Creme of Nature Lemongrass and Rosemary Leave in Conditioner Review

So...the other day I was looking for a leave in conditioner for my hair when I was recommended to try the new Creme of Nature Lemongrass and Rosemary Leave in Conditioner by the clerk that was working at the local Sally's Beauty Supply Store in my area. When she recommended the product to me, the product appealed to me right away. The reason the product appealed to me right away was because I saw on the label that the product is for dehydrated hair. And I immediately thought, "that's my hair". "My hair is so thirsty," I thought. Plus, I noticed on the label that this leave-in conditioner has certified organic ingredients in it. 

Ingredients

So before I go into my opinion about the product, I will list the ingredients. To preface this, the product does have some cones in it.  

Ingredients: Ultra-Purified Water Aqua , Petrolatum , PEG-4 , Glyceryl Stearate , Sorbitol , Cetearyl Alcohol , Ceteareth-20 , Octyl Palmitate , Isodecyl Stearate , Cyclomethicone , Amodimethicone , Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract Peppermint, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil Rosemary , Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil Orange , Mentha Piperita Oil Peppermint , Citrus Aurantium Oil Lime , Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil Spearmint , Glycerin , Panthenol , Polybutene , PEG-75 Lanolin.

My review

It contains organic lemongrass to bring shine to the hair, which I really like about this product. Also it works as a wonderful detangler. The product is creamy. It feels lightweight when I apply it to my hair. After applying it to my hair, I immediately noticed that my hair was soft and I found that it moisturized my hair really well. 

Unrefined shea butter for hair

While using African Shea Butter the other day, I could not help but notice the feel of the shea butter and the way it absorbed in my hair. This particular shea butter is 100 percent and unrefined pure shea butter that was a little stiff. As I dug out some of the shea on to my finger tips, it had an almost creamy consistency. As I applied it to my hair, it coated my hair.

Let me go on to say that this shea butter is not only used for the hair, it has other uses as well. These uses include improving muscle relaxation and stiffness, sunscreen, treats spots on the skin and treats dry skin. So, there are a lot of uses for unrefined pure shea butter. Also, it contains a fatty acid and is yellowish in color.
While researching about shea butter, I learned that shea butter comes from a nut of a shea tree which initially was found in Africa. Hey didn't they say nuts and berries are good for your hair :).

Well initially with the shea butter my hair was soft but it was still dry. I heard that shea butter could be used for water proofing (don't know if that is true). But if it is that would explain when I kept applying water to my hair it seemed as if the shea butter was acting like a barrier against the water. So I applied some other oils to my hair so that my hair could be moisturized.

This was the first time I have used 100 percent natural unrefined shea butter on my hair. Do you use shea butter? How does it work on your hair?

Here is a natural who wears locs

Here is Keisha's story on going natural:


Why did you choose to go natural?
I chose to go natural because I was tired of chemicals and I have had just about every style there is.

How long have you been growing your locs?
The first time I had my locks, I had them for 5 years. This time I'm going on 3. Not cutting them again. 


Did you do accessorizing (earrings and makeup) to top off your natural look?
Sometimes, I do top off my look with make-up. I use Bare Minerals because it a natural product and look. 


What type of natural hair products do you use?
I use Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products or Mango Twist and Lime Products.

Meet a natural who transitioned from relaxed to natural hair for two months

Christina transitioned from relaxed to natural hair in early 2010. Here is her story:

WHY DID I CHOOSE TO GO NATURAL?
- Well the reason I chose to go natural is really a personal one. I don't want to offend anyone by saying this but I like to be real. I don't wear wigs or weaves because I felt as though I would be deceiving others. My younger sister went natural 3 or 4 years ago and this year in January I realized that I was "lying" to people. I was deceiving people by using relaxers in my hair. I thought to myself I need to be the God-given me. I wanted to be what God visioned me to be. So I decided to go natural. 

HOW LONG HAD YOU BEEN PERMING YOUR HAIR?
- I will be 27 in November and I had my first relaxer around the age of 13. Wow... that's like 14 years!

WHAT WERE YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS WHEN YOU DID THE BIG CHOP?
- I was excited. I had researched info on the web and was motivated and ready to get rid of the relaxed aka damaged hair. When I picked up the scissors that night I got really nervous. After the big chop I thought I looked beautiful. The morning after I was a little nervous about leaving the house and then I thought to myself... 'Christina, you wear the hair, the hair doesn't wear you'. I ventured out the front door and enjoyed my confidence! (I had to cut of some of my relaxed ends that were remaining later that night)

DID YOU TRANSITION?
- I transitioned for 2 1/2 months and then I was too excited and couldn't wait to have healthy hair. Then I cut it off!


