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Guest Blogger

Put Your Faith in Faith! PhytoSpecific Haircare Line Review

by kcurly on January 3, 2012

in Guest Blogger,PhytoSpecific,Product Reviews


So I have these sample packets of the PhytoSpecific hair care line. Samples are like the epitome of greatness because they are free. Yet at the same time, disappointing because you only get to try them once! lol

After experiencing three products in the PhytoSpecific system, I can say with confidence that one use is all that’s needed to convince me of their effectiveness. The Intense Nutrition System is recommended for curly, coarse, frizzy, highly-porous, and chemically processed hair. The packaging claims it intensely hydrates and strengthens “Ultra- Dry and Dehydrated Hair,” so it seemed like perfect system to experiment with to spring my hair back to life after flat-ironing it. PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Shampoo, Intense Nutrition Conditioning Mask, and Moisturizing Styling Cream are the products I’ll be sharing in review today.

Intense Nutrition Shampoo

Consistency: Thin, similar to Aloe Vera plant gel.
Scent: Alot like Neutralizing Shampoo from a relaxer kit.
Claims: Intense Hydration, Softens; Strengthening.
(How many shampoos do you see claiming to soften the hair?)

Key Ingredients:

  • Pot Marigold Extract: soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal properties.
  • Hibiscus Extract: improve moisture, shine and elasticity, regenerate keratin structure
  • Common Elder Flower Extract: water-retention, increase circulation, moisturize
  • Comfrey Extract: amino acids, sooth and moisturize, water- retention.
  • Kukui Oil: vitamins A, C and E; moisturize and soothe.
  • Does contain sulfate detergents.

Rinse, Lather, and Repeat as directed. If you’re a lather lover, you won’t see any until the second wash. The first application is where I saw the dirt rinse away; and the second is where I was able to get a good scalp massage and work the lather down my strands.Here’s what I like about the product:

  • A little goes a long way.
  • (Each 1 oz sample product packet made-work of ALL my hair)
  • It’s packed full of good ingredients, extracts, and oils.
  • Packs a light serving of wheat proteins to help fortify the hair.
  • It is Gentle, does not strip, cleans and restores moisture at one time.

So here’s the kicker. The shampoo was defining my curls as I worked it through! Not only that, but I’ve never known another shampoo that I am able to detangle with (without rinsing, and not having applied conditioner).

Maybe some skeptics are reading and thinking ‘well duh, the water’s gonna spring your hair back.’ No ma’am, the first and second wash after a flat-iron has never been enough the spring all my coils back. PhytoSpecific goes a step above. So if you like to heat style, keep some PhytoSpecific for the post heat wash-day revival.

Intense Nutrition Conditioning Mask

Consistency: Rich & Creamy
Scent: Almost a dead-ringer for peach rings gummy candy.
Claims: Strengthens hair shaft; Eases detangling for radiant, soft beautiful hair.

Key Ingredients:

  • Hibiscus & Common Elder Flower Extracts
  • Euphrasia Extract: astringent properties.
  • Horse Tail Extract: strengthens weak, brittle, damaged hair; silica content promotes shine.
  • Plantain Leaf Extract: sting remedy; soothes and conditions.
  • Does contain -cones 1/3 of the way down the ingredients list.

Likes:

  • Smooths easily over strands.
  • I love peach rings, so the smell is awesome. It also fades fast.
  • Provides adequate slip for detangling.
  • My hair felt just as good after with the conditioner as it did with the styling cream.
  • There was a notable improvement in the feel and condition of my ends.

Moisturizing Styling Cream

Consistency: Light-weight, creamy
Scent: Light, pleasant
Claims: Provides supple hold & illuminating shine; Hydrates & Protects.

Key Ingredients:

  • Althea Root Extract: anti-bacterial; soothes and softens.
  • Microcrystalline Wax/Castor Wax/Mineral Oil: seals hair; promotes hold.
  • Phenyl Trimethicone: conditions hair, promotes luster.
  • Glycerine: promote water retention.
  • Quinoa Oil: protein content helps fortify hair
  • Does contain mineral oil and -cones.

