I was contacted by a company called Regrowzthat produce an all natural scalp homeopathic system to help stimulate hair growth & regrowth.
Regrowz is based on ancient Ayurvedic medicine that includes about 30+ plants and herbal ingredients. The recipe is specifically formulated to prevent, stop and reverse the effects of hereditary hair loss in both men and women. It is designed to help with scalp stimulation in order to help grow and regrow hair and should be focused on the area/s affected with slow/no growth.
Regrowz can either be used for 3 months – 6 months (depending on your personal needs) and has developed to be used for both women and men but both are said to be effective in the same way.
The Regrowz Scalp Stimulant is developed to help open the pores (in areas where you have experienced hair loss) and is the first step to preparing the scalp to receive the Restoration Serum (step 2). The comb attachment acts as a deep exfoliant, cleansing the scalp of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is contained within the natural oil produced by the scalp (sebum). It should be left on the scalp for a 30 minute period before applying the Restoration Serum (without rinsing it).
Similar to the Scalp Stimulant, the serum should be focused on the scalp itself and massaged for 1 minute and then left on for a minimum of 60 minutes to overnight (by covering the hair with a shower cap/plastic bag in order to avoid staining). It is said to have been effective in 100% of those that have used the serum and clinical studies of those that participated reported a 39.41% reduction in total hair loss with up to 44.90% individual reduction for some.
After 60 minutes – overnight the products needs to be washed out of the hair with shampoo. This system is most effective when used frequently (every other day is best).
I was given a discount code: 10caregrowz46 that can be used upon checkout on Regrows.
I plan on monitoring my progress in my crown and back of head area since my crown seems to grow the slowest and the hair on the back of my neck experiences more tension/friction while wearing my hair down, using a scarf or putting it up in a ponytail. I shall be using Regrowz for 3 months and will do a 1.5 month update as well as after 3 months.
My Wash-n-Go started with my wash day process where I first used the Strengthen Shampoo:
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
1. Cleansing Using about 4-5 pumps of the shampoo after damping my hair with water (I wash my hair in sections) I focused on my roots and scalp first in order to remove product buildup, sweat, dirt etc. Using my finger tips I gently massaged my scalp and worked the shampoo. I also used my scalp massage brush to help lift product buildup and sweat from my scalp. I added another 3 pumps of shampoo onto my roots and scalp before working the shampoo on the length of my hair. It smells divine and had a little bit of slip to help detangle (however, I did not necessarily focus on detangling while using the shampoo that came later). I have always had a hate hate relationship with shampoo because from past experience they have ALWAYS left my hair feeling dry and stripped. However, this shampoo did neither! It lathered up a little bit and left my hair feel clean without stripped of natural oils produced by the scalp. It basically left my scalp and hair feeling clean without that typical “squeaky clean” feeling I have experienced in the past. In terms of shampoos, this definitely has been one of the best I have personally used.
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
2. Conditioning: After shampoo-ing I moved onto their Strengthening Conditioner (Intense Moisture). I struggled getting the conditioner out of the pump because it is really really thick which, is something I had anticipated when I did my initial review of the box (check my previous post). I ended up removing the pump and just squeezed the conditioner out of the container. I worked the conditioner from ends to roots since the ends of our hair is the oldest and driest parts so I focus on that first. I am very heavy handed with conditioner because this is when I really finger detangle and remove shed hair (using my fingers as a comb – I no longer use a comb while washing my hair). This conditioner melted into my hair, despite being really really thick. I had anticipated that it would sit on my hair but I was proven wrong! It basically dissolved. My curls were left detangled, soft, moisturized and clumped together. I absolutely loved how hydrated my hair felt after using the conditioner. I was left with a normal amount of shed hair (for me) as I would on any other wash day. I left the conditioner on with a shower cap for 10 minutes (as per their instructions) and then rinsed it out.
