Best Cheap Hair Products for Natural and Relaxed Hair

I was relaxed my hair for many years and was able to achieve healthy long hair. It didn't start off that way though. I went through a long period of time where my relaxed hair was damaged, thin and not growing. 

Through much research, trial & error, and patience, I was able to grow my thin, neck length hair to thick, almost bra strap length hair right before I decided to transition to natural.
Most of that progress was attributed to changing my technique, but hair products were just as important.

When transitioning, I used most of the same products as when I was relaxed. Then when fully natural, I continued to use the same products. Of course, I added some different products along the way, but I quickly realized that most of the products I used on my relaxed hair worked on my natural hair.

I have tried just about every well known hair product in the healthy hair community; from salon quality to dollar store hair products. Because of that, I can attest that you don't need to spend a lot of money to grow and maintain long, healthy hair. 

Here are some cheap hair products for relaxed and natural hair that you may like. All these are less than $10.  If you are one of those naturals that prefer "all natural" hair products, some of these may not be your cup of tea. FTC: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

ORS Replenishing Conditioner 

This was a staple product throughout my relaxed and transitioning hair journey. Not only will it make

Review : Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask

What they say: Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask. This is blend with aloe vera juice and is infused with pure coconut water. Made with 100% aloe juice as first ingredient. It contains no parabens, no gluten, no SLS, no sulfated surfactants and no synthetic dye. This is vegan.

• Moisturized strands, mended split ends and a healthy glow with every use.
• Creamy shea butter is whipped into this hydrating deep conditioning mask along with rich coconut and macadamia oils to help deeply quench, nourish and soften to get hair back to looking healthy.
• Feel good about looking beautiful.
• Wholesome beauty.

Review: Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste

What they say: 

Smooth unruly edges and create your favorite natural style with this award winning product. Formulated with certified organic evening primrose, mango and shea butter (proven to seal in moisture, soothe dry scalp, and protect against harmful rays). Tame frizzy, out of control curls, and add amazing sheen all in one step. This product is the go to product for curlies demanding coiffed curls.

• No sulfates, silicones, parabens, artificial oils, colors or fragrances
• For multi-ethnic women and girls
• No animal testing

Late to the Party- Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I just want to sing this product praises! My hair has never felt so soft yet not greasy in so long.
Y'all know that I religiously used my AVJ mix/Shea-Butter as a moisturizer/sealant, but I started getting really tired of the Shea-butter smell. I tried putting different essential oils such as lemon, lavender or orange oil to mask the scent, but I wasn't feeling it. So, I wanted to try something different. I also felt like my hair could be a little softer. Well, last week I took advantage of CVS's BOGO sale on Shea-Moisture products. On Sunday, I purchased the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Deep Treatment Masque. Both worked wonders on my hair, but I particularly loved how the Curl Enhancing Smoothie felt(on my hair) and smelled. I went out later that week(on Saturday) and purchased another jar of the Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the shampoo. I hope I have enough to last until the next BOGO sale comes around because my hair feels and smells fabulous!  As for "enhancing curls", I didn't buy it for that, so I can't speak much on it.
The only draw-back is that it didn't give me much hold when doing a braid-out. My hair went right back to it's original texture, but I'm fine with that.. I was seriously sleeping on this product! But it's better late than never, right?


IngredientsDeionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silk Protein, Ammonium Salt, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil,

Original Cost at CVS and Walgreens: $13:49

Review: Luxe Therapy Scalp Smoother

I have tried almost every type of Afro pic under the sun. 

For the most part, they did their job which was to add a little more volume to my hair. But because my hair is kind of thick I needed something that could get to my roots easier while also being gentle on my hair. In comes the Scalp Smoother. I learned about this from MissCinnamonCake on Youtube. She used it in a few of her videos and also did a review.  I was sold by the review and purchased it a few weeks later. 

On to my review. 

