[Review] Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner

How ironic is it that in my minimalist regimen; I actually wash my hair more often? I wash my hair twice a week; a mid-week co-wash then a few days later I deep condition. I've been using Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner to co-wash for about a year now and I'm madly in love with it. Here's why:

SLIPPAGE. This conditioner has some of the best slip of any conditioner that I've ever used (especially for it's stupid cheap price) First, I mist my hair with my DIY Moisturizer just to dampen my curls, then I apply this conditioner and my tangles completely disappear.

MOISTURIZING. Don't you hate it when a conditioner just sits on top of your strands refusing to soak in? Well you won't have that issue with this conditioner! It absorbs into my hair leaving my curls super soft and moisturized. I can't say that it could replace my deep conditioner by any means, but it's great for keeping my curls from getting dried out.

VERSATILE. I've used this conditioner as a pre-shampoo treatment, co-wash, and leave in conditioner. Because of the (mostly) organic ingredients, I'm not afraid to that it will dry my hair out or make my curls frizzy. 

STIMULATING. The tea tree + peppermint + eucalyptus essential oil combination makes my scalp giddy. Yes...I'm oh so serious! The tingly refreshing sensation keeps my scalp from rioting from all of my sweaty workouts.

RELATED: How I Cowash My Hair

The only downside of this conditioner is that it's exclusive to Trader Joe's stores. Which means that if you're not within a few miles of a Trader Joe's location then you'd have to grab it from Amazon.com (where it's more pricey)

And here are all of the official specs---just in case you're interested in all that mambo-jumbo:

Price: $3.99 USD

Purchased at: Trader Joe's and Amazon

Ingredients:
Water, Tea Tree, Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Nettle Oil, Thyme Oil, Birch Leaf Oil, Chamomile Oil, Clary, Coltsfoot Leaf, Yarrow Oil, Mallow, Horsetail Oil, Soybean Protein, Cetyl Alcohol, Vitamin E, Trace Minerals, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylgycinate, Grape Seed

Promises:
Invigorate With Peppermint, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Botanicals. 

Have you tried Trader Joe's Tingle Conditioner? What's your fave way to use it?

Besitos!
KLP

5 Reasons Why Being A Product Junkie Is Ruining Your Hair

It took me a year to purge my product stash. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? I'm quite embarrassed that it took me all of 2015 to use up my favorite products and throw away all the stuff that either didn't suit my regimen or my lifestyle. In the process, I realized that somewhere in my hair journey, I started to believe that the more products I possessed and used, the faster that my hair would become healthier, longer, stronger...

Boy was I wrong.

Owning dozens of conditioners doesn't mean that your hair will be moisturized. Using dozens of conditioners at once doesn't mean that your hair will be moisturized either. I've come to see that having an overflowing product stash was ruining my hair. Here's why:

I N S T A N T    G R A T I F I C A T I O N

Regardless of whether you're looking to repair or prevent damage to your hair; it's a process and nothing will work overnight. We tend to throw everything that we can think of (or that pops up in our Google self-diagnosis) at the issue. Most of the "cures" that we find aren't viable because they are not sustainable. Solve one issue at a time, using one product at a time. Seeking instantaneous gratification can ruin your hair.

O V E R K I L L

Too much of a good thing can be bad; very very bad. Using too much shampoo can strip your hair. Using too much conditioner can over-moisturize your hair. Using too many strengthening products can make your hair feel dry and brittle. Less is more and moderation is the key. Overkill can ruin your hair.

I N C O N S I S T E N T     R E S U L T S

Our desire for variety and experimentation inevitably leads to inconsistent results. If our goal is to keep our hair balanced, then results that yield hair that's too dry, moisturized, or brittle on a constant basis stunts progress and ruins your hair.

W A S T E F U L

Shampoos aren't supposed to last for years and years. Either are conditioners. Especially items made with more natural ingredients and less preservatives. When you're constantly buying more than you use, something is bound not to be used. Although using an expired shampoo or conditioner probably won't cause too much harm---why risk ruining your hair?

