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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner -- In Review


Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner

I purchased this product after my beautician had done my b/c (Big Chop) and I was trying to figure out how I was going to take care of the hair that I had left on my head. She told me that some other clients of hers had recommended this product for natural hair care.
It took no time to locate the website and make my purchase.
When visiting their site, I liked the clean, contemporary, and earthy feeling of the site. There were great pictures of the creators themselves displaying the diversity of their curls. It also displayed pictures of young girls with diverse hair types to show you how well the products worked on children.
They do have stand alone products just for children.

Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner

This product is promoted to "define your curls and block frizz."
This product has been created/designed for "us" who they say are "many." The creators,Wendi LEVY and Kim ETHEREDGE,are themselves of "mixed" heritage but persists in the following philosophy toward hair: "Even if you are not mixed, you may have frizz and unruly curls, right?"
While there concept may be true, there are those who tresses are curly and are not of mixed background that feel the product does not cater to there 4a,b,c hair types.
The creators also suggest that this products tames frizz and define curls on "many hair textures and weaves (synthetic or human).

Product Ingredients

Water, glycerin, amodimethicone, emulsifying wax, hydrolyzed wheat protein,/pvp crosspolymer, methylgluceth-20, hydroxypropyl trimonium choloride, octyl methoxycinnamate, hydroxyethyl celloluse, jojoba oil, safflower oil, primrose oil, wheat amino acid, crosilk, hydrolyzed collagen (marine), phenoxyethanel, methylparaben, proplyparaben, butylparaben, FD&C red #40, FD&C yellow #5, fragrance
Sulfate Free

Creators of Mixed Chicks Conditioner

Wendi LEVY (left) and Kim ETHEREDGE (right), two "mixed chicks"
Wendi LEVY (left) and Kim ETHEREDGE (right), two "mixed chicks"

Review of the Product

I liked the fragrance of the product first off. It went on smoothy and I was able to disseminate it throughout my tresses easily. I didn't have to use a lot (at that time I had about an inch of hair!) I did find that at the end of the day my hair was a little crunchy but personally, that doesn't bother me. It did define my curls well and kept it frizz-free.
I purchased my first 10 ounce bottle in March of 2010 and as of July, 2011, I still have the same bottle. The reason being is that as my hair grew longer, it took much more of the product to get a good "defined" look which caused my hair to become "hard!" It also seem to dry my 3c hair out which then caused me to move on to another product.
I did find "refreshing" the product for another day was not as successful as when you completely re-co-washed my hair and then re-applied the leave-in conditioner.

Mixed Chicks Hair Products

Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner, 10 fl oz
Amazon Price: $16.60
List Price: $20.00
Mixed Chicks Kids Quad Pack
Amazon Price: $37.75
Curly Like Me: How to Grow Your Hair Healthy, Long, and Strong
Amazon Price: $5.99
List Price: $16.95
Mixed Chicks Hair Silk, 1.7 oz.
Amazon Price: $11.99
List Price: $12.00

Pros and Cons of the Mixed Chick Conditioner

Pros
  • Product Smells Good, Light and Refreshing
  • Easy to Apply to Your Tresses
  • Mixed Chick Offers .99 Cent Samples
  • Leaves Hair Shiny
  • Across Hair Types, Good Under a Moisturizer to Define Curls
  • Great for Mixed Nationalities and Curly Caucasian Hair Types
  • Product Works Well In Humidity
Cons
  • Can Cause a "Waxy" Build-up on Tresses
  • Dries Hard
  • Works Better on 2 through 3c Hair Types
  • Product Will Flake When Too Much Product Has Been Applied
  • Product Does Have Parabens and Silicones
  • Pricey -- Too Costly if you Wash Product Out Frequently to get that "Fresh" Day Look
  • Product IS NOT a NATURAL Product
  • Product is not "moisturizing" Enough
  • Product Seems to Work Best on "Looser Curl Types"

Finally

If you try the product and REALLY like it, Mixed Chicks offers a 1 liter size for $50.00!
Do I still have the product? Yes. Do I still use the product? No. Will you try the product again? Maybe.
Okay, you know what to do! Leave me a comment!

