Hydratherma Naturals

V Log of Sweet Nature by Eddie

Happy New Year Hair Resolution

I've noticed that with all the tons of products I have and haven't used that I have not set hair routine. My goal for 2010 is to create a routine and stick to it for two months. After watching the growth show blog, this young lady encouraged me to set some sort of regime so that I can really manage my progress with hair growth.

I love trying new products, but the reason for trying products is to find something I love and stick with it. Switching out products everyday doesn't allow my hair to get all the benefits from it.

Come join us on this challenge. Post your routines. I could use the feedback on my pending routine below:

Wash hair twice a week with Alaffia Shea Honey Shampoo. This has a black soap base. Its smooth, creamy. It cleanses my scalp and doesn't dry my hair out.

Do a co wash or rinse on the days I am not washing my hair to make sure my hair is getting purse moisture.

Condition with Alaffia Shea Honey Conditioner.

And use the Alaffia Shea Coconut Leave in conditioner.

My leave in cream moisturizer will by the remaining of my Hydratherma Natural Growth Lotion until this finishes out and then I will move onto the Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Cream.

I will deep condition every two weeks. Alternating between moisture from Moroccan Oil Mask and Mega-tek for protein until its finished.

I am keeping my hair in medium size 2 strand twists and wearing a lace front (no glue) as my protective style.

Curls

The claims of each product(source: www.curls.biz):

Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream
"This creamy, sulfate free cleanser is gentle enough to use daily and moisturizing enough to use alone!  Ideal cleanser for curly hair. Great  for chemically altered and color treated hair. Perfect for active women on the go!

This rich and creamy sulfate free cleanser gently cleanses your curls, hydrates, and conditions the hair all in one step.  Produces a mild, gentle lather, as it is sulfate (detergent) free.  Infused with Carrot Seed oil, Horse Chestnut, Sage Leaf and Arnica Montana Flower Extract. Perfect cleanser for relaxed, chemically altered, and/or color treated hair."

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Cocyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Steric Acid, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol,Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance, Silk Amino Acids, Panthenol, Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aesculus Hipocastanum (Horse Chestnut) extract, Salvia Officinalis (sage) leaf extract, , Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Caramel.


My review: I give this 4 out of 5. It does a great job mildly cleansing the hair without stripping and drying the hair out. This is ideal for someone that doesn't like the concept of conditioner washing but wants to a mild shampoo to gently cleanse their hair. I've used the product every day for a week and my hair  was cleansed. I would recommend a monthly clarifying shampoo to to remove any build up. This shampoo is not designed for heavy cleansing of heavy build up. The smell is amazing. It smells like cake batter. I didn't give it a 5/5 because of the claim that it can be used alone. It's not moisturizing enough to not be followed without the conditioner. Even the week where I used the cream wash twice in a week, I still felt my 4b hair needed a conditioner to help with moisture and help with the detangling process.

Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner

"Looking for a conditioner that provides MAXIMUM moisture and softness for your dry curly tresses? Look no further, Coconut Sublime Conditioner is guaranteed to soften the kinkiest curl, moisturize the driest lock, and detangle the most unruly tresses. Great for all curly hair textures especially dry, damaged, and chemically treated kinky, medium or coarse curly hair." Ingredients: Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol (derived from coconut) Stearalkonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol (derived from coconut), Polysorbate 60, Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos Hucifera),  Panthenol, Certified Organic Arnica Flower Extract, Certified Organic Chamoile Flower  Extract, Certified Organic White Tea Extract,  Monoi de Tahiti, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Natural Fragrance,Caramel. My review: 4 out of 5. This product is a great detangler and has good slip. I usually just saturate my sectioned hair with the conditioner and my hair feels amazingly soft in the shower. When I dry my hair with my terry turban, the hair still feels moisturized. I haven't tried using it as a leave in, but I may. If I let my hair air dry too long it seems the hair dries a little crispy. It must be followed up with a moisturizing milk, cream, or souffle. This conditioner can also be used for co-washing. Quenched Curls Moisturizer "Give your curls just what they need....moisture! Formulated with certified organic ingredients, this daily curl moisturizer is a curl life saver! Use daily...alone as a 2nd day curl refresher or under any of our stylers for curl prepping. Your "underwear for your hair!"

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Bean Tree, Certified Organic White Tea Extract,Certified Organic Chamomille Extract, Certified Organic Pomegranate Seed Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch,  Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil), Cocos NuciferaCoconut Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Natural Fragrance.


My review: I give this product a 2 out of 5. I don't like the spray bottle that it comes in. The moisturizer has a maple syrup consistency and when it's sprayed out of the bottle it squirts in a stream rather than a spray /mist. The solution may need to  be watered down to make it more sprayable and this may give you more bang for your dollar. But, I didn't try it this way. My experience is I would spray the solution into my hair and then pat the moisturizer into my hair. It felt like it just sat on the top of my hair. I even used it on my 3c/3b lace front wig an it seemed to just sit on the hair. It didn't penetrate as well. I might give it another try by watering the product down. But, for now, I wouldn't recommended it for a 4b hair. It doesn't weigh your hair down enough to make the coils pop. Its so thick when used to refresh a style it just makes the 4b hair gummy because it doesn't absorb very well. I'm not sure if it worth the hassle of watering it down. I may just put it in my product grave.

