May 2013 Curl Kit -- In Review

Picture By:  appleloniasway

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These were the items and products that were included in the May Curl Kit Box.  I must say that the box, once opened, let out the sweet and natural smells of the Nyah Soap and the Peach Bellini Soy Candle.  Let's take a look at what was in the box!

ORI Essentials Conditioner

http://oriessentials.com/

ORI (pronounced "or-ree") Essentials Cleansing Conditioner was a full-size bottle. In researching this product, I realized that this company was fairly new to the "natural or organic" arena. In fact, the website only had a one-page mission statement about themselves and their product along with a picture of several products that they intended to offer. However, they do have a Tumblr.com and a Facebook page.

Next product,

Yum Yum Candle

(7.5 oz. recycled glass) for $15.99

http://www.yumyumcandle.com/pages/aboutus.htm

Peach Bellini

A sweet peach nectar scented candle you'll love to burn! 

Ingredients:  

Made with all natural soy wax + superior, naturally derived fragrance and/or essential oils, they contain no color & no synthetics. They're truly au naturel for natural living!

Description:

Life should be enjoyed. Make life sweet.... make it yummy!

Yum Yum Candle, LLC is a home fragrance company rooted in creativity & enjoying life. Our mission is simple.... to create chic, incredibly-scented products that are less harmful to our living environment, our planet and our bodies. Oh yeah... we're sisters too! :-)

FYI:  Soy candles can be used on the skin after they have been burned/melted.  Allow to cool down to a nice warm and apply the soy candle, with fingers, gently to the skin.

Next product,

From $7.00 Bar
http://nyahbeauty.com/

Nyah African Soap

OATMEAL SOAP

Nyah (pronounced "nee-yah," I've been saying "ny-yah!") was introduced to the world as Precious Keepsakes in 2001, as a family-owned business, and then reborn as Nyah, meaning Purpose in 2003.  

When I arrived at her site, I liked it very much!  It was bright, airy, and clean (calming)!


INGREDIENTS: Sodium Olivate, Sodium Cocoate,  Sodium Palmate, Distilled Water, Oatmeal, Honey, Grapeseed Extract and Fragrance

Next product,

1.75 ounces/Price:  $1.79 to $1.99

Luster Silk Moisture Max Leave-In Creme Conditioner

Product Description:

Moisture MAX Leave-In Creme Conditioner is a MUST for those who want a last chance for extra moisture before drying and styling. Keratin Amino Acids and Deionized Water combine to penetrate the hair follicle and restore vital moisture and shine to all dry, damaged hair types and textures. Formulated to smooth and seal while detangling, this leave-in conditioner will provide you with exceptionally moisturized hair while helping to reduce breakage.MAXimize your natural beauty with Moisture MAX!

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua, Deionized), Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil,Petrolatum, Dimethicone,Keratin Amino Acids, Macadamia Ternifolia {Macadamia Nut) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Butyrospermum Parkll (SheButter), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil,Cinnamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Ceteareth-20, Lanolin,DMDM Hydantoin,Fragrance

Next product,

Tiffany Hair Scarf

The scarf that was included in the Curl Kit Was Blue

Price:  $2.59

Next product,

Tea Tree Treat Invigorating Conditioner

*we received 2 ounce samples

Price: $1.99/2 ounces or $7.99/8.5 ounces

Product Description

Enriched with certified organic botanicals. No animal by-products. Cruelty free. Tea Tree Treat Conditioner: Sends volumizing hydration into each individual hair. Smoothes as it nourishes and restores strength. Encourages natural shine and resilience. You expect a conditioner to moisturize, smooth and detangle. You expect it to create a silky, sexy feel. You probably don't expect it to make you tingle all over. With Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner, an incredible plethora of stimulating ingredients provide all of that plus a real conditioning.

Ingredients:

Infusion of meleluca alternifolia (tea tree oil), peppermint extract, eucalyptus extract, rosemary extract, thyme extract, nettles extract, birch leaf extract, chamomile extract, sage extract, St. Johns Wort extract, coltsfoot extract, yarrow extract, mallow extract, balm mint extract, grapefruit seed extract, cetyl alcohol, soy, DL panthenol, mineral trace elements and cinnamate.

