Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

I received this product in my May's Curl Kit box.  This is one of the best products I've received in my two-year subscription with them.

• Hair Type:             All Hair Types, Coarse
• Used For:              Repairing, Softening, Detangling, Strengthening
• Product Form:     Cream
• Health Facts:        Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Phthalate-Free
• Product Style:      Leave-in conditioner

Let me preface this with, first and foremost, I am NOT an avid fan of Shea Moisture products.  My 3c/4 tresses just didn't seem to care for their products.  However, I do repurchase the Shea Moisture Souffle.

I simply love the way this product smells on my hair.  It is a lotion-like product and goes on smoothly and you do not need to apply a lot.

I use the product on wet or damp hair.  The shine is off the charts and the pliability and softness of my hair after using this is amazing. Product is not sticky or tacky to the touch after being applied to hair.

Ingredients:
Water , Ricinus Communis Seed Oil , Stearyl Alcohol , Cetyl Alcohol , Behentrimonium Chloride , Butyrospermum Parkii ButterShea, Certified Organic , Cocos Nucifera OilCoconut , Panthenol , Dicaprylyl Ether , Hydroxyethylcellulose , GlycerinVegetable , Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilJojoba , Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil , Hydrolyzed Keratin , Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil , Tocopherol , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice , Yeast Extract , Hydrolzyed Vegetable Protein , PG-Propyl Silanetriol , Mentha Piperita Leaf ExtractPeppermint , FragranceEssential Oil Blend , Hydrolyzed Rice Protein , Butylene Glycol , Niacin , Dextran , Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 , Trifolium Pratense Flower ExtractClover , Vinegar , Caprylhydroxamic Acid , Caprylyl Glycol , Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Benefits of ingredients:

• water
• castor oil: thick, highly viscous oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and humectant properties. It is also a great moisture sealant, and promotes hair thickening and growth.
• stearyl & cetyl alcohol: "fatty alcohols" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Both act as a lubricants, thickeners, and emollients. They also give conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy, and are additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
• behentrimonium chloride: quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.
• shea butter: emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
• coconut oil: oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid). One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.

I have found that it leaves my hair remarkably with less shrinkage than my beloved Camille Rose Naturals' leave-in.  In fact, it's not necessary for me to have to use a styler when using this product alone!  Hair looks vibrant and healthy.

Usage:

A little goes a long way.  I like best using on extremely wet hair.  A quarter-size amount to each section (8).  Can be easily reactivated.  I use daily (applied -lightly - again all over -- at night and spritz with water in the morning).

Leaves my hair moisturized and unlike some of Shea Moisture's other products doesn't leave my hair feeling parched after my hair has dried.

Side Notes:

• I found it not necessary to use the Styling Lotion since the Leave-In performed the same way.
• PLAYS well with Kinky Curly Custard
• If you are protein-sensitive, this item will not work to your satisfaction.  This group of products are full of protein.  -- This is why you will get complaints from other users saying that it "dried" out their hair or hair felt parched.

Keravis Protein

Keravis is a silicone-derived ingredient.  Another name that it is called by is:  hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol.  Keravis protein is a vegetable-derived protein and silicone blend that was designed specifically to strengthen, fortify, and revitalize dry and damaged hair.

Keravis' composition places this product on the Curly Girl's "not friendly" list.  However, please note that Keravis is able to penetrate the hair's cortex which enables it to help to build strength inside the strand while it both coats and conditions the hair strand.

This is important because this will yield tensile strength which will help shield your tresses from dyes, environment, styling, and stressful daily hair routines.  To "cone" or not to "cone?" My tresses love cones, so I will be a continued user.

Pros:

• Easily Accessible
• Price Point - Excellent - 16 ounces for $10.99
• Moisture Factor is Good
• Fragrance:  Loved
• Less Shrinkage than more other leave-ins

Cons:

• Product Needs to be in a Bottle Not Jar
• Contains Keravis Protein -- Not Curly Girl (method) Friendly

Will I Re-purchase:  Yes!

Loving the product!

Please comment or share your experience with this product!

Happy Curls to You!
©Copyright 2015-10-6 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Crowning Glory!

Sometimes we can find ourselves tiring of our natural hair journey.  This is a second installment of my "Hair Inspiration."  I have scoured the virtual world to share with you some inspiration.  Long, short, wavy, coily, kinky and nappy, natural hair expresses the soul of the woman who it adorns.

