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| Sooooooooo many products out there, it's really hard to tell which ones will really help and truely be effective on natural hair. Well like I have mentioned before my hair is a work in progress. I have had some good experiences and some bad ones as well. So I would like to share with you some products that seem to work -- for me at least. |
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Transitioning Products...
| These are the products that I have used during my journey from being relaxed to 100% Nappified...the products that have been the most pleasing to my hair (including demarcation line) at a very precise yet temporary stage in my hair's development. Many of these products could not be used after the transitioning stage as the natural hair change (transition) is truly dramatic and unique to being 100% Nappified. |
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| Since I have started my journey during the spring 2002. I have really been trying to make sure that I have a regimen that cleanses my hair well and then return/add moisture. This procedure has worked for me but the scientist in me has experimented with pre-treatments to see if it works. |
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| Now this is very simple -- |
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| Honey Moisturizing Treatment... |
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| 1/2 to a full cup of honey |
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| *adjust amount to length of your hair |
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| I left it on my hair for about 30-40 minutes before washing my hair and voila. You see honey (as you may already know) is a natural humectant and when used in your hair will draw moisture into your hair [shaft] and keep it there. |
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| Now you can use this same method as a conditioner (after shampoo) as well -- I would suggest that you use a conditioning cap (plastic grocery bag works too) and then go under your dryer for about 15-30 minutes. This will deep condition the hair. The heat will open up the hair cuticle and the honey and conditioner can really get in there and work. I would say that after your have rinsed out this mix that you rinse your hair with an apple cider vinegar rinse -- in luke warm water. This way the rinse will close the cuticle and basically trap the added moisture in your hair. Oh what a difference! Shine, manageability, softness! |
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| So far I have used the following with these results and comments: |
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| Nature's Gate Herbal Shampoo (The Original) -- Now this is a treasure ($7.00 for 18 oz. but I have seen it online for like half that amount...of course I find this out after I have stock piled) With the accompanying conditioner this is absolute heaven. Leaves transitionanl hair soft, supple & clean. Until I make my own...this is the one for me. A transitional keeper for sure. |
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| Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo -- This is great! Especially in the warmer months ($7.99 for a 9 oz. bottle). You see the ORSUS cleans my hair completely! And it has menthol that stimulates the scalp (which is supposed to stimulate growth). My transitional hair feels soft and fresh after using this. Smells good too! |
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| Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo -- This is one of the best shampoo's that I have used to add moisture to my hair ($11.00 for 4.2oz, I bought the trial 1 oz. size for $4.00 -- I had so much shampoo at the time). It has actual tree Sap Moss in it and it's that Sap Moss that gives my hair the nutrients that it needs. |
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| However it has a bit more detergent than I like for my type of hair leaving my hair a bit more dry than I like as compared to the other shampoos I am using (my results were more consistent with a clarifying shampoo)...noticeable but not drastic. Smells earthy, but it's not horrible. |
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| Optimum Care Collagen Moisture Shampoo -- This shampoo is a great find as well and the price is not bad at all ($3.50 for a 20 oz. bottle). This shampoo is wonderful for transitional hair that needs added moisture. It really feels like you have already added the conditioner as well at the same time! It smells wonderful -- like fruit and flowers -- it's great. Hair feels baby soft with it. This was a leftover [relaxer] product that I am sooo glad to have made good use out of. |
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| Organic Root Stimulator Mayonnaise -- This is a great transitional conditioner! Works great as a deep treatment as well ($7.99 for a 16 oz. jar). When you use this you can be sure that you have moisturized your transitioning tresses with primo ingredients. Check it out. Smells like nothing really. |
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| Aveda Sap Moss Conditioner -- Love, this stuff! My hair feels like butter after using this ($39.00 for a 33.8oz. -- I bought the big bottle because conditioner goes quick with me, and I had none at the time. The 6.7oz is $11.00 though) This conditioner is a detangler and they are telling the truth about that! I mean I have a detangling comb that I use when my hair has conditioner in it, but I remember one time I went into the shower and forgot my comb. I was like DAG MAN!!! I didn't think it would be possible but I FINGER COMBED my hair with the conditioner and had not one tangle, knot -- none of that! |
