Product Review: Soak My Body Muscle Milk Bath

Photo courtesy of  Tanglesandbeyond.com
*note-the muscle bath no longer comes prefilled

Price: $18.00 for an 16 oz jar

Where I bought it: www.tanglesandbeyond.com

Why I bought it: I love working out but the older I get, the more I realize I need to pamper myself after going to the gym, especially the nights I come back from pole. I usually only buy hair products from Ashley (owner of Tangles and Beyond) but I was curious about her other products. She, like myself, is a workout junkie and always posts about the muscle milk bath after her gym sessions. So, I thought I should try it out myself. 

Product Description: Pure Coconut Milk , Yogurt Powder, Himalayan Salt, and a blend of muscle relaxing bath tea with willow bark, sage, peppermint and nettle is what your sore muscles need after a hard workout!

Directions: Just 15 minutes of hot water, and maybe a candle or some music will set the mood just right. It's about time you did something for yourself!

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), Coconut Milk Powder, Yogurt Powder, Pink Himalayan Salt, Coconut Oil, White Willow Bark, Sage, Nettle Leaf, Hawaiian Black Salt and a blend of essential oils and fragrances. (ingredient list taken from both my jar and the website)

How I use it: I like to use this muscle milk bath once a week, usually after my pole class. This is a great way to soak my muscles, listen to my 80s channel on Pandora and dream about the next pole move I want to master. If I had time, I would do this soak every time I worked out. But, most of the time I don't have that kind of time to spare.

What I love about it: Everything! This has become a favorite part of my workout ritual.

What I don't like:  I wish I had a bigger jar of this stuff! I was so sad when I ran out this past Sunday :(. I ordered some more during the recent drop, but it will be a little bit before I get it. For more info about the drop, click here.  In the meantime, I have a few bath bombs courtesy of my Spring FabFit box.

Final thoughts: If you're looking for an organic product to help soothe your tired, overworked muscles, then this is right up your alley!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  Any reviews or opinions expressed about items in this post are my own personal views. I purchased all items with my own funds and have not received any compensation for writing my opinion. I have no connection to the products or brands mentioned in this post.

Product Review: Detangling Co-Wash by Mielle Organics

Price: $13.99 for an 8 fl. oz bottle 

Where I bought it: www.mielleorganics.com
*Mielle Organics is now available at Sally's (selected cities). Be sure to call your local Sally's to see if it's in stock at the location. If your Sally's doesn't carry it, make sure you let them know you want Mielle Organics sold at the store.

Why I bought it:  My original go-to co-wash conditioner was Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash but I found myself wanting to try something new. My hair was still thriving with Shea Moisture but I felt like it was time to explore other options. Plus, I wanted to try the hair products after falling in love with their vitamins.

Product Description: Our Detangling Conditioning Cleanser is for thin, thick, curly, hair removes impurities without stripping hair of natural oils. Lightweight moisturizers soften and control frizz . Made with detangling properties making it easier to detangle while co-washing. Made with natural and certified organic ingredients. Smells wonderful. Designed to strengthen, lengthen and moisturize hair. Can be used daily and notice how you will have less breakage and shedding. Made with pure natural oils and natural preservatives. Gently helps with tangles and knots. "- description from website

Directions: Apply to the scalp and ends of the hair and gently massage all throughout the hair to cleanse the hair of natural products. Use in between shampoos.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifera (coconut oil), Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, ButyrospermumParkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinia) Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Kernal oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum (derived from the guar bean- thickening agent), Hyrdolyzed Silk (Silk Amino Acids), Potassium Sorbate, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Phthalate-Free Fragrance, Tocopheral, Citric acid

How I use it: I use this c0-wash once a week on wash day. I apply it to my scalp and add a little extra to the ends of my hair.

What I love about it: This Detangling Co-Wash has a soft, lightweight consistency. The fragrance is light and smells like berries to me. It is not overpowering or strong at all, for those of you sensitive to fragrances.  