I

1. Natural Hair: Afro-textured hair is a term used to refer to the natural hair texture of certain populations in Africa, the African diaspora and Asia, when this hair has not been altered by hot combs, flat irons, or chemicals (through perming, relaxing, or straightening).
2. In many post-Columbian, Western societies, adjectives such as "wooly", "kinky", "nappy", or "spiralled" have frequently been used to describe natural afro-textured hair. More recently, however, it has become common in some circles to apply numerical grading systems to human hair types. There are also natural haircare products used today for natural hair, such as, Cantu,Shea Moisture, African Pride, and Carol's Daughter Products.
3. One popular version of these systems classifies afro-textured hair as 'type 4' (straight hair is type 1, wavy type 2, and curly is type 3, with the letters A, B, and C used to indicate the degree of coil variation within each type) with the subcategory of type 4C being most exemplary of this hair type (Walker, 1997). However, afro-textured hair is often difficult to categorize because of the many different variations among individuals. Those variations include pattern (coils, springs, zig zags, s-curves), pattern size (watch spring to chalk), density (sparse to dense), strand diameter (fine, medium, wide), and feel (cottony, wooly, spongy). -- Wikipedia

Historically, sub-Saharan Africans, as in every culture, developed hairstyles that defined status, or identity, in regards to age, ethnicity, wealth, social rank, marital status, religion, fertility, manhood, and death. Hair was carefully groomed by those who understood the aesthetic standard, as the social implications of hair grooming were a significant part of community life. Dense, thick, clean, and neatly groomed hair was something highly admired and sought after. Hair groomers possessed unique styling skills allowing them to create a variety of designs that met the local cultural standards. Hair was usually dressed according to local culture. - Wikipedia

 

 

In many traditional cultures, communal grooming was a social event when a woman could socialize and strengthen bonds between herself, other women and their families. Historically, hair braiding was not a paid trade. Since the African diaspora, in the 20th and 21st centuries it has developed as a multi-million dollar business in such regions as the United States and western Europe. An individual's hair groomer was usually someone whom they knew closely. Sessions included shampooing, oiling, combing, braiding, and twisting, plus adding accessories.

 
For shampooing, black soap was widely used in nations in West and Central Africa. Additionally, palm oil and palm kernel oil were popularly used for oiling the scalp. Shea butter has traditionally been used to moisturize and dress the hair: a yellow variety is popular in West Africa, and a white variety in East Africa. In North Africa, Argan Oil was applied to the hair and/or scalp for protection against the arid environment and intense sun.

It's a common tale shared by women of color whose natural hair can attract stares, curiosity, comments and the occasional stranger who desires to reach out and touch.  The reaction to such fondling can range from amusement to outrage over the invasion of personal space.-- CNN Report:  "Can I Touch It?"--Lisa Respers France, CNN

When looking in the mirror, remember that your natural hair is beautiful.  Whether it is coily, wavy, highly textured, loosely curly, or cottony it is the crown you wear!

Please comment or write about your natural inspiration or journey!

Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2015-13-5 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Happy Mother's Day

InSpirit Head Wraps

Head Wraps

Use this promo code for free/discount shipping and discounts on beautiful headwraps!

http://bit.ly/1bG3S3A

 

 



 

I had seen this company advertised several times on Facebook and took a look and then forgotten to further investigate or see what the company had to offer.

I saw a young lady (Daneja) from a former church congregation wearing one and thought it looked quite well on her.  I always loved the look of a head wrap but just could not get the hang of doing so!


These head wraps are being sold for $18.00 each and she has a fairly large selection to choose from.

  The scarves comes in a few type of weaves.  One type is called an open weave.  The scarves are described to be weaved so that they will grip even fine hair which allows the scarf to not fall are loosen while wearing.  A big plus when trying to wear a head scarf all day without having to keep adjusting throughout the day.


 

She offers Hats and Caps, Head Bands, Head Wraps, and what she calls Healing Head Covers.

Her site can be found: 
http://www.vendio.com/stores/InspiritArts/category/page=4/__http_host=www.vendio.com/catId=4311621

 Healing Head Covers are offered as a stylish way to get through the loss of your tresses from Alopecia, Cancer, or sickness that will cause one to lose their hair.

Happy Shopping to You!

©Copyright 2015-24-4 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Shrinkage -- Learning to Embrace It!

Get a 10% discount on your order from Curl Kit!

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http://www.pinterest.com/sostewar/shrinkage-is-cool-i-guess-natural-hair/

Natural Hair Shrinkage

All naturals experience some amount of hair shrinkage. Curlier and wavier naturals will tend to experience much more shrinkage due to their curl pattern.

I have 3c/4 textured hair. The front and top have a looser curl pattern. 

My usual regiment for my wash n' go is to wash (or co-wash), condition, leave-in, and then apply the gel or styling agent of choice. The shrinkage is about 75%!