Likes:

  • Sunflower oil offers UV protection.
  • No oily feeling.
  • Hair left feeling soft with a light, airy hold.
  • Elasticity is evident in how readily the coils of my twist out spring back.

As for Dislikes, I truly only have one! Sure, quality costs more– but with a price tag between $24 and $28 for full size products that range in size from 4.22oz, a little over 5oz, and slightly less than 7oz- It’s a little much to stretch my budget around. A little goes a long way with these products, but it that far enough to make my part with my dollars bills? Hmmmm. Perhaps, if I had more of them. :)

PhytoSpecific Mosturizing Styling Cream Ingredients: Althea Officinalis Root Extract (Guimauve), Mineral Oil/ Paraffinum Liquidum, Microcrystallie Wax/ Cera Microcristallina, Phenyl Trimethicone, Peg-6 Stearate, Glycerin (Derive D’Huille De Palme), Ceteth-20, Paraffin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Cire De Ricin), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract (Tournesol), Hydrogenated Rice Bran Wax (Cire De Riz), Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Steareth-20 (Derives D’Huille De Coco), Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Water/ Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance/ Parfum, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow 5/ CI 19140, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Mask Ingredients: Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Sambucus Nigra, Euphrasia Officinalis, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Plantain (Plantago Major) Extracts, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Water, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Acetamide MEA, Shorea Stenoptera Butter, Trimethylsilyamodimethicone, Mango (Mangifera Indica) Seed Oil, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Extract, Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Seed Oil (Plant Marrow), Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa) Extract, Polyquaternium 10, Keratin Amino Acid, Fragrance, Paridol Butyl, Diazolidinyl Urea, Tocopherol.

Phyto PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Shampoo Ingredients: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Calendula Officinalis, Sambucus Nigra, Comfrey (Symphytum Officinal), Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extracts, Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Ricinoleamidopropyl, Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Peg-4 Rapeseedamide, Acacia Dealbata Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane, Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana) Nut Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Nut Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Ethyl, Butyl), Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, FD&C Orange #4.

{ 2 comments }

Put your faith in Faith: Mizani Review

by kcurly on November 29, 2011

in Guest Blogger,Mizani,Product Reviews

Faith, Newly Natural’s new guest product reviewer, has some Mizani results to share with you ladies! Full ingredient listing can be found at the end of the post. 

Over the past month, I’ve taken some time to get to know a handful of products from this line. Winter is readily approaching and, if you are like me, your hair care routine may be set for a little revamping. Since stepping out of the house with a wet head is not an option~ finding products that can stand up to the harsh wind and Midwest cold is a priority. Winter just seems like the optimal time to experiment.

Mizani D’Tangle Moisturizing Leave-In Milk, True Textures Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Mask, and Supreme Oil Hair Treatment are the subject of today’s product break-down. The Mizani Line is far from all-natural! If you aren’t keen to cones and parabens, turn away now.

D’Tangle

8.5oz Light-weight,  subtly fragranced, leave-in spray

Price: $10-17

Key Ingredients:

·         Water

·         Propylene Glycol: acting as a humectant.

·         Several cones that are not water-soluble.

I first used this as a refresher to a twisted style for two weeks, the twist out that followed, a wash-day detangling session, and to maintain my flat ironed hair for two weeks after that.

Likes/ Dislikes

  • [Conditioning] It conditions well, adding moisture, and softening the hair. The only issue that the product would need to be re-applied multiple times in a day to loose hair because it is so light-weight. Even with twisted hair, it’s a daily conditioning boost, rather than a stand-alone moisturizing product.
  • [Detangling] Provides good slip if I saturate my hair with it and work it in. My hair is low porosity and doesn’t soak up product readily. As a detangler, I found it more effective on damp-to-wet hair, rather than dry.

Curl Replenish

8oz creamy,  peach fragranced, conditioner

Price: $13-18

Key Ingredients:

·         Water and cones

·         Behentrimonium Chloride: acting as a conditioning agent and detangler

·         Cetearyl Alcohol: acting as an emulsifier and thickener to prevent separation.