Unlike other co-washes I've used before, this co-wash doesn't cling to my scalp. It's so gentle on my scalp, that sometimes I find myself questioning if I've used enough. After I wash out the co-wash, my scalp feels clean but not stripped. My hair is also soft and 

my tangles or knots melt away.

 But, one of my favorite things about this cleansing co-wash is that it brings out my curls. I can honestly say that I've never experienced that with another co-wash. 

What I don't like:  I wish this came in a bigger size. I'm able to get about a month/ month and a half from a bottle. It's not an expensive co-wash but it adds up (when you include shipping costs). Hopefully Mielle Organics will introduce a big pump bottle for this co-wash.  

Final thoughts: I started using this co-wash in October and my hair loves it! If you're looking for a co-wash cleaning conditioner that is lightweight, you should check out Mielle Organics. This is definitely one of my staple products and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  Any reviews or opinions expressed about items in this post are my own personal views. I purchased all items with my own funds and have not received any compensation for writing my opinion. I have no connection to the products or brands mentioned in this post.

Product Review | Jia's Caribbean DreamCreme

Price: $15.00 for a 16oz bottle

Where I bought it: www.tanglesandbeyond.com

Why I bought it: Like all of my recent hair product purchases, I stumbled across this company on Instagram. People were raving about the hair products and I wanted to try some of the hair products.

Product Description: A lightweight but powerful detangler infused with pure Hibiscus powder and Argan Oil. This cream will make your detangling dreams come true. Use in sections before or after shampooing to make detangling a breeze. No need to rinse it as it will keep you conditioned all day.

Directions: As stated in the product description this leave-in can be used before or after you co-wash or shampoo.

Ingredients: Purified Water, BTMS (Colza  Oil Conditioner), Cetearyl Alcohol , Tangles and Beyond Shea Butter Blend, Hibiscus Powder, Argan Oil and a blend of essential and fragrances. 

How I use it: Until recently I used this simply as my leave-in conditioner after finishing my wash day. Now I used it as the Cream portion of my LOC method on my wash day and during the week as needed.

What I love about it: Everything! But in all seriousness, this stuff works! It leaves my hair soft and manageable. If I have any tangles left at the end of my wash day, this conditioner makes them easy to deal with. 

 The scent is so delicious that it makes you wish this product was edible! Oh and the scent lingers with you until the next wash day. For me the scent is not overpowering at all but a refreshing treat that my hubby enjoys. But if fragrances cause you migraines, you may want to use caution. Ashlee (the owner and creator of these amazing products) used to sale a sample size of her products but I haven't seen it on the past couple of drops.

Now, some of you may balk at the price tag but I believe the product is worth the price. Also, I started using this product in April and I still have quite a bit left. Thankfully, all of the hair products except the new Perfect Edges Honey Gel which only has a 3 month self life.

What I don't like:  I love everything about this product :)!

Final thoughts: After 8 months of using this product, Jia's Caribbean DreamCreme is one my staple products.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  Any reviews or opinions expressed about items in this post are my own personal views. I purchased all items with my own funds and have not received any compensation for writing my opinion. I have no connection to the products or brands mentioned in this post.

Product Review: Bee Sensitive Oil Free Serum

Price: $15.00 for (8 fl oz)

Where I bought it: www.beemineproducts.com

Why I bought it: Finding products that help soothe my itchy, dry scalp has been a goal of mine. Incorporating ACV rinses on wash day has really helped with this problem. But, now that I only wash my hair once a week, I need a product that I can use during the week.

Product Description: Bee Sensitive-Oil Free serum was specially created for those with dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and other sensitive skin conditions. It has been formulated to help calm the scalp and promote a healthy environment for optimal growth. The soothing and healing properties of organic aloe vera juice paired with select herbs can assist in alleviating the discomfort of many scalp conditions.

Directions: Use daily or every other day for best results. Please conduct a patch test on the back of your hand prior to full use. Please seek a doctor's opinion for any scalp condition.

