Product Review: Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Purification Hair Masque

Price: 9.99-11.99

Amount: 12 oz

"Detoxify, condition and soothe hair and scalp with gentle Kaolin clay, herbal extracts, botanical enzymes and essential vitamins. Our intense treatment relieves dry, itchy scalp, removes product buildup and preserves hair by sealing in natural moisture. Treats dandruff, eczema & psoriasis."

Ignore all of future outline for product reviews, it's just not working, haha. 

Review: Buy it. That's it. This is has one of the highest rating within the SheaMoisture family. It's actually that serious. Purification Masque is a three-way product. 

IF YOU HAVE AN ITCHY SCALP, THEN THIS IS THE PRODUCT FOR YOU.

I've heard a lot of unhappiness about the smell. I'm under sensitive to smells, so  it's a medium fragrance to me. It's smell like bananas, but actually good. (I hate bananas). It has a gray, purple color; however, on YT I've seen it to be green. Either SM had a change in the creation of the product or it varies like organic product do.

1. Deep Conditioner

This is my first DC from an actual store line and I love it. My hair was soft and happy. OMG. If you do wash n go's, this product had me rethinking my hair texture. I had ringlets of small curls; it's an amazing curl definer conditioner. I wouldn't use as a leave-in since it contains clay that could dry your hair out.

2. Cleanser/Co-wash

Because of the clay within the product, a lot of people use it as way to stretch out shampooing and washing their hair. *waves hand* That's me. It's okay? It took a lot of dirt off my hair. I didn't use a lot when testing it out so I still had stuff in my hair. I'll add more details since I have it in my hair right now. 

My scalp, for itchiness, dude. Like, I can't even deal. My thirst for this product is too real. Translation? It's perfect. It quickly stopped my itchiness for my scalp. I didn't realize until I was sitting in school and NOT attacking  my scalp with my nails. There was no type of itch at all. I'm so blessed to find a product that works for my hair.

3. Pre-Poo

Again, it makes a excellent pre-poo for your hair. I wouldn't recommend it if this is just what your looking for, unless you face an itchy scalp.

BUY IT. It's so worth it. I actually have a staple product in stock...THIS. Thank you, Shea Moisture. Please don't stop making this. <3

Love

Nami

Shea Moisture Spree!

Hello, everyone! I took advantage of Walgreen's Earth Day sale of SM line to buy some products I wanted to try; along with something for my mom since she's wearing her hair out now.

I brought the black line's masque/deep conditioner since other lines DC reviews were too...iffy for me. The African Masque has gotten great review everywhere and very little complaints, besides the smell! Hey, mayo smells terrible but it works wonders too.

I also got the green line Hair Milk/Leave-in. It's for fine hair and it says it will help thicken which is what I'm looking for overall. I was going to rebuy my Smoothie since I'm running low. But Hair Milk seemed like a good product to try to replace my Smoothie with since I use it as a  moisturizer now.

What I purchased for my mother is all from the pink line of SM. The Hair Milk and the Souffle. She wanted the Smoothie but it was sold out. Sigh. Hopefully, she enjoys these products or I'm just going to exchange them for things I want. Haha. Sorry, not sorry. If that did happen, I'm not sure what I would even buy.  I can't wait for the products to come in the mail! Fighting!! (Korean Drama joke haha)

Love ya,
Nami

What the bananas, UPS?

Okay, I ordered some products from Walgreen. The UPS man didn't just leave the products like the companies did. He left a note stating he would come back. The problem with that is...It was in the middle of the DAY. Like, of course no one is going to be home. UPS should have some kind of delivery system where people could pick their own times. I was going to have it shipped to a local UPS store instead, but that would have costed me 5-10 dollars. If I didn't have school on Fridays. You don't even know. I live in hot FL so I'm worried that my products will turn bad or separate in that hot truck. Thank GOD that didn't happen.

Lol, this is my rant of frustration.

