Category Archives: Natural Hair Conditioner

Revlon Realistic Black Seed Oil Unboxing/First Impression

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Hey Maicurlies,

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 USA for 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 USA and Brown Girl Bloggers. That’s the back story.

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

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

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

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).

Revlon Realistic Strengthening Conditioner (Intense Moisture)

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA

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.

Revlon Realistic Butter Crème Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner

Photo Credit Revlon Realistic USA

Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA

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

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

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!

Maicurls

DIY – Moisturizing Dry Brittle Ends (Humectant Free)

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I am back with an alternative recipe version of a mix I already shared a few weeks ago! I have a post & video about moisturizing dry & brittle ends with a humectant based recipe here and was then requested to do a humectnt free version and here it is!

DIY: Moisturizing Dry Brittle End (Humectant Free)

I have mentioned this a few times in my blog, not everyone’s hair appreciates humectants, it all boils down to hair preference and weather conditions in the area where you live. This recipe works in a similar way to my humectant based mix, just without the addition of ingredients that draw moisture in the air (humidity) to the area applied (the hair).

Ingredients/tools:

Ingredients

1.7oz Plain Full Fat Yogurt
1oz Cocoa Butter
0.5oz Rose Water
0.5oz Plain Water
0.5oz Virgin Coconut Oil
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15oz)
3-5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (Optional) – use any*
Clean and disinfected heatproof container
Pot
Clean and disinfected spoon
Gloves (optional to keep mix sanitized)

*If you are pregnant do not use Essential Oil and always consult your personal physician whenever using something new!

Ingredient alternatives:

You can replace the 0.5oz Rose Water with more 0.5oz Plain Water if you do not have access to Rose Water. Virgin Coconut Oil can be replaced with any other carrier oil e.g. Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil etc Cocoa Butter can be replaced with any other butter e.g. Shea or Mango Butter. Depending on your preference you can either use any Essential Oil of choice or opt not to use any.

Mixing:

1.Melt down the cocoa butter by double broiling for 5 – 7 minutes. 2. add the yogurt and stir really well. (If you haven’t fully melted down the butter it will become a bit lumpy with the addition of the yogurt so place the container back in the pot with hot water for a few minutes till it is fully melted. 3. add the water and rose water a little at a time while continuously stirring. 4. add the virgin coconut oil and stir well. 5 add the Vitamin E oil and finally 6. add the essential oil (if using) and stir. I like to place the mix in my fridge in a squeeze container for a few minutes as this allows it to thicken up but this is optional.

Application:

I like to apply this to slightly damp hair that has been detangled. I mainly focus the mix on my ends – at the most going to the mid-length of my hair since the ingredients are a little on the heavy side and can weigh down my curls if I apply it on my length of my hair. However, this can be used on the entire length of your hair (it depends from person to person).

Storage:

DIY: Moisturizing Dry Brittle Ends (Humectant Free)

I keep it for no longer than 10 days in the fridge, IT MUST BE STORED IN THE FRIDGE. If you know you won’t be able to use it all up then I suggest storing in the freezer if you want it to last for more than 10 days.

Ingredient Benefits:

Plain Full Fat Yogurt – helps provide strength to the hair thanks to the traces of protein. Leaves hair feeling soft and eases detangling. Provides shine while smoothing the hair stands and fighting frizz.

Cocoa Butter – reduces hair loss and breakage. Since it is a fat, it can be used to replenish lost oils. Strengthens the hair, tames frizz and flyaway hair.

Plain Water – the optional moisturizing element for the hair!

Rose Water – revitalizes the quality of the hair due to Its natural moisturizing and nourishing properties. It helps stabilize the natural p.H level of the hair which helps to heal the porosity of the cuticle providing shine and it smells divine!

Virgin Coconut Oil – provides shine and strength, penetrates into the hair shaft strengthening from within. Helps seal in moisture from the other ingredients used in the mix e.g. water & rose water. Helps to fight against frizzy and brittle hair.

Vitamin E Oil – helps to extend the products shelf life (extends not preserves). Rejuvenates the hair strands, fights against frizz, provides shine and helps to slow down premature greying.

Would love to hear what you think, especially if you use this recipe!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY: (Recipe) Moisturizing Dry & Brittle Ends

1 Reply

Hello Maicurlies,

I brought my DIY (you know what) back on the blog to share…drum roll please…a DIY Recipe for the hair! (And the crowd goes wild!)

Moisturizing Dry & Brittle Ends

This particular recipe is one that I like to mainly focus on my ends since it does include a few “heavy” ingredients (heavy for my hair) that can potentially weigh my fine hair strands down. If however, you happen to have thick/coarse hair you probably can get away with applying this throughout the length of your hair without it stopping your curls/kinks/coils from being big and fierce!

Ingredients/Tools

Mixing Bowl (dry, clean and disinfected)
1.5 oz Plain Full Fat Yogurt
0.2 oz Raw/Natural Honey or Agave Nectar
0.2 oz (optional) Glycerine or Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
0.5 oz Rose Water
0.2 oz Virgin Olive Oil*
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
**3-5 drops any Essential Oil (I used Citronella)
Spoon (dry, clean and disinfected)
Gloves (to be “extra” but not absolutely necessary)

**Note: Please do not use Essential Oils if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. Always consult with your doctor/dermatologist or a professional. Always make sure not to use too much Essential Oil since this can make the mix extremely “potent” and harsh, potentially causing you skin irritations.