Ingredients:   Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic Aloe Vera Juice), Aqueous (Distilled Water), Organic Emblica Officinalis Alma Fruit Powder (to help nourish the scalp,  encourage hair growth and even help with premature graying), Centella asiatic (Gota Kola) Powder (prevents hair loss and improves blood circulation in the scalp),  Organic Mentha piperita (peppermint = used to soothe dry or oily scalp), Symthytum officinale (Organic), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Organic),  Organic Arctiucm lappa (aka Burdock), Methylsulfonyl-methane, Fragance/Parfum (phthalates free), Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol (Paraben & Formaldehyde Free Perservative)

* This product is also Protein Free
How I use it: As needed or every other day.

What I love about it:  Isn't it great when a product actually does what it claims? This product has stopped my dry, itchy scalp in its tracks. Unless you suffer from dry skin and eczema like I do, you might not realize how important this relief is to my sanity and the health of my hair. No more tapping my head to avoid scratching my scalp thus causing it to become more itchy and irritated. Even on the days when I forget to apply it, if I spray my scalp with the serum my scalp is alleviated right away. Since having a healthy, clean scalp is essential to promoting growth, this serum has been a great addition to my regimen.

Because this spray packs a great punch, you don't need to saturate your scalp with the spray. I like to spray it lightly on my scalp and sometimes I even massage it in with my fingers. The smell has an herbal scent to it but nothing overpowering or strong. It is light and refreshing on the scalp.


What I don't like:  This spray is amazing, so you won't hear any negative reviews for me. I only wish it came in a bigger bottle!

Final thoughts: I've been using this serum for a little over two months and I love it.  Armed with this serum and my ACV rinses, my scalp is clean and healthy. If you're looking to alleviate your itchy scalp, give this serum a try. It works great and you can't beat the price.

Have you tried the Bee Sensitive Oil Free Serum?  If so, what did you think?

*Disclosure: I purchased the item in this review with my own funds.  I have not received any monetary compensation for writing this review.  I do not have any connections with the brand or product that I mentioned. 

Product Review: Hair Trigger Growth Elixir

Price: $16.00 for (8oz) + $4.99 for Vanilla Pound Cake scent

Where I bought it: hairtriggergrowthelixir.com

Why I bought it: I was intrigued when I saw this in Jen's (Just Grow Already) regimen and decided to give it a try.

Directions: Daily Treatment: Apply Hair Trigger Explosive Growth Elixir to the scalp making sure to apply to no more than 1 inch of hair from the root. Massage in well with fingertips starting from nape and edges towards the crown thoroughly for 2-5 minutes. Style as usual. Apply tip to twice daily or as needed. //Overnight pre-shampoo (pre-poo) treatment: Apply a generous amount and distribute evenly to scalp and hair from roots to ends. May add another oil and/or conditioner of choice as well. Massage in thoroughly. Cover with plastic cap or saran wrap overnight for maximum absorption and intensive conditioning. After awakening, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and continue with normal shampoo routine.// Straight or curly hair hot oil deep conditioning: to revive follicles apply a generous amount to damp or dry hair and distribute evenly from scalp to ends. Massage in thoroughly. For intensive deep conditioning, cover hair with plastic cap or saran wrap and leave on for 15-30 minutes with moderate dryer  heat. Rinse thoroughly and proceed to shampoo.

Ingredients:  Avocado Oil, Castor Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil, Biotin, Silica, Black Tea, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic, Onion

How I use it: Pre-poo treatment (mixed with Jamaican Black Castor Oil)

What I love about it:  I started using Hair Trigger back in 2013. I used it as a pre-poo and as a daily treatment. I loved how soft it made my hair and I did experience some growth. It wasn't anything extraordinary but there was definitely a boost. I never took before and after pictures, so I can't show how much growth I experienced. I stopped using it as a daily treatment because it left my hair feeling oily. For me this is a great pre-poo treatment and has become one of my staples.

Oh and the smell is amazing! Vanilla Pound Cake is the only scent that I've tried and I love it. My husband even likes the smell of it. I've never tried Hair Trigger without a scent because Jen suggested the natural scent was too powerful, so I took her word for it. 