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
3.Moisturizing For the Wash-n-Go process I first moisturized my hair with their Strengthening Butter Creme Leave-in Conditioner. This is the thickest Leave-in Conditioner I have ever applied on my hair! I was actually a little worried that it might just coat my strands because of the thick consistency of the product, especially since I have fine strands. I also wasn’t sure if my curls would be weighed down due to the product just sitting on top of the strands instead of being absorbed but I yet again was proven wrong! My hair literally drank up the Leave-in! It did’t sit on top of my hair, it practically melted into int nor did it leave it feeling greasy in any way. I really put it to the test by applying A LOT of Leave-In. It smells amazing and left my curls moisturized, soft, shiny, hydrated and clumped together. After applying the leave-in is when I go for my wide tooth comb to make sure I have gotten rid of all tangles and shed hair (my comb was free of shed hair at this point).
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
4. Defining:To define my Wash-n-Go I used the Strengthening Curling Custard. This is another product that is thick in consistency however, it has more of a cream texture compared to the Leave-In. This product helped to enhance my curls, clumped each strand and also left my hair smelling amazing and looking shiny. It didn’t leave it feeling coated nor did I have a “crunchy” after effect on my curls. I was left with fluffy, frizz free, bouncy hair that had body, movement and definition.
Final Verdict:
Overall, I loved the results of my Wash-n-Go, from cleansing right down to styling. I was impressed with how well my hair absorbed the products without feeling weighed down nor product overloaded. My hair had volume while having little to no frizz (I went to town with my Afro comb because I LOVE lifting my roots to create MORE volume). My curls were defined, soft, shiny and hydrated.
Initially I did wish that the line included some kind of oil since I am used to applying one after moisturizing my hair however, I think that since both the leave-in and the curling custard include oils such as: sweet almond oil, black cumin seed oil, olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil and even Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter, I think for someone with fine hair such as myself the oils included in the products are sufficient. (I don’t know if those with thicker hair strands (coarser) hair would feel the same). I would have liked to see a Deep Conditioner in the product line because my wash day usually includes deep conditioning on a weekly basis. Maybe that will be added at some point.
Other than that, I enjoyed using the line & look forward to trying the other styling product I received when I do a Bantu Knot-out!
Let me know if you have ever tried Revlon Realistic Black Seed Oil and what you thought!
I hope this post finds you well! I am excited to share this one with you.
This one is all about my first impression upon unboxing the Revlon Realistic Black Seed Oil line!
So before I even begin, I need to first say THANK YOU to both Revlon Realistic USAfor their product line which, I was sent by Brown Girl Bloggers. THANK YOU so so much!!!
I was sent an email with a link to sign up to receive the products through Brown Girl Bloggers (I was following them before that happened) and that’s how I actually was introduced to Revlon Realistic USA. One of the reasons why I opted to try the products is because it is designed for and caters to natural hair! If you have been following me for a while, you’ll know that I have been all about that DIY life after a couple of months of being fully natural (and still am). But one of the main reasons why I did was because I do not have access to all the well known international natural hair brands locally because the market here caters to other ethnic hair types. SO, if I happen to find something “commercial” or store bought that caters towards natural hair and catches my eye, I will try it! In case you are interested in trying the products yourself, I suggest checking out both Revlon Realistic USAandBrown Girl Bloggers. That’s the back story.
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
Before I get into it: while I was sent these products to try out, I have no issue what so ever to state exactly how I feel or what I think when I have tried products/ingredients that did/didn’t work for me so all opinions stated below are all my own and are HONEST!
Ok let’s get to the good stuff shall we….
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
I was sent a total of 5 products in my box along with a really cute T-shirt (I got to pick the size and opted for small which, fits perfectly), a comb set (a rat tail and wide tooth comb) and a really cute fan! As I write this, I have yet to try the products but I wanted to share my initial thoughts/impressions on the products in terms of ingredients, consistency and scent.