Mixed Chick Question

Have You've Tried Mixed Chick Leave-In Conditioner and...

  •  Liked It!
  •  Didn't Like It!
  •  Thinking About Trying It!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Hand In Hair Syndrone



Since going natural on Easter Weekend 2010, I discovered that I opened the door to something that I had never experienced before "Hand in Hair Syndrone!"

I didn't realize that I was even doing it until one day my family and I were in the car and on our way to our destination when I happened to look in the mirror on the visor at my 2-1/2 year old granddaughter and I saw that she was twirling her braids.  My 26-year old son must have saw the quizzical look I had on my face because he quickly chimed "that's because she's been watching you do that!" and everyone in the car busted out with laughter!  I was so floored!

I must admit that no matter how hard I try, this Hand in Hair thing is hard to stop!  I love feeling the texture of my hair through my fingers.  It amazes me when I can feel the coils so perfectly formed without a comb, some sort of implement, or coaxing.  They just are!  Some coil-ier (if it be such a word) than others but all that is God-given!

Will I ever stop!  No, I won't because I'm in love with my texture all 3 of them and counting....




© 2012 Lady Summerset for Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks.  All rights reserved.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Cantu Coconut Curling Creme -- In REVIEW


A new product has hit the shelves of your local Walmart!  Cantu Coconut Curling Creme!  I was already in the midst of doing another product review when I came across this new product.  I purchased the item for $5.49 for a 12 ounce jar at Walmart ($7.99 at Walgreens) to try later after reviewing the other product.  


I usually keep a jar of its predecessor Cantu Leave-In Conditioner in my rotation, which I like and I thought the Curling Creme would be worth a try.


How I Applied the Product:


My hair texture is 3b in the front and 3c/4a in the back and I'm an avid "Wash N' Go" natural since my hair is very wavy and coily.  As a rule, I don't need a "curling creme" to get more definition but I do like a "hold" since my 3c tresses can be very unruly and will frizz out as soon as it's moisture retention has dropped.


I applied the Cantu Coconut Curling Creme on "wet" hair that had already been sectioned into approximately 8 large twists and the Cantu Leave-In Conditioner had already been applied.  Immediately after co-washing my hair, I always apply a leave-in or a "watered-down version" of Tresemme Naturals Conditioner on my hair, twist into large sections, cover hair with a plastic cap and scarf and leave on overnight.  When I wake up in the morning, hair is wet but not dripping and then I apply my "styler" in the morning then I'm off to work.


The product went on very smoothly and consistency was just a "tad" bit thicker than it's counterpart "Cantu Leave-In Conditioner."  Product was very creamy and had a light fragrance of coconut.  From past experiences with curling cremes, I knew that I didn't need to apply too much so I used about two "quarter-sized" amounts and that was enough to get soft, bouncy curls.


This product also yields a "flexible" hold!  It will not "freeze" your coils or curls! This product will allow your hair to maintain a curl and shape but blow in the wind. It's hold is very similar to "Let's Jam!"


Conclusion


I did find that if you applied too much of the product, you will have limp, greasy, but SOFT hair!  I suggest that you start with a small amount then apply more, as needed!  I like the creaminess and the fragrance of the product.  The price was comparable for the amount of product you get.  I did find that it was a great substitution for Miss Jessie's Curling Creme.


If you like light, fluffy hair, with a soft/flexible hold, this is your product.  Hair did feel hydrated and moisturized which is a MUST for my 3c strands.  


Product Description:


Cantu for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream will define, condition and add manageability to your curls, leaving them soft, shiny and deeply moisturized. Made with 100% Pure Shea Butter and formulated without chemicals or harsh ingredients, Cantu for Natural Hair restores your real, authentic beauty. Embrace your curly, kinky, or wavy hair with Cantu for Natural Hair.


