The Truth about No Rinse Shampoos

Labels: | 0 comments»


When I wore braids back in the summer, I constantly worried about my scalp and hair being clean. I didn't want to saturate my hair with water and destroy my beautiful braids, so i researched a couple of websites and saw that most people used "dry shampoos" or no water shampoos. I picked up two types of shampoos to try out-one was a liquid and the other was a foam. I didn't like the results of the foam because my "real" hair would kink up from the braiding hair, and would show the obvious separation of my hair from the braiding hair. I had to use a blow dryer to get the "look" back. The liquid brand, which was Clean Life Products in a blue and white bottle worked magic. My scalped was and appeared clean and it lathered! I used a towel to wipe the dirt away! I paid only $2.99 for my 8 oz bottle...a keeper.


  • Biodegradable, PH-balanced soap contains no alcohol; leaves hair with a clean, fresh fragrance and no residue
  • Easy to use—just shake, apply directly to hair, massage until foaming lather covers hair, and towel dry thoroughly
  • No rinsing required
Ingredients: water, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl betaine, fragrance, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid.

Silky Hair With CHI Silk Infusion

Labels: | 0 comments»

aI started using the CHI silk infusion oil a couple of months ago, and I've had great results. However, it's a bit pricey; my 6 oz bottle cost about $11. I use it when my hair is damped, and ceramic heat brings out the shine and "silkiness" of your hair. I personally love the smell, though some people think that it smells like mens cologne. It's a matter of preference.



Here are some of its claims:
  • Silk Reconstructing Complex no pH
  • Rich leave in treatment
  • Enriched with pure silk along with wheat and soy proteins
  • Alcohol free
  • Ceramic heat will insure deep penetration of silk proteins
  • Strengthens the hair
  • Provides incredible softness
  • Adds manageability and shine without any build up
Ingredients:
Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Panthenol, Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, D&C Yellow 11, D&C Red 17, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Boron Nitride Powder.
 CHI Silk Infusion - 6 oz.

It Gives You a Lottabody

Labels: | 0 comments»





Lottabody is all around a great setting lotion. I started using this a couple of years ago and noticed that my fine hair had extra body when using with my roller sets. I bought a spray bottle just to dump it in when I buy it. I spray each section of my hair when it's wet along with Black n' Sassy Creamy Set, and the result are shine and body indeed! There is no flaking and my roller sets last a couple of day longer than using other setting lotions. I would highly recommend using in addition to your normal setting lotions. I bought my 12 oz bottle of Lottabody for a little over $2.00...and not to mention its such a classic!

Citrus Lovers-St. Ives Delivers

Labels: | 0 comments»


The St. Ives Energizing Citrus Body Wash has an updated look and a nice refreshing scent. I used it this morning and the scent aided me in opening my eyes! I smell more grapefruit than anything else int the formula, so if you are not a citrus lover, you definitely need to avoid this one. Its very moisturizing and it rinsed away very well, unlike brands such as Caress Body Wash or SoftSoap that in my opinion lathers well, but leaves a soapy residue after rinsing. This 18 oz bottle cost a little over $3.00 and claims to contains 100% natural extracts-love it!

Calamine Lotion for Healthier Skin

Labels: | 1 comments»

First of all, there are some over priced brands of calamine lotion on the market right now, that may set you back from $5-$7. Please don't do it! I use an "off" brand called Humco; cost: $1.88 at Walmart for a 6 oz size,and works wonderfully. The uses for calamine lotion are numerous: insect bites, rashes, poison ivy/oak, eczema, chicken pox, an astringent to dry up infected areas of acne. I use it anytime I see a blackhead on my face,and its usually gone the next day! The Humco brand isn't lotion textured at all; it actually is a more liquid based product, so I pour it on a bathing cloth and apply to an area.This is a very good drying agent-I would recommend having this one on your shelf.




Active Ingredients: Calamine, Zinc Oxide and Liquefied Phenol 1%
Inactive Ingredients: Bentonite Magma, Calcium Hydroxide, Glycerin, and Purified Water

Daily Moisturizing Conditioners-Black Sassy

Labels: | 0 comments»






My hair doesn't get dry often, but when I where a roller set styles and I need a little shine, I definitely use Black Sassy Lavender Creme Oil Conditioner. It is super light, not heavy on my hair at all, and I use it whenever I have to use a blow dryer on my hair. I usually use a small amount when I wrap my hair at night, and when I unwrap in the morning, I notice the softness when combing through my hair. I bought a 12 oz size for about $4.60-this should last me for a while... Great Product!