Black Seed Oil Product line
Revlon Realistic Strengthening Shampoo
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
For those of you that have followed me for a while, you will know that I usually do not use commercial/store bought shampoo. Most of my experiences with commercial shampoo has been less than pleasant (at least the type of shampoo we have available locally which again, isn’t necessarily catered towards natural hair). So I have stayed clear of it for a while. Instead, I normally reach for an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse, shikakai or Raw African Soap. I am however, intrigued to try this shampoo because of the fact that is catered to natural hair and also because of the fact that some of the ingredients in the shampoo are nourishing and makes it sound like it won’t be stripping. Here are some of the ingredients:
Glycerin
Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil,
Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
When it comes to the scent, this shampoo has a really light citrus smell with that familiar cleansing shampoo scent but it is subtle. The consistency of it is slightly creamy which, makes me believe it might provide a little slip (still have to put it to the test) along with it being nourishing (versus stripping like normal shampoos) because of all the oils and moisturizing ingredients (stay tuned for my next post about this line where I will use the shampoo).
I had to jump right in to that part of the consistency of the conditioner because it is THICK! When I pulled the pump off to get a look at the consistency and scent; there hardly was any on the pump itself because of how thick it is! Yes, it was that thick (take a look at my video below for my reaction). So I am anticipating how this will feel on my hair because I believe it will provide great slip because of the fact that it will coat the hair while providing moisture due to the ingredients:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil
Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil
Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil
Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) oil
Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Oil
The instructions on the bottle says to leave the conditioner on for 10 minutes before rinsing it out (which I shall follow) donning a shower cap. It has a really soft sweet scent to it. In all honesty by the time I got to smelling the conditioner I already was in love with the scent of their products.
This is another product from the line that is SUPER thick, it actually has a custard consistency. I am SUPER EXCITED to put it to the test because I have fine hair so I am interested to see if it will weigh my hair down or not. My hope is that my hair will be left moisturized, bouncy and shiny without being weighed down. It contains some really good ingredients as well such as:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil,
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract
One thing about this product is that it includes cones. So, if you have been following me you’ll know that I usually do not apply cones on my hair for the simple fact that I don’t usually use shampoo. Shampoo is the only real way to remove cones from the hair and since I did get a natural hair shampoo with this line, I am willing to give the leave-in conditioner a try. (I shall be using the shampoo on wash days whenever I use the line in general).
Revlon Realistic Strengthening Curling Custard
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
The curling custard is a curl defining product that I plan on testing for a wash-n-go (I shall be sharing that via a YouTube video & blog post). The curling custard has a rich creamy consistency but is less thick than their leave-in conditioner. Every product in the line has a slightly difference scent to it and this one has a slightly different citrus smell to it in comparison to their leave-in but is equally divine. In terms of ingredients:
Glycerin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
Aside from some of the ingredients above, the styling product does include cones as well. So, as with the leave-in conditioner, I shall be following up with their shampoo on wash day.
Revlon Realistic Strengthening Twisting Pudding
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
This is obviously a styling product that can be used for twist-outs along with other styles such as Bantu Knot-outs, braid outs etc to give you extra definition. The Twisting Pudding is the “lightest” product in the line in comparison to the rest that I received and also has a light citrus scent to it. Some of the ingredients are:
Glycerin
Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract
Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Leaf Extract
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract,
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol
This also happens to be another product with cones in them, so yes, it too shall be followed up with their shampoo on wash days after using it.
All products in the line have no mineral oil, no petrolatum, no sulfates, no parabens and no colorants. They have two additional products in the Black Seed Oil line that were not included in my particualr box: a Strengthening Edge Control and a Strengthening Curl Revive.
So as I mentioned I got 5 products in total and will be using them in combination to do a Wash-n-Go as well as a Bantu Knot-out that will be recorded. But first, take a peek at my unboxing video below where you can see each product (including the t-shirt, combs and fan) I received.
Once again I want to thank Revlon Realistic USA and Brown Girl Bloggers for my product box and I look forward to sharing my review and styling videos using the line!
I am BACK! (again lol) Let’s skip the wishy-washy and get straight into it.
Today I’ve got a new DIY recipe to share: Black African Soap Shampoo.
So as the name suggestions, it is a hair shampoo, it is all natural and yes, it is simple!
As with any commercial shampoo (which I personally don’t use) I use this to help cleanse my scalp from product buildup (my roots) and then I slowly work my way down the length of my hair. Previously I had been using Shikakai as a cleanser and I have nothing “bad” to say about it but I wanted a change and stumbled upon Raw African Black Soap.
What Is Black African Soap?
