I am just trying to understand my hair, to learn what works and what doesn't, to experiment, make mistakes, and to embrace my hair in it's entirety..... because Roots Don't Lie




* Images belong to me unless otherwise stated*

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Product Trial Maiden Edition Review 2 by Miss Yetunde

Hey Guys,

Here is the second review of the Eden Body Works Product Line for the Product Trial Group.


Eden Body Works review by Miss Yetunde

 

1.       Brief description of hair type and lifestyle

a.       I have had relaxed hair for almost 20 years now, starting from when I was about 7 years old.  Although my hair is relaxed, I have a very thick/coarse texture.  On some days when I just wash my hair and leave it out, I’ve actually had people ask me if I’m natural.  This makes it kinda hard to manage at times.  I wear my hair naturally almost all the time – no weaves/braids, that’s just the way I’ve always done it. Before a few months ago, I just used the basic shampoo/conditioner (e.g motions), moisturized my hair and I would be ready to go.  In the past few months, I’ve started seeking out products that work well for me and my hair and that’s why I thought it would be a great idea to participate in this review.


 

b.      Lifestyle: I am currently a student and my schedule can get quite crazy/hectic and so I don’t always have time to do fancy stuff with my hair.  I’m pretty low maintenance in that way.  For the most part, my hair is either straightened or just out in a semi-fro the way you see in the pictures.  Those are basically my only 2 styles, I know that I need to be more adventurous lol. 

 

2.       Product review

a.       Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner

                                                               i.      Trials: 3

                                                             ii.      How I used it

1.       Deep conditioner: Applied this conditioner to wet hair after shampooing. I left it in for about an hour each time then rinsed it out.  I then de-tangled the wet hair afterwards.

                                                            iii.      Review:

1.       I love this conditioner for several reasons.  First of all, I love the consistency of the conditioner.  Since my hair is kinda thick, I tend to go through conditioners pretty quickly, but even after my 3 uses, I still have a lot of this conditioner left over.  In addition to this, after rinsing out the conditioner, my hair felt so soft and moisturized.  I think this is the best my hair has felt after conditioning (but keep in mind that I don’t have a lot of experience with different types of conditioners).  Lastly, I love the way it makes my hair smell. Its like a fresh-minty-clean hair smell if you know what I mean.

                                                           iv.      Buy again: definitely.  I honestly feel like I may have found my staple deep conditioner.

b.      Jojoba Monoi Hair Milk

                                                               i.      Trials: 3

                                                             ii.      How I used it

1.       Mainly as a hair moisturizer on days I felt my hair was dry and needed a little more moisture. 

                                                            iii.      Review

1.       One thing I like about this moisturizer is that it is not greasy and heavy.  With a lot of hair moisturizers, your hair gets bogged down with the grease, but with this product, my hands were even non oily by the time I was done applying it.  My hair still felt light but with some more moisture.  On the down side, it doesn’t really give a lot of shine to it, so I use a different product whenever I just straighten my hair and I want to give it that magazine-like shine lol. 

                                                           iv.      Buy again: unsure.  I definitely like it, but as a moisturizer I feel like I have to use it more times to determine if I’ll buy it again. 

Hope You Enjoyed

XOXO
Bella Joya

 

PRODUCT TRIAL GROUP: MAIDEN EDITION




Hey Guys,

I did  a video review for my review of the Eden body works product line.



XOXO

Bella Joya

Monday, December 3, 2012

Product Trial Group: 'Maiden Edition'

Hey Guys,

So I started a new project with a couple of friends and the idea behind it is that every month a group of ladies both relaxed and natural review either a product or a product line and then based on their different hair types, life styles, and hair regimen they give feedback on their experience with the product.

To start off the maiden edition, 3 of us ladies, 2 natural and one relaxed, tried out the Eden Body Works Product Line. We decided to kick off the maiden edition with an entire product line so each of us had the opportunity to choose from a variety of products. As the project progresses we may switch it up and try out a single product or occasionally entire product lines. We will also be accepting suggestions on products to try out.

