So I wanted to do a post on growth, specifically focusing on my edges since that is where I can SIGNIFICANTLY see a difference! I am amazed because I honestly did not think my edges will fill in and grow more than they have! I always thought my edges were just “baby hairs” and once they reach a certain length, that was it. Apparently I was wrong…

I first realized my edges could keep growing early last year when I stopped wearing a bonnet at night (just a loosely tied scarf) because the friction from the elastic band would rub them. Then earlier this year, I made a post about my goal for growth, where I listed a few remedies I wanted to test out to see how much length I could gain by the end of the year. Of course HEALTHY hair is way more important than long hair but healthy hair WILL grow and I feel like I have nourished my hair to the point where I can focus on growth ((by the grace of God!)) :o). So, to catch you up, here are the remedies I have tried/still use so far this year: Bee Mine Mango Hair Serum, Viviscal, Sea Kelp and nettle leaf supplements, Drinking Herbal Teas, Ayurvedic Treatments and most recently, the Bee Mine Bee Sensitive Hair Serum.

I wanted to also use this post to update you on my thoughts about the Bee Mine Bee Sensitive Hair Serum as well as share some pics of my growth over the past couple of years so you can SEE what I mean (you know we love visuals lol). Be sure to check out my intro post of the serum for the ingredients and product description.

Ok so I really, really love it! I love that it is oil-free and in a spray bottle. I used it every time I re-twisted my hair (about 2-3x a week). I spray directly on my scalp and rub in. I also like that this can double as a moisturizing mist for your strands but I only used it for my scalp because I didn’t want to use it up as fast hehe. The spray nozzle makes application easy. Perfect if you have braids or a similar style. Another great thing is the Bee Sensitive serum is PERFECT for the summer and warmer months. I love that the Bee Sensitive Serum is aloe vera juice based because it helps with growth AND is an astringent meaning it somewhat “cleanses” your scalp. This is why I prefer it for warmer months when my head sweats and gets more build-up. To compare this serum to the original Bee Mine Mango Hair Serum, I will say that I feel the original serum is a bit more potent (you can actually see the sulfur particles in the oil) and works a bit faster which is why I really like it too but it is an oil and I don’t like putting oil on my scalp too much because I get build-up. The oil serum can also dry out the strands of your hair if you don’t have a moisturizer in as well (due to the sulfur;  basically you have to be cautious and make sure its only on your scalp). I reserve the oil for the colder, dryer months when my scalp tends to be dryer anyway. Although, both products are “a little goes a long way” but I felt I have to use more of the Bee Sensitive each time because it is a thin liquid and doesn’t spread as easy as the oil. So my bottle is almost gone :o(   I feel like I could alternate between the two Bee Mine serums and be able to benefit from both. Either way, I can honestly say I have seen a dramatic increase in growth, specifically my edges and the nape of my neck. I am sure I have growth all over but I can’t tell exactly how much since I haven’t done an extensive length check like this one back in February, but I know I have growth for sure! You’ll see below…

So for the visuals… I am a bit embarrassed about these first two pics, I have actually never showed them to anyone but I figured why not now. These pics are from a few years back when I got a Dominican blow-out and I first realized my hair was really thinning and was in denial about it. It was around the time my mother passed, I lost a lot of weight, was depressed, etc.. I’ve mentioned several times on my blog that my hair was thinning and maintaining this blog has helped me stay accountable to taking care of my hair (you can read more about this in my about me page). So yea, I’m sharing this more for inspiration and to let you know that your hair CAN GROW if you take care of it or even if you doubt that it can!

Yes, my hair was pretty long in the pics above but it was not healthy, very thin, dull and my ends were so bad.

So flash forward a year or two to the end of 2011, my hair became a bit healthier and I ended up dying it myself (which I now feel like I shouldn’t have, I guess I just wanted a change at the time) and these next pics are where I started my La Coco Bella journey :o).  I got another Dominican blow-out and had to cut about 2 inches off my damaged hair. The stylist had to cut it into layers it was that bad. And this is what blew me, the lady cutting my hair didn’t speak English so she had the owner come and tell me how bad my hair was thinning at the top center. I am so glad she did because it was the moment where I was like damn, I need to do something about this before it gets even worse. Yea it  “looks” nice but don’t be deceived! Its all about angles and how I parted my hair for these pics lol!