Black African Soap is traditionally made in West Africa from harvested plants such as sun dried dried plantain, cocoa pods, barks of Shea tree and palm leaves. Palm oil, palm kernel oil and water is also added to form the soap, which is left to “cure” before it is ready for use.
Black African Soap can be used for both your hair and skin ( I will have a separate recipes for the skin – I use it to cleanse my face). Some of the many properties of this soap:
Anti-fungal
Antibacterial
Cleansing
Reducing Oil productions (for overly oil skin since it does contain moisturizing properties to help balance the natural sebum produced by the skin).
Moisturizing
Helps sooth irritated skin
Reduces acne, blemishes and fine scars/lines
Recipe:
1 oz Raw Black African Soap.
8 oz warm Water (I use bottled water because my facet has hard water).
1 tsp Almond Oil
1 tsp Grapeseed Oil
1 tsp Glycerin Oil
5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Ingredient Alternatives:
You can use any oil/oils you have at home, you must not stick by what I personally use. You can skip the use of Essential Oils (or replace them with your favorites) I like using Peppermint Essential Oil because it has a tingling effect on the scalp that helps to stimulate blood flow which helps to stimulate growth, it also has cleansing properties, anti-fungal & anti bacterial properties and smells AMAZING! Lavender Essential Oil has a relaxing and soothing effect. I add glycerin to my recipe because it is a humectant and while Black Soap has moisturizing properties on its own I don’t find it moisturizing enough so the addition of glycerin seems to boost that (but it is optional).
If you use Black African Soap, please leave me a comment below with your own recipe! I love learning and love sharing your recipes with my readers! And if you happen to try mine, please do leave me some feedback on what you think!
Here is my second styling tutorial using the Avocurl Line – Conditioning Butter.
As I mentioned in my first tutorial using their Daily Moisturizer, I was contacted by the founder Jasmine, to be a Brand Ambassador. For this demonstration, I used their conditioning butter to do a Wash & Go.
Today I am super excited to share some news along with a tutorial!
I was recently contacted by a natural product company called Avocurl. The owner (a gorgeous and extremely lovely natural herself) asked if I would be interested to join her Brand Ambassador program. I of course did my research on the company and their products before happily saying YES! I will have a product review video and post later this week but just a heads up, I was more than pleased to say yes because of the product itself (the ingredients in the products and the back story behind them).
So without further ado let’s get on with the tutorial shall we:
I applied the products as follows: Moisturizer, Oil and Gel. I let my hair dry and set overnight before taking down my twists with a little oil on my fingertips. I separated my very very very defined curls, fluffed a little and Le Fin!
As the days went on, my hair got bigger and better (always happens with me and my fine hair strands). The photo below is day 3.
Like I said, I was sent two products so my new tutorial will be using the Conditioning butter to do a wash and go followed by a product review of both.
I want to quickly rethank Jasmine for sending me her lovely products, I look forward to working together with Avocurl!
(Disclaimer: all thoughts and experiences expressed are my own honest review).
If you happen to buy any of Avocurlplease let me know what you think of the products (and don’t forget to use the code to get your discount!)
A good old Cup of Joe for the hair! Yes, coffee Maicurlies! You might have noticed that a few of my other recipes (mainly my whipped butters and oils) include coffee and so today I wanted to share a quick and easy recipe that will literally take you 5 minutes to put together!
A lot of commercial products include coffee/caffeine based ingredients because:
It stimulates the roots due to the increase in oxygen and blood circulated to the scalp.
With root stimulation comes hair growth!
It is known to reduce breakage.
Extremely effective in reducing shedding
Caffeine promotes shine to the hair.
Coffee deepens the colour of brown – black hair (not permanent but with frequent use is more visible).
Add’s natural highlights to the hair (not permanent but with frequent use is more visible).
Can potentially mildly darken grey hair (not always visible).
*Any men reading this and perhaps going through very early stages of hair follicle miniaturization caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) you can also try applying coffee to your roots to help slow down the miniaturization of your hair follicles.
A few things to keep in mind:
If you are not looking to darken your hair then stay clear of coffee rinses (blond/bleached/highlights).