Picture By:  longhairdontcare.com

As seen by this picture, hair in it's curly state, reaches comfortably at the top of her shoulder. However, when the truth is shown, look at the blown out and straighten side that screams out luxurious length. Her tresses, in length, is almost DOUBLE her natural curly state! Naturals around the globe can easily testify as to being astonished at their length when they have chosen to do a "length check."  This quickly alienate the theory that "black" hair cannot grow to such beautiful lengths.  Even though we know that length does not make one's hair more beautiful than those naturals who have chosen to wear their hair more cropped or simply hair has not "naturally" grown to that length.  After all, it takes great length to give those curly locks their coilyness, spirals, and waves.

The shrunkeness of our tresses  

speaks to the versatility of our natural hair!  Left in it's natural state, we wear it funky, in buns, high pony tails, and twist and braid out.  Blown dry, straightened or hot comb, we can sport flowing locks.  We can also chose to gel it down for that sleek, sophisticated look! Braids are also another option whether they be intricate or as simple as a box braid!

Now, don't give up the fight for showing off the length of those fabulous locks!  There are methods like banding, pineappling, African Threading, Twists, braid outs and roller sets.  The ultimate advice for those who find 

Picture By:  naturalhairmagazineusa.com

tolerating shrinkage a struggle, I suggest that you stay away from "wash n' goes!"  The products and stylers that are used usually cause the hair to pull to the scalp.  However, if you can maintain for a day or two, your wash n' go will do you good!



     ©Copyright 2015-17-4 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Hair Inspiration!

GET 10% OFF ANY product purchase at Curl Kit Shop!  Hit the link below!

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spring 2015 is upon us and I was looking for new things to try with my hair.  Looked across the cyber world and pulled a few styles for inspiration.  Long, short, wavy, or kinky, there is a style for you!

Which style would you like to try?

Are You Thing About Color for this Spring or Summer?

Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks: Fine 3C Hair Advantages!

Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks: Fine 3C Hair Advantages!

Life Is Not My Hair

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We are on the cusp of another season of Spring.  What a relief for these natural 3c/4 tresses of mine.  Even though I've been natural since March of 2010, I still don't feel as though I got this thing/routine down pack!  LOL!



Grey Crystal Glass Headband

https://www.etsy.com/listing/185127846/dark-grey-crystal-headband?ref=shop_home_feat_1

I realized that some products work at certain hair lengths for me and some simply don't work in certain whether conditions.  This makes having great hair days a manipulation act.  One that no matter how often practice can slip into a hot mess if the wrong combination of products are used.  It's like perfecting one's steps to a favorite song.

Running several on-line stores, writing two blogs, working a full-time job, meal preparations, and rearing an 11-year old guarantees a full plate.  So, I don't have a whole lot of time to dedicate to taking care of my hair.  However, to be natural does not mean my hair is unkept! (smile!)  Taking care of my hair requires diligent commitment to be maintained well and healthy.

 Life is not my hair means that it is necessary to adapt to the changes or needs of my tresses as the weather, seasons, and elements change.  Develop a routine that is simple and effective for everyday life.  This includes trying new hairstyles, adornments, and, of course, hair products.
 
A woman's glory is her hair and if her hair is on point, she abounds in confidence and meets the world challenges head on.
 
Whether we are wearing our hair natural or relaxed, there will always be a need to keep routines flexible, simple, and viable to our full everyday lives.

For most of us we've now are learning how to take care of our God-given hair in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. Our natural choices are turning the production of relaxers upside down.  What power lies in our pockets and how we  proudly wear our tresses.  Using our purchasing power to empower ourselves can be the beginning to build our communities and relationships amongst our families and friends and creating a more united network of businesses and employment opportunities.  Our hair is not our life but it is a starting point that will allow us to make better choices for our health, lifestyles, and fashion statement.  Realizing that my life is not my hair.  I will not make excuses for the coils and kinks that some days choose to defiantly "frizz," shrink, and coil up at will! The expression of who I am is experienced in every bend, wave, and spring-like curl and I love it!

 

Life is Not My Hair but it's a great starting point for a powerful journey....

 



©Copyright 2015-27-3 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

 









Good News for Natural Hair Products!

GET 10% OFF ANY product purchase at Curl Kit Shop!  Hit the link below!

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While shopping in Target in my area, I was drawn to the ethnic hair care aisle!  I was there looking for the Camille Rose hair gel but only saw two designated rows for her product.  This time they didn't even have Camille Roses' Moisture Milk -- my new hair product for the month!

I noticed that there was a lot an awful lot of commotion between the aisle that I was in and the next aisle that housed the hair coloring products.