Review: Taliah Waajid- The Great Detangler

As you all know, I purchased this product about 2 weeks ago. Since then, I have used it on my twists, to detangle when I took them out and on my loose hair. 

It honestly doesn't take me a while to figure out if I like a product or not, so I decided to come on here and give you all my opinion on it. 

If you're interested in The Great Detangler then keep on reading. 

Review: Silk Elements MegaSilk Intense Conditioning Mayonnaise

I received this product for free from Sally Beauty Supply when I renewed my Sally's card for $5.00 back in March. My staple moisturizing/mild protein deep conditioner is ORS Replenishing Conditioner, but I ran out of it and decided to try something new. 
I was very hesitant to try something new because I have a strict motto for my hair..."if it's not broke, don't fix it". Plus, I really don't want to suffer from any setbacks. 
So, before using this, I read many reviews and I also did a patch test to assure I wasn't allergic to this product. 

On to the review. 

Battle of the Gels

When it comes to gels, I have tried/used A LOT! 

I still haven't found that perfect non-alcohol gel, but I do have some favs. 

Keep reading for my assessment on some I have tried. 

How I use gel: 

Lightly dampen hair, add gel, smooth down with fingers or soft boar bristle brush, tie with scarf for 10-30 minutes.
I also only use the gel to the slick down the very front of my hair. 

 Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel- This is one of the healthiest options I have found. Not only is Aloe Vera great for hair growth, it is moisturizing as well. This gel doesn't give my hair a strong hold, but my hair also doesn't revert quickly after using this.
This is my favorite gel to use because it doesn't cause build-up or make my hair hard although I wish it were a little more strong.

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel- This used to be my favorite Gel. It gives great hold, made my hair shiny and has good ingredients. BUT the build-up it caused/causes is crazy. When using this, I had to make sure to clarify or give my hair a good wash often. It's also best not to use combined with many products. I have used the clear version Eco Styler as well and it wasn't as moisturizing and left my hair kind of hard.

ORS Edge Control- This is more of a wax than a gel. It does a pretty good job holding down the front of my hair for like an hour! I tried using this without water first and my hair still reverted pretty quickly. This also leaves a very waxy build-up in MY hair. Like.. if I were to scrape my hair with my nail, I would have this product all underneath it.  I have read it works well for a lot of people, but for me..it was somewhat a bust.

Fantasia IC Styling Gel- This gel worked great for me. I don't know why I strayed. It's first ingredient, I believe, is Aloe Vera. It was very moisturizing, left my hair shiny, no build-up, flakes, good hold, no hardness. Now, why did I stop using this again? It didn't give GREAT hold and I was looking for that perfect gel that I did not find. I still recommend this product to many people.

Lusters Renutrients Slick Stick- This wouldn't be classified as a gel, but I used it to slick down my edges. I don't even know where to start with this. It literally felt like  I was using a glue stick on my hair. Left the same color and coating. It also feels like wax, BUT it had my edges LAID! I still prefer not to use this because I don't like the look of white, waxy hair.

*I paid less than $6.00 for all of these and used them when I was between 1-20 weeks post relaxer. I currently use Aloe Vera Gel and sometimes the clear Eco-Styler Gel when I need that extra hold and plan on  washing the next day 

*All images found on google images

So, Ladies...what is your favorite gel or holding product?

Review: Roux Mendex Hair Repair Treatment

What they say:

•Adds vibrancy and shine to dry, brittle hair

•Rehydrates to give damaged hair new vitality

•Helps mend split ends and signs of damage

•Helps prevent hair from breaking

Roux Mendex Treatment is specifically formulated to help restore and repair damaged hair. Using a protective complex, Mendex surrounds the hair shaft, bonding split ends and helping to prevent further breakage. Dry, brittle and damaged hair is improved with increased shine and vitality. The self-adjusting formula never over-softens

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water) (Eau), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Lanolin, TEA-Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

*Some of these ingredients may seem questionable such as the parabens, sodium hydroxide and so forth. 
Please do a patch test before trying any products and educate yourself on these chemicals before placing on your scalp/body/hair. 

