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The Hair Chronicles: Curls Unleashed

Like many companies that have been around forever and cater to African-American hair, Organic Root Stimulator (mostly known for their relaxer and their olive-oil-based products) has tapped into the natural-hair market, releasing their new Curls Unleashed line earlier this year. Because I’m already sold on Original Moxie, I really wasn’t interested in trying it. But then two things happened: A.) I lost my job, so no money for OM; and B.) a vlogger (and a soror) by the name of MsVaughnTV posted a photo on Instagram of her hair after just waking up (and skippning her bedtime ritual), and her ‘do was pretty much intact! She later did a review on the product line. After that, I was very much intrigued.

My sister bought the entire line (except for the mousse), and this past weekend she brought them all for me to try. I couldn’t wait! Here’s the rundown:

Lavish in Lather Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Cost: $14.99 at Sally’s, $10.99 at Target.
- Clean, refreshing smell
- Ingredients include lemon balm and rosemary

I love that the shampoo is sulfate free, and defined my curls. Aside from its moisturizing capabilities, it also detangles, but not as well as I’d hoped.

No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner
- Cost: $14.99 at Sally’s. I didn’t see it at Target, but a local beauty supply store near me wanted $19.99. No, ma’am.
- Recommended for those who are transitioning to natural hair as well.

This product definitely detangles, picking up where the shampoo leaves off. I had to use a lot of it, but the good thing is that you get a good-sized jar for the price, so I didn’t feel TOO bad about it. The downside for me, however, is that it didn’t feel very moisturizing like my OM Intense Quench or the Aubrey Organics; my hair didn’t seem to “drink this up.”

No Boundaries Leave-in Conditioner
-Cost: $14.99 at Sally’s, $10.99 Target

This leave-in also detangles, but it didn’t wow me (see what you did, Original Moxie?!). Still, not a bad alternative.

Take Command Curl Creme
Cost: $14.99 at Sally’s and Target

First off, this stuff is nice and thick, which I like. The only con is that it smells funny - not necessarily bad, just…weird. However, because it boasts shrinkage prevention, I was eager to give it a try. It goes on smoothly, and likely works well alone, but with this oncoming hot weather, I’m convinced I’ll need more to battle the heat and humidity (I already know Shea Moisture is definitely no match for the muggy weather by itself).

Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly
- Cost: $14.99 at Sally’s and Target
- Smells like grape candy goodness
- Feels like Eco Styler gel, but not as hard

This, by far, is my favorite product out of them all. The smell alone more than makes up for (and overpowers) the weirdness from the Curl Creme, but the best part is that my curls POPPED as soon as I put it on. I definitely recommend this for wash-n-gos.

Second Chance Curl Refresher
- Cost: I didn’t see this at Target, but it was $14.99 at Sally’s and $17.99 at the local beauty supply store near me.

So. After washing and deep-conditioning with the Curls Unleashed stuff, I added their leave-in, curl creme and the curl boosting jelly. Taking a cue from MsVaughnTV, I added this to my ends as a sealant:

- Cost: didn’t see this at Target or Sally’s, but the local beauty supply store wanted $9.99. I got it for free from a friend who was purging her stash.
- Smells like: Shea Butter and bamboo

It has a creamy consistency, and you really need only a tiny dab if you’re using it for your ends. It dissolves well and cooperated with the Curls Unleashed, which is good, because I could always use a great alternative for when I’m out of OM Hair Bling.

Anyway, to show you a good comparison, I posted two pics of me in a fresh twist-out. On the left is my fresh twist-out using just Shea Moisture CES. On the right are the Curls Unleashed results:

 

Look at that definition!

Okay, so the curl creme doesn’t PREVENT shrinkage. Nothing prevents shrinkage, if you ask me. However, it did REDUCE my shrinkage, which none of my other products have ever done (even OM, can you believe it?!) This product line clearly does its job catering to curly hair.

That night my sis and I took a trip to NYC for a Neptunes vs. Timbaland party and had a blast! I was interested in how my hair would hold up in that hot, sweaty environment, and the next day, although my hair was still defined, it had definitely shrunk to look a little smaller than the pic on the left. But, to the products’ defense, nothing stands a chance against a hot, sweaty, stuffy room full of people. I mean, you could barely feel the A/C.

The following night, after returning to DC, I used the Second Chance refresher on dry twists. The next day my curls were still mostly definted, but there was more frizz (likely from not washing it after the party). I don’t think I gave this product a fair chance under regular circumstances where I’m not in party atmospheres. I’ll likely give it a shot when I decide to purchase this line.

Overall? I’d say Curls Unleashed gets a B+. It caters to curly hair, and I’m sure it’s a hit for wash-n-gos because of its definition capabilities. I’d definitely purchase the curl creme and curl jelly, but the shampoo, conditioner and leave-in are a maybe.

Check it out when you can and tell me what you think!

Can we get Phil Jackson back please… please?

committingsuicide:

With Phil, Kobe always looked so happy:

and without Phil:

Ha!

(Source: committingsuicide, via blackpeopleproblems)

The Hair Chronicles: Balling on a Budget

If you’ve been keeping up, you probably already know what the deal is. If not, see the previous post.

One thing about my situation is that the last time I was here, I remember stressing over what in the hell I was going to do with my hair. I had new growth like nobody’s business, and I wanted nothing more than to get some braids in that crazy summer heat, or at least slap a relaxer on it, but my budget at the time said, “Absolutely not.” So, I braved through it with a flat iron, and the minute I got a job once again, I was back in the salon chair.

This time around? Much, MUCH easier.

One of the advantages to natural hair is the decrease in spending as far as maintenance. Gone are the $60+ appointments, as you begin doing your own hair. The products, however, are another story. You already know my plight. However, as I am currently in a different state of living, I can’t splurge like I want. So, unfortunately, my beloved Original Moxie will have to wait a bit longer for replenishing.

The good news, however, is that I still have cheaper alternatives that are helping me weather the storm. My OM stash is still my ultimate fave, but these are some worthy products that many others deem the Holy Grail, and are working wonders for me.

Wash/Deep condition: Aubrey Organics
Price: $7-$10, depending on size. The product I use, Honeysuckle Rose, is about $8 a bottle on average.

You can check out my review on this product here.

Styler options

I’ve had to skip the leave-in conditioner step as of late, mostly because I haven’t found one that I love more than my OM Everyday Leave-In. However, having a moisturizer that contains healthy, natural products is a good alternative.

I’ve also been able to try another new product…

Cost: $6.99
Looks/feels like: That Queen Helene cholesterol
Smell: very floral and sweet.
Location: Sally’s Beauty Supply, or any other beauty supply store in your area.

This stuff is AWESOME. You really don’t need a leave-in if you’re going to use it unless you know your hair won’t act right without one. Very moisturizing, and my curl pattern is further defined and remains intact. I was able to go three days before re-applying a bit of this for moisture. Definitely will buy again.

I also have the shampoo, but that’s another review I’ll do at another time.

Enjoy!