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| This is the real deal. Smells like the shampoo, earthy. Now this is like a great find but the price is kind of up there. You know how that goes...just because a product has a high price does not mean that it is of high quality...but the Aveda Sap Moss Conditioner is and truly delivers as a top notch product. There is a great alternative though. |
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| Nature's Gate Herbal Conditioner (The Original) -- Now this is a treasure($7.00 for 18 oz. or $4.29 for an 8 oz bottle -- Get the 18 oz. Bottle)! This works on my hair EXACTLY like the Aveda Sap Moss Conditioner! However the feel is different...the Aveda Sap Moss conditioning product's texture is thicker and a bit more rich than the Nature's Gate Conditioner...but the NG product still delivers a quality conditioning and comb through. |
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| No tangles, no knots, great conditioning, smooth like butter, and smells like spicy chamomile! Oh - My - Goodness! I am glad I found the Aveda Sap Moss Conditioner at the time -- but if I had known about Nature's Gate first -- Well, you get the picture. |
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| Optimum Care Rich Conditioner -- Another good transitional conditioner ($3.49 for a 16 oz. bottle). I have used this for some time now and I really like to use it as an additive to my shampoo, at times, for extra moisture. If I really feel that I need it that week. This is also the conditioner that I will add to the honey pre-treatment that I have described before. Smells good -- works well. Another leftover product from the relaxer daze...lol... |
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| Shine, Style, and Scalp Treatment: |
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| Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey -- I love this ($12.00 for an 8 oz.)! It shines my hair, is not greasy (a little goes a long way!), and smells great. This is great for twists, cornrows, flat twists, ponytails, coils. This product does contain beeswax though...which is defintely something to keep in mind. |
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| Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel -- This is good to give your hair great control/hold for the styles mentioned above($3.99 for 13 oz.). Not very high on shine though...and can defintely cause build-up/dryness with heavy use. So I have used this with just a bit of the CDMHH for twists. That way I get the hold/control, shine, and the great fragrance! |
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| My Own Home-Made Pomade -- I have started early developement for my own home-made pomade for my hair. Which combines the finer points of the two products above for shine, light hold... PLUS...conditioning, moisture, nutrients, all natural fragrance in an all natural shea butter base...:) This should cut down on my after wash products. |
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| 100% Coconut Oil -- I use this right after I wash my hair ($4.99 for 16 oz). While my hair is still a bit damp I smear just a dollop of it on to my hair and work through with my fingers. That's it. I like it for the added moisture that it gives me and only use it right after I wash my hair. It's great to mix with other oils as well. Does not spoil. |
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(*White, semi-solid fat is expressed from the coconut meat kernels of the coconut palm, Cocos nucifera. Lays down a protective layer. Its saturated nature resists rancidity and creates hard bar soaps with creamy, fluffy cleansing lather. Popular ingredient of natural bar soaps. Too much tends to be drying so usually blended with other oils.)
| Olive Oil -- This is like my base oil for everything (around $3 - $5 for 8 oz.). I use this along with some essential oils and condition my scalp with it. About every other day. I have a bottle with a nozzle on it so I can apply it directly to my scalp. I do put a little on my hair to keep it moisturized. My hair really drinks this up. |
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(*High quality yellow to pale green oil comes in several grades with corresponding odor strengths and is obtained from ripe olives, Olea europaea. Retains moisture to the skin by forming a breathable layer, and like jojoba oil, shea butter and kukui nut oil it does not block the skin’s natural functions while performing is own. Provides disinfectant, antiwrinkle and wound healing properties. Superior to mineral oils in penetration power. Creates a long lasting, non-drying mild soap with creamy lather, and no other soap making oil contributes its unique set of characteristics. Can be used as 100% base oil, although some people may find certain grades unpleasantly strong smelling.)
| Grapeseed Oil -- This is what I add with the Olive Oil at times (around $7 - $8 for a 16 oz. bottle). Grapeseed Oil is great to use for its antioxidant properties. |
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(*Pale green in color, expressed from the seeds of grapes, Vitis vinifera. Light and odorless, contains vitamins, minerals, and protein. Ultra-fine oil absorbs easily through the skin and makes a good massage oil ingredient. Protects skin cells, tightens and tones. Antioxidant. May be used as 100% base oil.)