Curl Gel-les'c 

It isn’t a gel, and not quite a serum it’s Curl Gel-les’c (pronounced Curl Jealousy). This botanically based, organic curl styler imparts brilliant sheen, banishes frizz, and holds those twirls in place! Great for humid climates. Transform dry frizzy locks into the enviable curls that every woman dreams of, with Curl Gel-les’c. Go ahead, your curls deserve it! Ingredients: Purified Water, Polyquaternium-11, Sorbitol, Certified Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyquaternium-37, Vegetable Glycerin, Certified Organic Coconut Milk ( Cocos Nucifera Fruit Juice), Certified Organic Linden Seed Oil ( Tilia Cordata Flower Extract), Certified Organic Flaxseed Oil ( Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Certified Organic Chamoile Extract (Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract) Certified Organic Rosemary. My review: Hmmmmm. I'm going to have to come back to this one. I tried it twice on a section of hair. It did make the coils pop and added sheen. But, I'm going to have to try my whole head and see if it keeps it moisturized the whole day. I will keep you guys updated on this one. Curls Milkshake Guaranteed to define, defrizz, revive, hydrate, and soften dry curls. Derived from natural milks and exotic extracts, this moisturizing cream will bring life back to your overworked tresses. Light enough to use on fine curly hair.  Perfect cream for transitioning curlies...to soften and hydrate dry newgrowth.   Ingredients: Purified water, certified organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cetearyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, jojoba oil, cetrimonium chloride, soy protein, soyamidoprpylkonium chloride, allantoin, soy lecithin, sweet almond milk, coconut milk, aloe vera milk, milk amino acids, buttermilk, arnica extract, lavender extract, chamomile extract, white tea extract, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, fragrance. My Review: This product gets a 3 out of 5. I want to love this product so much. I do love it when I put it on because it does a great job of making my hair soft and it aids in detangling. My problem is it leaves a white film on my hair so I can't just put this stuff on in the morning and walk out the door. Then, when it finally dries (this product is a loose lotions consistency) it doesn't feel as soft. I have to keep putting this moisturizer on a few times throughout the day to ensure my ends don't get crunchy. I may start adding a little castor oil to assist this product with keeping it moisturized throughout the day. It has a lot of potential. But for your money, there are better things out there with less hassle for the same price or more affordable. Whipped Cream Whipped Cream is the perfect product for natural styles (twists, locks, afros & more) for thick, kinky, curly 3c-4b hair! This thick, and ultra rich whipped cream has a warm vanilla cream fragrance that makes you want to eat it! It provides SUPERB curl definition, frizz protection all while providing moisture and sheen. Enriched with natural oils, exotic butters and nourishing extracts and botanicals.  Also works great as gel substitute to smooth edges, slick hair, and to hold twists and locks in place. Ingredients: Purified Water, Certified Organic Sunflower Oil, Certified Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Cocoa Butter, Polyimide-1, Glyercin, Certified Organic Coconut Oil, Certified Organic Sweet Almond Oil, * Gardenia Essential Oil, Tahitian Coconut Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Avocado Oil, Plumeria Oil, Olive Oil, Sodium Carbomer, Centillica Asiatica, Panthenol, Octyl Palmitate, Polysorbate-80, Soy Tocopherols, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glyercin, Fragrance. My review: 3 out of 5. This stuff is pretty thick. It didn't slick down my edges nor does it have the best sheen. It does have a light hold due to the thickness of the product and would be ideal for twists but you would need some sort of oil afterwards to give you some sheen my 4b lovelies.  The product claims to define coils. I didn't see any thing. I emulsified the product in my hands and applies to loose 4b hair in sections and the product just sat there. When I use it over night, i think my head scarf and pillow absorbed most of the product. The good thing though is the hair isn't dry. I don't have to reapply as often as I do with the milkshake. Curl Souffle This soufflé textured cream defrizzes, defines and holds curls while locking in moisture. . Curl Souffle' will define your curls with added moisture and sheen with a soft natural hold. Also works great as gel substitute to smooth edges and/or slick hair into a protective style. Provides curl protection against the elements will keeping your curls in shape! Ideal styler for brutal winter months and scorching summer days. For best results, apply evenly, section by section. Ingredients: purified water, certified organic sunflower oil, octyl palmitate, certified organic aloe vera leaf juice, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, potassium stearate, panthenol, stearic acid, sodium carbomer, allantoin, cetearyl alcohol, sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, soy tocopherols, phenoxyethanol, fragrance. My review: I don't know. I'm going to have to try again on this one. It's consistency is in between that of the milkshake and the whipped cream. A lot lighter than the whipped cream but thicker than the milkshake. I don't know why they didn't put the coconut milk in this one because I think this would solve the problem with the curls milkshake. It was good at moisturizing and would need to be reapplied again at the end of the day. I'm not super excited about this product. Maybe I will give it another try before I make my decision on the rating. I do know there are better products out there.