If you are not a fan of coffee/allergic or sensitive to caffeine, it is best to stay away from coffee rinses.
Some of you might feel that a rinse with shampoo and/or conditioner might not be sufficient for you after the rinse, therefore a quick Deep Condition should have your hair feeling awesome (do what works for you).
Remember to wear a top you don’t mind getting stained, use a towel you don’t mind getting stained and immidetly rinse your shower/sink after application to avoid stains.
Use a shower cap to contain any dripping.
Ingredients/Tools:
8.8 oz. Plain Water
1 oz. Roasted Coffee Beans – you can lightly grind them to get more coffee essence*
3 drops Peppermint Essential (optional) – or any Essential Oil of choice**
Pot
Spoon
Sieve
Clean & Disinfected Container (e.g. a squeeze bottle/bowl/measuring cup etc)
Gloves (optional)
*Yes you do have to use coffee beans, instant coffee is just not going to cut it!
**If you are pregnant please do not use Essential Oil (you should consult your doctor if it is alright for you use to coffee rinses during pregnancy).
Alternatives:
I use quite a lot of water since I like to make sure my hair is completely soaked in the coffee (you might need more/less depending on your hair density & length). You could potentially add some Rose water to this mix (e.g. 7.7.oz water 1.1 oz rose water). The Essential Oil is optional and can be replaced with any you like or skipped all together, I use peppermint because it s great for the scalp, stimulates blood flow and I love the tingly feeling I get when I use it! Instant coffee will not be of any benefit for your hair so please refrain from using it (if you do not have coffee beans, opt for a tea rinse e.g. the two I mentioned above or Black Tea which is much stronger).
Mixing:
Basically you are brewing a light cup of coffee. You can grind the coffee beans for just a few second (you do not want to make powder because the coffee bits might get stuck in your hair!). Add the beans to the water on the stove and boil for 5 minutes. Note: the longer you boil the stronger and darker the coffee will become. Sieve out the coffee beans and then transfer the coffee to your container. Once it is at room temperature you can add your Essential Oil and you are done!
Process:
I like to start on my roots first and then move onto the length of my hair. I split my hair in two sections while applying and then once done I cover my hair with a shower cap for 20 – 30 minutes. I move onto applying my conditioner (or deep conditioner) if my hair feel dry. I actually just slap on the conditioner over the coffee (because I only have to rinse once) but that is optional. If you plan to use shampoo then rinse with shampoo first and follow up with conditioner/Deep Conditioner.
If you use coffee rinses for you hair, or plan to please do let me know I love hearing from you!
This literally is a just a quick “For Your Information” post to inform you that Nikki Walton (a.k.a. CurlyNikki) has released her second book! Her new book “When Good Hair Goes Bad”*drum roll please* can be downloaded for FREE! Yes, I said for FREE!!!! (I would hurry as the eBook might only be out for free for a limited time).
NOTE: I was neither paid, compensated nor requested to share this information, I happen to be subscribed to curlynikki.com and received a Newsletter update with information about the book’s publication and eBook version.
Her first book “Better Than Good Hair” was published three years ago and was all about empowering woman to take control of their hair care and providing emotional support. This time “When Good Hair Goes Bad” has a compilation of quick hair fixes, tips and tricks at just the turn of a page!
I will leave it at that for the moment since I have only had a chance to glance over the eBook (I love what I have seen so far) plus I might just have to squeeze in another eBook review so I don’t want to give too much away just yet.
Anyways, happy downloading and happy reading Maicurlies!
If you get a chance to read it please let me know what you think, you know I love hearing from you!
DISCLAIMER: Please note, I want to make it clear that I was contacted by a representative working for Kimberly to see if I would be interested to to review her eBook on my Blog/YouTube Channel and I was pleased to do so.
I have always insisted on openness and honesty on my blog/channel and would never compromise my integrity to provide truthful information whether it is in the form of information sharing, a review, a DIY mix or a product suggestion. That holds true with this review, and having been sent the eBook did not influence my thoughts on it, one way or the other. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own honest opinions. I was not paid or compensated to state anything mentioned in the video and/or my blog post.