Directions: 

After shampooing, apply a generous amount of Roux Mendex Treatment to damp hair and work throughout. Leave on for one minute. Rinse well. For extremely damaged hair, cover with a plastic cap, place under medium heat for 10 minutes. Rinse well.

What Ms. D says: 

I have used this product off and on for about 3 years. It was one of my staple mild protein reconstructors and I would rotate between this and Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor.
This is a great conditioning treatment and it delivers what it promised on MY hair. I typically used this after a relaxer as my mid-protein step and it immediately strengthened my hair without leaving it too hard.
Whenever I would experience some minor breakage, I would shampoo, apply this on my hair for about 5 minutes, rinse, apply leave-ins and that's it. My hair would feel right back to normal. It's somewhat thick in consistency, so a little goes a long way and it will last you a pretty long time depending on how often you use it.
This acted as a light protein treatment on my hair because I didn't overdue it. I never slept with it on overnight or left it in my hair longer than 30 minutes. I also never mixed any additional products in this conditioner. I suggest the same for anyone else using it. 

Rated from 1-5: 
4

Cost: between $11.79 and $13.00
I purchased this at Sally's and would only buy it when there was a sale.

Can be found at: Sally Beauty Supply or some local beauty supply stores.
ETA 8/25/17- I believe this product is now discontinued and may be difficult to locate.


*Please note that I used this product when I was fully relaxed. I no longer use this only because I have established my transitioning staple products and so far my hair is doing well. 

Review- Hercules Sagemann: Magic Star Jumbo Rake Comb

Remember this post I did on paying $20 for a comb? Well I thought I would do a review on this for others thinking about purchasing it.

What they Say:

The Magic Star Jumbo Rake is an "all-around" comb. The Magic Star Jumbo Rake works like a hand to add volume, separate curls, and blend sleek straight styles. The Jumbo Rake can handle even the toughest jobs: detangling hair, distributing your favorite conditioner, gently gliding thru wet hair, awesome shower comb.

No worries about snagging or ripping your hair. The teeth are absolutely free of any seams or burrs. The teeth are hand-sawn, hand-cut and hand-polished to perfection! In the Salon, at home or when traveling, Hercules Sagemann's combs are unbeatable for styling.

What Ms. D Thinks:

I absolutely LOVE this comb!!!! I could tell an immediate difference when combing my hair. I have far LESS breakage and mostly only shed hair comes out. This comb just glides through my hair with-out me hearing any of those "snapping" sounds. I can even detangle in larger sections opposed to the really small sections I have done in the past.  It does detangle pretty well, but as you can see the teeth are very wide so I sometimes have to follow up a smaller tooth (HS1975 Styling Seamless Comb) comb to remove all shed hair and smaller tangles.

I also used this comb on my Aunts natural hair and it worked great on her. I was flat-ironing her hair using the comb chase method with a rat tail comb and when initially detangling with the Jumbo Rake, it made things easier.

I really wish I made this investment when I started my hair journey!

ETA: I previously used the Jilbere Shower Comb

Would Ms. D repurchase?- Only if I lost it! (Which I would be devasted if I did. LOL)

Cost: $17.50 (not including shipping)

Where to purchase: http://www.hotcombs.net/

Review: African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer Lotion

I have been using this moisturizer for about 6-7 months now so I decided to give a review...Here you go!

