Pantene Pro-V® Truly Natural- REVIEW

When my hair was permed Pantene hair products were a staple in my hair care routine , fortunately for me Pantene has created a line that is tailored to my hairs current needs. I recently had the opportunity to try out Pantene Truly Natural Line a  line of products designed to help manage your natural hair.

First up Pantene Pro-V® Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo which is designed to gently cleanse your hair’s unique structure and remove buildup—leaving it shiny, clean and refreshed. I really put it to the test, I used the Clarifying Shampoo after having braids in my hair for over three weeks. It definitely stood up to the significant amount of product and dirt residue. As you can see in the picture above it does not generate a ton of suds, but surely left my hair and scalp clean without stripping it of all it's moisture.

Following the Clarifying Shampoo I applied  Pantene Pro-V® Truly Natural Deep Conditioner  which is an oil-enriched conditioner that moisturizes and detangles natural hair. My hair thrives off oil so I was excited to try it! While the bottle does not tell you a specific amount of time to keep the conditioner on I coated my strands with the conditioner put on a plastic cap and sat under my hooded dryer for 20 minutes. Detangling was a breeze and once I rinsed the product out  my hair felt super moisturized and manageable. 

Pantene Pro-V® Truly Natural Defining Curls Custard works with your hair’s unique structure to define curls and control frizz up to 24 hours, even in humid weather. This styling custard leaves curls manageable and feeling soft. I rounded out my first experience with this product line by doing a Wash and Go style applying the Defining Curl Custard and allowing it to dry completely. It left me with defined curls and minimal frizz although it does claim that your hair would be manageable and soft there was an initial crunch feel that I eliminated by gently scrunching my hair leaving my hair touch-ably soft. Honestly I rarely wear my hair in a Wash and Go style, but instead wear a Flat Twist Out, well I added the custard to my usual routine and boy did it make a difference not only did my twist out stay define through an entire cookout, but it looked  great even days later! 

Pantene Pro-V® Truly Natural Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner instantly cleanses, conditions, and detangles hair in one easy step without stripping the hair’s natural moisture. This low-lathering formula refreshes unmanageable curls and helps control frizz, leaving hair soft and shiny after use. OMG this is my absolutely favorite product from the line not only was it great in the cleaning department but it made detangling, which is usually a nightmare after a Wash and Go, a cake walk. I didn't have time to deep condition afterwards and my hair remained super moisturized for a entire week of me NOT re moisturizing my hair.

Overall I give the line two thumbs up and will be adding them to product arsenal!


I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

It's My Anniversary- Three Years Natural

If you are not natural it may seem odd to have an anniversary centered around your hair. Well I am natural and it still feels odd to me as well. But there was something very special that happened three years ago today it was the day that I embraced my beauty. As you can see by the pictures below I went from past shoulder length to less than an inch of hair. This drastic change was triggered by my desire to donate my hair to Locks of Love a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. So in addition to helping others regain a since of confidence in their appearance I was able to find a different level of confidence of my own.

June 2010

So this day became significant not just because of my natural hair journey, but because the personal journey it has taken me own.  I shared in my very first post some of my insecurities I have and still do struggled with from time to time. But, it has been a true blessing to be embraced in to a circle of women  who are all about uplifting each other and embracing your own beauty, regardless if this circle is centered around our hair, the support and encouragement is un matched.

June 2011                                                         June 2012                                                        June 2013

Help me celebrate my three year anniversary by supporting Locks of Love,  if you are doing a big chop  soon consider donating your hair if not find other ways to help here!

Do you have a day you celebrate that may seem odd to others, but may mean a lot to you?

Motions Holiday Hair Chat!

I had the pleasure of attending a holiday hair chat sponsored by Motions and hosted by Danielle of The Style and Beauty Doctor & Lexi of Lexi With The Curls. During the event over a dozen Metro Atlanta bloggers including myself all shared our hair story and hair plans for the Holidays. I walked away not only with more ideas for how to style my hair but also with great new products to try from the Motions Naturally You product line. Look for future post on my experience with these products. In the mean time enjoy the view of the lovely bloggers I spent a delightful Sunday afternoon with!