What I don't like:  I love the packaging but this bottle  creates a big mess for me. Even with the cap closed the bottle leaks and gets everywhere. I  now keep the bottle in our medicine cabinet to avoid it spilling. I also wish there was a different nozzle on the bottle. I tend to be heavy handed with my oils, which is probably why I run out of Hair Trigger so quickly. But, this problem can be fixed by putting Hair Trigger in another bottle.  I believe Hair Trigger also sells applicator bottles as well. 

Final thoughts:  All in all this is a great product! It has been in my regime for almost two years now and I will continue using it. I just ordered a new and bigger bottle of it today :).


Until next time :)!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica

*Disclosure: I purchased the item in this review with my own funds.  I have not received any monetary compensation for writing this review.  I do not have any connections with the brand or product that I mentioned. 

Product Review: Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner

Price: $11.00 for (8 fl oz) 

Where I bought it: carolsdaughter.com

Why I bought: If you remember my earlier posts, I wanted to find a good leave-in conditioner. I use Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter but I wanted to add another one to the mix. Plus, Carol's Daughter claims that "Black Vanilla Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner restores natural moisture and adds strength to your hair. The blend of What Protein and Pro-vitamin B5 fortifies your hair so it's healthier and won't break when detangling. Made with natural moisturizers instead of silicones so you can use it every day without weighing-down your air". I need to try it out for myself.

Ingredients:

Water
Butyrospermum (Shea fruit/Shea Butter),
Polysorbate 80 (agent that binds oil & water together)
Glycerin
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)
Leaf Juice, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)
Sodium Hyaluronate (sodium salt that moisturizes the hair)
Sodium PCA (natural ingredient derived from plants, fruit and coconut oil). Helps reduce loss of moisture
Butylene Glycol,
Lavandula Angust (Lavender) Flower/Leaf Stem
 Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract
 Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
 Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Potassium Sorbate, Ciric Acid
Caramel
Fragrance (Parfum)

Directions/Suggested Use: Hold 6 to 8 inches away from your hair and spray all over. Use on wet or dry hair to help detangle. Use on dry hair to refresh your style. Do not rinse out.

How I used it:   I used it has a leave-in conditioner and as the liquid in my nightly LOC routine.

What I love about it:  I could go on and on about this. It made detangling easy and left my hair incredibly soft. It also kept my hair moisturized throughout the day. And like all of the other products from Carol's Daughter, it smells great!

What I don't like:  That it doesn't come in a bigger bottle. I can be a little heavy handed when it comes to products in spray bottles, so I would love a bigger size. I actually had to buy another bottle during my first month using it.

Final thoughts:  After a month of using it, the Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner is one of my go-to products.  It's a great leave-in conditioner at an affordable price. If you become a member of Carol's Daughter--buy it when it's on sale for $5--shipping is free :).

Until next time :)!

~Adventures of a Nappy Chica

Clear Proof Voxbox: 1 Week Check In

It's been one week since I started using my complimentary ClearProof Voxbox from Influenster and Mary Kay. Although I plan on using the system for 30 days, I wanted to compare my before pics with my pics after 1 week of using ClearProof.

Excuse the white stuff in my hair. I took this picture during wash day, hence the conditioner in my hair. Lol.

10/26/14- 1 Week of using Clear Proof

I think I see a difference especially on the sides of my face. It's too early to tell but so far I like what I see.  I'm crossing my fingers for great results and I promise to post a full review of the system after 30 days. 

Until next time :)!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Recap of Wash Day + Review of Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Here's a recap of my wash day today.

[1]  Pre-pooed with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and EVCO under a plastic cap of an hour. I
[2]  Co-washed with Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser
[3]  Deep  Conditioned with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner for 15 minutes. I decided not to do a tea rinse today but I will do one on my next wash day. Check out my review of this conditioner below
[4]  ACV rinse + Water after I washed out my conditioner. I left the mixture on my hair for about 5 minutes and then washed it out. 
[5] Dried my hair for about 10 minutes with a t-shirt.
[6] I applied Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner and used a wide tooth comb to detangle. I also used Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner,  Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, JBCO, Marguerite's Magic Restorative Cream  (also from Carol's Daughter) and Shea Moisture's Curling Custard. I was pumped to use my new products from Carol's Daughter.