“Curly Halo – Your Natural Hair Care Reference Guide & Workbook”
Who are the target readers?:Those that have been natural for a while can benefit from the book thanks to the fact that it includes helpful information that any natural can use along their continued Natural Hair Journey (regardless of how far along they are). It includes hair and scalp care tips which again is why I suggest “long term” naturals can benefit from it. Now for those that are either considering going back natural, those transitioning or those of you that might have recently Big Chopped (BC) I highly suggest Curly Halo for you! It is packed with suggestions, tips and advice to help you along your journey (which can be a little daunting at first, especially if you are threading in unfamiliar water)!
Pages & Chapters: The eBook consists of 80 pages (in total) and has been broken down into 10 chapters.
How to “use” it:Since this is an eBook, I got a link with the eBook and then downloaded the file. It can be read on any software that allows you to read a PDF file. I actually used my eBookshelf (software I downloaded on my Samsung) but it can also be read on a regular PDF reader.
Text: Curly Halo takes you through hair and scalp care right from the start and not only provides information on how one can provide healthy hair and scalp care but also some steps that can be taken in case you come across any hair/scalp issues throughout your journey. It is a really easy read, it is not jam-packed with too much text, includes images and tip boxes and most notably worksheets! The worksheets can be used as interactive pages that you can use for note taking – part of your Natural Hair Journal. (P.s. I highly recommend you get yourself a Hair Journal if you have not already done so)! The language used is very simple which makes it easy to read and digest and does not require you to have a science degree or even any prior knowledge of hair care. I love the simple yet elegant appearance of the eBook as well!
Highlights for me: First and foremost I LOVE the “holistic” approach Kimberly used in the eBook. This of course works really well with DIY hair care so you can be sure that I LOVE this aspect! Thanks to its simplicity it provides readers with easy to do healthy hair/scalp care options while still providing alternative suggestions for those that are not too crazy about taking a more “hands on” approach to their hair/scalp care (not everyone is tickled to death about DIY hair care). Another part of the eBook that I love are the worksheets. As I mentioned, they are interactive and can help guide you to make decisions, take note of experiences/thoughts and keep track of trial & error “experiments”. Having a place where you keep all this information is really important, regardless of whether you have recently returned back natural of have been natural for a while (we can not keep track of everything in our head)!
Would I recommend the eBook?: In closing, YES I really did enjoy reading Curly Halo and do recommend others to pick up a soft copy from Kimberly’s site!
If you have come across the eBook please share your own personal thoughts, I would love to hear from you!
Today I am here with something new, two book reviews! I am excited to share my thoughts on these two books written by the talented (and stunningly beautiful) author: Audrey David-Sivasothy. The books are “The Science of Black Hair” and “Hair Care Rehab”.
Disclaimer: Please note that I won both the books in an Instagram (IG) Giveaway (thanks to my friend Necey) that was done by Audrey. (Little shout-out to both of you ladies)! Here is Audrey’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/blackhair101/). I was not sent the books for reviews (there were tons of winners btw) I just wanted to share my thoughts on the books. I have based this review SOLELY on my own personal thoughts and opinions (I am not a “book critic” by any stretch of the imagination).
Biographgy of Audrey Davis-Sivasothy (Retrieved from Amazon.com)
Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a certified trichologist, lecturer and consultant to the cosmetology industry. A health scientist and member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Sivasothy is also author of the international best-selling book—The Science of Black Hair. This foundational text on black hair care has been used to train cosmetologists all over the world, and is the bestselling and most highly-rated reference textbook on textured hair today.
Sivasothy has been a guest expert on The Dr. Oz Show, and her work has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s World, The Huffington Post, Essence, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, and Hype Hair Magazines.
Amazon.com
“The Science of Black Hair”
The Science of Black Hair – Image Source: Amazon.com
Who are the target readers? :Regardless of how much or little knowledge you might have about black hair, this book is suitable for those that are new to taking care of their own hair, those that are struggling with their hair care or even Hair Professionals (e.g. stylists, hair dresses).