WAS IT INITIALLY HARD TO GO NATURAL?
- Yes and No. I was excited about the new journey i was about to take but nervous and I think I changed my mind quite often.

DID YOU DO ACCESSORIZING (EARRINGS AND MAKEUP) TO TOP OFF YOUR NATURAL LOOK?
- Yes. My weekly motivation while transitioning was to purchase earrings, headbands, neck scarves (it was wintertime), and even hair products after I finished a week without manipulating my hair with chemicals, or harmful products. I even took a trip to D.C. (where my sister lives) to purchase natural hair things with my sister.

HOW WAS THE TRANSITION PROCESS FOR YOU?
- It started out really easy until the new growth became noticeable. My sister coached and encouraged me. I gt two cousins, and 1 aunt to do it with me. Then I became frustrated and bored with the styling options I had to wear with my short hair so I would do a wash and go and wear colored berets on my head everyday to my classroom.

WHAT TYPE OF NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS DO YOU USE?
- I like to use all natural hair products. I started out using expensive items like (Kinky Curly line, DeVa Curl line (my fav), Aveda and CURLS from curls.biz. I stopped spending so much money so now I use.... Extra Virgiin Olive Oil, ECO Styler Gel Krystal, Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner, Giovanni Direct Leave-In, every now and then Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner or Taliah Wajjid Mist Bodifyer Spray as a leave -in and I deep condition with mayo once a week and I use 100% all natural Henna as a deep conditioner once a month. On a daily basis I use EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), Eco Styler Gel Krystal, and Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner.

Two strand twist pictures and my twist and braid styles

Check out these articles related to natural hair and view more pictures and videos below:

http://www.squidoo.com/going-natural-transitioning-from-relaxed-hair

http://www.squidoo.com/4c-hair-type-kinky-coarse

Natural hair holiday sales

Stock up on your natural hair products while the holiday season is underway.
Here are some places that you can get your hair products on sale during special holiday deals.
Don't you just love freebies and discounts? Well, if you do like I do, below are some deals for the holidays that you can check out:

Janelle Beauty
Janelle Beauty has a 56 days of Christmas giveaway with freebies
janellebeauty.com

Carol's Daughter
Free Hair Milk Shampoo and Conditioner with purchase of $50 or more.
Use promotion code Milk2
www.carolsdaughter.com

Bumble and Bumble
bumbleandbumble.com

Bee Mine Products
On November 26-One day sale
20 percent off your order when you make a purchase of $15 or more. Promotion code: BLKFRI26

Product Review: Organic Shampoo with Strengthening Peppermint

Avalon Organics Shampoo

The Shampoo contains 100 percent vegetarian ingredients
Also this product has no parabens,which are preservatives,synthetic colors or fragrances, sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate, which these can dry out hair, however some sulfates are good in order to strip the hair of unwanted grim in the hair.
A few ingredients: Water, Babassu Oil, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Arginine and Organic Peppermint, Grapefruit Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract,and Glycerin.

The shampoo contains vitamins and ingredients that help with elasticity and prevents hair breakage. The shampoo is designed to help out with weak ends.
The shampoo is low suds. The shampoo cleans well and has a peppermint scent. I just started using this shampoo and like it so far.

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair...Are you considering the big chop?

Before going natural and after

Check out the article below for information on going natural and transitioning.

http://www.squidoo.com/going-natural-transitioning-from-relaxed-hair

Wearing your hair natural is just a trend

Is wearing your hair natural just a trend? There has been some buzz that natural hair is the in thing now. Oh really?
Well for me when I made up my mind to go natural three years ago and then finally did go natural in February 2008, there was some hoopla but not much. Now you see a lot of women embracing their natural hair. That is great. I know when I transitioned and full went natural I made the choice because I wanted healthier hair. I suffered hair breakage from relaxer chemicals. So I went natural because of the breakage and not because of a trend. Many trends come and go like a handbag in this year will not be in next year. Shoes that are in this year may not be in next year.

There are a lot of naturals now. Is it because some people decided that they do not want to perm their hair any longer? Is it because they suffered from hair damage and wanted healthier hair? Did they just want to go back to the basics or go back to their original state? Or are they going natural because they see others doing it and just think that it is the "it thing" to do?
What do you think? Is natural hair a trend?