Product Ingredients:

Water, Canola Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteareth-20, Fragrance, Cetearyl Alcohol/Ceteth-20, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycol Stearate, Petrolatum, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Olea Euopaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernal Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Lonciera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Laminara Cloustoni (Sea Kelp) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, PEG-75, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. 

Ingredient Attributes: silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free

Would I purchase again, sure will!  Leave me a comment or your experience with this or a comparable product that you'd like to share!

Happy Curls to You!


© 2012 Lady Summerset for Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks.  All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding Review

This has been a product that I've peruse over the two years that I have been natural but because of its price, avoided.  Well, I finally broke down and purchased a 16 ounce jar for $38.00 at Target.  I must say the shelf was full of Miss Jessie's products.

I washed my hair with Tresemme Naturals Shampoo, followed by Reve Essentials Hair and Body Moisturizer in the Lemon Scent.  I shingled the product through my 3b-4a tresses as usual.  The product went on smoothly and I soon realized that I didn't need to apply but a dime-size amount to each section. The consistency of the product was very creamy and thick.  The Curly Pudding does have a fragrance that may be too much for some which is why I believe that they do offer it in an unscented version.  I do recommend applying the Curly Pudding to very wet hair, it seems to take less to cover the strands.

The clumping that I got with this product was off the chain!  Curls were shiny and bouncy.  The product gives a soft "hold."  I can foresee a learning curve of three to four tries in order to get your application of this product down pact.  It took about 2 hours for the product to dry without a leave-in under the product.   Today, I used a leave-in and applied the Curly Pudding at 4:30 a.m. and at 10:58 a.m. the ends of my hair are dry but from the scalp to three quarters down my hair is still damp.  Therefore, I have that "just applied product" look and I haven't been able to "fluff" into style yet.

The products ingredients are:  

Water, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Silk Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Oleth-5, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Ext. Violet 2. 

Pros:
  • Goes on smoothly
  • Doesn't take much to get the job done.
  • Curls are well-defined
  • Curls are Shiny
  • Curls Clump Well
  • Works Well on 2b - 3c Hair Types
  • You Can Get 4 to 5 Day Hair with Product
  • Great for Twistouts and the Like for 4a-z Hair Types
  • Product Gives a Soft, Shiny, and Flexible Hold
  • Frizz-free Curls
  • Style Easily Refreshed with Water
Cons:
  • Product Pricing is a HUGE deterrent to repurchasing product
  • Let's Jam is a comparable substitute for this high-end product
  • Drying can take hours
  • Product Ingredients are not "embraced" by the "natural" community
  • Not great for wash n goes for 4a-z Hair textures
  • Will Leave Hair Crunchy if you've Applied Too Much
  • Artificial "Grape" Scent can be Overwhelming for Some but can last for days
My observation is that people either really love the Curly Pudding or Hate it!  For hair types 2b to 3c it is a good product for Wash N' Goers and for 4a to 4z great for twistouts, bantu knots and the like.  I've used the product twice and haven't gotten below the top of the label on the 16 ounce jar yet.  Therefore, in order to be fair the initial cost of the product is a shocker but the jar holds a lot of applications that can balance out the price!

I also liked the detailed instructions, on the jar, on how to use the product.  From what I've heard is that Miss Jessie's is coming out with a 2-ounce jar  ($7 - $9) that will allow people to try the product without having to shell out so much money.  I would try visiting their site to get one.  Will I be repurchasing?  No, I have a feeling that my jar will last me a long time and I'm satisfied with the Let's Jam as a substitute.

This is my review of Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding.  Leave your comments, experiences, and thoughts with this product below!  

Until next time, Happy Curls!

© 2012 Lady Summerset for Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks.  All rights reserved.