Tea Tree Treat Invigorating Shampoo

$7.99/8.5 ounces

Indications

Increases scalp circulation for a refreshed, renewed feel Strengthens hair with a three-organic-oil-blend to stimulate, condition and clarify Alleviates dry, flaking scalp with organic tea tree botanicals Zero sulfates

Ingredients

Infusion of Melaleuca alternifolia, peppermint extract, eucalyptus extract, and nettles extract, theme extract, birch leaf extract, chamomile extract, sage extract, St. John's Wort extract, coltsfoot extract, yarrow extract, mallow extract seed extract, betaine, sodium chloride, citric acid, trace minerals, DL panthenol, cinnamate.

I decided to give you a closer look at the Curl Life booklet that is always included in the Curl Kit.  Below, is the cover.

This is the first Page of the Curl Kit that will always describe the products and goodies that has been included in that Month's Curl Kit.

I hope you have enjoyed this peek into the Curl Kit Subscriber's world!

I honestly have not tried any of the products but as I do, I will review.  The reason why I purchase the Curl Kit Subscription was to allow me to try and review products more cost-effectively and I am enjoying the journey.

I will say that I am truly looking forward to trying out the Nyah Soap and the Yum Yum Candle, they smell so good!

If you are interested in a subscription, use my referral code above and receive 10% off of your initial subscription.

Leave your comments and thoughts below.  Don't forget to subscribe!

©Copyright 2013-05 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Yet Another Hair Type?

While I was researching 3c Hair Texture, I came across Honey, Brown, Sugar's Blog on hair typing.  However, I decided to read the comments and came across one from "Just Love Me Nothing Less."  She asked the blogger to take a look at another Hair Type and gave the following link:

http://www.honeyfig.com/en/products/hair_care/hair_types/index.html

So, I decided to take the bait and ended upon the blog Honey Fig.

The following was taken from her Blog:

Type 5a Relaxed

Now, this may go against all that you have read about Hair Types. You might say that relaxed hair does not have a category of its own, but we beg to differ. Relaxed hair is definitely in a class unto itself. Once the hair has been chemically altered, you will have to respect it and treat it differently from the other types.

That being said, you should focus on the moisture retentiveness and rebuilding any lost protein. To prevent damaged to the hair it is suggested to apply a treatment oil or conditioning mask prior to shampoo, then moisture wash, deep condition (use a protein treatment biweekly and follow with a moisturizing conditioner); afterwards moisturize with a styling lotion and then, seal in the moisture with light natural oil. The reason for these additionally steps, is due to the fact that once your hair is chemically processed, its moisture retention ability is reduced dramatically; hence, dryness and breakage, if not care for properly.

One additional factor to consider is that you should refrain from over combing the hair once it is wet. Simply detangle with a wide teeth comb. Air dry and/or cool air blow dry. Keep brushing, to an absolute minimum, due to its fragility, and be selective with your natural bristles and paddle brushes. No circular brushes here. You can achieve great lengths, if you choose to relax your hair; you will simply have to pamper it a little more. 

Type 5A Hair

There you have it!  Unfortunately, no one had left a comment making it hard to discern how this new category was accepted.

What do you think?  Should we accept it?  Is it a legitimate Hair Type?  Was leaving it out intentional or an oversight?

Personally, I always typed it in the Hair Type 1 category since the strands were straight, even though chemicals had been used to alter the state of the hair.

As always,

Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2013-05 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Diva Smooth

JANELLE BEAUTY DIVA SMOOTH

http://www.hairizonbeauty.com/janelle-beauty-diva-smooth-coconut-hair-serum-set/

“Diva Smooth is a natural alternative to traditional chemical relaxers. The finely tuned mixture of natural ingredients when applied together with a flat iron create smooth, shiny hair without breakage or hair loss. It is so gentle that it can be left on overnight, says Anika Janelle Pettiford, founder of Janelle Beauty.”