Oh those products...

In my previous post, I posted a slide show of my hair in two-strand twist and some products that I use. BTW, my hair is due for a trim. I probably will get that done in the next few weeks.

Products that I use shown in the slide show include 100 percent coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave in Conditioner, Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie (works wonders for detangling), Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey and Hair Balm along with Murray's Twist Gel.
There are many products that I have heard a lot about and have yet to try. I will continue to try different products and see how my hair does with them.

Two-Strand Twists and Products

Create a slideshow design

Two reasons to use peppermint oil on natural hair

Natural peppermint oil is like adding a kiss of brightness to your natural hair. Peppermint oil does wonders for the hair. For one, it brings life to dull hair by adding shine to it. Peppermint oil is especially great to use when you press and curl your natural hair. Peppermint oil can protect your hair from breakage especially if you are pressing your hair with a flat iron or a hot comb. The oil is all natural and sulfate free so it will not dry your hair out.

Peppermint oil could also be used while you are in transition or using it for protective styles. 

Smells great 

Peppermint oil has the nice smell of peppermint and derives from a plant extract. It is all natural so there are no chemicals in it that could strip your hair. 

Manageable hair

Natural peppermint is great for easier management of your hair. When the oil is applied to the hair, it is not heavy on your hair.

Peppermint oil can be used for other uses as well. Using it on my hair, has been great. Whenever I get tired of     

braids or twists and I want to press my hair, peppermint oil is my choice as it works as a shield to block the heat from damaging my hair. 

So readers, do you use peppermint oil? If so, what has been your experience with it?

Two reasons to like longer two strand twists

Since I went natural three years ago, my hair has grown quite a bit. It has come a long way from the little short hairdo. May I add that this really short hairdo was topped off with my hair being shaved in the back.
I have been wearing my hair in different styles every since. My hair has been in the palm roll, press and curl including the one style that I wear the most is the two strand twists.

Now that my hair is longer I can do more things with it. When I wear two strand twists now I can put up in the back, put it in a pony tail or curl individual twists. There are two reasons I like longer two strand twists.

More versatility
You get multiple styles in one. I can pin up my hair to the side, wear it down loose or pin it in the back. Also longer two strand twists make for a nice twist out style. Twist outs are created when a braided style is undone to create a crinkly, curly or wavy look to the hair.

More of a curl definition
Since my natural hair has a curl pattern, my two strand twists curl up at the ends.

So, have you let your hair grow out since going natural? If so, what do you like about your longer natural hair?

Natural Hair Moisturizing Products

Moisture is important in maintaining natural hair. Here are some products that gives natural hair the moisture boost that they need.

Dudley's Quench Moisture Mist
This product moisturizes your hair and stop frizziness.


Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner
This is a leave in conditioner that you spray in your hair. It smells like vanilla and works well in moisturizing your hair.

Infusium 23 Leave in Conditioner
This leave in conditioner moisturizes and softens hair.

Honey
That's right honey can moisturize your hair. Add some honey to your hair, put on a shower cap, leave in for about two hours and rinse out.

Three reasons to transition from permed to natural hair

Let's face it. Transitioning can be a difficult task. After all you may encounter some obstacles. Those obstacles could include negative thoughts that you may have or what you may think someone will think. But once you face your obstacles or put negativity aside, transitioning will not be so hard.

While in transition, you may have thoughts of changing your mind about going natural. But don't fret. You are not the first one to have that thought and you won't be the last. Just think though that there are several reasons to go natural. Here are three reasons to go natural:

Chemical free hair

Just think about how strong and healthy your hair can become with natural hair. Not to say that your hair can't be strong with permed hair but natural hair is can be less prone to damage. Chemicals applied to the hair can damage it especially if not applied correctly.

More versatility or edge

When someone wears their hair natural, they have a "look at me" stand out in the crowd aura about them. 

Natural hair gives an edge that chemically treated hair does not have. Also depending on a person's hair texture and length of their hair, they can create more styles with natural hair.

Freedom 

After the transitioning period, there is almost a sense of new found freedom. At least that's what I felt when I went natural. With that freedom comes with knowing that you do not have to worry about those perm touch-ups when new growth comes in.

A Must Have Product: Carol's Daughter Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie

One of my must have products is Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie. It is a deep conditioner and leaves the hair soft after use. It makes for a good detangler especially if you need to loosen your hair after wearing braids or two-strand twists for a while. After using this product I was surprised at how well it detangles and how manageable my hair was.