What they Say:

• Provides a healthy looking sheen
• Rich in extra virgin olive oil
• Non-greasy formula

African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer Lotion is rich in Extra Virgin Olive Oil for the ultimate in silky smooth deep conditioned hair and a moisture-rich, healthy scalp. Use regularly to help stop breakage, split-ends, and dryness.
African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer Lotion is perfect for blow drying, maintaining short hair styles, and moisturizing curly styles. Protects against the effects of chemical processes ands styling tools.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua,Eau, ) Glycine Soja (Soybean)Oil, Propolene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive)Fruit oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter),  Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)Oil,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed oil, Persia Gratissima (Avocado)Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Equisetum Hiemale ( Horsetail )Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia ( Tea Tree) Leaf Oil,  Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Steareth-2 Steareth-20,Polyquaternium-37, Propolyne Glycol,Dicprylate/Dicaprate,PPG-1,Trideceth-6,Phenyl Trimethicone,Laneth-15, Lanolin oil, Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin,TBHQ,Methylparaben,Propylparaben,CI 19140 (FD&C Yellow #5) Parfum (Fragrance)

What Ms.D says : I ALWAYS use this to moisturize my hair whenever I braid it. I also use this as a daily moisturizer but rotate with a protein moisturizer a few days a week.

My Review: When I purchase a moisturizer, I  look at the first 5 or 6 ingredients to see if I am familiar with them and if they are good. If you look at this product, the first few ingredients are GREAT. I have been using this for 6-7 months now and love it.
This moisturizer smells REALLLY good. It has a fruity smell, so for those who don't like that, it may annoy you.
Besides the smell, this is a great moisturizer for the price you pay. It keeps my relaxed hair and new-growth  moisturized all day and I  don't really need to seal with an oil after using it.....but me being paranoid, I do anyway. There is no protein at all in this moisturizer, so if you are protein sensitive...this will work great for you.
It has a thicker/slightly oily consistency, so a little really does go a long way.

Will I repurchase: Of course! I have repurchased this about 4 times and it remains a staple in my regimen.

Price: $2.99 for 12 oz @ Sally Beauty Supply

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser

As you can see, this is a non-related hair post...sorry ya'll!

I just wanted to RAVE about this product. I used this consistently in the past and I'm not sure why I stopped. Whenever I would get a pimple, I would dab some of this on it and leave it on overnight. The next morning, I would wash it off and the pimple would either be gone, dry out or shrink to a much smaller size. I would also use this as a full mask once a week and a cleanser.

Fast-forward 2 years
Last/this week, I was experiencing some small break-outs and I was thinking of ways to get rid of them. Now, I typically use Aveeno Positively Radiant facial cleanser and moisturizer, but I started to realize my skin looks REAL oily towards the middle of the day. I remembered that my skin reacted better to Neutrogena Products, so I went to target and browsed that section and saw my Beloved Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser. I purchased it right away!

Last night, I put some on each of my pimples and washed it off in the AM with the Aveeno. Low and behold, the pimples have shrunken and I'm pretty sure they will be gone by tomorrow! So, this is something I will never..ever switch out of my skin care regimen again!
I noticed that my skin reacts better to Benzoyl Peroxide and it HATES Salycilic Acid. I'm trying to figure out if I should use this as my only cleanser and ditch the Aveeno. I'll figure that out soon enough.

More about the Product!

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask is a breakthrough acne-fighting formula that can be used two ways:

- As a Daily Cleanser to kill the bacteria that can cause blackheads and breakouts. Gently massage the rich creamy lather over skin and rinse with water.

- As an Intensive Mask for deep cleansing and extra oil control. Smooth an even layer ober skin, allowing the formula to penetrate for up to 5 minutes before rinsing with water. You'll feel it's cooling intensity build as it penetrates into the pores.

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 3.5% (Acne Treatment)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Kaolin, Bentonite, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Titanium Dioxide, Trideceth-9, PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate, Menthol, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Fragrance

Price: $5.99 for 4.2 OZ

Review: Chi 44 Iron Guard

We all know that if we are planning on using any form of direct heat, a heat protectant should be used. Heat protection comes in various forms, such as a leave-in, serum, or water based spray. I have used all three kinds and sometimes combine two (for instance-using  Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Reconstructurizer as a leave-in then once hair dries spray Beyond the Zone Heat Protectant on my hair, then proceed to flat-iron or blow-dry). My sister gave me her heat protectant, Chi Iron guard, because
never used it and doesn't flat-iron or blow-dry her hair.
I have used it a few times and because it was "Chi", I thought it would be the holy grail of heat protectants....
See below for my review.



