July - Curl Kit Review

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Here is my review for Curl Kit's July 2013 subscription box.  This month's box had a make-over.  The box is white with the Curl Kit logo scrolled across it.  It was a pleasant surprise and a nice touch and a diversion from the grey box, which I also like.

Following is what was included in this month's Curl Kit Box:

Eden Bodyworks Jojoba Deep Conditioner (sample) ▪Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Intense Protein Treament (sample)▪Curls Cashmere Curls (sample) ▪Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel (squeeze bottle)▪Eco Custard Argan Oil▪Luscious Locks Shea Butter Shampoo▪CB Smoothe Styling Creme

I've noted the products that were samples, otherwise, all else were regular size products.  The only two products that I was familiar with, previously, was the Eco Styler Olive Oil and the Curls product.

I have tried the Eco Styler Argan Custard, that was included in the Curl Kit, and made notations accordingly.

Eden Bodyworks Jojoba Deep Conditioner

http://www.edenbodyworks.net/

16 ounces for $9.99 on Eden Site

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Coco Nut Oil, Tiare Flower, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-11, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Camomile) Flower Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol , Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid

Ingredient Attributes: silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free

Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Intense Protein Treament 

                                                  1.75 ounces for $2.00

Product Description

HI PRO PAC Extremely Damaged Hair Intense Protein Treatment 8 OZ Guarantees exceptional conditioning to improve strength & prevent breakage. Treats and corrects excessively damaged hair. The concentrated proteins and active moisturizers guarantee exceptional conditioning in 2-5 minutes, improving strength, and preventing split ends & breakage.

Ingredients:

Purified Water (Aqua), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycerine, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetyl Alcohol (and) Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethiconol TEA-Dodecyllbenzenesulfonate, Fragrance (Parfum), Wheat Amino Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylcholoroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Disodium EDTA, FD&C Yellow #6 (CI 15985), FD&C Yellow #5 (CI 19140).

Curls Cashmere Curls
(SAMPLE)

Product Description

This product is good for FINE to MEDIUM hair textures, I would not recommend for most 4s.  Even 3cs, like myself, have reported frizzy hair by mid-day with just using this product as a Leave-In or Styler.  You must also be mindful that the ingredients in the product sold on Curls website is "all natural" and the products sold by Target does not say that it is all natural.

There is also a price difference of about $3.00.

Every curly dreams of healthy, defined, soft, manageable curls...Cashmere Curls is your dream come true! Formulated with pure Cashmere Extract, Certified Organic Aloe Leaf and Coconut Milk, Cashmere Curls softens, strengthens, repairs, defines, and moisturizes damaged tresses leaving them bouncy, shiny and silky smooth. By bonding to the hair shaft, Cashmere Curls strengthens 3 layers of the hair thus enhancing the curl pattern. How To Use: • Use alone as a curl defining, sheen enhancing, softening, and strengthening styler (fine-medium textured curls). • Use under your favorite CURLS styler to soften, hydrate, enhance curl definition (thick, kinky textured curls). • Mixed with your favorite CURLS conditioner to deep treat your tresses.

Updated Ingredient List as of 6-11-2012

Water, Glycerin, Lactamide MEA, Acetamide MEA, Polyquaternium-7, Polysorbate 80, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Certified Organic Aloe barbadensis Leaf Extract, Certified Organic Anthemis nobilis (Flower) Extract, Certified Organic Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Methylheptyl, Isostearate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Lactic Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Ingredients:  On CURLS site!

Botanically Infused H2o, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Keratin - Cashmere Extract, Certified Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Certified Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Flower) Extract, Certified Organic Coconut Extract, Bean Tree, Lactamide MEA, Acetamide MEA, Polyquaternium-7, Polysorbate 80,Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Lactic Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance.

This is the item you will find at Targets for $17.99
Ingredients:  Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Lactamide MEA, Acetamide MEA, Polyquaternium-7, Polysorbate 80, Cashmere Extract, Cerifiied Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Certified Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Certified Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract,PEG-40 Castor Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyquaternium-10, Certified Organic Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Polyquaternium-11, Lactic Acid, Bean Tree Palmitate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance


I've tried this product but did not like it for my hair.  By mid-day hair became frizzy and I needed to apply water to retame tresses.

Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel (in Tube)

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel contains 100% Pure Olive Oil for deep down conditioning while maintaining maximum hold. Contains UV Protection and helps your scalp regulate its natural moisture system. For all hair types

Ingredients:
Water , Carbomer , Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein , PVP , Glycerin , Triethanolamine , Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate , Polysorbate 20 , Tetrasodium EDTA , Olive Oil , Fragrance , Blue 1 , Yellow 11

This is my favorite Eco Styler gel, use a conditioner under to prevent the crunchies and love the new tube feature.

Eco Custard Argon Oil

Eco Custard Conditioning, Shining & Styling Cream provides superior shine and styling flexibility. Infused with oils and conditioners to protect, hydrate and nourish your hair. Excellent for taming flyaways, smoothing, twist-outs and ponytails. Safe for daily use on all hair types. Infused with Argan Oil , it hydrates hair and improves elasticity Alcohol free Flexible hold Extreme conditioning

Size: 8 fl. oz. -- $4.39

Ingredients:
Purified Water (Aqua), Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Glycerin, VP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxymethlglycinate, Polysorbate 80, Polyquaternium-70 (and) Dipropylene Glycol, Lanolin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Parfum,Tetrasodium EDTA, d-Limonene, Quaternium-15, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, FD&C Yellow 5.

I tried this custard this morning, August 5, 2013 and was pleasantly surprised.  It didn't glide on like the regular Eco Styler gel but product was creamy and easy to apply.  In approximately an hour to an hour and half my hair was dried.

What I loved most about the custard, was that it did not leave my hair plastered to my head!  Hair was not crunchy, and I was able to easily fluff for more volume.

This is a keeper!
Luscious Locks Shea Butter Shampoo

This product is apparently new to the market and other than YouTube reviews, little else information was available.  I will update.

CB Smoothe Naturally
http://www.cbsmoothe.com/products/

Smooth Naturally Curly Pudding Crème keeps your curls looking and feeling luscious. Curly Pudding Crème adds shine, moisture, bounce and strength to your natural curl pattern all through the day. Curly Pudding Crème puts the fabulous in your curls.

I could not find a price for the item since their products are sold through distribution.

I haven't tried this product yet but I did open it and found a very light to faint fragrance of melon.  Product is very creamy and smooth.


After trying the Eco Styler Argan Oil Custard, I have decided that I would not purchase the product after I finish using it up or pass it along to my natural-haired co-worker.   Even though the crunch is controllablem, and those who know me well know that I don't mind the crunch, I just did not find the product moisturizing enough for me.  By the second day, I was spritzing my hair mid-day at work with plain water.  I also found that it did not add the shine that I was accustomed to with other styling products.

I feel that the product could be much better with a tweaking of additional conditioner and added nourishing oils.

This is the review for July's Curl Kit.   Please remember to use the Discount Code http://curlkitshop.refr.cc/TR98DS7 to receive 10% off your first Curl Kit order.

I'll keep you posted as new information becomes available. Please subscribe and comment!

Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2013-08 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

3C Hairstyling

Kelly Rowland

Beyonce

woohair.com

Trim Those Ends

Weave, A Protective Style? Your Kidding Right?

www.fabulousnaturalhair.com

I was asked, on Facebook by my friend Carmen, to respond to a blog article called "Opinion:  A Weave is Not a Protective Style; It's Just A Weave."  This article or blog was written by Black Girl With Long Hair on July 10, 2013, and garnered some adversarial comments, which was to be expected. I, personally, agreed with the writer and thought it a viable discussion.

  At first, I really didn't give it much thought but the photograph the blogger headed her article with was what really caught my attention.  My friend Carmen had also sent me another Face Book suggestion concerning weaves and severe hair line loss and so I figured I'd jump right into the weave controvesy with this article.

The model has apparently dyed the front of her hair a bright Auburn (left photo) and combed her hair into a similar color-related weave.  What is definitely obvious, with colors like this, is that the tones of hair color and the model's textures do not match as well as a more natural 2 or 1b hair coloring. Putting this aside, is a weave a protective style.  No, it is not!