D E C I S I O N    F A T I G U E

When I had a ridiculous amount of products, I would literally stare at my stash forever trying to figure out what I wanted to use on wash day. If I use this pre-shampoo then I'll have to use this conditioner. But if I don't use this leave-in then I can't use this shampoo. Then when I used the wrong product combos, my hair suffered. In my minimalist stash---everyone gets along and I don't have to stress out or waste time trying to make simple choices.

Minimizing my product stash was long and tedious but totally worth it. I feel that my regimen is simpler---which encourages me to stick to it. My regimen is less stressful, more productive, less expensive and most of all---I that I can achieve consistent results with less "work."

I feel at peace.

What's your take? PJ for life or are you attempting the minimalist life?

Besitos!

KLP

[Review] Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner

  

I know that it's not really a popular stance for ladies with naturally curly hair to love protein, but my hair just loves Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner---and it's loaded with protein. Here's why:

Breakage. THE ENEMY. I just cringe when I see those little itty bitty broken strands of my curls in the sink. Sure, my hair isn't supposed to be unbreakable but when I use protein regularly to strengthen my curls, I see less breakage. I also retain moisture better and longer. 

Curl definition. I'm on my 3rd bottle of this stuff. It makes my curls smooth, strong, but still pliable and soft. My hair feels perfectly balanced (moisturized but strong)---oh and it smells really great too. The ends of my curls are always POPPIN and perfectly clumped when I deep condition with GPB.

Slippage. Yes. Slippage is a word y'all. (Google it if you must...lol) Anywhos, GPB has some of the best slip in a conditioner that I've ever used. Apply a little of this stuff on your knots and VIOLA! The tangles just melt. Plus, my hair stays detangled after rinsing. Real talk, what more can a curl want?!?

I've used it both as a pre-shampoo treatment and as a deep conditioner and both ways yield fantastic results. You can check out the details on how I've used it in my #WashDayExperience here

And here are all the specs---just in case you're interested:

Price: $9.99 USD

Purchased at: The Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, aqua, cetyl alcohol (from coconut), brassicyl isoleucinate esylate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, alcohol denat. (38b, lavender), brassica alcohol, glyceryl caprylate, glycerin, lactobacillus/eriodictyon californicum ferment extract**, phospholipids**, milk protein, salvia officinalis (sage) oil*, ricinus communis oil (rice), citrus grandis (grapefruit) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil*, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, alcohol, equisetum hiemale (horsetail) extract, fragrance, gluconolactone, arginine, tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) leaf extract, urtica dioica (nettle) extract*, sodium benzoate. *Organic **Glycoprotein Natural isolate blend sourced from essential oils D015 Certified to NSF/ANSI 305 by QA

Promises: Feed your hair a healthy, balanced diet with our # 1-selling conditioner.
Nutrient-rich, protein-based GPB rehydrates and re-energizes your hair. Glycoproteins strengthen hair fiber, repair damage from salon treatments and restore softness manageability and shine. Our most popular product ever. Nourishes & strengthens for full, shiny, healthy hair. 100% Natural Ingredients
No Parabens or Petrochemicals

[Review] Redken Extreme Builder Plus

My relaxed hair loved protein. My texlaxed hair loved protein. My transitioning hair loved protein. And my natural hair loves protein too. I've been using Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus for a few months and I'm totally digging it. Here's why:

Breakage is my hair's enemy. Even though my hair isn't relaxed anymore, using a protein heavy conditioner has a pre-shampoo treatment keeps my breakage at a minimum. Just think about it, the ends of your hair are the oldest and weakest part of your hair. So far in my journey I've found that the best way to retain the length that I gain is by I consistently using protein products to protect my ends.

When I consistently use protein in my regimen, I don't have to moisturize and seal as often because my hair retains moisture better. I also noticed that protein conditioners give my curls crazy beautiful definition and banishes frizzy ends.