Danielle of The Style and Beauty Doctor & Lexi of Lexi With The Curls 

                             

Motions 

MahoganyBella

MahoganyKnots 

The Fashionista Next Door

Talking With Tami

Baby Shopaholic

If I Were a Brit Girl

Curvie Birdie

Fashion 2 Rouge

What are your plans for your hair for the holidays? 

Disclaimer: I received complimentary Motion products at this event.

It's a Hawk... A Mohawk That Is!

I recently went home to Texas to visit my family for the Thanksgiving holidays. Aside for the obvious reasons (i.e family, friends, food and fellowship) I also love going home because my older sister  Rochelle gives me a much needed break from doing my own hair. Officially she is only the second person including my experience at Curltopia who has styled my hair since I've been natural. 

Because I had a very talented person at my disposal I decided try a look that I could never achieve alone. It is very challenging for me to make straight parts, so I typically opt for styles that does not require a part. I also have not mastered the ability to create cornrows. So with that said I present to you the evolution of a style I absolutely love created through a collaboration between my sister and I. Thank you Rochelle for taking on the massive challenge that is my hair!

It's a Hawk... A Mohawk That Is!

If you are natural, do you find that you go to the hair salon less now?

Signature Style- Super Stretched Flat Twist Out

I believe my search is finally over I have found a signature style that I LOVE! This Super Stretched Flat Twist Out method gave me full and shiny loose curls and even better second day hair!!!

Step 1. Start with freshly washed hair and set using Curlformers (conditioner+oil). Wore in a curly ponytail for 2 days (not necessary).

Step 2. Flat Twist Hair in 10 sections (4 front +6 back) add conditioner and oil to re moisturize if you waited several days before twisting. Pin back each twist to stretch hair while it sets.

Step 3. Allow hair to set overnight/ 8hrs+. Untwist hair carefully to avoid freeze.

 4. Shake and Go.

I preserved this style by re twisting the front 2 flat twist only and putting the rest in a loose high ponytail. 

What is your signature style? Why do you love it?

My Sistas Big Chopped- What Now?

Michelle                                                       Rochelle

You read right these to lovely ladies are my sisters. And you are not seeing double they are twins. I finally did something before my "big" sisters I went natural 2 plus years ago and my sisters were inspired by moi to do the same. So as you can see Michelle and Rochelle have both recently big chopped (cut off the remaining portion of their relaxed hair). Although they are individuals and big chopped a few weeks apart, their experiences were eerily similar. They both called/text me to let me know it was done and followed up with a picture as evidence. Their facial expressions gives you a clue as to what happened next, they both were un happy with their hair and asked in so many words "What Now?"

I went on and on about using XYZ conditioner  or ABC gel and applying it sopping wet hair, and I am pretty sure all they heard was wank wank wank. LOL 

Michelle                                                                                                     Rochelle

Within less than 24 hours of doing their big chops both Michelle and Rochelle opted to wear their hair similar to the pics seen above by adding extensions. So until their hair is at the length they want or they find the product they like or that perfect hairstyle my beautiful sister will do like so many others naturals do and wear  their hair in a protective style that they feel accentuates their 

beauty! Remember each persons big chop or natural hair journey is uniquely their own, unless your TWINS, so don't feel pressure to follow a certain path embrace what works for you.

Just in case you were wondering I was smiling when I big chopped. 

How was your big chop experience? Where you comfortable wearing your hair in it's natural state initially?

All Tied Up!

Let me start by saying I love my natural hair, but there are definitely a few downsides to wearing your hair in it's natural state. If you go on any natural hair blog/vlog you will hear someone raving about the latest and greatest product that added so much moisture and shine to their hair and while moisture and shine is great what about the rarely spoken of evil that comes with natural curly/coily hair. SINGLE STRAND KNOTS!