However, it does use a protective styling method to accomplish its end goal of

http://blackgirllonghair.com/2013/07/opinion-a-weave-is-not-a-protective-style-its-just-a-weave/

creating an, as natural-looking, weaving style as possible.  This is accomplish by cornrowing the clients hair to create a "smooth" and flat base on which to attach the tracks of hair to the client's head.

Protective

chimeedwards.com                                                  

Adjective 1.  Capable of or intended to protect someone or something. 2.  Having or showing a strong wish to keep someone or something safe from harm.

Synonyms defensive - preventive

We can readily agree that the information presented is about protective styling and we split off into other factions from there as to what constitutes protective styling.

I found a great definition from the Natural Hair Dictionary.

Protective Hairstyle (Hair Style) – This is a style that requires little manipulation, protects the ends of the hair by keeping them tucked away and allows regular moisturizing. Common styles like twists, coils, flat twists and cornrows can all be converted to protective styles by tucking or hiding the ends.

As many of us know, the natural hair community has been steadily expanding, evolving, and excitingly making change in our social and economic environments.  This is where I first heard the term "protective styling."  Reason-being that African American hair tends to be dry and needs additional moisture to keep it viable and help to retain length.

         mediumhairstyleupdate.com

In fact, more than likely, if you were to Google the term "protective styling" you will see a woman of color sporting an innovative twist, bun, cornrow, or swank hairstyle.  This technique is used by the different natural hair textures as a way to keep the ends of their natural hair from becoming dried out, raggedy, plagued with single-strand knots, and constantly manipulated by styling combs, braiding, and pulling.

The primary purpose of protective styling for hair is to reduce breakage of your hair so that you can retain hair length.

Naturals, especially, have complaints that the ends of their hair are filled with fabric because their hair is constantly rubbing against their clothes.  Hair getting caught in their jewelry, on chairs, in seatbelts, and suffering from drying episodes from being exposed to the climate or environment.

A few natural hair bloggers have included weaves as a protective hair option.  However, unlike wigs, which can be removed easily and makes your hair accessible for upkeep, and true protective styling, You cannot properly take care of your tresses while hair is "covered" by a weave that is usually worn four to six weeks or longer.  Yes,  the hair can grow like weeds under the weave but what is the state and condition of the hair?  You must also consider the amount of usual hair that has been shed, dirt, expiration and oils that have incurred while hair has been closed in by the weave.

www.polyvore.com

Negative Effects of Weave on Tresses

The longer the hair remains under the weave, the looser your hair becomes, allowing room for unnecessary friction to the new growth.  The hair can become "matted" when weaves are left in for long periods.

Moisturizing and maintaining the scalp by applying oils and water can cause the hair to become matted. The "tension" applied when installing weaves can be a great detriment to one's scalp and roots.  This can cause hair strands to be pulled out by its roots.

We aren't even talking about the damage that is done to the clients who are long-term weave wearers.

Unfortunately, many women neglect effective care of their hair because the weave allows them the privilege to do so.  Therefore, knocking it off the list of protectve styling.

Weaves Are A Styling Options

Weaves, of any textures, allows the wearer more syling options.  There's nothing wrong with desiring to wear one's hair straight and flowing, and experience it flapping in the wind. Or, having spiraling curls cascade downs one's back! Or to have a bounty of curls that can shame that of a lion!  Undeniably, weaves are convenient, stylish, wearable and fashionable!  However, a protective style, I beg to differ!

www.essence.com

Requirements Of A Protective Style

• It should allow easy and quick access to your scalp to keep it moisturized and clean.
• You should be able to maintain the hair/style with minimal  fuss and manipulation to your tresses.
• A Style that is easily covered at night, while sleeping.
• Allows hair to breathe while keeping the ends tucked in or covered.
• Effective Protective Styling

Weaves are a wonderful option, when taken care of your hair underneath it, for women of color.  Whether the options are short, curly, or long and flowing, it sets the styling bar for women who even just want to give 

their hair a "rest" from a period of manipulation.  

Protective Styling, for naturals, is an option that allows women to wear their natural hair while doing their best to protect it from the reality of daily manipulation and the environment.

Weave wearing or protective styling is a choice for the individual wearer and each option needs to be respected. Short, long, curly, or added...hair is our Crown and we should wear it with grace!

As always,  Happy Curls to You!