Product Features
Provides superior heat protection for hair from the inside out
Protects against styling and finishing damages from the hottest heat styling tools
Remains hair silky and shiny
Styles last longer with use
Weightless compound, style can be regenerated with heat again and again


Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, SD Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, PPG 20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG Propyl Silanetriol, Perfume (Fragrance), Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Ceramic

Product Description
CHI Iron Guard by Farouk provides superior heat protection, against styling and finishing damage from the hottest heat tools. Hair will remain silky and shiny, allowing your hair style to last longer

How I used it: When I last relaxed, I sprayed this on each section of my air dried hair before flat-ironing.
Also, before blow drying to stretch my underprocessed hair and/or newgrowth, I would spray this on about 98% dry hair.

My Review: My hair basically stuck together after a few days of using this as a heat protectant when flat-ironing. I figured it could have been because I sprayed on each section when I should have just sprayed through-out my hair. BUT when I used other heat-protectants, I did that and never experienced sticky hair. I also didn't experience the silky smooth hair I wished to. It didn't completely dry out my hair, but I didn't have that swang I would get using a serum,
So, I decided to give it another try, but this time blow-dry and only spray a very little on my hair. My hair still felt a little sticky and it wasn't as smooth as I wished.
I will give it one more try, but so far, I am not loving this

Will I re-purchase- No, I will not. Chi has great products, so I think if I were to purchase another heat protectant from them it will be the Silk Infusium,

Cost 8.5 oz:  free for me, but my sister paid $14.99 @ CVS BUT it can be as low as $9.00 at other places.

Organix - Acai Berry Avocado Shampoo

I purchased this towards the end of May because I was out of shampoo and Walgreens was having a BOGO sale for all Organix products.

I loved their Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo, so I purchased that again and picked up the Berry Avocado for free.

They Say: An exotic nutrient luxurious blend of antioxidant rich acai berry extract and guava to instantly nourish, re-energize and enrich your hair. Avocado proteins add nutrition and balance along with Moroccan argan oil to moisturize your tresses and create a shiny, smooth, frizz-free finish.

Alluring and totally intoxicating combination
Blends natural vitamins, proteins and minerals
Safe for color treated hair
Sulfate and paraben free
Not tested on animals

Ingredients: Aqua (Water) , Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine , Glycol Distearate , Dimethicone Copolyol , Cetyl Alcohol , Cocamide DEA , Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride , Polyquaternium-11 , DMDM Hydantoin , Panthenol , Silk Amino Acids , Acai Berry Extract , Avocado Extract , Albumen , Argan Extract , Hydrolyzed Milk Protein , Guava Extract , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) , Coumarin , Parfum


How I used it: After Pre-pooing (or conditioning overnight) I rinsed the pre-poo out and placed the shampoo diluted with a little water in my applicator bottle and dispursed all throughout my scalp/roots and let the rest seep into my hair. Massaged the shampoo in my scalp under running water and repeated one more time.
Edited to Add: I did not completely rinse of the prepoo, I wet my hair because I do not shampoo dry hair
 
Total Uses: 3
 
What I have to say: The shampoo smells soo good..of course because of the berry. It also lathers really well for being sulfate free. Unfortunately, it was very drying to my hair. My hair felt so hard after rinsing it out and I had to immediately follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. The shampoo felt as if it were a clarifying shampoo and stripped my hair of all the moisture placed from the pre-poo. Luckily, after conditioning, my hair felt back to normal.  If you look towards the end of the ingredient list, it contains protein, so this could be the reason for the dryness.
 