Aid to Remove Braids?

Labels: | 0 comments»





I always swear that after I've taking a braid style down that I would never get braids again! And the reason is usually the time spent taking them down. I just recently took my microbraids out and the experience wasn't as bad as it was five years ago. My hair had breakage and my edges were beginning to bald after I took them out last time. So I've been wearing the tree braids for the past couple of years because its cheaper, faster to do, and much easier to take down. But three months ago, I found the guts to get them done,and they were done quite well. I took them down last month using African Braid & Weave Out Spray; the cost $3.99. The label on the bottle claims that this product:
-Minimize breakage to fragile damaged hair
-Allows artificial hair and threads to slip out easily
-Moisturize and soften hair

I didn't feel that this spray made it necessarily easier to take my micro braids down. The only use that this product had for me was that it did soften my hair, making it easier to comb through after the micro braids were out. My hair wasn't tangled at all. But if you have a normal regimen for taking your braids down and it works for you, I say avoid the braid "out" sprays.

Best for Your Complexion-Ambi

Labels: | 0 comments»







Other than occasional dryness, I really don't have any major problems with my skin, like acne for instance. But I do sometimes noticed my skin tone is sometimes uneven and those darn dark circles around my eyes! Ambi's Complexion Bar works wonders if you want to give your skin a nice even glowing tone. I used Ambi a couple of months ago and I was complimented several times at work about my complexion and the smoothness of my skin. There was even one stranger I met in a store ask where did I get my facials done!*blushing*

The only thing you have to watch out for when using the complexion bar is that it burns like hates if it gets into your eyes! I unknowingly opened my eyes while in the shower with the Ambi lather on my face, and I felt totally blinded! OMG! My eyes were red until I finally got to work that morning...So Ladies, be very careful and read the label: Avoid contact with eyes. It has a great smell (so fresh) and it last FOREVER,and oh yeah, it's very affordable ($1.50-$2.00)can't beat that! I would definitely recommend this product.

Ingredients: Sodium Tallowater, Sodium Cocoate Or Sodium Palm Kernelate, Fragrance, Water, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Pentasodium Pentetate, Simethicone, Xanthan Gum, Glutaral, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Iron Oxides.
Ambi Fade Soap Complexion 3.5 oz. 

A French Tip for You

Labels: | 0 comments»



I'm indifferent about the Nailene French Tip Pen. I used it five times already and I'm not completely sold on this one yet. I think it's more that I like the idea of how the pen is designed to achieve those beautiful french manicured nails! The pen is a bit shorter than a regular sized pen...and sort of feels like holding a Sharpie. When using it, you have to shake it a few times and proceed to apply to your nails. The tip of the pen is angled and soft like a sponge, so that it is very easy to apply the polish.



The first time I used it, my nails were flawless! but when I tried to touch my nails up(maybe 2 days later),it seemed that the sponge part of the pen had dried with polish on it causing horrible streaks! I tried to apply a second coat, but it streaked even worse. My nails were dry and clean so I wasn't sure what the problem was. I gave it another try, then another, then another...you get the idea, but still the same problem. I've been researching reviews on this product, and found others had the same problem. The product is a great idea...but those dang streaks!

Nailene French Tip Pen Kit 1 ea

Relaxing at Home...Not as Bad as It Seems

Labels: | 0 comments»



I've used just about every type of relaxer: Dark and Lovely, Optimum, Creme of Nature, Olive Oil brand...the list goes on! These relaxers always let me down. Either the relaxer didn't TRULY get my hair relaxed or it totally damaged my hair...severely. And it was mainly my fault. I wasn't concerned about having healthy hair-I wold chose the cheapest relaxer that would "relax" my hair the best. I used to never wrap my hair and constantly used the hot curlers every single day! I literally burnt my hair out.

