:  water, mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyquaternium 37, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, steareth-2, steareth-20, silk amino acids, wheat protein, soybean protein, hydrolyzed oat protein, coconut oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, flax seed oil, horsetail extract, olive fruit oil, wheat germ oil, soybean oil, dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, lanolin, hydrogenated vegetable oil, methylparaben, propylparaben, DMDM hydantoin, fragrance, corn oil, BHA, BHT, Yellow 6

Redken Extreme Deep Fuel

After my self relaxer I felt like my hair needed a bit of an extra treat.  So I reached into the back of my beauty closet for Redken Extreme Deep Fuel, I keep it way in the back because I usually only use it for post relaxer treatments or severe heat overdoses. 

Product Description: Durable strengthening treatment helps restore very distressed hair back to its natural, healthy state.  After 5 single treatments, hair is up to 3 times stronger compared to an ordinary shampoo alone in lab brushing tests.  Provides long-term conditioning and repair that lasts up to eight shampoos. 


My Thoughts:  I absolutely love this product, it's perfect for use after any chemical service whether it's a relax or color.  But don't think it's just for chemically treated hair, it'll work wonders for any type of hair that could use a little extra TLC.  No real noticable scent, but you can feel the difference after you leave this on for about 30 minutes and rinse, my hair feels softer and seems stronger.  This is my favorite protein treatment for my hair.

Deal Spotter:  Amazon.com for just $14.36 

Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries - Hair Closet Review

Now that I've been on this Mega-Tek kick, wearing nothing but buns I've been spritzing on a moisturizer daily.  I've been using Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries, for some reason when I first got this product I liked it but I wasn't head over heels in love with it.  Now I can't get enough, my bottle is almost gone and I stalked to re-launch of the Oyin site just to make sure I would have a new bottle by the time this one is empty. 

Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries is my daily moisturizer and I follow it up with an oil.  My hair loves this stuff, it's amazing and as soon as I spray it on my hair it's super soft and feels moist and ready to be bunned up.  I'm hoping this stuff can help me retain every centimeter of my growth.

Visit OyinHandmade.com to purchase for just $11.00

My Hair Steamer

Guess what?  My hair steamer arrived!  I'm super satisfied with my purchase so now let me spill the beans on the details of my purchase.  I decided to purchase a hair steamer via Ebay. 

Ebay Seller: Best Choice Products

Purchase Date: January 11th (monday) in the wee wee hours of the morning.

Date Received: January 15th (friday) around 6pm

Item Purchased: HAIR STEAMER BEAUTY SALON EQUIPMENT COLOR PROCESSING

Purchase Price: $114.95

Shipping Cost: FREE!

I've used my steamer and it's the best thing ever!  More steamer info and complete review coming soon, but I know some of you have been asking about the make and model and other info.  I didn't want to share until I received my product without any issues before letting you guys know about the seller, etc. 

Wash Day: DevaCurl No Poo & One Condition

I've decided that I'm going to use a very moisturizing, sulfate free shampoo, followed up by an extremely moisturizing conditioner.  Why am I going over board with the moisturizing products?  That's because I'm doing extremely well applying my Mega-Tek Growth Mix, since Mega-Tek is a heavy protein I want to make sure that I don't end up doing more damage than good on this Mega-Tek Challenge. 

Pre-Poo:
Saturated hair with coconut oil and did a scalp massage before bed, then applied a plastic cap covered by a scalp to my head and went to bed. 

Shampoo:
DevaCurl No Poo

Conditioner:
DevaCurl One Condition left on for a few minutes

Deep Conditioner:
DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Deep Treatment left on for 30 minutes with heat

Results:
DevaCurl No Poo does not lather so I always find myself using more than I really need to, but it's okay because it has no SLS to upset my scalp.  Don't get up in arms if you are relaxed or just have naturally straight hair, DevaCurl products are for all hair types.  It smells great and left my hair feeling awesomely soft.  The DevaCurl One Condition and Heaven in Hair both compliment the scent of the shampoo and left my hair extremely soft and feeling very moisturized.

I did it: Hair Steamer

I've been talking about how much I want a hair steamer so I took the plunge and purchased one!  I have tons of closet space in my new apartment so I decided to get the stand up verison over the table top one because I plan on using my brand new steamer weekly and I wanted a good quality steamer.  Part of me was being cheap and debating if I should just use the steam room at my gym where I have a membership, but gym steamers usually have chlorine circulating around (or maybe it just smells like it) and I'd rather be in the comfort of my own home. 

Qualities of a Hair Steamer to look for:
* Auto Shut Off
* Quiet
* Adjustable settings
* Warranty

Expect a Hair Steamer Review once I get it!

Wash Day: Avon Advanced Techniques Moisture Sleek

My last wash day featured Avon Advanced Techniques Moisture Sleek products and my hair came out great, my hair was soft and smooth after I finished.  I did not take any photos because I only dried my hair on a low setting and threw it into a bun.  Here is a rundown of the products I used:

Pre-poo:

Burt's Bees Pre Shampoo Avocado Butter Hair Treatment left on dry hair for 30 minutes with heat

Shampoo:

Avon Advanced Techniques Moisture Sleek Smoothing Shampoo done twice focusing on cleansing my scalp

Conditioner:

Avon Advanced Techniques Moisture Sleek Smoothing Conditoner applied to damp hair and left on for 15 minutes without heat

Results:  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Avon Moisture Sleek collection worked very well on my hair.  Even though my hair did not feel stripped after using the Moisture Sleek shampoo I won't be over using it because it does have SLS and I personally find SLS to cause my scalp to get overly dry and flakey.  The conditioner was great at providing moisture to my hair and combating frizz.  I noticed that after drying my hair on a low setting, it had less frizz than normal but it wasn't sleek enough to wear out without a flat iron.