Monday, April 30, 2012

Let's Jam Custard Flexible Hold Cream Gel 10oz


For all of you product junkies, this one is hot off the press!  So new that most local Beauty Supply Stores don't even have this item on their shelves.  In fact, I went to my local BSS and they didn't have it and I traced off to Walgreens to locate it.  They had only one lone jar on the shelf and that was because the lip had been cracked.  Not wanting to venture to my area Walmart, I took the damaged jar to the Manager and she gave me a 15% discount off the $5.49 price for the 10 ounce jar!


How I applied the product:


I co-washed my hair with my Adama Jasmine and Peach Conditioner.  I then applied Tresemme Naturals Conditioner and finished detangling.  I did rinse most of the Tresemme out and left my hair very wet in order to apply the Let's Jam Custard.


I rubbed a small amount in the palms of my hands and than found it most effective to apply to my tresses in sections.  After applying the Let's Jam Custard to each section, I also used my wide-tooth shower comb to further distribute the product and to make sure my hair was detangled.  I took time to "smooth" the product through in large sections and allowed the hair to dry.  


I started my application about 9:30 p.m. and hair was dry enough to put on my satin cap and sleep on it!  I woke up the next morning and I took about a quarter-size of the product and rubbed in my palms and applied to my hair in a general sweeping motion and then styled and fluff and I had simply AMAZING hair!


The hold was flexible, hair was shiny, and curls were smooth.  Now, I have 2b hair in the very front section, 3c and 4 throughout the rest of my hair.  My coils were coily and wavy hair waved up softly.  Hair feels really moisturized!


Okay, let's look at the:


Cons


There are several Youtubers who have already reviewed the item and they all have given this product two thumbs up!  The major complaint was the smell of the product and the need to know how much of the product to apply before tresses are weighed down.


Product can be hard to find, since it is so new.


I used more of this product in application then I was comfortable with but you will be able to get a good several applications from the 10 ounce jar.


Price:  Can be found at different stores from $3.94 to $5.49.


Product is not "all natural" but has no mineral oil, alchohol, silicones or petroleum.  However, for those of you who do not like glycerin this is more than likely not a candidate for you.  It does have Geraniol which is linked to insect repellant, it is low on the list but should be considered when purchasing the product.


Pros


On the pro side, most received more elongation of their curls and were able to easily refresh their style in the morning while in the shower/steam or with a lite spritz of water.


As with most new products, there is a learning curve.  Knowing the balance of how much to apply on your hair before you cause your curls to become laden with the product.    This I found not easy to do with the product because my best results was applying the product on extremely wet hair on the first day.  It seems as though a little dab will do you on days 3 - 5 on wash n' go hair.  Product rinsing easily with warm water.


Hair feels moisturized for several days and plays well with EcoStyler gels and Shea Butter.  Item has been compared by some Youtubers to the very expensive Curling Cream by Miss Jessie's and even some Kinky Curly Curling Custard consumers are willing to venture across the line to Let's Jam Custard because of the price difference.


Product dries extremely fast even on sopping wet hair!


Prdouct Description:


The great hold of Let's Jam gels and the conditioning of a cream hairdressing for3X more conditioned hair and all day flexible hold. Ideal for smoothing and controlling ponytails and fly-aways without weighing the hair down. Smooth it, shine it, control it. It's so supple you can style and easily restyle.


Ingredients:


Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Polysorbate 80,Triethanolamine, Oleth-2, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2,Parfum / Fragrance, Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, Polyquaternium-39, Limonene, Sodium Benzoate, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Ci 17200 / Red 33


Understanding what your putting in your body and on your tresses is important and I admonish each consumer to read labels throughly and carefully.


Will I repurchase?  Definitely!   I'm sure Softsheen Carson has a reason for adding it into the hair product.  Perhaps bugs are attracted to the custard!  Whatever the case, I'm uncomfortable with its inclusion but because it is so low on the list, it may be tolerable!


The product does really deliver, bouncy, flexible, shiny, moisturized and elongated curls!  I'm the type of person who hates to have any gel on my hair overnight.  My only alternative was to go to bed with wet hair and apply gel in the morning which was a horror in the winter months since I commute!  Let's Jam Custard affords me the luxury of lightly misting my hair at night and shaking and going in the morning!