I little goes a long way with Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus. I'm usually heavy handed with my conditioners but this one is the exception. When I apply this condition to my dry (and unwashed) hair--my curls absorb it like a sponge. When I say that it gives my curls life---honey I mean it! Sometimes I cover and apply heat---most times I don't---but either way my hair still feels fantastic when I rinse. 

But as usual, my only complaint is the price. I purchased this tub from Ulta for $17.50. I believe that I got 6 uses out of it (which is amazing for this little tub) and puts it at about $2.91 per use if I did the math right---I probably didn't tho... That price per use is lame if you're ballin on a budget like me so if you want to try this conditioner and be easy with your application to make it stretch.

Here are all the specs---just in case you're interested:

Price: $17.50 USD

Purchased at: Ulta and Amazon

Ingredients: Water, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Elaeis Guineensis Oil/Palm Oil, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum/Fragrance, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Octyldodecanol, Methylparaben, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Arginine, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Quaternium-33, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Ci 42090/Blue 1, Ci 17200/Red 33

Promises: Intense fortifying mask for damaged hair, conditions and strengthens hair to the core. Extreme strengthening hair mask uses Redken's famous Fortifying Complex with 18-MEA to protect shine, Ceramide for structural repair and Interlock Protein Network for internal strength. Discover all the benefits that this fortifying hair mask can do for your hair.

[Review] Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of shampoos. More often than not, shampoos would strip my relaxed hair causing it to be dry, brittle, and tangle like crazy. I can honestly say that there was only one shampoo that I liked when I was relaxed AND I still love it now that I'm natural: Matrix Hydrasource Shampoo. But now---thanks to Jessicurl, I have two!

Price: $16.99 USD
Buy It At: www.jessicurl.com
Promises: "Before starting Jessicurl, I used to hate the one or two days a week I “had” to wash my hair. I knew it had to be done but dreaded suffering through 2 - 3 days of fluffy, puffy, dry frizzy hair that resulted from washing with traditional shampoos. By the time it calmed down and the natural scalp oils were replenished, it was almost time to do it again. Seriously, I was traumatized by shampoo.

That’s why when I was developing Hair Cleansing Cream, it was very important to me to break this horrible cycle. :-) With Hair Cleansing Cream, you can wash your hair and have it look good on the SAME day! I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Hair Cleansing Cream is a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that doesn’t create tons of lather but will clean your hair and leave it quite soft. It’s best suited for thicker, drier hair types that need more moisture, and is also safe for color treated hair."

Ingredients:   Aqua (Water), Decyl Polyglucose, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, C 12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG 150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (*These ingredients are naturally occurring active ingredients found in the essential oils used in some of our products.)

My Thoughts: I love this shampoo!  Didn't strip my relaxed hair; Didn't cause tangles in my transitioning hair; AND actually moisturizes while it cleanses my naturally curly hair. I always detangle before I shampoo and this is one of the only shampoos where my hair stays detangled after shampooing.

The consistency is a bit runny---not at all what I expected from a "cream." The color is slightly opaque and with an iridescent sheen. A little goes a long way and it actually creates a lot more lather than you'd expect from from a sulfate free shampoo. My scalp feels fresh and clean and any buildup on my strands is completely removed with one lather. I noticed that my curls are always more defined and softer after after each use. Although, I still only shampoo once or twice a month---I don't think that this shampoo would cause any damage if you used it once a week. Unlike my other fave shampoo, I don't dilute this shampoo when I apply it to my hair.

Have you ever used Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream? Would you buy it again?