Product Review: Moroccan Oil and Hydrating Mask

The website describes the Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask from the Moroccanoil series as  "a rich, creamy treatment designed to hydrate and repair damaged hair." The oil is has "the unique quality of instant absorption into hair, creating an instant shine without leaving an oily residue. -Softens thick unmanageable hair. -Restores shine and softness to dull lifeless hair. -Strengthens brittle hair. -Promotes healing and provides nourishment to hair damaged by coloring and styling. -Creates an optimal balance for the hair and scalp. -Nourishes the scalp."

Product Ingredients:

Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask:

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Chloride, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Cetrimonium Chloride, Methylparaben, Fragrance Supplement, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Coumarin.

Moroccan Oil:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

My Experience:

The hydrating mask is amazing. I use this every other week with a heating cap for 30 minutes. I've also tried it for 5 minutes and my hair responded the same as doing it for 30 minutes. It has great slip. It detangles and leaves my hair feeling moisturized. Sometimes if my hair is dry, I'll apply the mask to dry hair and put my hair in a protective style. I love this stuff and would recommend this to every kinky curly head.

The oil is a different story. I've tried this oil on so many occasions because of all the hype about how well it moisturizes. I feel the mask does a better job. The oil is more for sheen. But, the ingredients are all that great and you could get the same sheen from castor, hemp seed, or coconut oil.

My Rating:

Scale is for 4b/4z only:

1- Would never recommend :(

2-

3-It has potential but wouldn't consider buying again

4-

5- Super awesome!!!

1 out of 5 for the oil. This product is great for sheen but does it with an excessive amount of silicones. It doesn't add moisture or lock in moisture on hair. I've even tried it on my Indian Remy lace wig and I didn't see any results there. You could purchase pure Agaran oil for a cheaper price .

5 out of 5 for the mask. I contemplated giving 4/5 for the ingredients not being mostly natural. But, it does a great job in adding moisture balance, softness, and suppleness to my fro.

Final Comments

As always, this is just my opinion on this product with my hair. Everyone's hair responds differently to different products and ingredients.

Lace Wigs: 100% Indian Remy Afro Kinky Curly 4a/4b hair

My favorite protective styles are invisible mircro braids, weaves, and I'm starting on lace wigs. Look what I found on E-bay!!!  The vendor was very helpful in answering my questions but she doesn't have a small cap size at this time. The cap size they do have is medium for a 22.5 inch circumference. Right now I wish my head was bigger so I can purchase this wig. I am currently watching this vendor to see if they have it in a small cap size.


Its my hair texture!! So I can protect my hair this fall/winter and still be me....in a way?! :)


I'm so tempted to buy it, but I would hate to if it doesn't fit. It's great to see that the weave industry is recognizing our texture hair and what true kinky curly hair is. Our hair is beautiful!

Product Review: Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles

The website describes this product as "A rich and moisturizing styling cream for kinky curls and dreads, or highly textured hair. Style and define your curls or twist locs, while naturally hydrating. Perfect for finger twisting curls! Create defined curls, with maximum moisture and softness. Drys touchably soft and satiny, not sticky or greasy."

Product Ingredients:

Aloe and Chamomile Water, Rice Bran Oil, Shea Butter, Natural Conditioner, Polysorbate 20, Vegetable Glycerin, Capryl Isostearate, Soy Lecithin,Guar Gum, Natural Preservative Optiphin, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Silk Powder.

My Experience:

Twist                                                                Twist Out

This product is available through many vendors. I purchased my from www.afrokinks.com. I purchased it for $19. I believe there was a 20% or 40% sale that weekend I purchased it so that's why I went to afrokinks.com vs blendedbeauty.com.

The products feels tacky like rubber cement. It does go on smooth and hold well. Even though it has a sticky/tacky feel it doesn't dry that way. I had soft, shiny well formed spirals from my twist out. Above are the before an after shots.

It's great for smoothing back fly-aways. A little goes a long way.  It's also great at stretching hair for chunky fros:

My Rating:

Scale is for 4b/4z only:

1- Would never recommend :(

2-

3-It has potential but wouldn't consider buying again

4-

5- Super awesome!!!

4 out of 5. This product is great for sheen. Just make sure you don't use too much otherwise it will get tacky. But if it does get tacky/sticky, just continue to emulsify in hair and it will disappear without the white cloudy effect you sometimes get with shea butter. It's a 3 in one product: moisturizes, hold, and sheen.  It's great for someone that wants to keep their routine simple and heavy enough to soften for 4b/4c hair.

Final Comments

As always, this is just my opinion on this product with my hair. Everyone's hair responds differently to different products and ingredients.