Overall. the wash day went well. It only took almost two weeks but I'm actually okay with my haircut now. 

Product Review: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Price: $9.75 for 13 fl.oz. I bought my bottle from Walgreens but you can also find it at Target, and CVS.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum, Parkii (Shea Butter), Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Behentrimonium Chloride, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Sea Kelp Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Avocado Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle), Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil. 

Directions/Suggested Use: Work conditioner through hair from root to ends. Leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse. For deeper conditioning, leave on for up to 15 minutes. As a leave-in, work a dime-sized amount through damp hair, than style as desired.

How I used it:  When I bought this conditioner, I intended to use it for deep conditioner. It wasn't until I used it for a couple of times that I realized I could use it as a leave-in as well. So I now I use it as a deep conditioner,  rinse out conditioner and a leave-in. 

What I love about it:  It's a triple threat for such a great price.  It promises to "detangle, moisturize, repair and restore lifeless, damaged hair. After using it for a month, I notice that my hair is retaining more moisture and I haven't had any issues with knots or tangles. Also, like the other SheaMoisture products, the smell is so good. The smell is evident but not overpowering, which I like. 

What I don't like:  Honestly, I don't have any complaints. I absolutely love this product.

Final thoughts:  This conditioner is definitely on my list of go-to products. I'm going to keep using this as a rinse-out conditioner and leave-in. I curious about the Shea Moisture masque so I might try one for as a deep conditioner in the near future.

The search for moisturizing products: Review of DevaCurl Set It Free

Retaining moisture has been an issue for me since I big chopped in April. Add the California dry air + hard water to the mix and now you understand my struggle.  So, after my disastrous trim, one of my new goals is to find the products/techniques to keep my hair moisturized. Now, I'm against becoming a product junkie but at the same time I need to try different products until I find the ones that work best for my hair. I still abide by one rule though: I can't by a new product until I have used up at least one old product. My theory is that this will keep me from having baskets full of products that I never use. And you know what? It's been working so far.

Now the only good thing that came from my trim was I found a new product to try: DevaCurl Set It Free. Here are my thoughts on the product thus far:

                                                 

Price: $19.95 for 6 fl.oz. I bought my bottle from the stylist that cut my hair. I know, I can't believe I actually bought something after my experience. But, if you do some research, I bet you can purchase it for less.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Acrylates/C12-22, Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Lipids, Beeswax (Cera Alba, Cire D'Abeille), Melissa Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Ceteareth-20, PVP, Aminomethyl Propanol, DVDM Hydantoin, Fragrance (Parfum).

Directions/Suggested Use: Mist on wet or dry hair.

How I used it:  Since I'm rocking a shorter TWA these days, I opted for spraying it in my hands and rubbing it in my hair. I found this to be more effective for me. In addition to using it as a refresher spray, I also used it after applying my leave-in conditioner and SheaMoisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie in the morning and before bed. I've been using it for almost two weeks now, so I think I have a grasp on how it works for my hair.

What I love about it:  I love the smell. I didn't realize how much I liked the smell of hair products, until now. Most of the hair products I use are all natural and smell divine. So, I give it an A+ in that area alone. Another thing I love about this product is that it actually works! It claims to "enhance curls" and it it definitely does.  If I ran out of my Curl Enhancing Smoothie, I could use this and get the same defined curls.  The moisture also lasts throughout the day and even though I reapplied it at night, my hair wasn't dry. This mist leaves my hair feeling soft without weighing it down.

What I don't like:  The price. As much as I loved the results, I can't justify spending that much on a hair product, especially for 6 fl.oz.


Final thoughts:  This is a great refresher spray/moisturizer. If I can purchase it somewhere else for less, I will definitely buy it again. Until then, I may have to revisit Soultanicals Hair Sorrell Knappylicious Kink Drink, which is sold for $14.00 here.



Disclosure of Material Connection:  Any reviews or opinions expressed about items in this post are my own personal views. I purchased all items with my own funds and have not received any compensation for writing my opinion. I have no connection to the products or brands mentioned in this post.