Product Description
Diva Smooth is a pure natural alternative to chemical based hair relaxers. Diva Smooth is based on a finely tuned mixture of all natural ingredients that when applied, your hair comes out naturally smooth and healthy

Size: 8 oz

Ingredients: Organic Raw Wild Honey, Olea Europaea (Organic Olive) Oil, Sucrose (Sugar) Extract, Zea Mays Starch, Organic Lemo Extract, Vineger, Vitamin E, blend of essential oils.

Below is a list of ingredients from My Healthy Hair Journey Blog Dated:  1-24-2009.  Since the list currently on the site is so different, I can only assume that over the years the product has undergone some ingredient changes.  However, that list is below:

Aloe Vera - Organic - Used medicinally for over 3,000 years. A rich emollient known to promote healing

Grapeseed Oil- Organic - Grapeseed oil is rich in flavonoids, phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties some consider even greater than vitamin C and vitamin E.

Glycerin Extract - Glycerin is a humectant, drawing moisture to hair, allowing it to remain hydrated and soft.

Honey - Adds shine and moisture to hair and helps prevent breakage.

Olive oil - Organic - Obtained from ripe olives grown around the Mediterranean. Contains protein, minerals and vitamins.

Palm Oil - Organic - Palm oil gives hair its natural strength and radiance.

Jojoba Oil - Organic - The molecular structure of jojoba is very similar to the natural oil that is produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp known as sebum. It is a well-known fact that sebum is required in maintaining healthy supple hair. Hair that has a good moisture basis tends to be more resistant to daily damage, tangles, dryness and split ends. Jojoba oil comes from the jojoba plant.

Lemon Juice - Antibacterial, astringent, promotes new cell generation, regulates sebum production.

Lemon Extract - Antibacterial, astringent, promotes new cell generation, regulates sebum production.

Molasses - Helps restore damaged hair.

Propreitary blend of essential oils - trade secret blend of essential oils.

Peppermint Essential Oil Blend - Great for stimulating the scalp.

Rose Petals extract - promotes regeneration of skin cells. Pure, fresh scent (no synthetic fragrances)

Rosemary Extract - A very effective natural preservative that is high in antioxidants

Shea Butter - Used in Africa for centuries, this nutrient rich butter is high in fatty acids. It contains unique properties that aid in the relief of dry scalp and in restoring luster to hair.

Sucrose - Sugar extracted from sugar cane and sugar beets.

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Grown in the islands of the south Pacific and Australia, Tea Tee Oil helps unblock clogged hair follicles and moisturize the hair.

Vegetable Gum Virgin Coconut Oil - Organic - Reduces the protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair. Coconut oil, being a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.

Vitamin E improves circulation to the scalp. It improves health and growth of hair.

Vinegar - Lauded as a beauty powerhouse. It is derived from apple cider and has traditionally been used to make hair silky and lustrous.

Zea Mays Starch - aka Cornstarch - helps lift dirt, excessive oil and grease from hair. Helps maintain oil balance.

Diva Smooth:

• Will Help You to Prevent Hair loss and Breakage of Your Tresses
• Can Be Used as an Alternative Method to Chemical Relaxers
• All Hair Textures Can Use Diva Smooth and Acquire A Smoother Hair Style

Other Benefits of Diva Smooth:

• Will Enable You to Ease the Phase of New Growth and Relaxed Hair
• Both Relaxed or Processed Hair Wearers Can Use Diva Smooth
• Dyed Tresses Can Also Benefit from the Shine Diva Smooth Provides
• Diva Smooth is an "ALL Natural" Product
• Diva Smooth Will Last for 4 Weeks

The important thing to remember about this product is that you WILL need some kind of heat implement to produce a straight hair style.

However, Diva Smooth has been deemed a great product for transitioners who have chosen not to do the Big Chop but maintain length and cut their relax tresses gradually.

Pros:

• This is an "all natural" Product.
• Alternative to Chemically Processing of Your Tresses
• All Textures of Hair Can Use

Cons:

• Benefits are Temporary (4 Weeks)
• Most Will Have to On-Line Purchase
• Repetitive Use Could Become Pricey

Again, we are exploring other methods and ways to make being natural easier and stylish!

Until next time!

Happy Curls to You!