Fast forward again a bit, I am going to now share some pics to compare and contrast the older with the newer so you can see my hair filling in. These first pics are of a puff I did back in April 2012, so they are about 5 months after the pics above. It’s amazing how different hair looks when its curly vs. straight. You notice different things. Look at how thin and scraggly my edges, around my ear, and nape were. Back then, I would always have to use a TON of gel and wrap my hair with a scarf really tight to lay my edges down and then try not to sweat or turn my neck too much so the back wouldn’t start curling up and falling down in the back. Them sorry edges made my fivehead look even bigger! lol

Fast forward again to February 2013, right before I started my goal for growth “campaign”, I did another puff and you can clearly see a difference in my problem areas! Since I hadn’t used any of the growth products yet, I can solely contribute this growth to ayurvedic treatments, time and not wearing my bonnet at night anymore. Look at the difference! My fivehead doesn’t look as big! ha!  ((and yes I am wearing the same exact shirt lol I guess I really like that shirt haha) You can also notice how fine and whispy my edges are, which is good, means its new growth :o)

Alright so fast forward AGAIN, these next pics are all AFTER I started my growth challenge (so from the end of Feb. until now) Obviously I see the most evidence of growth when I wear my hair in a bun or straight. I haven’t straightened it since November 2011 so I can’t show it from that perspective, but these next pics are a few pics I took via Instagram. Take a look! My edges are so much fuller, denser, darker. My hairline just looks more “solid” and less “spacey” if that makes sense. I can pull my hair up in a bun so much easier without having to worry about hair falling down in the back or sides. I can start my twists closer to the edges and my center part has filled in!! These pics are in order that they were taken between Feb and May. Look how big my bunz are now too hehe

Ok So to round this post out, and for the shocker lol these last pics are of my edges to date…they are STILL growing in! I’m like WTF! is this why my forehead has always looked so daggone huge because my edges were always so far back!? LMAO!  I have a “new set” of edges growing in! At first I was like, why aren’t my edges laying like they normally do because when I gel my hair back, I was nervous they were breaking again! But then I realized they are fine and thin which means they are new growth! I was like oooookkkk, am I going to look like Eddie Munster?! So in the pics of my freshly washed hair below, you can see the length of my edges (the part I am holding) and then the new layer of growth at my scalp. It’s like a mini fro framing my face lol my side burns aren’t so “burny” anymore either lol they are little puffs now haha once they grow longer they won’t look so random! Ahh these Bee Mine serums are THE BOMB!!!!

Hopefully you were able to follow my timeline journey of growth lol I know I may have been all over the place. I also hope you are able to get an idea of the growth because I know its hard to show it in 2-dimentional pictures over a computer but trust me, I can definitely see and feel a difference…….BEE MINE SERUMS WORK AND YOUR HAIR CAN GROW!!!!!!! Wooooo hoooooo!!!!!!

ok I’m done lol until next time!!!!

]]> http://www.lacocobella.com/2013/06/13/my-edges-are-still-growing-bee-mine-bee-senstive-hair-serum-update/feed/ 15 http://www.lacocobella.com/2013/06/09/moisture-ade-vegan-hair-essentials-cucumber-aloe-moisture-mist/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moisture-ade-vegan-hair-essentials-cucumber-aloe-moisture-mist http://www.lacocobella.com/2013/06/09/moisture-ade-vegan-hair-essentials-cucumber-aloe-moisture-mist/#comments Sun, 09 Jun 2013 12:35:13 +0000 Lauren http://www.lacocobella.com/?p=3215 Happy Sunday! ….as happy as it can be since that means tomorrow is the dreaded Monday…I wish Mondays could just be skipped over. Oh well…..

The other day I introduced another natural hair care line that I am quickly falling in love with (<—YES I know, I am a sucker for yummy, all natural, handmade products hehe), it’s called Adé Vegan Hair Essentials and all their products can be found on their Etsy Shop. I reviewed the Rosehip Strand Essence and also featured the owner, Tonya, as my most recent Company Behind the Curl but today, this post is devoted to the Cucumber Aloe Moisture Mist. It’s a juicy moisturizing spray that retails for $15 for 4 oz. and it comes in a blue plastic spray bottle.

I am a sucker for a good hair mist!! Mists and spritzers are probably my most frequently used product because I apply moisture to my hair every time I re-twist (about 2-3x a week) so I am always excited to add new mixes to my rotation. Yes, Adé’s price point seem a bit on the higher end but remember, it is a new company and best of, ALL their products are handmade, the purest ALL natural ingredients AND entirely vegan! You are paying for quality which is most important. You will definitely notice the difference.

 Ingredients
Distilled water infused with hibiscus flower, aloe vera juice, vegetable glycerin, nettle leaf extract, cucumber botanical extract, grapefruit seed extract, citric acid, essentials oils of lavender, and ylang ylang *Extracts settle at the bottom of the bottle so please shake well before each use for the best results. <3 All products are handmade by me with love <3 No chemical preservatives, No synthetic fragrance, No animal ingredients, No synthetic color, No mineral oil, No sulfates

Product Description
This herbal spray moisturizes the hair with a revitalizing botanical complex that penetrates the hair shaft to restore shine and manageability. Aloe Vera Juice – According to University of Hawaii researchers, we can trace the use of Aloe Vera for hair loss back to the ancient Egyptians. In fact, Aloe Vera contains enzymes that directly promote healthy hair growth. These enzymes are able to help eradicate dead skin cells on the scalp that could be clogging the hair follicle, as this can restrict proper penetration of nutrients in the hair. Conditions like seborrhea, which occurs from an accumulation of sebum on the scalp, can contribute to partial baldness. Aloe Vera’s keratolic action, breaks down the sebum and dead scalp cells, allowing for further hair growth. Also, Aloe Vera’s alkalizing properties can help bring the scalp and hair’s pH to a more desirable level, resulting in further hair growth promotion, while helping the hair retain water and moisture.