Will I re-purchase- NO, but I will use this once month as a clarifying shampoo and stick to the Cherry Blossom Ginseng
 
Cost: $6.99 for 13 oz. @ Walgreens

* I dilute my shampoo so it can come out of the applicator bottle easier, but I was happy I did so with this shampoo to avoid extremely negative results.

Gel is My Friend

I am 8 weeks post relaxer and just been damp bunning/clipping my hair lately. Right now, retention is key, so in order to retain most of my length, I have to keep my ends really moisturized. The only way for me to do that is to cowash more often and on days I don't cowash..... I moisturize and seal daily.

On co-wash and wash days, I do use products(conditioner, prepoo, leave-ins) with light protein such as wheat & vegetable protein or silk amino acids. Those products are keeping my hair strong yet soft and help to prevent a moisture overload.

Now about the Gel

The ONLY Gel that has been laying down my edges all day long, is Eco Styler Gel (olive oil). In order to prevent flakiness, I only apply it to my edges when they are damp, then I tie a scarf on the front of my hair for 10-15 minutes.
I usually use Aloe Vera Gel, but going forward during this stretch,  I'm sticking with Eco.
I bought a 12 oz tub of the Gel last summer and I have used it since then..but still have 90% left. A little does go a long way.




Ingredients:

Water , Carbomer , Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein , PVP , Glycerin , Triethanolamine , Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate , Polysorbate 20 , Tetrasodium EDTA , Olive Oil , Fragrance , Blue #1 , Yellow #11 , Love and Pride

When using a Gel like this, I have to make sure I clarify or wash my hair once a week, because this does cause build-up.

Caruso Roller Set

I used my Caruso Rollers the other night for the first time and I think I fell in love.

I couldn't get good pictures, but I will take some next time I use it (and when I finally get a new camera).

So, Saturday was wash day, I am 6 weeks post relaxer:

I pre-pood/did a Henna Treatment

Co-washed it out

ACV Rinse to clarify my scalp and hair

Then did a Moisturizing Deep Conditioning Treatment

Then Detangled and Airdried

My hair felt soo soft!!

For the roller-set:

I waited until my hair was basically 100% Airdried

Added a little moisturizer to each section before rolling

Used the Jumbo Rollers

And Rolled Upwards 

Kept the rollers on for about 30 minutes

 

For the Caruso Set:

I filled the reservoir with Distilled Water

Plugged it in

Took about 10 minutes for it to heat/steam up

Then when I was ready to put the rollers in my hair:

I took the clip off

then put the roller on the reservoir for about 10 seconds

then went about rolling my hair

More About the Caruso Rollers:

• Patented roller design allows for breathing space between the foam and the shield so steam evaporates faster and curls set tighter
• Unique shield lock holds rollers tightly and end caps have slots to hold clips when needed
• The Molecular roller foam (also called sponge curlers) holds steam to give you the most curling power
• 1 year limited warranty
• Three sizes:
• Medium (1"): For medium curls, medium to short hair, or medium to fine hair
• Large (1-1/4"): For looser curl, volume and body (may be referred to as "Jumbo Large" in packaging
• Jumbo (1-1/2"): For largest curls and waves, long or thick hair

How I feel about them:

I LOOOOVVEEE the Caruso Roller Set. It's very easy to use....like, you don't even need to know how to roller set easy. It really only takes 5-10 minutes after applying the rollers for your hair to curl. I know because I took one roller out just to see how it would look.

My hair felt sooooo soft and conditioned after taking out the rollers and I think it's because of the steam.

My curls lasted all night and mind you, I dance my butt off.

I also like the fact that it comes with different roller sizes so you can achieve your desired look.

I give these an A+

Cost: $35.90 from Amazon

Berry Butter- Shea Butter with a Twist

*click on image to visit website

I received some samples of Berry Butter- Shea Body Butters a little while back to review. I wanted to use them for a little while before giving my honest opinion.