Likes

  • [Conditioning] Curl Replenish is effective conditioning as a rinse out conditioner and as a leave in styler.  This is, in part, due to the penetrative properties of key ingredient #2 (derived from canola oil) and jojoba oil.

Supreme Oil

4.1oz Light-weight,  non-sticky blend

 Price: $12-17

Key Ingredients:

·         Emollients and Oils.

 Likes:

  • [Sheen] The products gives great non-greasy shine!
  • [Ingredients] There are no cones and no mineral oil.

  Overall Impression

These three products live up to the claims the make on their labels . The heavy use of water insoluble -cones and synthetic preservatives are  turn-offs. My hair is sensitive to -cone build up  and will begin to dry out over time with-out clarifying. That consideration would be my only cautionary shout out.

Would I buy it?

Of the three, Curl Replenish is the one I would invest in.  In regular maintenance, I’m not a big fan of silicones. As a prep for heat styling, due to the silicone content, the treatment  helps protect and condition my hair for heat.

The Supreme Oil cocktail doesn’t really provide a wow-factor that would set it aside from other mixes. The D’Tangler Hair Milk is a product better suited for summer months and doesn’t provide long-lasting moisture.

—-

Mizani D’tangle Moisturizing Leave-In Milk: water, cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, propylene glycol, dimethicone, laureth-4, PEG/PPG-22/24 dimethicone, dimethiconol, phenoxyethanol, laureth-23, parfum/fragrance, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, methylparaben, polyacrylate-3, ethylparaben, tocopheryl acetate, panthenol, aminomethyl propanol, hexyl cinnamal, salicylic acid, alpha-isomethyl ionone, zingiber officinale root extract/ginger root extract, coumarin, linalool, yucca vera extract, equisetum hiemale extract, rosemarinus officinalis extract, rosemary leaf extract, benzyl alcohol, urtica dioica/nettle extract, citronellol, geraniol

Mizani True Textures Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Masque: Aqua/Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Amodimethicone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Esters, Parfum/Fragrance, Trideceth-6, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Salicyate, Simmondsia Chinesis Oil/Jojoba Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil, Tocopherol Acetate, Cetrimonium Chloride, CI 47005,/Yellow 10, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol, Inuun, Coumarin, CI 14700/Red 4.

 

Mizani Supreme Oil Hair Treatment: Isopropyl Myristate, Dicapylyl Ether, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Caprylic, Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Isosterate, Sesamum Indicum Oil/Sesame Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis Oil/Jojoba Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil, Parfum/Fragrance*, Argania Spinosa Oil/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil/Rice Bran Oil, Olea Europaea Oil/Olive Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Hexyl Onnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone,

{ 1 comment }

Help me choose a guest reviewer!

by kcurly on August 28, 2011

in Guest Blogger

Well, after forever and a day, I’ve chosen the three finalist for guest product reviewer. It was a very, very hard decision and I’m very thankful to all of you who entered because I was exposed to a lot of great blogs and ladies along the way!

I tried to look for things in a reviewer that we all like and that includes:

  • pictures
  • details
  • proper grammar
  • personality
Readers, I need your help! Vote below:
#1- Natural With a Kink

Organics Roots Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion Review

I’ve been holding on to this product for a while now; So I figured, what better to use it for than a review? I purchased it at Target one day on a conditioner run, thinking that I would try it, and have managed not to dable in this store-bought product until this week!
 My biggest concerns with this product were:
Will it be moisturizing enough?
What about this petrolatum?
Will the product stand well alone?
Price: $3.75-$5.19
Size: 8.5oz
Availability: Target, Most Drug
Stores, Walmart, BSS, Online
Scent: Faint
The first four ingredients in ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion are water, coconut oil, sorbitol, and petrolatum (a derivitive of mineral oil). If you are not familiar with sorbitol; when used in hair products, it serves as a humectant. This means its job is to prevent moisture loss.

Now, if you are the “All-Natural Products” only sort, you might not be able to appreciate this product by the ingredient list alone.