I then heard one of the workers saying to the other that they were moving the natural hair/ethnic aisle where the hair coloring items were.  The manager stated that they needed to make room for the natural hair products because that was what "people" were coming to Target to purchase!

Hhhmmm!  I said to myself!  We, naturals, are making a profound impact in the hair product industry!  At Target's you can find, Miss Jessie, Oyin, Alikay, Shea Moisture, Pantene's Natural hair line, Cantu and the list is growing!

It is truly giving Walmart a run for its money in this venue! 

So, next time your in the market for new hair products, give Target a whirl!

The Challenge of Developing a Hair Routine!

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The establishment of an effective hair routine is the basis for healthy, strong, and tresses that are full of body.  Therefore, your routine can change with every season! 

Those who use glycerin will do so in the Spring and Summer and will forego it in the Fall and Winter seasons.

Products that worked "well" on your TWA (Tweeny, Weeny, Afro) will not work as effectively on your longer tresses!  We will often find ourselves "revisiting" products that worked in the beginning of our natural hair journey and didn't work in the middle of the journey, now seems to bring life to your shoulder length hair.

A basic routine that I'm finding to work for me is the Liquid, Oil, and Cream (LOC) system.  First applying your liquid, which can be as simple -- for most of us -- as water!  Choose your favorite oil (jojoba, coconut, olive or castor oil).  Your cream can be in the form of a "whipped" butter -- choose one that doesn't weigh your hair down to keep the body and bounce in your tresses.  You will often be able to find a product that will combine O and C!  Most creams (C) will include or be infused with not only one oil (O) but several oils.  You can also find a liquid (L) that will include your oil (O).

A successful routine must be able to "fully" hydrate your tresses!  It will keep your hair flexible and healthy.

Finding a successful hair routine can be frustrating and a cause to feed your product junkie-ism!  This is important to know even if your using the LOC system.  Some products play well together with your styler (gel or cream) that you may have incorporated in use for the LOC system and some will not!  This will be accomplished by trial and error.

Products that you purchased and will not work with your routine can be shared on hair board swaps.

Feel free to leave your routine below.  Share whether or not you have a "seasonal" routine or if you are able to maintain the same one!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Happy Curls to You!

ApHogee Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Hair

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I've just completed my first 30-day ApHogee Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Hair!

My original plan was to order HairFinity which was $24.99 for a month's supply when I came across the ApHogee alternative, which can be found on Amazon.com between $7.99 to $9.99!

I had been taking Biotin capsules early on in my natural hair journey and then ran out and forgot to repurchase.  However, recently (October/November) I noticed that my hair was shedding, breaking, and there was a noticeable increase of single strand knots.  My hair became extremely tangled at the ends and dry!

I knew I needed to make a change to my regimen and decided to try the ApHogee supplement!  I am very pleased that I did!

I dusted my ends and started the 30-day regimen.  In a few days I noticed a decrease in the awful shedding that I was having.  My hair became more manageable, bouncy, and shinier!  I also noticed an increase in length retention.  The biggest surprise was that it seem that my fine hair was beginning to thicken on my sides, which seemed to be struggling.  The sides were beginning to retain more length and became more manageable.

According to ApHogee it is the vitamins & minerals in the product that are important for healthy hair.

Ingredients:

Of ApHogee Supplement for Healthy Hair are: Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Molybdenum, DL-Methionine, Silica, Fo Ti Root Extract, Lycium Berry Extract, Dong Quai Root 5:1 Extract, Soy Lecithin, Organic Sulfur Complex, Protein Hydrolysate. Other Ingredients listed by a very small percentage: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Calcium Silicate and Hypromellose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide, and Riboflavin -

See more at: http://www.baldness-cure.org/2009/12/aphogee-nutritional-supplement-for-healthy-hair/#sthash.EBWNA37t.dpuf

There was a significant difference in the ingredient list between ApHogee and HairFinity and that was vitamin E! HairFinity does NOT have vitamin E (not listed).

The biggest draw back is that the pill tastes awful, but what vitamin doesn't?!  Whichever, hair vitamin that you choose, follow the directions given.  ApHogee recommends that you take it with food.  You should also drink plenty of water to avoid breakouts, stomach upset, and headaches with most hair vitamin supplements!

I've just started my second 30-days of ApHogee and will keep you posted!

Until next time!

Remember to leave your comment, questions, and hair journey below!

Happy 2015!

Welcome 2015!

I embrace the spirit of Expectation.

I promise to make the effort to live the best life during this year!

Forgetting those things that are behind and pressing forward to new challenges, changes, and truths about myself that caused stagnation. 

I declare that I will not lie to myself but write the truth and read it, and make a truthful effort to invoke the necessary change. Above all, I choose to love myself and love beyond what I see of others!