Gosh, I can’t get over the things that are in Adé products! The hibiscus and cucumber extract are what excites me the most lol I rarely ever see those ingredients in any products. Hibiscus always reminds me of my trips to Hawaii and my old home in California, my mother planted a few in our back yard :o) I have been drinking lots of cucumber lemon water this summer so I am definitely partial to these two ingredients lately lol And then there’s the aloe vera, my hair loves anything with aloe so this is an amazing combination!

As with all Adé products, you can find a break down of the benefits of the key ingredients on the Etsy site. I copied and pasted them below….THANK YOU Adé for doing that because it makes writing these blog posts that much easier!!! lol

• Hibiscus Flower – In the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, hibiscus is considered to have medicinal properties. The roots are used to make various concoctions believed to cure ailments such as cough, hair loss or hair greying.
• Cucumber Botanical Extract – cucumbers contain high amounts of potassium, folic acid and silica. These compounds are well-known in the beauty industry to rejuvenate the skin and facial appearance. The silicon, sulfur, and trace elements found in cucumbers are known to beautify hair and nails.
• Nettle Leaf Extract – is widely known herb for its astringent, anti-allergenic, tonic, antiseptic and blood purifying properties. It is recognized as an excellent hair conditioner as it is rich in minerals and enzymes and is used traditionally as a hair tonic, to strengthen hair shaft, stimulate hair growth, prevent its loss, increase its density and volume.
• Essential oils of, Lavender, and ylang ylang are used to help control scalp itching, flaking and to promote growth.

So I use this lovely mist when I am re-moisturizing my hair during the week when I wear twist-outs. It does an amazing job of really infusing the moisture right in my strands (and I of course seal it with coconut oil or a little bit of whatever butter/styling product I use that week). The aloe helps keep that moisture in because its a humectant and it makes my hair really shiny and bright when it dries!

When I use this, I also make an effort to ensure I spray my scalp too because pretty much all of the ingredients benefit the scalp as well (growth and health). I had no idea that cucumber contains silicon and sulfur which I learned is great for hair growth when I introduce the Bee Mine Sulfur Hair Growth Serum awhile back. You know I LOVE when products have nettle and you can see why HERE. Another benefit I have found with this mist when I use it on my scalp is it helps keep build-up at a minimum because the aloe and nettle both have astringent properties so it sort of “cleans” your scalp.

Overall, I LOVE this mist!! I wish it came in a larger size because I go through sprays so quickly!! Adding to my essentials! ;o)

Howdy! This past week I introduced some new products to my rotation from another small, company, Adé Vegan Hair Essentials. I won a product through a giveaway Adé had on Instagram and I took the opportunity to snag the owner, Tonya, for a feature as the latest Company Behind the Curl!

Tonya hand-makes ALL of her products and uses one the purest ingredients (and very unique ones might I add!). She and I believe in the same thing–a regimen with completely natural ingredients will improve your hair…and life! I love that she has a wide range of products which means there is something for every need and hair type/texture. She even carries a butter that you can choose what scent you like! (<—you know I LOOOOVE that!)

And since I am a designer and I love all things creative/artsy/pretty, I LOVE the packaging of her products! It is so pretty and perfect for her brand! All the labels are made of a brown, recycled looking, natural craft paper and the text looks handwritten. She used to write out all her labels because she wanted to give it even more of a personal touch but since her sales have gone up, her hands and wrists weren’t havin that!! lol She also ties a piece of twine around the tops of the jars….I just love it. I love details and it just lets me know that there was thought put into the creations :o)

Well, I guess I should stop here and let her continue to tell more about herself and her company lol

…Meet Tonya of Adé Vegan Hair Essentials!

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your company!

Hello all! My name is Tonya Fasusi and I am from Silver Spring, MD currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. I created Adé Vegan Hair Essentials a little over a year ago but I have been making products for myself for many years.

Adé is a Yoruba word meaning “crown” my father is Nigerian so choosing a Yoruba name was my way of linking my company with my heritage. All of the products in my line are designed to nourish and restore your crown to its full glory. When I say crown it refers to not only our crowning glory (our hair) but also in a spiritual sense it refers to the crown chakra, the chakra of pure consciousness. I love that we are in a time right now when more and more black women are becoming conscious of what they put in and on their bodies. Adé is born from that consciousness, which is why I always use the purest and most wholesome ingredients available for my products. I also do not include any animal byproducts in my line, for many reasons but in general this is a vegan line because my company is based on compassion for humans, animals and the environment alike.

What inspired you to create your own line of natural hair care products?