Here, however, is my logic  when considering this products claims to ”restore moisture balance…and provide lasting sheen”:
  1. Water = Moisture  Can’t beat around the bush with that one.
  2. Coconut Oil= Conditioning, light protein, and added shine.
  3. Sorbitol, the humectant= Back up moisture retention plan.
  4. Petrolatum= The end all be all of sealants to hold that moisture IN.
My first use of this product was on a wet-set twist-n-curl. I applied this thick creamy product to damp hair and smoothed it be before twisting. If you are looking for a product to minimize shrinkage, let me say, this is not the one! Below are a few shots of my hair the next morning.

At the end of the day. my hair was as shiny and moisturized as it was at the start. Curl definition remained with minimal frizzing.
Likes
  • [Sheen] This product delivers on sheen, you can even see it in the picture!
  • [Definition] If you are looking for definition, this ORS hair lotion provides a light and visible hold to twist-out curls patterns.
  • [Moisture] Suitable on the wet-set style. (I can’t speak for dry styling) I wouldn’t reccomend piling this products on your hair for more than 3 or 4 days without washing! And by wash I mean Clarify, not co-wash! We’re dealing with petrolatum and insoluble cones here!
  • [Stands Alone] My style results came from solely using Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion, but it wouldn’t hurt to use a leave-in conditioner underneath (if you want more moisture) or gel (for a firmer hold).

Dislikes 

  • Greasy, Some what heavy.
  • My looser textures respond better to the product than my kinky textures.

 Disclaimers

  • It’s worth mentioning that this product boasts itself as a heat protectant that “restores natural moisture balance while straightening hair.”

Will I be buying this again? No, but I will finish using what’s left of the bottle. Additionally, I will most likely only use it for wet-sets because it yields better results for me.

Full Ingredient List: Aqua (Water) , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut) , Sorbitol , Petrolatum , Cyclopentasiloxane , Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil (Safflower) , Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor) , Cetyl Esters , Cetearyl Alcohol , Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate , Stearic Acid , Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive) , PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate , Dimethicone , Glyceryl Stearate , DMDM Hydantoin , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Propylene Glycol , Triethanolamine , Carbomer , Disodium EDTA , BHT , Fragrance , Benzyl Alcohol , Benzyl Salicylate , Geraniol , Hexyl Cinnamal , Lilial , D-Limonene , Linalool , Lyral Methyl Ionone , CI 42090 (Blue #1) , CI 19140 (Yellow #5)

#2- Natural Twist (see original link here)

Enso Naturals Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding

Posted on  by 

Enso Naturals Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding

I would love to sing praises about the Enso Naturals Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding but I just can’t. Don’t fret it is not over until the Afro’d Fat Lady Sings. We are going to start this song off on a high/positive note. This product is packed full of loving ingredients for the hair which include:

Distilled Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Glycerin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow Root) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (paraben free fragrance), Fragrance

It is also free of mineral oil, petroleum, dyes, sulfates and parabens.  Unfortunately ingredients alone do not make a product. The price is nice. $11.50 yields 8oz of product. I would purchase again if I liked the product. The consistency in the jar is thick and gooey but when applied to the hair the thickness fades to a thin consistency. So thin I was wondering if I had enough product to work with. In the end a little does go along way, it may just take some time figuring out the right amount to use.  The major positives were that my twists were really defined and it provided good frizz control. It definitely had more of a hold vs using a twisting cream product. Yep guys for my hair those are the only positives I can dish out.

Consistency: Thick in the jar. On contact a little watery. Reminds me of hand sanitizer when you put it on your hands.

Now for the low/negative notes.

This product reeks! It smells like lemon household cleaner in a jar! The smell was a major turnoff.  Although my twists were defined my hair was very dry. To counteract that dryness on Day 2 I decided to retwist with the Enso Naturals Olive and Honey Hydrating Buttercream. That helped tremendously.