Product Review: Aunt Jackie's Kinky Curly Knot Today

Price: 5.00-10.99

Amount: 6oz-12oz

What it PROMISES: "Have no fear! Your hair has its own personal Super Hero, guarding against tangles, knots and unruly, tresses! With the power of its "silky slip," Knot On My Watch helps the comb glide through hard-to-manage hair, leaving it tangle-free and protected from breakage, while restoring a healthy moisture balance. Use as often as needed on wet or dry hair. Great detangling solution for all hair types and texture"

Don't waste your money. Pay one dollar for the VO5 conditioner and use that. This was such a WASTE! I had to ignore all my plans for other reviews, just to do this one. From the hype, I had high expectations for this product. I didn't even check recent reviews for it, who NOW agree that it's terrible product.
Detangling? It TANGLED my hair. I know it did since I got most of the tangles out with VO5 and went to use this for my other tangles. Nope. It's a thin liquid with "slip" that doesn't work! Like, you don't know how SAD I am. I was just upset. THEN I got so much build up that the very next day, my head was filthy.

Plainly, I was pissed. I would have been even madder if I didn't get my money back. I did, thank GOD.

Just, please. Try VO5, Suave, anything but this product for detangling. This made my hair weak, dirty, and tangled. However, my hair doesn't like silicones at all. So maybe that was the cause? Cause this was chock full of them. Whatever it was, I'm not trying out this line again. I'm sticking to my organic, natural products.


Love ya,
Nami

Product Review: Dr. Bronners Castile Soap

I'm in love with this product. Acutally, I'm in love with most products that actually have multiple uses. Dr. Bronner's has EIGHTEEN of them. I only use it for 4-5 of those uses.

The one's I have used:

Tea Tree Oil: I hate the smell of the product, I hate the smell of tea tree in general. So yes, they put real tea tree in it and if not STRONG, but any tea tree smell turn me off. Plus, it left a residue every time I used it! (I hear it better for shampooing)

Peppermint: YES! I love this one. If you live in a hot, humid place then get this since it'll will cool you down. However, I wouldn't use it in the winter months. It makes you colder and can be a bit drying on your skin. It's a great tingle when using it!

Lavender: I love the smell. I love the product. I love lavender! It's a true lavender smell, not the cheap commercial smells.

1. Liquid Bath Soap

I have a intense dislike for all bar soaps. Most of them will leave some type of scum or residue on my skin, I haven't tried Dr Bronners bar soap and I have no desire to until I'm too poor to afford his liquid. Which won't happen since liquid soap I use now lasts me about 8 months to a year. What did I say? Almost a year? For 15 dollars? YES! All it takes is about a quarter size amount of this stuff for washing your body; it foams beautifully with less. If you're looking for an all natural soap which doesn't dry your skin out, say hello to Dr. B. I'm a lifetime consumer for his soaps. Why?

I'm really dirty. No, not in the "I don't take a shower for weeks" kind of way. My body will naturally collect and build more bacteria on my skin than average. Which means I get musky faster and just dirty. And most bathing products aren't strong enough to clean my body. Dove, Caress, etc are too moisturizing to be cleaning even with a exfoliating cloth. Dr. Bronner's one swipe and I'm clean! Well, I don't have to bath twice over my whole body. My skin doesn't feel dry and I feel wonderfully clean and fresh for longer, specifically when I use the Peppermint.

2. Shampoo

Eh. I didn't like as an shampoo at first, its too clarifying and it stripped my hair. But I was using it wrong, haha. You're supposed to  use like a teaspoon per 8 oz of water. THAT was a whole other product! My hair was little stripped, but other wise healthy.  If I ever have serious build-up, Dr. Bronner's is a good shampoo to use. I love bathing my dogs with it diluted, nice shiny coats! (I still love my Nubian Hertiage and Obia's Shampoo Bar too)
3. Stain Remover/ Laundry Soap
Yes. Just, yes. This is amazing as removing stains. It's not as strong as Dawn, but it works very well at cleaning your clothes and sheets. I feel safter using this than other chemical ridden cleaning types. I tend to use vingear as well. Overall, very well. Apparently, the Lavender is very good with silks? I heard it in the grapevine.
4. House Hold Cleaner
Can the people say AMEN! This will CUT through anything you have for it. I actually enjoying cleaning more since I can get it down faster with Dr. Bronner's Soaps.