About Berry Butter Products-  Berry Butter introduces a wonderfully fragrant twist to an already flawless moisturizer. Each of our products contains amounts of unrefined (white) Shea butter and is enhanced with intoxicating fragrances that last. Choose from floral and citrus-based fragrances for day--and warm, spicy, or woodsy fragrances for evening. Men and women of all ethnicities, easily find scents that compliment their unique body chemistry.

High quality and natural ingredients are used when hand-making the Berry Butter line of products. 100%, unrefined Shea butter is preferred so as not to sacrifice natural vitamins, especially vitamins A and E.

My Review- I received 5 different scents(Peppermint Foot Butter, Billie Holiday, Tango, Mediterranean Breeze and Brazilian Gold Butter), all with the same ingredients(only difference is the fragrance) except the Peppermint Foot Butter to review.  These "body butters" original purpose are to moisturize your body similar to using lotion, but they also work very well for your hair.

For Skin- I used the Tango, Mediterranean Breeze and Brazilian Gold Scents on my skin after showering and my body stayed moisturized all day long. Those scents smell so incredibly good, all very tropically(if that's even word) with a hint of strawberry/berry. These scents aren't overbearing, but they do linger for a while. Many co-workers asked what kind of body spray I used, when in all actuality it was just the butters.
I ended up giving the Billie Holiday Butter to my father because I felt it had more of a masculine scent. Although, it was very strong and and reminded me of potpourri. He used it for his feet and stated that it made them feel so smooth.

ConairPro Soft Bonnet Attachment

I purchased this ConairPro Soft Bonnet Attachment so I can deep condition with heat now.
This is one thing I never did through-out my hair journey. I would normally just deep condition on either wet or dry hair, put a plastic cap or one of those self/body heating(they are the gold or silver plastic caps) caps on for like 2-3 hours and call it a day.
I'm still not sure if it's more effective to use heat or not because after researching, views seem to be varied. But it's worth a try.

My Review:

This thing gets pretty darn hot. I turned the blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting and it still got really hot. I only keep it on for about 10 minutes and I believe that's effective enough for my deep conditioning treatment.
The bonnet is pretty large, I think I could actually use this to dry a roller set or a flexi-rod set. I may give that a try.
One thing that I like about this, is that I can sit on my couch, watch tv, and do whatever while deep conditioning my hair.
This also fits almost all blow-dryers.

How I use this :

After prepooing then washing my hair, I apply a moisturizing deep conditioner(mixed with oils) then put on a plastic cap.
Then I attach my blow-dryer to the end of the attachment, put the bonnet on my head, then turn the blow-dryer on low heat.
I keep the bonnet on for 10 minutes then depending on my schedule....I would either wash out the deep conditioner or just keep the plastic cap on and wash out whenever I feel like it.

Cost:

$8.99 at Sally Beauty Supply
*  I had a $10 off $20 purchase so, that's why I purchased this.

Mane n' Tail Enriched Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener

I picked this up a few weeks ago because at Sally Beauty Supply, they had a BOGO sale for some Mane n Tail products. I needed conditioner, so I purchased their moisturizing conditioner and got this leave-in for free.
*See below for my review











What they Say:

•Provides essential nutrients to help prevent split ends
•Protects hair strands from heat styling
•Prevents damage from chemical services
•Conditions and prevents frizz
•Improves hair texture
•Alcohol Free
•Adds shine

Mane 'n Tail Moisture Enriched Hair Strengthener contains an advanced daily use protective formula that increases hair strength. Stronger hair holds up better to the stress of daily styling, heat appliances and chemical treatments. Conditions and fortifies already damaged hair for a renewed, lustrous, healthy look. Helps prevent hair breakage and split ends which make hair look dull and frizzy. Natural oils nourish and condition while essential moisturizing ingrediants corrects the drying caused by sun, wind and use of bleach and peroxide lighteners. Keeps hair tangle free, soft and manageable.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-11, Dimethicone Copolylol, Isostearomidopropyl Morpholine Lactate, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder), Horsetail (Equiesetum Arvense) Leaf Extract, Chaparral (Larrea Divaricata) Extract, Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) Flower Extract, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) Seed Extract, Meadowsweet (Spiraea Ulmaria) Flower Extract, Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Flower Extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Allantoin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Panthenol, Niacin, Fragrance (Parfum), Cinnamal, Coumarin