Let me just say that the Enso Naturals Marshamallow Twisting Pudding is a product that I needed to tweak a bit. Out of the gate I thought that this product would be fabulous for my twists but perfection comes in time. After styling the 3rd time I decided that the Marshmallow Twisting Pudding gets a 3 out of 5 stars for me.

Retwist with the Pudding and Buttercream

3rd Day Hair

#3- Kylah 

Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo, 10oz; $10 
Where to find: Salons, Sally’s Beauty Supply (also has a GVP version of it, yay!), some Walmarts and TargetsIngredients: Water (Aqua); Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Sodium Laureth Sulfate; Oleamidopropyl Betaine; Cocamidopropyl Betaine; Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil; Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil; Linoleamide DEA; Cocoamide DEA; Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminomethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone/Hedychium Coronarium (White Ginger)/PEG-12 Dimethicone; Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone/Algae/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf/Anthemis Nobilis/Lawsonia Inermis (Henna)/Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba)/Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)/PEG-12 Dimethicone; Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil; Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil; Panthenol; Glycol Stearate; Polyquaternium-7; Tetrasodium EDTA; PEG-150 Distearate; DMDM Hydantoin; Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate; Citric Acid; Blue 1 (CI 42090); Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Best for: Long term style cleaning / Product build up, flaky/irritated scalp, itchy scalp

I have to say that this shampoo is pretty nice. I like to use it while my hair is in braid extensions and after I’ve taken them down, because of the high content of Tea Tree (Melaleuca) as well as Peppermint oil. This shampoo has a nice feel during use: cool and refreshing and offers instant relief of any itching I was experiencing before my (probably much needed) wash. It lathers nicely, and because the formula is much less runny in comparison to other shampoos is what makes it ideal for cleaning long-term styles. It allows you to apply to a specific section and part or on your fingertips so as not to wash your hair mid-shaft but to where shampoo is really supposed to go: your scalp. Tea Tree oil is actually anti-fungal/bacterial, and I remember when I had a terrible dandruff bout this worked well to make it go away. Because of the essential oils the scent is strong and if you’re averse to minty smells this probably isn’t for you (especially if you use the accompanying conditioner) and it can linger somewhat.

General Results: Always and itch free tingly scalp :) the immediate effect is always cool and refreshing, but the actual “tingling” effects are done when the hair is completely dry. As far as adding moisture? A complete epic fail. but if you apply and only massage the scalp instead of foaming up your whole head of hair your hair won’t feel stripped. I’ve never gotten the squeaky clean feeling from this shampoo except when I had to lather-rinse-repeat after a sad, sad, grease experience. (don’t ask!) This shampoo should be used for situations just like the bottle says: Special ones. I would not really recommend this for regular use.

Final Rating: 3.5/5 This shampoo is fairly expensive for my taste, but because of the essential oils it gains a star from my initial two. It doesn’t strip my hair, but I wish it had some moisturizing properties. If you have scalp problems, it is definitely worth it.

 

{ 6 comments }

Looking for a guest product reviewer…

by kcurly on May 27, 2011

in Guest Blogger,Uncategorized

And I’ll provide the products!

That’s right, I’m looking for a fellow natural to review products that have ingredients that I don’t use. These may include silicones or mineral oil. Although these ingredients don’t work for me, I know that a lot of people still have great success with them.

This may be right for you if:

  • You are fully natural or transitioning and plan to BC in the next month or 2
  • Do not have a BKT, texturizer, or excessive heat damage
  • Wear your hair in a variety of styles, or at least 2 or 3
  • Have a good writing style with proper grammar and spelling
  • Have a friendly personality
  • Can provide pictures of your hair and possibly the products. No camera phone pictures please.
  • Write in depth reviews, having used the product at least twice and possibly in different ways
  • You are subscribed to this blog and have been a reader
  • Do not use hard core curse words or use derogatory terms. I also don’t allow terms like “good hair” “bad hair” etc.

What’s in it for you?

  • Free products from time to time
  • If you have a blog or YouTube, this is a good way to get a little exposure. I don’t mind if you post your reviews to your own blog but I would rather not have reviews submitted to other blogs.