I seriously cannot advocate his product enough! I've used the Peppermint since June of last year and I'm only half way done.

Love you guys,
Nami

Future Review Posts!

Hey guys, I'm back! I'm sorry for not posting for so long. It's AP exams cram time with school so it's taking over my life! Only 29 more school days left. *wishful sigh*

Here is my plan for next couple post:
Product Reviews:
Obia Natural Hair Care Line (3 posts)
Dr. Bronners (1 post, 3 products)
Rosehip Oil Review
Jojoba Oil Review
FlexBinder Review (I have a love for school supplies) 

Hopefully, I'll get everything in before the month is over!

Y'all are amazing!

Love, 

Nami

OBIA Natural Hair Care

Obia Natural 

This is a company that I truly enjoy. A company who's products I think are actually worth the price with wonderful customer service. Heck, I would buy products for a stranger based just so I can deal with the customer service.

 My mother met a fellow natural while shopping and asked her what she uses on her hair. She made a beautiful twist out and my mom always worries since my hair is very dry. The girl recommended Obia's website. Mother and I checked out and ordered the trial pack. 

The trial pack comes with three things:  2 oz of the Curl Enhancing Custard, 1 oz of the Curl Moisture Cream, and 2 oz of the Curl Hydration Spray. I was slightly disappointed since I wanted to try the shampoo bar, so I left a comment asking if there were any samples for it. The owner kindly gave me a sample for free! Once again, if the products didn't work for my hair, I would still donate SOMETHING/PROMOTE since she's truly a business I want to see thrive. 

I tried the custard on one twist and put the cream and spray on my hair. I'm amazed. My hair never been moisturized without being slightly greasy. It's either really dry or has some grease. It's beautiful. However, my favorite??? THE CURL ENHANCING CUSTARD! I've been looking for a gel product for my twists that leaves hair soft, but with hold. (Still waiting for SheaMoisture to have BOGO to try theirs) But I'm seriously considering only buying Obia's as a staple! My twist had GREAT hold! No flaking,  no dryness, great texture. Seriously? I've never been more happy to test a hair product before!

Her prices are affordable since I expect everything to last a good while for full products. Her shipping is my favorite, of course! 2.99! It was 1.99 when I got the trial pack, I'm guessing that was a special or something. However, it's still amazing price for the shipping offered! I got my products within 5 days. The cream spilled a little, but I think that was due to my mailman STUFFING the package into my mailbox. 

Overall, I'm definitely buying her products, unless she raises the shipping to 5-9 dollars like the other natural hair stores! Until then, PLEASE TRY HER OUT! Her products are amazing. I'm posting a separate review for the shampoo bar since I haven't washed my hair yet.

I wish upon you healthy hair!

Love,

Nami

Are You Noticing...?

I hope your noticing that my trend with products! All of the products I'm using are affordable and long lasting products! Specifically, GREAT for college students on a budget.

 Shop in the clearance (find it first, it's well hidden) and buy cheap, great products that usually are over 10 dollars.

When I start posting things OVER 15-20 dollars then that's a  problem. I don't believe in spending so much money for one product when I can just make it myself. OR it's was blessed in the blood of Christ. Haha.  *shugs* Minus, NAKED eyeshadow I'm so eyeing that 50 dollar Macy's gift card  I got for my birthday! *shifty eyes*

Tell me about any of your thrifty buys?

Love,
 Nami

Product Review: Rasta Locks & Twist Rasta Locking Gel

Price: 3.99

Amount: 6 oz

Review: It smells so good, which is I wanted to try out this product! My aunt had a little left over so I asked her for it. I used it for a twist out...No. Just no. Most of my hair was undefined, frizzy, and  DRY. I used SheaMoisture Smoothie to prevent dryness and even that didn't keep this from drying my hair. The pieces without the Smoothie were in worse condition. I can't recommend this product, expect for the good smell. Totally bad experience, I'm glad I didn't spend any money on this.