Two years ago, my hair was damaged so horribly in the crown of my head, that i had to make an appointment with my Mom's beautician, and get my entire head of hair chopped off! I was devastated and had no idea how to style and care for short hair.The picture shown is when I first got my hair chopped off,eww look how unhealthy my hair looked Circa 2008

So I started going to the hair salon every 2-3 weeks (which really wasn't in my budget)and my hair started to grow within the first 2 months! I was so excited! My stylist used a Mizani relaxer on me, which she used in my Mom's hair also. I noticed when my hair grew back to its original shoulder length, that my hair was shedding and that it seemed thinner than before. My stylist even admitted that my hair texture had become a bit flimsy, so she said she would try another relaxer. The Mizani worked fine with my Mom's thick(gorgeous)black hair, but did the total opposite with mine. But summer was near and I wanted to try the tree braids out for a while and give my hair a break.

I took my tree braids out after about 2 1/2 months, with no damage might I add, and I then begin researching the best relaxers on the market.And... There was none! OK,OK, what I mean is that any chemicals in the hair is not really healthy, but I figured that I should try to take better care of my hair if I was to continue using a relaxer. So the first brand that I happened to try was Africa's Best Organics Olive Oil No Lye Relaxer, and I noticed that it didn't make my hair feel over-processed as the Mizani did. I haven't had any breakage while using this relaxer(over a year now,whew!)The shampoo in the kit is colored coded when lathered to turn pink if relaxer is still present in your hair...love it! but my stylist swears that the Mizani was better for hair texture and that the "no lye" home kits actually further damages the hair;but I know my own hair, and I know what feels right. I'm sticking to Africa's Best Organics Olive Oil brand and I will continue with my hair Regimen and see what happens.

Lustrasilk Shea Butter Conditioner-Budget and Results

Labels: | 0 comments»


I've been using Lustrasilk conditioner for years, and never have to buy any other conditioning product! I use it after I've finished shampooing my hair and leave it on for about 5 minutes. Of course if I want a deeper conditioning, I put leave it on about 30 minutes with a plastic cap under the dryer.On the label, it claims to :"Treat & Prevents Heat & Chemical Damage and Hydrates Dry Over-Processed & Porous Hair" The only thing I know is that my hair doesn't have that over conditioned feeling after using it, and it smells pretty good, Mango if I'm not mistaken. I did try out a Tresemme brand(will review soon!) conditioner and I didn't notice anything special happening with my hair. So please ladies, even if you use "salon" brand conditioners, just try the Lustrasilk out a couple of times;you'll be impressed, trust me. The price is very affordable. I bought mines from a standard beauty supply store for $2.99 for a  20 oz size! So if you are on a budget (like I am always) try the Lustrasilk, you will be pleased.
Lustrasilk Cholesterol + Shea Butter & Mango 20 oz. Bonus

Creme of Nature (Sunflower & Coconut) Detangling Shampoo

Labels: | 0 comments»



If you haven't read my blog on my hair regimen please do! you'd see that I use Creme of Nature shampoo in addition(and directly after) my Aphogee shampoo. My Mom had always used Creme of Nature products when I was a kid, so I had no hesitation with buying this shampoo, even with its new look! I love the new smell,its smell so wonderfully! And the orange and yellow bottle is pretty cool also. I smell more of the "sunflower" fragrance than the coconut fragrance, but I was so OK with it; I'm really not that hot about coconut smelling hair products anyway.

When I first start shampooing my hair with the Creme of Nature, it feels just like what the bottle says...Creamy! especially after shampooing with the Aphogee. I can immediately tell that my hair is softening. Not to mention that that it is a detangling conditioning shampoo-I have no problem with combing through my hair after using this product...always a plus!

Ingredients:Water - Aqua , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Glycol Stearate , Polyquaternium-10 , Cocamide DEA , Amodimethicone , Polysorbate 20 , Polyquaternium-7 , Isostearyl Ethylimidazoliniumethosulfate , Citric Acid , Tetrasodium EDTA , Coconut Oil - Cocos Nucifera - Certified Organic , Sunflower Seed Oil - Helianthus Annuus - Certified Organic , Peppermint Leaf Extract - Mentha Piperita , Basil Extract - Ocimum Basilicum , Polygala Senega Root Extract , Watercress Extract - Nasturtium Officinale , Sage Leaf Extract - Salvia Officinalis , Thyme Extract - Thymus Vulgaris , Rosemary Leaf Extract - Rosmarinus Officinalis , Grapefruit Seed Extract - Citrus Grandis , Glycerin , Fragrance - Parfum , Benzyl Benzoate , Coumarin , Hydroxycitronellal , Limonene , Linalool , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Red 4 - CI 14700 , Yellow 5 - CI 19140 , Red 33 - CI 17200 , Blue 1 - CI 42090.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer

Labels: | 0 comments»


I have extremely dry skin that needs special attention. I had been searching for years for the perfect facial moisturizer. I think I've finally found it! This stuff is great, the price is reasonable (like $4-5), it smells good, it leaves my face feeling very soft and fresh after my facial wash. The best thing about this product is that its a large tub of product for the price(10 oz) This stuff is going to last me for a while! The product claims to be made with collagen and elastin proteins, and hydrates the skin-and that it does. My face stays soft all day now...especially in this cold weather. I use to have problems with my face peeling because my skin was so dry. I used Oil of Olay moisturizer, but once I got to school or work, I would look in the mirror and my skin looked "ashy" and unhealthy. But this is some great stuff! Try to find it at Walmart. I will do an update soon.


Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Propylene Glycol, PEG 100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed OiI (Safflower), Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Hexylcinnamal, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Courmarin, Geraniol

St. Ives Fresh Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer 10 oz (283 g) 

My Aphogee Hair Regimen

Labels: | 0 comments»



When using Aphogee, its best to follow the instructions provided. Once again, Aphogee is supposedly for professional use, so deviating from the required use may prove to be not the best for your hair. First of all, my hair is really thin, so any type of product penetrates my hair fairly well. I first wash my hair with the Aphogee shampoo for damaged hair twice. It has a citrus smell,but nothing too overpowering. Next I use Creme of Nature shampoo. My only hang up with Aphogee is that it leaves my hair sort of dry and not so soft, so it's important to use a good conditioner with this product(By the way, I will do a review of the Creme of Nature Sunflower and Coconut shampoo soon!).

I then used the Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor for about five minutes(you don't need to sit under a dryer! yay!)but a plastic cap is recommended. I notice an immediate softness after rinsing the Reconstructor out of my hair. I still, however, use a good CHEAP conditioner like Lustrasilk for a couple of minutes and wash it out. I also use the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer which works like a charm. I don't think it's necessary to use both the lustrasilk and the balancing moisturizer, but I usually rotate and use each one every other week or so. I then towel dry my hair and use the Aphogee leave in conditioner and spray an ample amount of the Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Reconstructurizer. This stuff really brings out the shine in my hair once its dry...its lovely. I then put a quarter sized amount of Chi Silk Infusion oil in my hair after it is towel dried and then off to getting my hair dry. I don't usually like using a hand held blow dryer because it pulls my hair, so I tend to roller set my hair and eliminate the heat that I would use through out the week:flat ironing, hot curlers, etc. I have to admit that using the Aphogee line gets a bit tiresome at first, but I've learned what product works and doesn't work with my hair. Therefore, I am able to customize the line to fit my needs....pretty good!

The Aphogee Hype

Labels: | 0 comments»




I had some very serious hair damage from relaxing my hair, using heat, and constantly messing with it! So what was the first thing I did? Well, look on the internet of course! I researched many products and hair regimens, but their was one name that kept jumping out at me-Aphogee. I saw this very informative youtube video from Ateyaaa and she was amazing, very realistic and the results were fantastic!

So I slowly began buying the basics: Shampoo, Conditioner, Oil Sheen, etc. And luckily, I bought my first batch of Aphogee products at a beauty supply store that packaged the products together for a better price. The line isn't overly expensive, depending on how much you are willing to spend for hair care products. I'm literally looking at my Aphogee shampoo, and the price on the bottle is $4.99-not that bad.
The leave in conditioner at $6.99 doesn't hurt your pockets too bad either. The heavenly Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor was $5.99 at Sally's Beauty Supply-but the bottle is pretty small-but worth it!(There is also a shampoo sized bottle available)The Two-Step Protein Treatment is a very serious step to take with your hair, so be careful. On the label it states:Helps to stop breakage on even badly hair, when used as directed. This is to be used every six weeks before a touch up, not weekly like I've been reading some women have been doing! I mean really, this is pretty much raw protein, it smells horrible!but I've noticed that my very soft, fine hair has become stronger!I used Aphogee for 3 months back this summer,got microbraids(which is another story) and just recently began using the Aphogee line again, and my hair has become noticeably healthier, so yay for Aphogee.