I decided to start my own natural hair care line after combing out my 4 year old dread locs. While my hair was in the locs my product regimen was very minimal and worked well but when I had to tackle my loose strands again I was utterly lost on what to use. What had worked for my locs did not translate to my fro that well. My hair was in pretty rough shape after the loc takedown and after months of trying to find the right products and being less than impressed I decided to take things into my own hands, and thus Adé was born. I saw how well my hair was responding to the products and wanted to offer them to any other naturals because I knew there had to be other people who were looking for products that not only work but are made from truly pure ingredients.

Do you use your own products? Which is your personal favorite and why?

I absolutely use my own products, the only outside products that I use are Aubrey Organics and Trader Joe’s creamy conditioners for my co-washes because I have not created a creamy conditioner that I am pleased with yet.

My personal fav would have to be my CocoShealoe Husky Hair Butter in Lavender Peppermint. My hair is ridiculously thick and parched so I need a moisturizer that can really penetrate and HHB does that, plus I love a good tingle.

How did you overcome any hardships or challenges in your own natural hair journey?

I cannot proclaim enough how happy I am to be natural, relaxed hair never felt right to me. I have been natural since 2006, I started locing my hair about 1.5 years into my journey and kept it loced for 4 years after that. The only time my hair has really been a struggle was after I combed out my locs. I was so adamant about not starting over completely from scratch, looking back I should have just saved myself the headache and cut them out! It took about a week and 3 tubs of conditioner to get them out, I moved slow and tried to be as gentle as possible but the health of my hair still suffered tremendously from the process.  It has taken a whole lot of patient, TLC and vigorous trims but my hair is finally back on track.

What inspired you to select the ingredients that appear in your products?

For all of my products it was about getting the most beneficial ingredients possible. I did a lot of research on my potential ingredients before picking which ones to test and start working with. I wanted my butters to be rich but not weighty. So I sampled various butters and oils, and implemented friends and family with varying hair types to test my developing products on until I got the desired results. Thank goodness for my testers, they are a tremendous help to me!

What styling tips do you have for any products in your line?

The CocoShealoe is great for when your hair is going to be in a protective styles such as braids or twists, especially if you are planning to keep them in for awhile. It is excellent at sealing in moisture. Rosehip Strand Essence is a lighter hair butter that works very well if you want to moisturize your hair while it is in a stretched out state.

What can you recommend for people experiencing dry hair?

Seal those ends and get some moisture (water, aloe vera juice, rose water etc.) onto those strands as often as is feasible for your lifestyle. I know some naturals wear their hair in straight styles so they cant very well be spritzing their hair all willy nilly, but whenever possible it should be done.

Two other things that really helped my hair after it was wrecked from the loc takedown were overnight oil treatments and rhassoul clay treatments. My hair is in love with that clay!

The night before I planned to wash my hair I would get it nice and damp and then saturate it with coconut oil. Sometimes if I was feeling fancy (meaning not lazy lol) I would mix some essential oils in with the coconut oil and give myself a little scalp massage. I would sleep with it overnight and wash it out in the morning. The rhassoul clay procedure is pretty much the same, I mix it into a thick past sometimes adding a little bit of conditioner then apply and leave it overnight.

What do you feel encourages overall healthy hair?

Leaving it the heck alone! I had to learn that the hard way, I am a self-proclaimed hair busybody, I am always doing something to it. Over this past year I’ve really seen the importance of low manipulation and protective styling. It’s hard to stick with it at times but the benefits are truly worth it.

What is a frequent mistake you’ve seen naturals make?

One thing I have come across is naturals overusing or just not using heat on their hair correctly. Our hair in its natural state is incredibly versatile but also incredibly fragile. Being able to go from straight styles to kinky styles is one of the best parts of having natural hair. Straightening with the tools on too high of a setting, not using a heat protectant, and using heat too often are all things that can damage the chemical bonds in our hair making it impossible for it to revert back to its kinky state. When that happens there is really nothing else you can do but cut the damage off. So ladies save yourselves a lot of grief and tread gently with the heat!

What advice would you give to someone who may be considering going natural?

Your hair journey is exactly that, yours. Embrace it. It’s not always going to go as smoothly as you want, and its not always going to be what you expect. Educate yourself about your hair; there are so many amazing resources out there, without them to help me figure out my hair I don’t know what I would have done. Remember that not everything that works for others is going to work for you, so don’t try to force things into your regimen if your hair isn’t responding to them. Listen to your hair and be patient with it.

What advice would you give to someone who may be considering starting their own natural hair product line?

Educate yourself about everything that is going into your products. Certain ingredients, especially essential oils have various contraindications for use so you should be knowledgeable of those for your customers well being.

Also, don’t let anyone discourage you. Like anything else in life this takes work and it will be challenging, especially in the beginning. If you are passionate about it you will succeed.

Anything else you would like to share about your company and or/hair experiences?