Besitos!
KLP

[Review] DermOrganic Products {Keyda}

Hola Chicas!
Over a month ago, I stumbled across "DermOrganic" as I was shopping for my DC. After reading the ingredients, I was intrigued as I desperately need to keep the moisture and strength in my hair. So, I bought travel size bottles of their shampoo, conditioner and hair repair masque. I wanted to use it for a significant amount of time before reviewing. I must say this might be a new found treasure. :) 

DermOrganic Daily Conditioning Shampoo with Argan Oil 

Ingredients:Aqua/Eau/Water, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Methyl Gluceth-20, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Rice Amino Acids, PCA, Panthenol B5, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycereth-2 Cocoate/Benzoic Acid, Parfum/Fragrance
 

Directions:
Apply to wet hair, massage, and rinse. Follow with DermOrganic Masque and/or DermOrganic Daily Hydrating Conditioner.
 

The Real: I absolutely love how clean it makes my scalp/hair feel. It also lathers up really well and there is still a lot in my "travel" size container. You only need a small amount to fully clean your hair. With my increase in tangles, it helped tremendously to detangle my hair and make it more manageable. I have actually found pre-detangling now less of a headache (still a small one lol) and more manageable as I have used DermOrganic consistently. My scalp has also been less irritated as well. During the winter and stressful times, my eczema gets pretty bad and effects my scalp as well. And it is winter...and I am planning a wedding... lol 


DermOrganic Daily Conditioner


Ingredients:Aqua/Eau/Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol B5, Rice Amino Acids, Methyl Gluceth-20, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Organic Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, PCA, Glycereth-2 Cocoate & Benzoic Acid, Parfum/Fragrance.

Directions: 
Apply and distribute throughout clean hair, then rinse. Follow with DermOrganic Leave-In Treatment or DermOrganic Shine Therapy.
 

The Real:  
My hair is in a very weird phase to me haha! I have not had a touch-up since July and I am ensuring there is minimal damage to my hair while it still grows. This conditioner is AWESOME! It has helped detangled my hair and has really been beneficial to both my natural/texlaxed strands. It adds a nice shine as well but it mainly helps keep my strands not as frizzy. 


DermOrganic Intensive Hair Repair Masque 

Ingredients:Aqua/Eau/Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Organic Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, Rice Amino Acids, Panthenol B5, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycereth-2 Cocoate/Benzoic Acid, Parfum/Fragrance.

The Real: Again, another hit for DermOrganic! I am not a huge fan of the smell but it works. It also does not have much slip but you can work it through your hair. It made my hair feel soft right away and I noticed stronger hair after the second use. 


Overall, I definitely want bigger sizes of the products and to rotate this product in my regimen. Especially, since I am not sure when/if I will be getting another touch-up. I will be seeing what other products DermOrganic has and may give them a try. With natural ingredients and a great feeling in my hair...I might have a winner! We shall see... 


Have you tried this before!? 


xoxo
Keyda 

The Best of 2014: My Hair's Hits & Misses

2014 has been an amazing year for me--and my hair. I've had tons of highs and several low valleys but I feel so blessed to have grown and matured through the journey. Here's a recap of the best things (and the worse things) that happened to my hair.

Hit- Perm Rods

Y'all know that I love me a good bantu knot set, but I started to notice that the further that I got into this stretch---the harder it was to get a set that blended my super curly roots and my slightly straighter texlaxed ends. Then I discovered perm rods (shout out to Britt for the intro!) BEST. THING. EVER. Perm rods are relatively inexpensive and create the smoothest, bounciest make you wanna jump for joy curls ever. I could actually see my roots when it was all said and done! Oh the things that you get excited for when you haven't had a relaxer in a million years. Ha-ha!

See Related: How To Use Perm Rods on Natural Relaxed or Transitioning Hair

Hit: Steam Rollers

So, I'm chatting with my bloggy bestie Ebony from Longing4Length complaining about how terrible my hair looked and how little time I had to get glam for a girls night, when she suggests Caruso Steam Rollers. Since then---I've been HOOKED y'all. I just love how quick and easy they are to install and all without direct heat! Thanks Ebony!

See Related: How To Use Caruso Steam Rollers on Relaxed, Transitioning, or Natural Hair

Hit: I made it to MBL!