How can you apply?

  • Send me a sample product review. It can be any hair product. Please include pictures or whatever else you might see fit. This sample is an example to me how you will perform in the future.
  • I will then pick three (3) top reviewers and post their reviews here on my blog. I’ll have a poll and let my readers pick the winner. The runners up will receive a little gift as well. The winner will receive about 3 products from Mizani to start reviewing, as well as more in the future.

{ 12 comments }

Guest Blogger: 6 Questions to ask your potential natural hair stylist

by kcurly on September 11, 2010

in Guest Blogger,Styling,Stylists/Beauty Shops

Beauty is the business of Tania Chandler. With over 10 years experience in the industry, she has been reconized as the natural hair care expert. Specializing in caring, styling & reparing locs, double strand twists, pressing, weaves, & her favorite – easing clients through the process of transitioning back to Nappyness ;) . She prides herself on staying educated & keeping up with the latest trends. Her work has been featured in film/TV, print, runway, and everyday beauties such as yourself! She currently services clients in Baltimore, MD and Central PA.

As a natural hair care artist, I hear too many horror stories about naturals going to a hair stylist who claims they do natural hair. And unfortunately, these stylist are not always able to back up their claim. So here you will find the top 6 questions to ask during the consultation, and what to look for when your searching for a professional to care for your natural wonder :-)
1. What type of products do you use?!? – I can not stress it enough. Product is sooooo important. A stylist that specializes in natural hair care will maintain the integrity of your hair by using products that are healthy for the hair. Now that doesn’t mean that every product will be organic or even 100% natural. However, that does mean that they will have a nice mixture of natural products like shea butters, olive oil blends, vitamin E, etc. with professional salon brands such as Design Essentials, Ashea Haircare, Mizani, Kera Care etc.

I highly recommend staying away from stylist who use a lot of petroleum and/or mineral oil based products. They are not healthy for the hair, especially locs. They leave heavy build up on the hair.

For the Top 10 uses for Olive Oil, click here.

2. What is your speciality? This is a very valid question. Just because someone who specializes in natural hair does not mean that they are an expert in all areas of natural hair. I have plenty of stylist friends who are excellent at maintenance of locs but are not that versatile in creative styling of long locs. Also when transitioning from relaxer back to natural, it’s very important to find a stylist who works with clients such as yourself. Transitioning can be a delicate time period, and because of the 2 different textures, some natural hair stylist are not familiar with caring and styling the hair while it’s in that state.

3. What styling options do I have? – You can test your potential stylist on their knowledge of natural hair by asking them about your styling options. This will hopefully give you an opportunity to consider some styling options that you haven’t thought of yet and allow open communication with your stylist. Also this is the perfect time to discuss with your stylist about any concerns you may have and also get an idea of how the style will look on you.

4. Do you have any pictures? – This is great because it gives both the stylist and the client a visual. A lot of times things aren’t always interpreted correctly. And it does not have to necessarily be an actually portfolio of the stylist’ work (that would be best) but at least a few magazines that will allow you and the stylist to clearly see what is expected.

5. How much will this cost? – This is pretty much self explanatory but be sure to be very clear of how much your visit will cost and all that’s included in the cost. Ask will the price include a trim or does it include a deep conditioning, etc. In some places those things are extra. No one likes the surprise bill at the end!

6. How do I care for this at home? – Your stylist should automatically discuss this with you but if they don’t, make sure to ask. This is one of the most important topics I discuss with my clients because I want us to be on the same page. I want them to be conscious of the products they use at home and how they are using them. You as the client want to make sure that you are able to keep that fresh out of the salon look until your next appointment. So ask this question with intentions of getting a few products to keep the look up and some options on styling at home.

Do not be timid when it comes to ‘interviewing’ a potential stylist. You are spending good money for a service and it’s our business, as hair stylist, to ensure your satisfaction!

Peace, Love & Enjoy Your Natural Wonder!
Tania

Read more from Tania at www.YourNaturalWonder.com and www.naturalhairbytania.webs.com

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