Essential Oils:
Rosemary Essential Oil -- A great additive to these base oils ($11 - $12 for a 4 oz. bottle). I like to use about 10 drops for every cup of base oil that I use. This is great for stimulating the scalp -- which promotes growth.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil -- Another great additive to these base oils ($13 - $15 for a 1 oz. bottle). This is another oil that stimulates the scalp and has a pleasing fragrance to it as well. I like to use about 5 - 8 drops for every cup of base oil.
* Reference taken from emsplace.com
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After the Transition Products...
100% Nappified...
These are the products that I have used after transitioning...I still consider myself on a journey although I am 100% Nappified. The following products are the most pleasing to my hair at this very precise stage in my hair's development. Now that I am 100% Nappified...the commercial product list has been shortened dramatically and the ALL NATURAL / ORGANIC product mentions have greatly increased...as I have come to educate myself on what it is my hair truly needs to be healthy. I have been able to pinpoint on the best commercial products for my hair at a quicker pace...as well as develop my own.
Pre-treatments:
Now that I am 100% Nappified...I have noticed a decline on my pre-treatment usage...:). My styling/conditioning (commercial and signature) products are really doing a great job at keeping my natural hair together...combined with a good regimen and it's all good.
However I do use one particular one on a more scheduled basis...like once a month [or every 6 weeks or so]...Baking Soda Wash followed by an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. This is a clarifying treatment for my hair. Great natural clarifying treatment for relieving the hair from the heavy left over from daily conditioner washes, styling products, excessive dirt/oil and the like.
This is what I do --
Baking Soda Wash...
1 palm full of pure Baking Soda
1/2 palm full of your favorite shampoo
*Or 1 part Baking Soda & 1/2 part favorite shampoo...which ever calculation is the most understandable to you...
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse...
2 parts apple cider vinegar
3 - 4 parts water
*For both recipes...adjust amount for length and density...but you get the idea...;)
Now I just carefully rub my palms together to sort of mash it up together...I am going for a paste sort of texture (it does not have to be completely mixed to apply)...and then I quickly plop the mixture on to my wet hair so that I don't get it all over my floor (tub)...and now I thoroughly rub the mixture into my hair and scalp...lather it up real good...this is a very cool and nice sensation - anywayz - ...I let the mixture sit on my hair/scalp for about 5 - 7 minutes (or a bit longer if I feel it's needed)...then lather it up a bit with just a little water...then I wash it all out. This is such a thorough cleansing that I don't have to use a repeat wash...just go right to the conditioner. Then after the conditioner I rinse my hair (while really concentrating on the scalp) with an apple cider vinegar rinse. This is a great combo and is the only pre-treatment (if you would call it that) that I do currently when the occasion should arise.
Of course the Honey Moisturizing treatment that I have mentioned in the transitioning pre-treatment section is still a good one if you feel the need to do so.
...and there are others as well.
Some that I would like to try but have not felt the need to as yet are...
Mashed Avocado
Mashed Banana
Seaweed
...and a whole slew of other natural ones to try that are mentioned in my some of my favorite all natural hair care books...such as...
Let's Talk Hair - by Pamela Ferrell & No Lye - by Tulani Kinard.
Shampoo:
Nature's Gate Rainwater Herbal Awapuhi Shampoo -- This is the BEST for my hair so far...sooooo in luv with this one (retails for about $8.99 for an 18oz. bottle and so worth it). This is the most gentle shampoo that I have ever used so far. Low detergent formula leaves my hair in optimum shape. This shampoo is marketed for fine and limp hair which of course can't handle heavy detergents...so this is just the TOPS for my hair.