After 3 years of slowly but surely cutting off my ridiculously over-processed thin ends, a shedding fiasco, and the worse relaxer experience of my life---I finally made it to MBL last July!

See Related: Length Check and One Year Post Relaxer

Hit: BSL/MBL Length Bangs

I've never intentionally wanted bangs. Never not ever. But until recently, I've always had them because I would flat iron them daily. *cringes* Once I stopped that and started protective styling---my bangs have flourished! Today, they sit the same length as my hemline and I've never been more proud!

See Related: How To Grow Out Your Bangs

Miss- Twist Outs

Sure, this twist out looks cute, but it was totally a fluke because I couldn't replicate it plus it didn't last. Even when I followed the same exact steps! Ugh...But life is like that some times!

See Related: The #WashDayExperience- My Best Twist Out Ever (Kinda)

Miss- Fighting Tangles

I had to cut 3-4 very long knots out of my hair a few months ago. I cried. A long ugly cry. You know the kinda cry that you have when you know that everything that you are crying about was the result of your own negligence ugly cry. When I finally had the nerve to straighten my hair---I saw the damage. It wasn't pretty. Lesson learned.

See Related: The #WashDayExperience- Fighting Tangles

What were your hair's hits and misses this year? Link up your compilation below! Prospero Año y felicidad!

An InLinkz Link-up

[Review] Joico K-PAK RevitaLuxe

It seems like every single week I chat about protein. How much my hair loves it. How well protein layering works on my relaxed ends. How I really wouldn't have made it 73 weeks post relaxer without all of my relaxed ends breaking off it. Well---I guess that it was time that I share my {current} favorite protein conditioner: Joico K-Pak RevitaLuxe! 
 
Price: $5.99-$33.99 USD
Buy It At: Amazon.com
Promises: A luxurious restorative treatment that corrects years of damage while protecting against future damage. Keratin Peptide Complex delivers over 2X more resistance to breakage while protecting against color fade by 94%. Your hair will become dramatically stronger, softer, shinier and more moisturized with each application.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-8 Distearate, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Stearate, Ceteth-2, Pentapeptide-29 Cysteinamide, Pentapeptide-30 Cysteinamide, Tetrapeptide-28 Argininamide, Tetrapeptide-29 Argininamide, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-20/35/Amodimethicone Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Sorbic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Thioctic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Allantoin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance/Parfum, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).

My Thoughts: This conditioner is simply amazing. It's moisturizing and strengthening with a great scent and super thick rich consistency. My hair easily absorbs it and just a little goes a long way. This isn't a conditioner that you want to use when you have tangles and need slip. But this is the conditioner that you want to use to help fortify your strands with a boost of strengthening keratin and amino acids.

I'd label Jocio K-Pak as a medium protein conditioner on my strands. It doesn't harden as it dries like you'd get from a hard protein treatment. But there is a noticeable difference in your hair's texture. Expect your strands to feel "plumper" almost thicker after a few uses. I've also noticed that my hair retains moisture better and longer when I use this conditioner on a regular basis. In fact, I got away with only moisturizing and sealing only on wash day for several weeks when I protein layered with this conditioner without crazy breakage.

The huge pink elephant in the room? OMGosh---did you see that price? Ladies---that price tag is no joke. So here's my suggestion. Grab the $6 sample (1.7oz) travel sized bottle if you want to test it out. #ballinonabudget

Have you ever used Joico K-PAK? Would you buy it again?

Besitos!
KLP

[Review*] [Giveaway] #GoodHairIs | Good Hair In A Bottle

What is good hair to you?