©Copyright 2013-05 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Lavish Curls Moisturizer -- In Review

Walgreens Price:  $10.99 for 10 ounces

Second Day Curl Refresher to Reactivate and Moisturize Curls

Formerly Called "Quench Curls"

Product Description:

Are your curls dry, dull and lifeless? Give them just what they need! daily moisture! This EXCEPTIONAL moisturizer will hydrate, condition and revive your curls, restoring their natural beauty. Consider this your "under wear for your hair." Revive your 2nd day bed head curls with Lavish Curls for a fresh new start, without recleansing!

My Review:

The funny thing about this review is that I had decided to give some products (a symptom of product junkism and needing products to review) to a co-worker who said "don't throw them out, bring them to me!"  This product was included in the batch.

However, when I got to work, I decided to revisit the product.  This week I apparently had reached another in between stage and my hair was simply rebelling!  So, I said "let me try this again!"

The problem with this product is that it doesn't come out of the bottle in a "spray" -- it's too thick -- so it SQUIRTS out!  Okay, okay, there is a solution!  I would simply spray the product in my hands then scrunch-in my hair.  However, since the bottle was less then a 1/3 full, I filled it with 2/3 of water and it spayed out of the bottle without a problem.  This worked out fine since the glycerin, if too much is used, can cause the hair to feel sticky and I could "extend" the use of the product that was left.

I sprayed the Lavish Curls onto my hair and because of the glycerin "sprayed" a mist of just plain water over the product.  

Stepped out for lunch.  Curls were a "touch" sticky and I'll re-mist with plain water.  However, the fact that I already had on my hair:  Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In, Oyin's Whipped Pudding, and Reve's Lemon-scented Hair and Body Moisturizer -- Lavish Curls did its thang -- Refreshed the Curls!

Ingredients:

Water, glycerin, polysorbate 80, methylheptyl isostearate, silk amino acids, certified organic anthemis nobilis flower extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, certified organic camelllia sinensis leaf extract, citric acid, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, disodium EDTA, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, fragrance

Scent:  Fruity/Mango/Peachy

Consisentency:  Thick and almost Clear

Pros:

•  Helps With Frizz Control
• Adds Shine
• Smells Nice
• Plays Well With Other Products
• "Organically" Natural
• Works Best on "Fine" Hair Textures

Con:

• Product SQUIRTS out of the Bottle Instead of Sprays
• I've Seen It Called a "Bi-Racial" Hair Product Line
• Contains Glycerin (for those who don't like glycerin in their products)
• I Would Recommend More for Your 2 to 3c/4 Hair Types
• Too Much Glycerin Can Make Hair Sticky!

My final thoughts are:

I am thinking about repurchasing and layering it with plain water.  I also realize that some times it pays to "revisit" a product.

As a Side Note:

This is the only line that I found that "sells" a "line" in Target and another on-line.  I've read that the Curls, sold in Target may not be 100% organic and may use inferior ingredients to make it "more" affordable to its customers.  I had forgotten about this until referencing the product again.  I then remember that it was for that reason alone that I ordered directly from the Curls site and the product was more.

Leave me a comment, post, picture, and/or question!  Don't forget to subscribe!

As Always,

Happy  Curls to You!

©Copyright 2013-05 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Rosemary and Rosewater Moisturizing Flaxseed Gel for Natural Hair

Image by Deborah Cooper
http://yournaturalhair.com/rosemary-and-rose-water-flax-seed-gel-recipe/

Rosemary and Rosewater Moisturizing Flaxseed Gel

I came across this wonder natural hair gel recipe by You Tuber Debborah Cooper and wanted to share it with my subscriber and readers.  Debborah Cooper's blog 

Flax Seed Gel has been used and is used by many women of different ethnic groups across the board.   Flaxseed gel is 100% natural, contains Omega-3, can be made extremely cheaply and is very moisturizing for your tresses.   I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Distilled Water
3 Tablespoons of Whole Flaxseeds (Golden or Brown)
1 - 2 Teaspoons of Fresh Rosemary Leaves
1/3 Cups of Dried Rose Petals and Stems
3 Tablespoons of Aloe Vera Juice

Cook over medium heat for 10 - 12 minutes.  Stir frequently and until seeds are suspended in gel.