Mixing Instructions:

All you need to do is combine all the ingredients together and mix really well once the Virgin Olive Oil has been added and that is it!

Application:

I prefer applying this on lightly damp detangled hair (the ends) as it makes it easier to distribute versus working on dry hair. I usually put my hair up in a bun and cover with a shower cap for 15-30 minutes then rinse it off with conditioner and cold water. The cold water helps to close the hair’s cuticles which allows for moisture to stay in my hair and since the cuticles are laying flat (closed) it also provides extra shine!

Ingredient Alternatives:

This is a humectant based recipe and some of you might find that humectants and your hair are not friends, it really depends on what your hair likes and the weather in your area. Humectants draws humidity in the air (moisture) to the area applied, if you have the right amount of humidity (neither too much nor too little) this creates additional moisture for dry curls/kinks/coils. If your hair does not like humectants you can limit the amount used e.g. Instead of using both Honey/Agave Nectar AND Glycerine/Aloe Vera Juice you can go for either Honey/Agave Nectar or Glycerine/Aloe Vera Juice.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – can be replaced with any carrier oil of choice however I would suggest using one that is known to penetrate the hair strands e.g Virgin Coconut Oil.

Essential Oil – you can use any Essential Oil of choice or skip this all together (I am not the biggest fan of the smell of yogurt so the Rose water and Essential Oil helps to mask that).

If you have coarse/thick hair and would like to use this on the entire length of your hair then simply double the amounts apart from the Rose Water and Essential Oil. Instead use 0.7 oz Rose Water (so it does not become too runny) and keep the Essential oil at no more than 5-7 drops.

Storage:

I always use what I have made and then place the remaining in my freezer. I simply let it defrost on its own (no heat) during the following application.

P.S. in case some of you would like a humectant free recipe please do let me know I would be happy to create something along those lines.

Thanks

Maicurls

How To: Adding slip to conditioners to make detangling easier.

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Hey Maicurlies,

Today I have something that I hope will help save you some money and perhaps even turn some of your least favorite conditioners (that you have stashed away collecting dust) into favorable ones!

Making Conditioner with Slip

Whether you returned natural just a few months ago or have been natural for a while, finding “staple” or favorite products (e.g. conditioners) are one of things we want to achieve. It can become a little difficult to find products that work for our hair without some trial and error, which can be quite frustrating.

We tend to look for conditioners that:

Provides moisture (if we are not seeking a protein conditioner)
Has sufficient slip to ease detangling
Smooths the hair
Softens the hair
Provides shine
Provides elasticity

In this particular DIY example I used TRESemmé Naturals but you can use any of the conditioners in your shelf. Note: some might not mix all that well with the gel but since it is not going to be left in your hair and will be rinsed out that shouldn’t be a problem.

The crux of this whole thing is to add Flaxseed Gel (FSG) to your conditioner of choice and that pretty much is it!

Why add Flaxseed Gel:

Apart from the fact that adding Flaxseed gel will help provide slip to the conditioner here are some of the other benefits:

Rich source of vitamin E. Vitamin E.
Provides moisture to the hair.
Provides nourishment to the hair thanks to the Omega – 3 fatty acids.
Helps reduce breakage and split ends.
Helps slowdown the process of premature gray hair.
It helps reduce shed hair.
Helps fight scalp irritations and dandruff.

Ingredients: (I get 2 uses from this recipe)

ingredients 1

8 Oz Conditioner (if you have shorter/thicker hair you might need to use less or more conditioner).
8 Oz Plain Water
2 Oz Flaxseeds (I like my gel to be thick since that provides slip).
(Optional) 5 – 7 drops Essential Oil (EO)*
Pot
Sieve
Clean and disinfected container
Spoon/Spatula
Gloves (to be extra sure you don’t contaminate the product)

*Essential Oils should be used with caution and only requires a few drops. If you are pregnant please do not use any!

Method:

I add the flaxseeds to the water (before it boils) and allow it to slowly come to a boil on low heat for 10 minutes while continuously stirring. Once I have the gel at a consistency I am happy with I immediately sieve the seeds (keep the seeds for reuse in a ziplock bag in the freezer and quickly pour water in the pot). I add the gel to my conditioner, mix really well then add the EO stir again, fini!

Storage:

If you have any remaining conditioner and plan to use it the following week I do suggest storing it in the fridge however, I have left mine in an airtight container in my bathroom to be used the following week without anything nasty growing in the container. I am always “extra” and use a clean, disinfect and dry spoon whenever I scoop out any hand prepared products just to make sure no bacteria, dirt etc comes in contact and grows anything funky so I suggest you doing the same (don’t dip your fingers in the container unless you use it all up in one go).

Ratio/Ingredient Alternatives:

If you are using a thin/runny conditioner and want to really thicken it use 3 Oz flaxseeds.
You can add some Rose Water to this by replacing half of the water e.g. 4 Oz Plain Water & 4 Oz Rose Water.
You can add a Humectant (if your hair likes them) e.g. Honey/Agave Nectar/Glycerine or Aloe Vera Juice (0.5 Oz).
You can also use a combination of Fenukgreek Seeds together with the flaxseeds e.g. 1 Oz Fenugreek 1 Oz Flaxseeds.

P.S. You can also add some FSG to your shampoo! Use 1 tablespoon of FSG to your shampoo in a bowl & stir. It will provide slip but also help to reduce the amount of stripping from the shampoo.

I really would love to hear if you try this DIY and what your results were!

Thanks

Maicurls