Last week, someone (I won't name no names) told me that my hair was MBL because I had "good hair." Stop. Flag on the play. Rewind. Good Hair? Cue the heavy eye roll, hand on hip, no that heifa didn't curly hair flip. I absolutely despise when I hear that phase perpetuated. Everyone. Abso-friggin-lutely EVERYONE on the face of this planet has good hair. The hair that grows out of your scalp is good. Wait. Scratch that. It's GREAT. Do what you want to it. Let it grow. Cut it short. Loc it up. Flaunt your curls. Straighten it out. It's your hair. It's your choice. Just keep on loving yo GOOD HAIR. The folks over at Good Hair Salon understand this. They embrace it. They live, breathe, sleep it. They've even created a line of products based on this philosophy and specially formulated to allow you to style your good hair anyway you choose. Let's meet Good Hair In A Bottle:

Good Hair Is...Clean (Shampoo)
If you're looking for a super sudsy sulfate free shampoo, then this is the one for you. The scent is light, the consistency is super slippy, and this shampoo's formula cleanses without stripping your hair. I wouldn't consider this poo to be clarifying, nor do I think that it's super moisturizing. Its some where in between. I guess you'd call that balanced. Although, I'm not that big of a shampoo fan, but I could see myself using this again. 

Good Hair Is...Nourished (Conditioner)
It's not a secret that I'm a conditioner snob. You get one chance to wow me. You have to be as good as or better than my current faves or you will not be invited to the #washdayexperience again. This conditioner is not only multi-functional (it's a deep conditioner, leave in conditioner, and co-wash all in ONE bottle) but it has some of the most amazing slip that a girl could ask for. And don't be scared if you rinse it but don't feel the difference straight away. Just let your hair dry and you;ll feel the softness. I liked it the best as a co-wash. I thought that letting it sink in with a little heat would make the results even better---but this conditioner doesn't need the extra time. Oh and I quick note for naturally curly chicas---if you struggle with getting your curl pattern just right, you'll enjoy this conditioner. It made my 6-7 inches of super curly roots spring up like nobody's business!

Good Hair Is...Resilient (Styling Foam)
Honestly, I had no clue where I'd integrate this styling foam into my regimen. I mean...real talk...have you ever even seen me talk about a styling foam before? Ha-ha. That's when I read the label and realized that this was the solution for preventing a curly set from drooping with the wind and frizzing from humidity.Expect to see it make a come back when I do more perm and flexi rod sets in the near future. If you're protein senstitve check out the label on this one. There are a a lot of proteins (like Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG­Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Keratin Wowsers right?!?) floating in this one.

My suggestions for use:
Once/twice a month- lather up for a cleansing shampoo.
Weekly- grab the conditioner for a co-wash
Bi weekly- use the styling foam to set (and you can set on dry hair too) your braid outs, flexi spirals, perm rod curls, roller set or twist out.

I bet that you're itching to try this one now huh? No worries. We gotcha covered. Three lucky chicas have a chance to win their very own Good Hair Is gift package. You've gotta week to enter daily!

Buena suerte chicas!
KLP

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The Best Co-Washing Conditioner Under $10

The votes are in. They've been tallied. The products have been reviewed. Today it's (finally) time to give one lucky co-washing conditioner the SavingOurStrands stamp of approval. I know that you guys have got to be sick with product reviews and just want to know who the winner is already! But first, I'll recap how all four contenders stacked up against each other:

Hydration:
Breakage is my arch enemy right now. I have a protein rich regimen that I *fingers crossed* hope is warding off breakage. But it also requires a good amount of moisture to keep my hair balanced. When I co-wash, I'm longing for my roots to quickly absorb the conditioner then when all is said and done dry soft, fluffy, and clump free. (read: become more elastic) and the straighter sections are sleeker (read: become more smooth). 

Winners: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle & Herbal Essences Hello Hydration 

Cleansing:
I hate a conditioner that leaves a residue. Especially a conditioner that I'm using to co-wash. My scalp has to feel clean and sweat-free without stripped rough roots or straw-like ends. I mean--that's what I have shampoo for right? Ha-ha!

Winner: OGX Argan Oil of Morocco

Detangling:
I detangle my hair pre-wash and I don't think that it's too much to expect it to stay detangled through the wash process. I need slip, slip, and more slip to keep tangles from wreaking havoc on my hair.