For more inquiry about this product line please visit the website http://www.edenbodyworks.net/ and the products are also carried at Walmart or Sally Beauty Supply.
This product line was established by miss Jasmine Lawrence when she was only 13 years old, and the company's mission statement is EDEN BodyWorks™ provides natural products that integrate wellness and beauty inspired by nature to restore and maintain the body’s original design.
To start off this project meet Tega, and some of you may remember her from this 'Natural Me' series feature. Check out her blog Social Hermit


 

Her review:

Product Review: Eden Body Works


Source: Google.


Source: Google.
PEPPERMINT Tea Tree Conditioner
Purpose: This super moisturizing conditioner increases scalp circulation for a refreshed, renewed feeling. Leaves hair full of body. Fortified with proteins to decrease split ends.

Price: $9.99 at Sally’s.

Trials:
Two

How I used it:
1. Conditioning: applied to wet hair after shampooing, applied the conditioner to hair directly after washing then detangled with a shower comb.
2. Co-washing: applied to damp hair, Tied scarf for up to one hour, Removed scarf.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearalkonium Chloride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf Oil, Phenoxyethanol.

Review:
I usually don’t shampoo my hair, I stick with co-washing or a clay mask for cleansing; but I really wanted to test the “conditionability” of the conditioner. I have a NatureGate Tea Tree shampoo that I bought a while ago but haven’t used since my first try because it really dried my hair out (which was disappointing considering the awesome ingredient list), but I figured pulling it out for this review would really put the conditioner to the test.

I’m not a big fan of this product. I applied it directly after shampooing and my hair didn't feel conditioned or soft. I usually leave my hair pinned away while I get dressed, and after that process, my hair felt much softer when I went to apply my styling products. I guess the conditioner needed a little time to work. But for the price of the product, I wasn't very impressed; I get more bang for my buck with Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner which is my staple and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

As a co-wash, the conditioner was pretty good; cleansed my scalp really, but I had the same problem as my first try. My hair did not feel as good as it usually does after a wash, it's not something I can put into words but when my hair is really moisturized, it feels amazing and I just didn't get that from this product. The Peppermint Tea Tree Conditioner is an ok conditioner but I wasn't impressed.

Buy again: No

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Source: Google.
PEPPERMINT Tea Tree Hair Oil
Purpose: Peppermint Tea Tree All Natural Hair Oil is an exotic blend of nourishing ingredients that penetrate the hair from root to tip to promote new hair growth without clogging pores. Made with Coconut, Jojoba and Sweet Almond oils, this unique formula naturally strengthens hair to prevent breakage.

Price: $9.99 at Sally’s.

Trials: Multiple

How I used it:
1. Sealing: applied to freshly washed hair after
2. Sealing: applied to braided hair after spraying with water.

Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf Oil.

Review:
I love the tingly feeling I got from this oil. I used it in the morning before going to church and all through the day my scalp felt great. I love the ingredient list, so many natural oils! I love that it has a spray pump which allows for good control of dispensing the product. Once again though, I’m not a big fan of the price tag.

My scalp gets dry and itchy really quick, and it gets even worse when I work out. So I started using a mix of jojoba oil and tea tree oil on my scalp every other day and it works great for me. That mix basically does for me what this product did for me at a much cheaper price. Switching to a simple regimen works so well for me that I always find a hard time justifying price tags over $5 for hair products. Anything more than that has to so super amazing things for my hair that match what’s currently working for me or even better. And I already have a great oil mix that makes my scalp all nice and tingly and seals my ends pretty well. But for people who don’t like to mix oils and want something that helps keep your scalp build-up free while sealing in moisture, this oil is great for that.

Buy again: Undecided.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.


NB: Please stay tuned to the other reviews from myself and the other reviewer.