Natural Curl Pattern

My natural hair creates very tight coils so tight in fact that it coils back onto itself and makes a single strand knot. When I first started down this journey and would run my fingers down the shaft of my hair I assumed the rough patch I would encounter meant I had split ends. So I would trim my hair and amp up my moisturizing and sealing routine. Than 2-3 months later I would find myself running my fingers down the shaft of my hair again and hitting the same rough patches and the process of trimming etc. would start again. It wasn't until I read an article on CurlyNikki that I took the time to look a little closer and realized what I was dealing with were not split ends but knots on my strands. Now what!

Curlformers

I began to do twist or bantu knot outs instead of wash and go's, but I became laxed in that department and reverted back to wash and go's on occasions. So not only am I doing twist or bantu knot outs faithfully I am stretching my hair prior to styling it as well. There are several ways you can stretch your hair, but my method of choice  is to use Curlformers. So stretching my naturally  SUPER coily hair can and does reduce the occurrence of single stand knots while the twist or bantu knot outs give my hair back a curl or a wave that although not my natural pattern are stylish none the less. *wink*

Bantu Knot Out

Do single strand knots haunt you? What is your method for keeping them at bay?

WEN Cleansing Conditioner Review

Why oh why did I do this to myself?!?! A few months back I received a generous sample of Wen's Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner and right away I have to tell you my hair enjoyed it and I enjoyed the simplicity of the process as well! 

I am going to let you in on a little secret I am extremelly frugal, particularly when it comes to hair products. My current staple product do not exceed $5 dollars in cost and I tend to write off any product that exceeds $10 in cost. With that said there is no way I would have tried Wen unless I received it as a gift/sample. So now that I have tried it will I be breaking this $10 limit I have set for myself? 

                                      

WEN Instructional Video - African American Hair

Now if you took the time to watch the above video you would know that for African American hair like my own they recommend that you use a minimum of 40 full pumps of conditioner to your hair for just one cleansing session. I must admit I did not use 40 full pumps because that would have turned my generous sample into a one time experience instead of the four sessions I was able to extend it to. I decided to focus more on applying it to my scalp for cleansing purposes and my ends to make sure they received the conditioning benefits. Otherwise I followed the directions step by step. 

While WEN Cleansing Conditioner was in my hair I did take the time to detangle my hair which is no easy task do to the sheer volume of hair I have, but it  was made easier due to the great slip that it provides.WEN left my hair feeling clean but not squeaky clean like shampoos with sulfates in them does, and  because of its conditioning qualities my hair was super soft upon rinsing it out. 

While my hair enjoyed the tingly feeling the mint left behind, there wasn't any drastic improvement in the overall health of my hair. Yes I applaud the product for doing what it typically takes three products to do for me (Conditioner Wash +Apple Cider Vinegar to Clarify + Deep Conditioner), but the facts remain that I am frugal and even with purchasing all three of those products is still 1/3 the cost of WEN. So I guess I will be stalking QVC for some awesome special in order to enjoy the connivence of this all in one product.

Disclosure: I received Wen Cleansing Conditioner as a sample and was not compensated for this post. As always my thoughts an opinions are my own. 

Curltopia the Curly Hair Boutique Review

Curltopia- We specialize in every awesome hair-care product, and cutting/coloring/styling techniques under the sun for ALL textures: wavy, curly, coily, kinky, transitioning, natural and "not so natural" hair. And yes, we are awesome at the straight-hair thing too!

After visiting Curltopia for a Miss Jessie's preview of the Pillow Soft Curls product. I was compelled by the professionalism and know how of the stylist to return and get services done myself.