Winner: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration 

Price:  
I have a lot of hair and I'm heavy handed so co-washing can get a little expensive if you don't shop smart. The winner in this category gave me the best price per ounce.
Winner: Tresemme Naturals Nourishing ($.20/oz)

So who won the war? Drum roll please!!!!

AUSSIE 3 MINUTE MIRACLE
The battle could have gone either way depending on what you feel like your hair needs on a particular day. Aussie edged out the competition because usually I want a super dose of moisture, some crazy cool slip, and packaging that's very easy to use. Aussie is the only conditioner on the list to tick off all three boxes. But when my hair feels more dirty than dry, I look to Tresemme Naturals Nourishing. Or when I need a little strengthening power, I grab OGX Argan Oil of Morocco. If slip is all I need, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is my go to. Nonetheless, all four of these contenders are pretty great and I'll definitely repurchase each one.  

Man, this was definitely a fun process. I wonder what my next battle will be...

Besitos!  
KLP

Did you win the Battle of the Co-washing conditioner giveaway? Check now!

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[Review] Tresemme Naturals Nourishing

Price: Under $10

Purchased at: Any national retailer or online

Promises: This silicone-free conditioner is hypoallergenic, dye-free, safe for colored hair and is infused with Aloe Vera and Avocado extracts, delivering softness, strength and shine. The Effect: Hair that's hair 10X stronger--after just one use.* This natural conditioner can protect all hair types from damage and breakage. Recommended for all hair types, dry hair, curly hair, or color treated hair.

Ingredients:
Water , Cetearyl Alcohol , Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine , Behentrimonium Chloride , Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil , Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Fragrance , Dipropylene Glycol , Potassium Chloride , Lactic Acid , Disodium EDTA , DMDM Hydantoin , PEG 150 Distearate , Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Lauroyl Lysine , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone  

My Thoughts: 
Of all of the co-washing conditioners that I use, this one gets my hair the cleanest. I like using it after especially sweaty workouts or when I feel like my hair has more buildup than usual. The only trade off is that I don't get that super moisturized conditioned feeling that I love. The scent is light---doesn't linger---and isn't very memorable at all. But, what I love most about this conditioner is how well it absorbs into my hair. After leaving it on for a few minutes my hair feels light, fluffy and clump free. If you are a curly girl---that might not be a good thing. If your stretching your relaxer or transitioning, it's amazeballs! Clumped curls=more detanlging time. Which makes me want to grab the scissors! A lot of folks love that this one doesn't have silicones in it but did y'all notice all that other weird stuff that we can't pronounce? LOL.

How does this conditioner work as a co-wash for you?


Besitos!
KLP

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[Review] OGX Argan Oil of Morocco

Price: Under $10

Purchased at: Any national retailer or online

Promises: A unique, precious blend of Moroccan argan oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softens while strengthening and creating soft, seductive, silky perfection. 

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

My Thoughts: I haven't met an OGX, formerly Organix, product that I haven't liked. The Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner is no exception. It gives my hair the perfect hint of moisture during a co-wash and has a pretty good amount of slip. It contains a few of my fave ingredients: coconut oil, glycerin, behentrimonium chloride, and argan oil. Plus the scent is fabulous and the consistency is rich. My hair easily absorbs the conditioner, so a little goes a long way. I've used this one as a deep conditioner as well in the past with decent results. It's no Jessicurl Deep Treatment or Matrix Hydrasource so it remains in the co-wash conditioner bin. Did I mention that the price is very right, honey? Under $10---you can't beat that!

How does this conditioner work as a co-wash for you?


Besitos!
KLP

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[Review] Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

Price: $3-4

Availability: Pretty much everywhere

Promises:  Deeply intense conditioning, accented with Australian aloe, penetrates dry or damaged hair. Radiant hair in one use. Sure, it's really deep and super intense. But moist 3 minute miracle, accented with natural Australian aloe and jojoba oil, has a playful side too. Like that time it ran backwards around the office in a kangaroo outfit. Add some roo to your do.