Made from the softest water and a coconut oil base with pure extractions of awapuhi (Hawiian Ginger), cherry bark, chamomile and much more...an organic product. Just don't seem to get better than this one for me.
Conditioner:
| Aveda Sap Moss Conditioner -- Love, this stuff! My hair still feels like butter after using this ($39.00 for a 33.8oz. -- The 6.7oz is $11.00 though) This conditioner is a detangler and they are telling the truth about that! Great during the transition and after...Read the review in my transitioning section above for more details. |
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| Nature's Gate Herbal Aloe Vera Treatment Conditioner -- Oh YES...this is the hot SUMMER time joint right here (retails for about $7.99 for an 18oz. bottle). The reason being is the addition of coffee and wild pansy extract...both of which is highly regarded for being an all natural sunscreen...making this product a perfect match for any warm weather/sunny days regimen. |
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| Truly up to the high Nature's Gate Standards...leaving my hair soft, moisturized and it smells so good. |
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| Nature's Gate Rainwater Herbal Awapuhi Conditioner -- Yes...I do believe that I saved the best for last (retails for about $8.99 for an 18oz. bottle). Just like the shampoo it is the most gentle product. Will not weigh your hair down and adds volume. Softness, moisture, great conditioning, smells GREAT just like the shampoo and smmmooooooth...:) Great comb through and detangler for my 100% Nappified self...lol... So this is going to be my regular joint for right now. Another great addition to the regular regimen. |
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Shine, Style, and Scalp Treatment:
Conditioning Leave-In Hair Smoothie -- Yes - Yes - Yall...this is my own NI8 signature product that I use for my hair Retail price TBA... Availability TBA... e-mail me for more details...coming to a shopping cart near you very soon..;)
| Product is used as a conditioning pomade for the hair...not meant for direct application to the scalp. The Conditioning Leave-In Hair Smoothie will greatly reduce (or eliminate) split ends, dry hair, frizzy ends, color/chemically damaged hair. |
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| My hair has actually been restructured and has become stronger than when I first began with this product...I have found my need for special deep treatments not nearly as needed (if at all) with continued use...(6 months or so). I have rarely (about 1 - 2 times in the past 12 months) felt the need to use a deep conditoning or protein treatment since I use the product continuously. |
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| Also with continued use because of the restructuring of the hair to stronger and healthier tresses...you may find that you may not have to use as much of the product as well. Unlike other products that your hair may get used to or build a resistance to requiring you to use MORE of the product to get the same results that you got 6 months ago with half the amount. For my product...the reverse IS true. |
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| Non-toxic. Optimum results in over all hair health especially when used in conjuction with any selected Scalp Oil. |
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| I Apply about a dollop (about the size of a half dollar coin for medium to long hair about the size of a quarter coin for short hair) |
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| Rub inbetween your palms and then distribute through out your hair ONLY...Style. For twists, braids etc. use on ends of hair to avoid split ends, dry out frizzy ends. |
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| The Conditioning Smoothie is perfect for twists, braids, locs (great beeswax free alternative), knots, cornrows, afro's, puffs, shine, leave-in conditioning, with just a bit of hold (aloe vera content) the thing to remember is that a little really does go a LONG WAY...so please monitor what is appropriate for your hair and don't over do it. |
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| I don't use anything else for shine, hold, leave-in condition, etc. -- no gels, beeswax, alcohol, jellies, holding puddings none of that. Just soft to the touch (when my hair is in twists they feel like velvet ropes), shine, with a great all natural (essential oils only) fragrance. |
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| *9oz jar, the best value, will last for about 2 1/2 - 3 months with daily applications to the ends of hair and full 'rub through' throughout hair after washing and conditioning hair at about 1 - 2 times a week. |
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| 2.5 oz jar will last for just a bit over a month...perfect for traveling or as a trial size. |
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| *And of course as I have mentioned before...the product WILL last longer with continued use as it does restructure the hair to it's optimum condition. |