Our hair can be a challenge at times, and finding products that work for your hair is half the battle. My goal for Adé is for these products to be your ally in the journey to, and the maintenance of healthy hair. I am always always always open to suggestions and feedback about my products so don’t hesitate to contact me with anything that may be on your mind.

How can we learn more about your products and get our hands on them?!

Adé products can be found here: adeveganhair.etsy.com

You can also find out the more about the brand, and get the latest on giveaways, discounts and more on Instagram: adeveganhair

 Thank you Tonya!! xoxo

….so on to the next, I was sent a bundle of soaps and shampoo bar samples for review by an Etsy seller called Elegant Rose Boutique and you know I felt like Santa done came early!! lol! I am obsessed with natural soaps and shampoo bars, they just always make me so happy and they make something so routine a little bit more fun :o) I used to hate having to wash my hair because it was such a tedious process but not since I know what works for my hair, the technique, use great products, I actually love washing my hair! I know that sounds weird and I don’t mean it in a vain way. It’s just something I enjoy :o)

So, I plan to review the two shampoo bars— Rosemary Nettle and the Lavender Cypress— and possibly a couple of the other soaps (I will probably for sure review the Activated Charcoal soap since I read that it’s her most popular soap and amazing for your face! I love complexion bars too hehe, I’ve never used a shaving soap before so maybe that one too….we’ll see!!! lol). I have to find out if the other ones can be used as shampoos or not. If they are, then I will definitely review!

Ok, so I’m gonna start with the Rosemary Nettle shampoo bar. It retails on the Elegant Rose Boutique Etsy site for $6 for 5.5 oz bar. These are definitely competitively priced compared to some other brands I have tried. The thing about shampoo bars is they last forever if you keep them out of the shower and in a dry location until you need to use them. I still have some that I bought from last year! I only have the sample of this bar (you can see the size comparison to a business card in the pic above) and I will probably get about 6-10 washes out of it depending on if I lather up once or twice each wash.

Product Description
Treat your hair to a handcrafted shampoo bar that not only cleanses, but also nourishes and softens as you lather. Most commercial shampoos contain harsh synthetics that ‘cleanse’ by stripping your hair of everything, including natural oils. That not only leaves your hair dry and unmanageable, but also dull-looking. This natural shampoo bar is created with hair-loving ingredients, turning an ordinary routine into an indulgent experience, and leaving your hair nourished and naturally beautiful! It can also be used as a bath soap.

The scent is rosemary, tea tree, lavender and cedarwood. A fresh clean scent to clean and moisturize your hair. This is a great bar for all hair types!

This bar also contains a unique combination of nourishing and softening oils and butters. Jojoba oil is a penetrating moisturizer that is similar to our hair’s own natural oils, and is rich in protein and minerals. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamins A, B, E, and D, improving the health of your hair from it’s root, to it’s tip. A mix of olive and castor oil attracts moisture to the hair and is rich in vitamins, while cocoa butter and shea butter help to soften and moisturize. Coconut oil works to create an incredible lather, and palm oil ensures a long-lasting bar of soap.

Ingredients
distilled water, coconut oil, palm oil (organic & sustainably harvested), castor oil, wheat germ oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, organic cocoa butter, organic shea butter, nettle infused coconut oil, aloe gel, sodium hydroxide, rosemary, tea tree, lavender and cedarwood essential oils

I really, really, really like this bar! It may be one of the best i have tried so far, here’s why, the lather is amazing. It’s extremely luxurious. It’s so much creamier and thicker than any other shampoo bar I’ve tried. I am not sure which ingredient makes it feel that way but it was noticiably different. It cleansed very well and was able to cut through oil easily meaning that after one lathering, my hair felt slick and didn’t have that coating of whatever product I had on my hair still. So this meant I don’t have to lather twice if I don’t want to. I typically do just out of habit but sometimes if I am pressed for time or feeling lazy, I will lather up only once.

My hair felt left soft and really moisturized, I could tell this soap is very nourishing, I am sure the jojoba and wheat germ oils played a but part of that. This soap also contains nettle infused coconut oil and nettle helps strengthen the hair and give it more vitality so I am loving that! Nettle in addition to the rosemary (hence the name of the soap), tea tree, lavender AND cedarwood essential oils are an amazing mix of oils for the scalp and can stimulate growth so I made sure to scrub a dub dub that lovely lather all up in my scalp :o) It actually made me happy to see this exact combination because use these EXACT oils in my homemade growth oil for my scalp. I have all the oils in my medicine cabinet as we speak. They work! :o)

And finally….the scent. I really love the scent of rosemary and this definitely has high notes of it. The cedarwood really compliments it as well. It definitely makes the shower an aromatic (<—–is that a word? lol). Your senses will be stimulated! I followed up this wash with my Aubrey Organics GPB Rosemary Peppermint conditioner for an extra “aromatic” experiences ;o)

Love this shampoo bar and am really excited for the others!!