Cost: $4.99 (Sally Beauty Supply)

What I have Say: I used this product in the beginning of my hair journey and I don't know why I stopped.  My hair always felt strong & soft and I never had an issue with stickiness or brittle feeling hair.If you look at the bolded ingredients, this product does contain a little protein, but it has moisturizing properties as well.
After using it for the last few weeks, my hair still responds well to this. When using this as a leave-in, my hair drys frizz-free, which is a plus because I air-dry 98.9% of the time.
I don't think it smells too bad either. It's hard to describe the scent, but to me it smells okay(not great, but not bad)

How I use it: Because it is said that products made from the same manufacturer sometimes work best used together, I decided to use this as a leave-in after I do I co-washes with the Mane n' Tail Conditioner. I also spray a little of this through-out my hair before moisturizing with a creamy moisturizer.
*On the bottle it said this can be used on dry or damp/wet hair.

Will I re-purchase?- Yes. I am done with the whole experimenting thing when it comes to leave-ins and conditioners. I found what works for me...and I will now stick with them.


* When doing reviews, I try to review products that are affordable and easily accessable. What works for me may not work for you. But remember, items can be returned if you are not satisfied.

First Purchase of the Year- Tangle Teezer

One of my 2011 Hair Resolutions is to spend no more than $300 on Hair Products/Appliances.
What better way to track this then on my blog! I guess this can be like "Haul" or "Review"(not promoting, just letting you know what works or didn't work for me)  Posts. But there wont be many because I'm on a budget.

I heard great things about the Tangle Teezer as far as detangling natural and relaxed hair. My relaxed ends don't get tangled much, but my new-growth is something else, especially being 14 weeks post. I need to avoid tangles and matting as much as possible or this stretch would be counter-productive. So, I went out and purchased one yesterday. I of course used it yesterday as well, not only because I was anxious to try it out, but my hair needed a good detangling session.

So here goes my Review:

What they Say:

Your perfect hair care partner, Tangle Teezer Original is a gentle pain free hair detangler that has been referred to as the miracle brush that detangles like nothing else. Its secret is it allows you to manage and style your hair as never before, transforming tangled hair into stress free, style-able hair and encouraging your hair’s natural shine and thickness to return

What I Say:

I like it...I really like it! Never has my 4B(really kinky,course) hair detangled so easily and come out really soft at that. The brissles glided through my new-growth so effortlessly and easily. I felt like it removed shed hair that was stuck between my strands for a while. However, I did have 5-6 broken hairs, but this could be normal wear and tear. This is the first and last detangling brush I will purchase.
UPDATE
Tangle Teezer has been returned to Sally's due to more breakage then normal.
How I used it:

1.)Sectioned Hair of in medium to small sections
2.) Sprayed each section with moisturizer(more moisturizer on roots)
3.) Lightly Detangled Relaxed ends with Wide Tooth Comb
4.) Combed through new growth with Tangle Teezer, then lightly glided through relaxed ends
* This could work better on wet hair loaded with conditioner which I will try next.


Purchased from: Sally Beauty Supply (can be ordered on Amazon, but it's more $$...this item also originated from the UK)

Cost: $10.00 ($9.49 with Sally's card) I paid $8.40 because I had a 15% off coupon

*Remember, if you purchase any hair products from Sally's (maybe other places too, just not sure)  and you don't like it...you can always return them as long as you have a receipt. Do not let your money go to waste. Also, on the back of most products there is a number to call for a refund as well.