The Benefits of Rose Water:

• It has exceptional stimulating properties and therefore, it can be used as a home remedy for treating hair loss.
• It has natural moisturizing and nourishing qualities that helps to recover the quality of your hair.
• Pure rose water, purchased by you from any reputed shop, is made up of rose oil and distilled water. Alternately, it can be prepared by soaking fresh rose petals in purified water. Hence, there are no artificial components and this natural product does not have any side effects (except an individual sensitivity to roses that might be likely).
• On account of its innate healing properties, it is useful in treating mild scalp inflammations.
• It has been found to be effective in treating dandruff that is caused mainly by fungal infections.
• It is known to make the hair strands stronger and thus, it helps to minimize hair fall.
• It imparts a delicate and lingering fragrance to your hair, thus giving you’re a refreshing feeling.

Ingredients cooked for 6 minutes

The Benefits of Rosemary:

Rosemary is thought to prevent thinning hair and hair loss. It fights against premature graying and can gradually darken existing gray hair. The oil is beneficial for dry, flaky scalps, and as such is a great remedy for dandruff. The oil is most notably used for stimulating hair follicles and consequently improving hair growth.

This gel should be kept refrigerator and will keep up to 14 days.  Can be applied to hair while damp or dry.
Of course, this recipe can be tweeked to best meet your hair care needs!

Let me know how you liked the recipe or changed it!

Happy Curls to You,

©Copyright 2013-04 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Kimmy Tube's Leave-In Conditioner

Image is from Empower Network.com

This is a ph balanced leave-in natural hair conditioner.

Kimmaytube Leave-in Recipe

2 Tbsp - Aloe Vera Juice / Gel (Lily of the Valley)
2 Tbsp - Leave-in Conditioner (Knot Today or Giovanni)
2 Tsp - Jojoba Oil (or Grapeseed Oil)
2 Tsp - Castor Oil
Directions:

1.  Mix all the ingredients together well.  Store the mixture in a airtight container and its ready for use. 

2. You can use any leave in conditioner / oils / aloe vera juice of your liking.  On her video she used kinky curly knot today leave in conditioner. I bought the aloe vera juice and oils online. Giovanni Leave in Conditioner from target.

3.  The consistency depends on the thickness of the leave in that you,ll be using.  The end product of the recipe above has a runny consistency.

4.  The benefit of adding Aloe Vera Juice is, it acts as a natural conditioning agent to restore the hairs sheen, lustre and shine.  A great PH balancer for your hair.

5. It also soothes and moisturizes the scalp and eliminates any dandruff issues.

6. The oils on the recipe seals in all the moisture in your hair to last the whole day.

Suggested Use:  (Empowered Network.com)

• Although aloe vera juice is stocked on the shelves in the stores, it must be refrigerated once opened or it will spoil.
• Also, Kimmaytube leave-in conditioner concoction should be in the refrigerator because of the aloe vera juice.
• Make one batch at a time. This recipe makes more than enough.
• Some suggest adding green tea to the recipe because it acts as a preservative to prevent the concoction from spoiling. I did not try this, but it make sense.
• Aloe vera juice can be pricey for just needing 2 tablespoons for this recipe, so here are 2 suggestion: 1) Freeze it or 2) drink it. For health benefits of aloe vera juice, go to www.aloelife.com.

Natural Hair Serum

Nutritive Hair Serum

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Cold Expeller Pressed Camellia Seed Oil
• 1 ounce Cold Pressed Virgin Broccoli Seed Oil
• 1/2 Tsp.Vitamin E Oil
• 48 Drops Lavender  Essential Oil
• 24 Drops  Juniper Essential Oil
• 24 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 18 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil

Directions:

1. Combine and Stir Ingredients together.
2. Pour into a Clean and Very Dry 4-ounce Bottle.
3. Cap and Label Your Bottle.

How to Use:

• Apply to freshly washed/damp hair from root to end.
• Gently massage into scalp, leave on for several minutes and wash out with a mild shampoo.
• Apply a hot towel and/or plastic shower cap after the oil is applied will enhance the treatment.
• Store bottled oil in a cool  dark area outside of the bathroom.
• Use within six months.

Enjoy!