But yea, so I tried my luck on instagram when I saw a giveaway for Adé Vegan Hair Essentials to win the Rosehip Strand Essence Hair Butter and lo and behold, I won! I won the 2 oz of the Rosehip hair butter and the owner of Ade, Tonya, was SO kind to send me some other goodies along with my prize ((product reviews…coming up!! :o))) and I am happy to say I have found yet ANOTHER gem, to add to my collection of favs :o) So for starters, the 2 oz Rosehip Strand Essence retails on the Adé Vegan Hair Essentials Etsy Shop for $8. It also comes in 2 other sizes—4 oz for $15 and 8 oz for $25.

Product Description
This light floral whipped butter is highly concentrated with essential butters, oils and extracts to treat your strands to all the healing and none of the weight! Ideal for people with finer strands, or anyone who is looking for an almost weightless moisturizer for their hair. Can also be used as a body butter!

Ingredients
Mango butter, palm butter, soy butter, aloe butter, hibiscus infused coconut oil, jojoba oil, Jamaican black castor oil, oat oil, rosehip botanical extract, silk amino acids, vitamin E oil, rose absolute, ylang ylang essential oil.No chemical preservatives, No synthetic fragrance, No animal ingredients, No synthetic color, No mineral oil, No sulfates

The name of this butter alone makes me gush because 1) I LOVE rosehip tea ((which by the way is an EXCELLENT source of vitamin C, its actually one of the highest concentrated ways to get vitamin C naturally <—-not sure if I said all that right but you get the point lol)) and 2) “Strand Essence” just sounds so regal and delicious for lack of a better word! And I love that it even has a rosey hue to it, most likely from the hibiscus flower infused coconut oil mmmm :o)

This butter is sooooo fluffy and delicious looking, I want to eat it!! The consistency is to die for! Man, if only it were like frosting or ice cream or something edible lol wow… it has a very light floral scent. Nothing overbearing. When you apply it, it melts into more of an oily consistency which makes it very lightweight, more lightweight than I was expecting actually! You can definitely tell it contains that good ole castor oil because it is very coating ((but not heavy)) so it seals well, especially for it being so light weight. It didn’t leave my hair feeling really greasy. I know the product description says its ideal for people with finer hair but I am the complete opposite and I found it to work very well with my hair!

And now, the BEST part about this butter…the AMAZING ingredients. O-M-G. This, and actually all of Adé’s products, have very unique ingredients and to me, that’s what makes it so attractive. You can definitely tell the owner of the *company* Tonya ((hint hint hehe)), spent a lot of time doing research in what to use in her products.And what makes me even more in love with this butter is it contains the amazing mango butter as the main ingredient! YAAASSSSS Child!! The palm butter, soy butter and aloe butter also really intrigued me because I don’t think I’ve ever used anything with those butters in them so that was exciting :o)

Here is a break down of the key ingredients in the Rosehip butter, which by the way, I snagged directly from the Esty storefront :o)

• Rosehip Botanical Extract - The Rosehip plant produces an amazing little berry that is not only packed with Vitamin C, Essential Fatty Acids, and healthy minerals, it contains an extract that is prized as a natural skin and hair care ingredient.
• Silk Amino Acids - Silk amino acids penetrate the hair to strengthen, rebuild & nourish chemically damaged hair without weighing it down or causing buildup. These amino acids go deep down inside of the damaged hair cuticle to repair and protect it. They are hydroscopic, therefore having excellent moisture binding qualities. It adds softness, body and strength to the hair.
• Mango Butter - Mango butter contains high levels of antioxidants and beneficial vitamins A, C, and E. It has been proven that vitamins A and C have a direct influence on hair growth making this ingredient a very important contributor to healthy hair. This natural butter also helps shield against harmful UV rays protecting both the hair and scalp from potential sun damage, making it an extremely effective sunscreen for the hair.
• Palm Butter - Palm oil contains the hard to find toctrienols, which are members of the vitamin E family. It also contains a refatting agent that helps restore the hair and skin natural oils most soaps and shampoos strip away letting moisture escape.
• Soy Butter - Soy Butter re-hydrates and replenishes the hairs lipid barrier to help hold in moisture. Soy Beans are extremely high in lecithin, sterolins, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids and isoflavones.
• Jojoba Oil - Conditions hair and prevents it from becoming brittle and dull. If there is too much sebum build-up on the scalp it dissolves and removes it therefore keeping the scalp and hair in harmonious balance.
• Oat Oil - Provides many of the beneficial properties of traditional dry grain oats while delivering a greater concentration of important omega fatty acids and anti-oxidants. It improves the elasticity of the skin and hair because it possesses exceptional emolliency making it penetrate rapidly. Its fatty acid composition includes over 35% omega fatty acids, and it is a noteworthy source of anti-oxidants.