Upon entering the door I was greeted by a modern and welcoming decor along with friendly staff. I was ecstatic to see that my stylist Tiffany wore her hair in its natural state s well so that immediately put me at ease. While I received my steam hydration treatment I was given a book to help select a style I would like. I decided to go with something I couldn't do my self, because of my inability to make straight parts. LOL 

The actual styling session was very informative mostly because I talked the stylist ear off about everything from the products she was using on my hair to me grilling her about her experience and schooling. While Tiffany probably left that evening knowing way too much about me, I left with not only a wealth of knowledge, a new hair style to add to my repertoire but with a  Natural Hair Prescription tailored specifically to my hair needs. 

To say the very least my hair was given the VIP treatment at it's first visit to a hair salon. If you are finding yourself in a curly haired rut, need some guidance on the types of products you should use or just looking to pamper yourself pay Curltopia in Smyrna, GA a visit. 

 

Decor

Wash & Steam Hydration Treatment

Products Used

The Final Results!!!

For specials on services and products make sure to like them on Facebook.

Disclosure: I received complimentary services in exchange for me posting about my experience. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Simple 4 Step Twist Out

TWO STRAND TWIST
Twist damp hair in twelve sections applying a leave in conditioner (Tresemme Naturals)  and olive oil to each section.

SEPARATE
After hair is completely dry apply olive  oil to your hands and separate each twist.

FLUFF

Massage the scalp and separate the section further as needed.

STYLE

Pinned the front right side of hair up with bobby pins. For a youthful look!!!

10 Things New Naturals Should Know

1. EVERYONE will have an opinion about your hair.
2. You will become obsessed with finding the perfect product.
3. You will began putting food in your hair on purpose.
4. Your hair will have a mind of its own.
5. "How did you get your hair like that?" becomes a greeting.
6. Youtube will become your new best friend.
7. Words like "Twist Out", "Wash and Go" and "Co-Wash" will make there way into your vocabulary.
8. The day you big chopped or transitioned becomes as important as your birthday.
9. You become apart of an unofficial sorority, whether you like it or not.
10. You will attend/want to attend parties based solely around natural hair!

Enjoy the journey!!! Here's mines.

Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls Review

I was fortunate enough to recieve Miss Jessie's new product Pillow Soft Curls at a preview event hosted by Lexi of curlscoilsandkinks.com. I choose to experience the product a couple of times in order to have a more accurate review of this product made specifically for a wash and go style. 

Description: The name says it all.  Miss Jessie’s PILLOW SOFT CURLS™ is the new styling lotion that borrows fabric care technology and marries it to haircare. It is perfect for achieving static-free, big, soft, curly hair that we all dream about. If you don't want ramen noodle definition and instead want a larger, expanded, fluffy curl then PILLOW SOFT CURLS™ is for you! It's the first “fabric softener” type styling lotion that will leave your curls clothesline fresh and fluffy soft.  You will see that  PILLOW SOFT CURLS™ is so easy to apply. It spreads so smoothly and feels as light as a feather on your curls.                                                         

During the preview a licensed stylist shared her technique for applying the product on a hair model. Her technique included applying the product to extremely wet hair and smoothing the hair while twisting it around her finger several times. Then the model sat under the dryer for 15 minutes in order to set the hair. Ultimately achieving these results.

I decided to use the method I always use for wash and go's in order to compare apples to apples. So after cleansing my hair and it is still sopping wet I apply a generous amount of the product to my hair and rake it through. I then vigorously shake my hair to help my curls pop. Here is a picture of my hair 90 percent dry.

My first impressions was that I loved the scent and got compliments on the pure scent of my hair everywhere I went during the first day of application. I enjoyed the simplicity of applying just this one product without having to sacrifice moisture and shine. Second day hair was easily achieved by misting my hair with water and shaking in order to re awaken the curls. With that said like other style products initially there is a bit of a hold/stiff factor to it that is easily remedied by lightly scrunching your hair in an upward motion.

I am not much of a wash and go girl myself because I like my hair in a more stretched state and prefer not to leave the house with wet hair or having to diffuse it in order for it to be dry. But, for you lovely naturals out there that wash and go is a staple style for you this product is definitely one that you must try.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary bottle of Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls.  As always my opinions are my own.