Purpose: Rasta Locks and Twists Locking Gel features mango and lime ingredients that are specifically designed to help start and maintain fresh, healthy, natural and well groomed locks.

Product Review: Aussie Moist DEEEEEEPPP Conditioner

Price: 4-5.99 depending on location

Amount: 8 oz

Purpose: Deeply intense conditioning, accented with Australian aloe, penetrates dry or damaged hair. Radiant hair in one use. Sure, it's really deep and super intense. But moist 3 minute miracle, accented with natural Australian aloe and jojoba oil, has a playful side too. Like that time it ran backwards around the office in a kangaroo outfit. Add some roo to your do. 

Sigh. I don't know what I think about this product for me. It was one of the first products I brought based on a blog. Overall, I like it...for someone's else hair! My hair has a thing about silicones. Those products will dry out my hair, sooner or later. When I first used Aussie, it was good conditioner. Next time, I deeeeepppp conditioned with it over night. Lol, my hair was soft, but wayyy too soft, the bad kinds of soft. However, after the first two tries my hair doesn't enjoy the original formula at all. It makes my hair dry and crunchy. 

Another thing, the fragrance is STRONG. If your sensitive to smells like me, then make sure you can handle it in your hair. Aussie will give me a headache due to the powerful. 

It's not for my hair and I wouldn't repurchase. I would recommend for my friends to try. I know its a good product, just not for my hair!

PS. I mixed it with jojoba oil and honey on a braid out....BAM! It worked so much better! I would recommend adding an oil and honey if it didn't work with you the first time!

Love, Nami

SALE + CLEARANCE = MY LIFE

Hellooooooo, everyone! I'm in such a amazing mood right now! Why? I'm living a product junnkie's dream.


                                               NUBIAN HERTIAGE 4 DOLLAAAA EACH!

Yes, Lord. I spent about 8 bucks and SAVED 22.50 on Nubian Heritage products. Hollaaaaa. This is so bad for me...I never SPEND over 10-15 dollars on one product. I LIVE in clearance and I tend to find amazing deals. Last week,  I spent 10 bucks on make up (6 pieces total) and SAVED 15.75. I can't even pretend that tomorrow I'm not going back to Walgreen to pick up the leave in conditioner. The problem? I've ordered the OBI Naturals trial package too. Sigh. I'm a product junkie, but at least I save money! :)

Check out your local Walgreens! I think they're stocking up for an Easter Sale, so DEFF check their  clearance section.

Love ya,

Nami 

Product Review: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Price: 9.99

Amount: 12 oz

Purpose: "Nutrient rich vegetable butters condition hair, restoring moisture, body and shine. Enhances curls, minimizes frizz and provides curl control. For thick, curly hair. Sulfate-free and color-safe."

I love it <3! I use it as a moisturizer on my hair and when twisting my hair. My hair tends to reject a lot of products, specifically moisturizers. A lot of them will only last for three hours, half of which is the product drying. The Curl Enhancing Smoothie? My hair is soft and happy for the whole day! When I use it in twists, I don't need to refresh for 2-3 days. 

When dealing with definition in my twists, it depends on which section of my hair I'm dealing with. My crown and back I can get great defined curls with minimal frizz. Plus, it smells yummy. The fragrance doesn't give my scalp a headache at all. My difficult section?...Let's not discuss that. I don't think anything can define my hair there. I paired a gel and Smoothie, nope. My hair was soft, but no defined twist in my difficult section of my hair.

Overall, it's a GREAT all natural product. I can tell it's going to last my a couple months since a little goes a long way. I would definitely re-buy it.

PS My hair is mostly 4c with some 4b thrown in there and thick!

Love,

Nami

Why I Went Natural and How

Hey, guise! This post will tell you why I went natural and how I did it.