As the name suggests, the book is tailored for those of us with Black hair and under that category, it doesn’t matter whether you are natural, transitioning, relaxed or telaxed, etc., there is so much helpful information in the book that covers all aspects of black hair. The books sets out to help you better understand your hair, how to care for it, how to care for your scalp and how to maintain a healthy hair & scalp routine for the long term. It teaches you how to maintain chemically treated or natural hair to optimal health, helps you regulate optimal product pH balance, helps you grow longer stronger and healthy hair and the most important aspect (in my opinion) is that the book highlights the importance of protein/moisture balance and how to achieve this in order to prevent breakage, retain & grow healthy hair.
Pages & Chapters : There are 13 chapters in the book and it consists of 256 pages (in total including index).
Text: It is a really easy book to read through and follow, you do not need a science degree nor any kind of former understanding about hair/hair care. You basically can learn straight from the book. The pages are spread out and includes images & illustrations (those of you that are really visual learners, you might want to opt for the colour version of the book versus the black & white option).
Highlights for me: Personally, as I mentioned one of the most interesting parts of the book was the focus on protein & moisture balance. It is something that I have commonly mentioned in my blog and videos since the hair is mainly made up of protein and requires moisture to stay balanced. Audrey does a really good job on highlighting the processes in which one can maintain a protein/moisture balance along with explaining why each process is important. Another section in the book that I really enjoyed is the explanation of the LOIS Hair Typing system (aka: L.O.I.S). I find this method a lot more helpful than the commonly known Andre Walker Hair Typing System – where hair is broken down in numbers (1 – 4) and alphabets (a – c). Now I am not the biggest fan of “hair typing” in general, especially in terms of people trying to find out ‘what kind of curl I have’ simply to categorize “manageable and unmanageable hair. I think the Walker system can be used to identify what type of curl you have BUT should be used together with aspects such as density, hair width etc otherwise in my opinion it is pointless. (I have written about both of Density and Width).
Anyways back to the LOIS typing system: it goes a step further than just identifying the “type” of curl one has by basically looking at the structure and characteristics of ones hair by identifying curl pattern, strand size and hair texture. In my opinion understanding those characteristics is A LOT more helpful!
I plan on doing a Video & Blog Post about the LOIS System in a few weeks so please stay tuned for that!
Where Can I purchase the Book? :
The book is available in 4 options (found on Amazon) – please be mindful when ordering to make sure you choose the specific one you want:
Would I recommend the book? : Absolutly! I highly recommend this book for anyone that has black hair!
“Hair Care Rehab”
Hair Care Rehab – Image Source: Amazon.com
Target Readers:The second book “Hair Care Rehab” has a special place in my hearth! While I highly recommend both books, I just ADORE “Hair Care Rehab”! Audrey created another wonderfully written book that is comprehensive while not overwhelming, easy to read, easy to understand and this book caters to ALL hair types. So if you happen to have Caucasian straight hair, African/Black Natural hair, Transitioning hair, Relaxed hair whatever the case might be this is for EVERYONE!
Pages & Chapter: It consists of 277 pages, broken down into 3 Units and is a paperback Black & White book (I have not found a colour version of this book).
Text: Audrey yet again crafted a wonderful guide that takes you through three stages of hair & scalp care that is filled with illustrations, images, easy to read text and helpful informative information that really gives you a great understanding of how to care for your hair all by yourself!
Highlights for me: There are so many parts of the book that I love but if I had to pick I would say that the biggest Unit of the book that helps you determine any potential hair/scalp issues you might be facing is one of my favorite sections of the book. It not only explains the type and cause of the issue but most importantly (in my opinion) it explains how you can overcome the situation and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring, since you have an understanding if its cause! I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t mention the little Do It Yourself (DIY) section that Audrey wrote about! Yes, there is a little section on DIY mixes and you know I LOVE the fact that this has been included! I actually plan on doing one DIY for my Blog and Channel (I spoke with Audrey and she was happy for me to share….Thank You Audrey)!
Would I recommend the book? :I think the question is a little pointless but YES ABSOLUTLY!
So in closing as I said, I recommend both books. You can opt to go for one book first and then the second however regardless of the one you pick I think it is worth a read!
If you know of any other books that you have read and would recommend, please leave me a message below, I would love to hear from you!
Maicurls 