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| *THIS JUST IN* - *PROMO ALERT* |
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| Recovery Scalp Oil Type 2 -- Another signature NI8 product...:) Specialized scalp treatment, scalp moisturizer with stimulating ingredients for the promotion of advanced healthy hair growth and thickness in thinning areas on the scalp. |
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| As well as maintaining a clean and healthy scalp with naturally sanitizing ingredients all while increasing blood circulation within your scalp. To invigorate, refreshen, and stimulate the scalp all while keeping pores unclogged and clean. You will FEEL the difference right away. |
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| That's exactly the results that I have been looking for and have received. The immediate results have been remarkable...and the continuing effects are rapidly steady growth with optimum hair health. This is coming from a sistah that has ALWAYS had the hair growth rate of a turtle with molasses on the feet...lol...and my immediate female family history has been the same...slow growing thin hair...(especially for the relaxed females in the family) This is definitely not the case now. Supa - Dupa - Big - Smile!! |
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| Also...highly recommended for the relief of dandruff, dry scalp, itchy scalp, flaky scalp, and similar scalp conditions. Non-toxic...including essential oils that invigorate and calming essential oils that relaxes your mind and puts your mood at ease. Optimum results for over all hair health are enhanced when used in conjuction with the Conditioning Hair Smoothie...Retail price TBA... Availability TBA... e-mail me for more details...coming to a shopping cart near you very soon..;) |
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| *I Apply oil to directly to scalp, rub a small amount to start with (about the size of a dime - nickel coin in your palm and dip finger tips in the oil) in gently with your finger tips..OR use hair oil applicator...use a bit more if needed...once you start to feel the 'menthol type sensation' (which should not be or has to be over whelming to be fully effective...just enough to tingle...don't over do it...the product is potent for optimum results) best applied after your hair has been washed and you are parting up your hair in sections for say...braids, twists, etc. |
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| For short styles (twa) you may apply directly to scalp and just rub in which will definitely be distributed throughout your scalp (and hair) which will result in the minimum usage (about a nickel size dollop) of Conditioning Smoothie for the very beginning...until your hair starts to grow out of course...using the Recovery Scalp Oil Type 2..:) |
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| *THIS JUST IN* - *PROMO ALERT* |
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Essential Oils:
Rosemary Essential Oil -- Most definitely a great addition for a water spritz or scalp oil - still(about $11 - $12 for a 4 oz. bottle). This is great for stimulating the scalp -- which promotes growth.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil -- Still a great additive to a water spritz or scalp oil (about $13 - $15 for a 1 oz. bottle). This is another oil that stimulates the scalp and has a pleasing fragrance to it as well.
Citris Essential Oils -- Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Tangerine...all PACKED with vitamin C (about $3.99 - $9.99 for 1oz. bottle for these)...one of the BEST natural preservatives around. Use as a natural preservative, anti-oxident, anti-bacterial additive in any of your own home creations. And of course the scents are amazing. UMMMMM!!! Very pleasing aroma.
Tea Tree Essential Oil -- Great for keeping the scalp CLEAN and dirt/oil free (retails for about $9.99 - $12.99 for 1oz. bottle). Get rid of that oily and flaking scalp. Healing, invigorating, excellent all natural scalp cleanser when used in a base oil or water infusion...VERY STRONG so please use with a light hand. Also great for minor scrapes, bumps, burns, pimples and other skin irritations.
Peppermint Essential Oil -- Refreshes and stimulates (about $8.99 for a 1oz. bottle). Antiseptic, anti-viral...promotes blood circulation which stimulates growth.
Rose Hip Seed Essential Oil -- High in vitamin C and essential fatty acids (abou $8.99 for 1oz. bottle). Hydrates the skin and makes an excellent skin and hair care treatment.
*The GENERAL rule is to use no more than 10 drops essential oils (combined) for every 2 ounces of base oil. Please be extremely careful when handling pure essential oils. Pure essential oils are extremely potent and can leave very serious effects to the skin, eyes, or other sensitive tissue if exposed directly. Please handle with extreme care and use protective measures such as gloves and goggles.
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