Cantu Moisturizing Twist and Lock Gel

OMG!!!! I love, love, love, love, LOVE this gel! No, seriously. I tried others and they just did not stand up to this one. They were too watery or too flaky or just did not produce the look I wanted, expected or would settle for. However, when I came across this one, I first fell in love with smell- mmmm...it's so, so good. The packaging seemed to have everything that I was looking for in a gel for my twist-outs, so I gave it a try.

The first time I applied it, I knew, or rather- I was quite hopeful that this was exactly what I was looking for and indeed it was. The consistency is great, nice and thick- something that can handle and hold my hair. Even when apply a very generous amount, it gives me the perfect hold and no 'crunch.'

I don't see myself switching to anything else. This is perfect. It leaves my curls nice and firm, yet still bouncy and light. Besides all those grea things it also doesn't leave a dent in my pocket some other products high in popularity.

Product Review: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream

Having already tried the Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel and absolutely loving it, when it was time to shop for a new leave-in I naturally wanted to try this one. First of all, the smell is so very delightful - I love it. (If you didn't know, I am very big on smell, LOL).

I use it after shampooing but also as my daily leave-in. I have very thick, coarse 4b/4c hair and this stuff leaves my hair feeling so soft and smooth. The consistency is great, it isn't too thin or too thick. It doesn't clump up when you apply it or leave white spotches when it dries and not experiencing breakage as I was before. And, of course, the shea butter that is in it keeps my hair with a nice amount of moisture- which I can't get enough of! :-)

I would definitely recommend this product for those that aren't satisfied with what they are using currently. Or if you are just looking for something new and have never tried it-- give it a go, it just might be your new favorite conditioner!

I don't know what you're using, but this Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream is most definitely keeping my hair both HAPPY and HEALTHY. A must-have for my hair!

1st Thoughts: Dark and Lovely 10-in-1 Styles Gelee

Okay, so if you follow this blog you know that I was quite ready to dive into Dark and Lovely's new Au Naturale line of products.

I tried the shampoo on my daughter's 3c type hair and I liked the results that I got. It was pretty much what I had hoped and expected that it would do as far as elongating her curls. Her curls define pretty well on their own so that aspect of it was not something I was really looking for in regards to her hair.

I will update with results of what it does for my own 4b type hair soon!

Meanwhile, I also purchased the Au Naturale 10-in-1 Gelee from Dark and Lovely. You know, might as well see what each product in the line has to offer, right? Well, I must say that I was not too pleased with the gelee. The consistency is just too watery for my tastes. When I got it home and really looked at it, I was thinking to myself " I don't know about this one." My gut feeling was right. That runny stuff is just no good for my THICK hair. It can't possibly hold and help define my hair for twist-outs and knot-outs, etc, etc. So sadly, I must say that I will not be adding it to my "Hair Life" team of products.

It may or may not work for you and give you the results that you are looking for, but for me it was a no-no. I will have to pass on this one! If you do or have used it, I would love to know how it worked for you. Leave me a comment and let me know.

Ta-ta for now.

Keep that hair HAPPY! :)

1st Thoughts: Dark and Lovely Au Naturale "Hydrating Soak Shampoo"

Well, let me start by saying I was quite pleased to see that Dark and Lovely created this line and was very excited to give it try and see if it really did what it said it could.

Their formula is supposed to elongate, soften and define curls. So, hello! this is what I need. :)
I actually used the shampoo on my daughter's hair, which is more of a 3b/3c texture. Her curls/coils are very, very tight and her hair is very, VERY thick. I really wanted to try it on her hair because her hair is so long, but with those tight curls, after washing and letting it air-dry, there is quite a it of shrinkage. Still cute, mind you, but not all that it could be.

So, I washed her hair with it and boy, was I pleased. It really made her curls looser. I could tell right away while washing it that there was a difference. The curls were still very much defined, light and bouncy, but not as tight as they'd usually be after washing her hair. Not to mention how good it smells. That coconut milk and honey is a delightful combination.

So, I really think it's a great product. I'm just anxious to give it a go on my mane! If you try it, let me know what YOU think by using the "comment" section of this post.

Product Review: Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil

I have recently begun using the olive oil by Hollywood Beauty. I decided to purchase to help aid with fighting my hair breakage. Right on the first application and usage, I really loved it. Makes hair really soft and the sheen is to die for! Hair feels a lot more moisturized.

In addition to softness and sheen, I used this on the ends of my hair where I noticed a bit a of breakage. I would imagine I'll need a bit more time to see a difference, but I am thinking it will make the hair healthier in time.

I have also used this olive oil for heat protection when I flat-iron my hair. Unlike some natural girls out there, I DO use heat with my hair. My hair is so very, very thick and sometimes, depending on the hair style or my mood, I do flat iron my hair. Of course, when applying heat to your hair it is always recommended that you use a heat protector.

I definitely recommend Hollywood Beauty's Olive Oil. It gets the job done.

Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Products

Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Hydrating Soak Shampoo.


Recently purchased. No harsh chemicals. Great for ALL curl types.

Dark and Lovely Au Naturale 10-IN-1 Gelee

Great for natural hair hairstyling. Knot-Outs, Braid-outs, Twist-outs....etc. Lots of hold with no "crunch!"

Can't wait to try on my twist-out....pics soon to come