Ingredients: Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Ecklonia Radiata Extract, Australian Sea Kelp, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, EDTA , Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

My Thoughts: 
The tropical "coconutty" scent of this conditioner is pretty gosh darn amazeballs. Calgon take me away amazeballs. The girl behind me in Spin class smelled it in my hair and distinctively knew what conditioner it was amazeballs. The consistency is the thickest amongst the other conditioners in the battle but my hair absorbs it really well and it rinses cleanly leaving me with easily detangled, smooth, un-clumped (think fluffy instead of curly) roots and re-moisturized hair. I think that the packaging is very unique; the product is dispensed from the bottom of the tube when you squeeze it. None of that struggling to flip the bottle upside down mess here! I love this because it makes application really easy in the shower. Although it's marketed as a deep conditioner, for my hair, it's just doesn't have enough "umph" to be a true deep conditioner but as a co-wash? Ohhh yeah! The biggest downside is how tiny the bottle is! I only get 3-4 uses per bottle but at $3, it's hard to complain! The ingredients are a little sketchy at first glance and you might find yourself needed to clarify a little more often. 

Have you used this one before? Does your hair like it as a deep conditioner or a co-wash?

Besitos!
KLP

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[Review] Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

Price: $3-4

Availability: Pretty much everywhere

Promises:  

100% softer* in 1 wash. I won’t let dry hair drain your style. my moisture-rich formulas are fused with extracts of creamy coconut and orchid flower and leave your hair feeling soft, smooth and moisturized. so don’t discriminate against dry hair—my moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and 2 in 1 will leave your hair feeling lush with moisture.

Ingredients:
Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Bis Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Silk Extract, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Blue 1

My Thoughts:
I spend a lot of time at the beach and in the pool during the summer. And of course I take Hello Hydration conditioner with me! It's super moisturizing and even though it's marketed as a conditioner, my scalp feels clean after using it to co-wash. It does have good slip---but I'm a million weeks post---so of course I'd love just a smidge more detangling power. If you're picky about product scents, beware---this one is pretty potent if you love it or overpowering if you hate it. I happen to think the scent is pretty darn awesome.

How do you like this one for co-washing?

Besitos!
KLP

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[Review] Jessicurl Deep Treatment

Price: $16.95 (USD)

Purchased at: www.jessicurl.com

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)*,  Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter),  Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder,  Soy Lecithin, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Promises:
Intense pampering for dry hair

How I Use It:
Deep conditioner + heat
Leave in conditioner

My Thoughts:
Jessicurl Deep Treatment is deliciously thick, creamy, and rich. Wait---am I talking about ice cream or a conditioner?! I digress. It's actually one of the thickest conditioners that I own. It moisturizes like no body's business, has a scent that has grown on me, and makes my multi-textured strands behave. It's slip is simply what tangle prone chicas like me dream of. I can instantly feel and see that my hair is absorbing the product. It doesn't any build up as it softens. And whilst, I adore conditioning over night with it---you most certainly don't have to in order for your hair to love it. I've had to literally fight my urge to buy this conditioner by the gallon. The only down side is the packaging. Smh. Why o why is it in a bottle? If y'all could only see my hubby's face when I ask him to use his super sharp shears to cut it open for me so that I can get all of the product out. 

Dear Jessi

I'd love you forever and ever to the moon and back if you packed this luscious conditioner in a jar.

Your bestie KLP's hair

Can you tell that this one is a keeper? Staple status confirmed!

If you're on the search for a beautifully insane moisturizing conditioner, I doubt that Jessicurl Deep Treatment will disappoint. I've been asked frequently if it works for relaxed hair and I passionately say; ABSOfreakingLUTELY. 

(I may have had just a tad bit too much coffee whilst penning this post---don't be alarmed. Ha-ha!)

Besitos!
KLP