I am so happy that I was able to win this butter and discover a new, wonderful brand! o) It kept my hair moisturized and actually kept the frizz from humidity at a minimum! And that says a lot because it’s hard to battle humidity sometimes but I have learned to just embrace it lol

Check out the results of my twist-out using the Rosehip Strand Essence! That aloe and that shine! YASSS!!  Also, stay tuned for more reviews on Adé Vegan Hair Essentials products :o)

Just wanted to #shamelessly plug another project I worked on for a fellow natural hair chica. Trudy of the popular 4C Hair Chick commissioned me to design her new logo! Check it out below and on her site! :o)

Oh and if you didn’t know, I am obviously a graphic designer and you can find my work and more about what I do at www.pinkdragondesign.com :o)

Check out my interview below, which can also be found on the Naturalista Hair Show’s official YouTube page. Oh and a reminder, the show is Sunday, July 28th 2013 from 2-7 at the Silver Spring Civic Center in Silver Spring, MD!

I am sort of getting over my fears of being on video camera :o) Who knows, maybe I will start YouTubing…..sike!!! lol I dunno, maybe…one day….

Hola chicas! I have a BEAUTIFUL curly girl to share with you today. She’s another Instagram curlfriend :o) I am in love with her hair and in love with cupcakes as much as her lol She also loves Oyin Handmade products (I have a few reviews on some of my fav products from them on the blog if you missed em!) which helps keep her hair super healthy and gorgeous. Oh and if you are looking for a new good book to read, SHE is your girl!! Hit her up!!

….meet Evelyn!!

Introduction : : Do share a little about yourself!

Hello, I’m Evelyn. I’m a graduate student at UMD, where I’m working on getting a degree in library science. I’m a book nerd and love cupcakes a bit too much.

In the beginning : : What inspired you to go embrace your natural-ness? OR If you’ve been natural since forever, what inspired you to never get a perm?

During undergrad at UC Irvine, I stopped relaxing my hair. I don’t remember exactly what made me stop, but I bet Dr. Parham’s African American Psychology class was the catalyst. When I graduated, I decided to loc my hair up and I wore it that way for about eight years before cutting them off. Now my hair is free form. Before I knew what to do with my hair, I thought I might loc it back up out of frustration, but I don’t plan on doing that any time soon.

Mane-tain : : What is your weekly/monthly regimen like? If you have color in your hair, how do you maintain it’s health?

I generally co-wash my hair every two weeks, sooner when I have more time, and shampoo whenever there is too much product build up (sometimes that takes up to three months). I get my hair trimmed twice a year at a salon. I rarely add heat to my hair unless I’m doing a length check, or in a hurry for it to dry.

Your uniqueness : : How would describe your hair and how do you like to wear/style your hair daily? i.e. wash-n-go’s, twists, straight, protective styles, etc.

My hair is a mixed bag. It’s at least three different textures and densities. There is even one section in the crown area that I initially thought was damaged, but after several trims it has stayed the same. When I do a twist-out (which I do most often), it doesn’t hold the definition as long. I try to baby that area.

Choosing favorites : : What are some fav products you can’t live without or would recommend to someone else? How do you use them?

For the most part, I only use Oyin Handmade products. I use their Honey Hemp Condintioner and Hair Dew religiously, and as a treat I’ll get some Juices & Berries. I call it my hair perfume. When it’s time for a deep condition I mix the Honey Hemp with coconut oil and honey and leave it on my hair for thirty minutes.

Drop some knowledge : : Do you have a marvelous hair practice/technique you’ve learned and wouldn’t mind sharing? OR is there something you’d like to learn more about?

I’m not very creative when it comes to my hair, so I can’t share any fabulous hairstyles, but I will say that since my hair has gotten long enough to bun, it’s become my favorite protective style. I think my hair has benefited mostly by my patience with it and not overly manipulating it.

Shameless plug : : Do you have a hustle you’d like to share while you have the floor? i.e. business, project, etc.

I don’t have a hustle, but I do host an online book club on Twitter. If any readers would like to join, they are more than welcome.

K.I.T. : : How can we stay connected with you? i.e. website, e-mail, social media, etc.

• Twitter: evelynnalfred
• Blog: www.evelynnalfred.wordpress.com

Last year, I made a post about one of my secret weapons and all-time FAV treatments, bentonite clay, and I decided to remix it a little this last time I did it. I am not going to go into full detail on why I am in LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE with bentonite clay because you can refer back to my old post ((way up there with ayurvedic treatments, maybe even higher than them lol)) but I will say that I used to do a bentonite clay 2-4 times a month and my hair we THE healthiest it had ever been. I don’t do them as often because I love trying new things but I always circle back to bentonite when I feel my hair needs a little detox and that extra boost of vitality :o)

So this go round I decided to go a little crazy with my mixture lol. I never really measure the exact amounts of each ingredient for any of my DIY treatments but for the sake of creating a “recipe” in case any one wants to try, I put an estimate of how much by each ingredient below. My method is that the powders are always the base, the liquids to give it a smooth, NOT runny consistency and light on oils so its not too runny. I like my hair treatments to be somewhat thick so that it really packs on my hair and doesn’t start runnning down my face the longer I leave it on. I did make THIS particular recipe a bit thinner than I would normally like to but hey, it still worked. You can always add more powder if its too thin but I didn’t want to because I would have had too much unused/leftover. Remember, feel free to change this up to your liking and also keep in mind that since my hair is longer/thicker now I have to use more stuff :o(. Here’s what I used:

• Bentonite clay- 3-4 large tbls
• Organic sea kelp powder – 1.5 tbls
• Coconut milk – 1/2 can
• Aloe vera gel – 1/4 cup
• Mixture of teas – 1/4 cup, I think this is where I went overboard and make the mixture too thin, I probably shouldn’t have even used these since I used coconut milk lol, so my recommendation on this is to use coconut milk OR teas. I feel that to get the benefits of the tea, you need to have it in a higher volume or it will just be diluted and not really effective. Also, I can’t remember exactly what teas I used but it was most likely a combination of nettle, burdock, lemongrass, catnip and/or peppermint
• Grapeseed oil – 1/2 tbls or so :o)

So I mixed all the ingredients together to get a smooth creamy mixture like the pic below. Remember, this is bit thinner than I would like, I prefer it be pretty much caked on my hair lol You’ll see what I mean if you check out my old post on bentonite clay!!

I apply the mixture in sections, making sure I massage into my scalp a bit. I find that it works best to apply on hair that is some what damp. It can be clean or dirty, for me, it just depends on if I feel like/have time to wash before doing the treatment. Either way, the bentonite clay cleanses and clarifies!

Hmmm…I wonder if this is a sneak peak of what my hair will look like what I am all grey one day lol

So in the meantime, I let the clay sit in my hair for about 30 mins or so. This is one of those treatments that you don’t have to leave in for hours or anything. You really only need 20-30 mins but I tend to leave them in longer just because I end up jumping on my computer to do some work and time passes by before I even realize it lol

Oh and I LOVE using bentonite clay on my face. It is an AMAZING treatment that makes your skin sooooo smooth and clear. Again, there was a point in my life when I used this mask every week and my skin was flawless… don’t you hate when you KNOW the things that work the best but you just don’t do them for whatever unknown reason? *sigh* I usually just mix the clay with apple cider vinegar for facial masks but I had some left over with this hair treatment and said why not :o)

…and then you rinse!! Wah-lah!! Beautiful, bouncy, springy curls!! I love bentonite because it just revitalizes my hair and brings life back to it. My hair always, always feels soooo soft and supple after these treatments. I also feel it helps define my curls and it really conditions it. Sometimes I don’t even need to follow-up with conditioner because the clay and the coconut milk conditions. The coconut milk also strengthens, protects and detangles your hair. It also contains all those amazing benefits that are also found in the oil which I love. You can read about all the benefits of the sea kelp HERE, the teas HERE and the Aloe Vera HERE. ( <—sorry feeling kinda lazy at the moment lol) One thing I will add, depending on how much you use, but if you go a bit heavy on the sea kelp, you may want to follow-up with a conditioner that has a heavy scent. I will warn you lol the sea kelp smells bad!! (to me at least) and it is rather strong so I follow up with the Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle and a butter that also has a strong scent as well. Of course the smell fades but I just can’t bear it for too long lol

I really need to get my hands on some rhassoul clay so I can see what the hype is and if it is comparable to my beloved bentonite!

So the Spring 2013 Natural Night Out event was this past Thursday and it was so much fun!! The founder, Erika Evans did an awesome job of planning the event and at such a unique venue! It was at the African American Civil War Museum and out of all the years I was at Howard and this museum was literally RIGHT down the street, I had never been there. How sad! Ugh but oh well, I finally was able to visit :o)

I haven’t been to a Natural Hair event in a while so it was SO nice to finally be at one to be able to mix and mingle with some fellow curly girls. It was even more exciting to speak on the panel! I didn’t realize how much I could talk about hair lol ((you would think I would know since I have a hair blog….duh lol)) but I was sad because we only have so much time at the events to talk and there were so many great questions. I also able to meet a few of my readers which is always a blessing! Special hello to Tonya H. :o))

I think one my favorite parts about the event ((besides the goodies and samples! hehe)) was how diverse the panel was! There were only 4 of us but we each had an entirely unique take on Natural hair but we all had the common motto of BE CONFIDENT in who you are on the inside before anything else! The other panelists were professional colorist, Allan Van Johnson, owner of Release: The Blow Dry Bar, Devon and professional stylist Tinea Porter. It was awesome to have a MALE on the panel and give his perspective, that was definitely a favorite of the crowd. It was so funny to me, here I am lil ole DIY blogger amongst these skilled, schooled, professionals! You can’t tell me God ain’t great :o)

Overall it was so much fun and I hope to do it again! Thank you again Erika for inviting me and allowing me to speak on the panel!!! Check out some flicks from the event, some are my own and some I snagged from the photographer Capital Media USA’s site hehe :o)