Leave your comments, pictures, or thoughts below.  Love to hear from you!

©Copyright 2013-07 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

Shea Moisture Organic Black Soap Purification Masque -- In Review

$9.99 for 8 ounces

Shea Moisture Purification Masque

I will start off this review by saying that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this product.  In fact, it was the only product from this line that I tried and liked!

I was given this product to try by my natural-haired 4c coworker who simply loved the product herself and is an avid user of the Shea Moisture product line.  Of course, the first thing that I did was to open up the jar and the smell of ripe bananas wafted through the air!  I had wanted to try a bentonite clay treatment but was not looking forward to the mess of having to mix it and then apply it.  This seemed to be a great alternative to that.  The consistency was that of a light custard mix with fine sand, it was shakeable and creamy but thick enough to not swoosh out of the jar.

How I Applied the Masque

I did not cowash my hair before I applied the Shea Moisture Purification Masque.  I was able to simply use my fingers to lift product from the jar and "smooth" onto my hair.  I started out applying the masque on dry, sectioned hair (4) and wasn't liking the results.  I realized that I had been wearing a wash n' go, which is what I do 99% of the time.  So, I stopped and dampen my hair with plain water and the application of water under the product immediately smooth out the texture of my hair and dissolved my tangles.

I also realized that using the water under the product allowed me to use much less of the product which yielded great results.  The product simply melted my hair into a smooth, warm butter!

After the application of the masque, I took the extra step of massaging my scalp from front to back and then I covered my head with a plastic cap and since I had applied the product before just going to bed, I kept it on throughout the night.  In the morning, hair was moist and I could easily run my fingers through my 3c-4 type hair.  I then rinsed out the masque and applied my Tresemme Naturals Conditioner as my leave-in.

My Results

I ended up with soft and shiny coils and kinks!  Hair was bouncy and soft to the touch.  There was the faintest smell of the masque, which I liked.

Ingredients:

Deionized Water , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Mangfera Indica Seed Butter (Mango) , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , African Black Soap Extract , Sea Salt , Cetyl Esters , Kaolin Clay , Grapeseed Oil , Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba) , Behentrimonium Chloride (Conditioner) , Salicylic Acid , Salix Alba Bark Extract (Willow) , Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem) , Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree) , Sorbitol Esters , Aloe Vera Leaf Juice , Tocopherol (Vitamin E) , Rosemary Extract , Salvia Officinalis Extract (Sage) , Plantain Extract , Lonicera Caprifolium Flower and Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle)

Picture by:  http://nopainnobeauty.blogspot.com

This products does not contain: sulfates, parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil,
synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, animal ingredients or sulfates, Cruelty free, no animal testing.

Product Description:Detoxify, condition and soothe hair and scalp with gentle Kaolin clay, herbal extracts, botanical enzymes and essential vitamins. Our intense treatment relieves dry, itchy scalp, removes product buildup and preserves hair by sealing in natural moisture. Treats dandruff, eczema & psoriasis.

Plantain Enzyme: Helps to alleviate itchiness and irritation
Tea Tree: Removes buildup for enhanced shine and volume
Willow Bark Extract: Exfoliates and detoxifies hair and scalp.
My Experience:

The Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap (AFBS) Purification Masque (geesh, what a mouthful!)has been all the rage with many natural hair ladies and after months of continually overlooking the masque, I decided to go ahead and try it.

Picture By:  HodgePodge Files

Pros

• No Mixing of Product
• Easy to Apply
• Loved the Smell
• Product Has a Good Price Point
• Smells Consistent with Other Products from the Shea Moisture Line
• Organic and Natural

Cons

• Some Users DID NOT like the smell 
• Not Sold at every Walmart and Target

Pictures are by:  kinkycurlycoilyme.com

Final Thoughts

I will be purchasing this item again and again!  Loved the fact that I didn't have to mix up ingredients.  I can find it at my local Target and the price point is good!  The application was easy and I loved the smell of the product.  I feel that it's not only worth trying but sharing like my coworker shared with me!

As always, you can leave a comment, your experience, and/or photos in the comment box!

Until next time and thanks for stopping by!

Happy Curls to You!

©Copyright 2013-07 Crowning Glory Coils and Kinks - All Rights Reserved

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