For me, it was pretty simple. I didn't trust anyone, but my Aunt with taming my hair. Every other stylist couldn't handle the thickness of my hair. I was literally a nightmare for Hair School near me. Either I would leave with product left in my hair, an unfinished parts of "relaxed" hair, or some seriously poofy hair style. It was noooott worth it. To me, this was God's way of saying."I blessed you with an Aunt of a hair stylist for a reason."

So imagine my thoughts going 8 hours from an urban city to a semi-rural city for college...SO DONE with relaxers. I would rather learn how to take care of my own than risk a trial and error process of finding a GOOD black hair stylist. As a student, I don't have time for that. I informed my Aunt and she helped me start to transition my hair. Of course, it was the same time I learned to take care of my hair, but hey? I gots to do what I gots to do.

I've had  thick, never shorter than my shoulder hair all my life. Relaxers started when I was 7 and didn't stop until 10 years later. My mother didn't think I was going though with it. My grandmother was just down right horrified. Heck, my natural sister was paranoid of me going natural.*eyeroll* So I transitioned 3-4 months, hated having two textures, and big chopped Oct. 28 2012! Not going to lie, I teared up a little when the chopping began, but after that I was in awe. I had short hair for the first time! AND it was a tiny weeny afro. It helped that my grandmother's screams of horror were cracking me up. Haha, best big chop eva. My hair was barely an inch, maybe an inch and a half.

I didn't get WHY? I got WHY SO EARLY? In my mind, I wanted my hair to be longer before I went to college. I wanted to learn how to take care of it and find products before then too. (I'm still on look out). College is about finding yourself, I don't want finding my hair to take over my life. Plus, I don't look cute with super short hair. I'm learning that silicones are mostly a nono, sulfate is NO!, and oils are You Better, Gurl. I'm totally waiting for Shea moisture stuff to go on BOGO sale. PLEASE GO ON SALE. Literally, I'm like checking ads everyday and hair forums. I suspect around Mar. 11th I may have some hope ^,^. Overall, I'm really satisfied with my natural hair. In fact, I love it. It's actually  easier for me to take care off. I can't get away with no touching it for couple days.

TWA's FTW~

Love,
Nami

Welcome!

Hello, fellow naturals! I'm starting this blog for my natural students who are looking for cheap and affordable products. Blogs for students usually drift away to more expensive products or seriously complicated diy recipes. I'm hoping to change that! I'm waayyy to cheap to consider products over 15 dollars, heck, I start second guessing at 10. Wasting money? Not my thing. Complicated recipes? Haha, if it's beyond 5-7 ingredients then I'm out of my league. So, welcome!

To be honest, this is also way for me to document my natural hair journey (and practice grammar #nerdstyle).

About me:

Well, I'm a senior in highschool and I'm going to graduate in May! Woo! 2013!
I'm quite simple girl...if I can be considered a girl at times. Unlike most girls, I used to HATE DRESSING UP! I literally can not be bothered with it. A skirt, dress, heck tight jeans? Nonono mama, it wasn't happening. Until my friends showed me how fun it can be...sometimes. Now I'm at the stage where I'm just too lazy to put a lot of effort in my appearance everyday ( I used to put none, I've evolved). A common quote on my apearrance, "LOL You look like a hobo." I blame my crocs...but they're so comfy (~.~).

I'm prolly the most socially awkward person you'll meet;specifically, if you're around my age. According to my grandma, I have an old soul. I don't agree with underage drinking, drug use, and most teenage shenanigans. However, I won't let it cloud my view of the real you either. How can I get away with my morals? I'm not popular! :). People undervalue of not being well-known, you have more freedom from society's pop culture demands. ANARCHY! lawl, jk.

I'm super open-minded about things. I'm Christian who's friends with Atheists, Gays, Hidden Racists, Democrats, Socialists, Capitalist, Wiccans, Necrophiliacs...well, I'll prefer not to know about that. It would make talking about your love life waayyyy awkward. It doesn't matter, as long as you're not RUDE. Ugh, then my death glares will smite you're puny, soul.

There's prolly more, but I'm sure that'll be discovered the more I post!! :)

Nice meeting you? ^.^
Natural Nami