XOXO
Bella Joya
 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Product Review: Ade Vegan 'CocoShealoe Husky Hair Butter'

Hey Guys,

This post is a product review of a brand I stumbled across on Alex's Blog. She had great things to say about Ade Vegan so I decided to give the brand a try. I purchased the 'CocoShealoe Husky Hair Butter' in the Vanilla bean and Rose Petal Scent from Ade Vegan . I communicated with Miss Tonya, the owner of the store, ahead of time because I was curious about her brand, and she answered all the questions I had. I had to wait a few weeks before I could place my order because Miss Tonya had just ordered in some supplies but she contacted me as soon as her products became available so I could purchase.

Product Description from Website:
 
"A rich medley of nourishing butters and healing oils for thick, dry, or damaged strands. This cream works wonders to soften thick, tightly curly hair textures. Also works great as a moisturizing base for prepping twists, plaits, or puffs.

Key Ingredients for sealing in moisture Include:

Shea Butter
Aloe Butter
Soy Butter
Cocoa Butter
Mango Butter
Silk Amino Acids

Ingredients:
Shea Butter, soy butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, aloe butter, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, Castor oil, oat oil, silk amino acids, honey powder, vitamin E"

 

 
 

Pros:
  • I love the scent of the product, the vanilla bean is not too overpowering and it still has some of the nutty smell of Shea butter
  • The product is very light
  • I had very little build up after using the product
  • Great for twists, twist-outs or just sealing in moisture
  • I also tried it out on my skin.. and it was very moisturizing
  • The owner is very personable and took time out to answer all my question
  • Shipping was fast, and the packaging is simple and nice

Cons:
  • It is a bit pricey, the 8oz goes for $25

Final Thoughts:

I absolutely love this hair butter, it is rich, light, and very moisturizing. Although it is a bit pricey, a little goes a long way, and I have been using my 4oz for a couple of months and I haven't yet used up to a quarter. I will definitely be re-purchasing and trying out different scents. This is now a staple styling hair butter in my regimen, and I definitely recommend for anyone who wants a rich, moisturizing styling butter.

Note* I have only used the vanilla bean scent.


You can contact Miss Tonya via her Etsy shop AdeVeganHair


XOXO

Bella Joya

Monday, November 5, 2012

Three Strand Twist-Out Hawk!!

Hey Guys,

I tried the three strand twist-out after seeing the definition achieved by one of my ladies on my Instagram!!
I am also trying out a new product ..a review will be coming up soon. I twisted on freshly washed and conditioned hair using the Eden Body Work Peppermint leave-in conditioner, I twisted using my Donna Marie twisting cream (the scent is like cake icing and the texture is like fluffy frosting... delicious) and I sealed using a new product Creme of Nature Moroccan Argan oil which smells lovely.

The definition is crazy















XOXO

Bella Joya

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Natural Hair Styling Gone Wrong

Hey Guys,

A few weeks back I decided to try African threading to stretch out my hair. I had seen This video that showed a successful tutorial on it so I thought 'it looks easy enough ill try it out'.

So I washed my hair, applied leave-in conditioner and then proceeded to thread. I went about my business for the day and let the hair dry. The next day I took it out and let me just tell you disaster.
My hair was stretched but it was also dry, brittle, and cracked.




Then in my infinite wisdom i decided to comb out my hair.. Can you say disaster part 2. By  time time I was done half of my hair was in broken little pieces all over my clothes and in my comb. I had a big dry cracked fro.. it was quite sad but i still found time to take pictures for your entertainment .lol



My puff would have been huge though..


What I should have done was just re-moisturize my hair and accept defeat but I did not want to waste the stretched out hair so after combing I pinned the hair back till I had time later that week.



Lesson Learned: It is critical to seal in moisture after washing your hair otherwise you end up with cracked dry hair. I may also consider threading with rubber instead of cotton thread.

XOXO

Bella Joya


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Formal Up-do

Hey Guys,

While on vacation in Los Angeles I went out and my hair needed to be tamed!!


I loved the look.

XOXO

Bella Joya