Using the product 

You use the product after you have washed your hair. While your hair is still wet, apply the hair smoothie to your hair. Let the hair smoothie work its magic for 10 minutes :). Then, rinse the hair smoothie from your hair.  I like using this product because it makes it easier to comb through my hair after I wash it. No tug a war fights with the hair here :).

Where to obtain the product

The product can be obtained through the Carol's Daughter website. The site sells numerous products for natural hair. I have been using Carol's Daughter products for two and half years and I can truly say that their hair smoothies are good.

Summer Natural Hair Styles

Pictures will be posted soon (June 2011)

Have you decided how you want to style your hair this summer? Two-strand twists are a braided hairstyle may be a good summer style to combat the season's humidity.

TWA
For those with a tiny winy afro or TWA, you can rock your short due in the summer. You may want to accessorize your do with accessories.

Experiment with your long natural hair

For those with longer natural hair, for instance ear length or shoulder length, you can experiment with different updo styles. You could pin it up.

Deep Conditioning

Hey everyone,
You probably know the importance of conditioning your hair. Natural hair especially needs moisture. Here is some information on how to condition natural hair http://www.ehow.com/how_5934427_condition-natural-hair.html.
The above link to the article is an article that I wrote on the site ehow.

Here we go with the palm roll hairstyle

How to transition from permed to natural hair easier

Here is information on two-strand twists-How to do two strand twists for natural hair

Palm roll in 2008.

Transitioning with ease

So if you are in transition or new to having natural hair,  you may run into some challenges. Those challenges may include having negative thoughts. You may think, "do I really want to go natural?" " How will I manage my hair?" you think. You may look around and see others with permed hair and start comtemplating whether you should perm your hair. Or you may have seen others with natural hair and thought "that looks good on them." Then when it comes to yourself you start thinking it may not look good on you. You may start thinking what will people say about me. "Will they think that I am ugly or not as attractive?," you ask yourself. You may feel bad that you are thinking such negative thoughts. Well, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. Many have thought the same thing that you have thought.

While in transition, you can where your hair in different styles. You do not have to cut all your hair off to go natural. You can slowly transition as you will develop two hair textures your permed hair and your curly or wavy natural hair. You can where braids or put two strand twists in your hair. You can wear your hair in these styles for a while until you feel comfortable wearing your hair completely natural.
You could be in the transition phase for one month, six months, a year or many years.

If you go decide to cut your hair all off from the very beginning don't fret because remember that your hair will grow back. If you cutting out all the perm from your hair is the best thing, then go for it. If you are suffering from breakage, then cutting your hair right from the get go is the way to go instead of transitioning for several months. Whatever you decide embrace the change and the natural you.

Transitioning from Permed to Natural Hair, Braids, Dreads, Two Strand Twists

Here are some articles that I wrote on the site eHow in reference to transitioning, braids, locs, and two-strand twists.

How to do two strand twists with natural hair
http://www.ehow.com/how_5934172_do-two_strand-twists-natural-hair.html

How to grow dreadlocks and baby locs
http://www.ehow.com/how_5742010_grow-dreadlocks-baby-locs.html

How to grow natural hair in the first year
http://www.ehow.com/how_5742018_grow-natural-hair-first-year.html

How to make the transition from permed to natural hair easier
http://www.ehow.com/how_5738575_make-permed-natural-hair-easier.html

Thick hair

My hair is really thick. Kinda looks like a wig. It’s funny when people asks me questions about my hair. They will ask things like have you ever had a perm before? My response is of course but the perm chemicals began to cause my hair to break. Oh and my all time favorite question is: Why don’t you put a perm in your hair it would be so pretty? I want to ask them, so you think thick hair without a perm is ugly? Or hair that is not straight is not pretty? I just want to sometimes ask point blank so what is your hair texture without a perm? Then, I want to ask is your hair ugly without a perm?


The whole point is that you should embrace your natural hair no matter what texture it is. I am not saying that a perm is all bad. However, the type of perm and how it is applied to the hair is what makes all the difference in whether you will have healthy hair or not.
When it comes to hair, there is sometimes a debate on what looks good and what is "in". Sometimes the problem is that some women try to conform and fit in with other people instead of being different. With natural hair, you can be different. So stand out and be proud of your natural hair.

Embrace the natural you

For those of you who believe that it is too hard to wear your hair natural, you are not alone. There are many who have a hard time with their transition. Heck, I had a hard time for about a year. It can be difficult. But you can gradually grow to love the new look.