I think SoftSheen Carson has a hit on their hands!


Let me know what you think about it!


Happy Curls to You!


© 2012 Lady Summerset for Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Scarves in Motion

Scarves are as individual as the woman who dons it!  As exoctic as the way that she wraps them!  As retro as her last thought!  Whether worn on plantation fields are on a Milan's runway, you can always find the appropriate scarve to fit the occassion.

The use of the scarf as an accessory is almost as old as time itself!  The Egyptians adorned them as far back as in 1350 B.C. when Egyptian Queen Nefertiti wears a finely woven scarf topped by a conical headdress.  They can be made of anything from cords, rope, cotton to finely made silk scarves.


Scarves reflect the culture of the woman and her status in her tribe.


Scarves are a reflection on how you move, live, and flow!

© 2012 Lady Summerset for Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks.  All rights reserved.


Monday, April 23, 2012

Adama Peach Jasmine 100% Vegan Conditioner


Understanding the health benefits of what we put on and in our bodies, I was in search for a clay-based hair conditioner.  I had heard a lot about Terressentils but was not convinced enough to pay the high shipping cost.  However, I will say that the product had a good price point and great reviews.  I felt that I needed a more economical alternative and decided to search for a clay-based alternative and found it in ADAMA.

Prior to my search, I had not heard about this product line.   There were not too many reviews about the performance of the item.  I was able to find it on-line rather easily and the shipping and handling were either free or reasonable.  This item could be found at Ebay, Amazon, and some on-line health stores.

Product Description:

This ancient remedy combines enriching trace minerals with moisture rich botanical herbs to repair dry ends and add intense shine to dull, weak hair.  Adama minerals nourish the scalp promoting hair growth and thickness.  This Extra-Moisture formula is effective for use on permed, straightened or color treated hair.

Price Point: (16 ounce bottle)

Wholesale Supplement Store and Cheap Vitamins:  $9.58
Herbs Wholesale:  $12.56
Sears:  $14.90
Ebay:  $23.98


First Impression of the Product:
  • Product easily flows from the bottle
  • Condtioner is light and creamy
  • The jasmine and peach scent is divine (light not overbearing)
  • Texture of the product was smooth
  • Item washed out easily and cleanly


The ingredients are as follows:

Ingredients:

Purified Water, Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine (Coconut Based Hair Conditioner), Kanwa Desert Minerals, Certified Organic Sunflower Oil, Mineral Water, Certified Organic Jojoba Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Panthenol, Dead Sea Salt, Dad Sea Minerals, Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, hydrolyzed Wheat Extract, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Natural Fragrance


Item arrived in three days and was well-packed.  The bottle was labelled 100% vegan.

Application of Product:

I thoroughly wet my hair in the shower with warm water, applied the conditioner in small sections.  The conditioner began to melt away the tangles and I immediately felt my hair become silkier and smooth.  I then massage the conditioner on my scalp and then allow the conditioner to sit on my hair for a few minutes.  Rinsed out the conditioner, as stated in the directions on the product.

Results:

My hair felt clean, smooth, and fresh, without feeling "stripped."  There was a light scent of the product but not overbearing or loud.  I was able to run my fingers and comb through my damp tresses easily.

My Opionion of Product:

Pros:  
  • I like the light jasmine peach scent of the conditioner
  • The price point for a "natural" conditioner is good
  • The bottle was very full of product
  • Conditioner is Creamy and not grainy
  • Product application was smooth and easy
  • A little product goes a long way
Cons:
  • If you are a shampoo person, you will find that the conditioner cost more than the shampoo
  • Item not readily available at a local store in my area.
Overall my experience with this product has been a surprising great one and have placed this on my "must have" shelf.

Please comment or leave a thought!


© 2012 Lady Summerset for Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks.  All rights reserved.