RoundBrushHair! > Dominican Hair Care Blog

As you may or may not know by now, we’ve discontinued the Color Shower’s Cellophane (if you didn’t know this, you need to join our Newsletter). There’s been a lot of anticipation about which brand would replace the Color Showers. A few days ago we announced that we were replacing them with the Original Color’s Cellophane by Stoken Gold!

The reason we decided to switch brands is very simple and can be explained in this short story:

     Once upon a time there was a great cellophane brand called Color Shower’s that came in a simple black and white bottle. It was 100% natural, thick, vegetable based, covered grays, didn’t leak on sheets & clothes, etc.

     Then one magical day the bottle changed – it was bright and colorful (to the naked eye, this seemed like an improvement). Ah, but the truth was that along with the bottle it seemed as though the formula had changed. :–(

     We called the manufacturers and they assured us that the formula was “lo mismo” (the same). But the ladies of RoundBrushHair.com are no fools! The thick consistency of the cellophane was no longer there – it was more like a runny, messy [insert any fitting noun of your choice here]. It was still coloring hair, but not like before!

     In the end, I took a trip down to the good ol’ DR in March of 2009 and started my journey on finding a new line of cellophanes to carry. The End!

So in March while in

Santo Domingo, I talked to a few friends, family members, stylists and strangers (with beautiful hair of course) and found myself applying the Black Original Color’s Cellophane to my hair at home. Here’s the bucket and products I picked up from the local market and lugged back home in el carro público to do my hair:

 

 

The whole process of doing my hair took about – ummm, I can’t remember. But the application of the cellophane was very simple. After washing my hair, I put about ¼ of the 16oz bottle on my hair (making sure it’s saturated from the roots to ends). [The amount of cellophane you use will vary with the length of your hair.] I sat under a hooded dryer for 30 minutes then I rinsed it out with warm water!

 

The color was beeeeautiful! And talk about shine!! Here’s a picture of my hair after roller setting and blow-drying it straight:

   

I sooo wish I had a before picture to show you. :–(  The Original Color’s Cellophane is very similar to the old bottle of the Color Showers: it’s 100% natural, thick, vegetable based, and I haven’t had any problems of messy sheets/clothes)

Now I need your help! I have a great idea: I want to do another blog entry about the new cellophanes, but next time I want to do a tutorial on how I apply it. Sooo, which color would you like to see me apply?

Ambar / Amber                  Castaño / Chestnut              Miel / Honey

Bronce                             Chocolate                            Negro / Black

Café / Coffee                    Clear                                   Rojisimo / Red

Canela / Cinnamon            Cobre / Copper                  Rojo Vino / Red Wine

Caoba / Mahogany            Gold                                   Uva / Grape

Majority will decide! This should be interesting. (Oh, and you can choose for me to mix colors too) Please don’t set me up! lol

 

Update: Thanks to all who voted. I applied the Rojimiso and love it! I will post the pictures soon. :–)

 

Product: La Plancha Combo

Price: $34.99

Personal Rating: 4.5 out of 5

*Note: I usually like to review products individually but, I was so impressed with this new product line that I just had to share the entire set. La Plancha products are great for any and every hair type. They smell like mango mixed with a little peach…I love it. 

The Shampoo: Deep Cleansing Extra Straight Shampoo

Price: $8.99

How to use: Shampoo, rinse well.

This product gives you a very clean feeling without having to repeat too many times.  With most brands, my hair is usually clean after 3 shampoos, but with this one my hair felt clean with only two. And it didn’t leave it feeling stripped. How great is that! The shampoo itself is clear which means it contains no unnecessary dyes. It’s also kind of thick so I used a little less than usual. So you know what that means. The bottle lasts longer. It’s a good thing too because this bottle is a 13oz instead of the 16oz like the majority of the shampoos.  

Tip: Always be sure to rinse very well when shampooing, especially when the shampoo is thick. 

 

The Conditioner: Tratamiento Profundo Capilar (Deep Heat Reconstructor Hair Treatment)

Price: $13.99

How to use: This product can be applied in three different ways depending on your particular needs:  

1st Option: Apply La Plancha after shampoo, leave in hair for 3 to 5 minutes, rinse with warm water. Style as usual 

2nd Option: For moderate conditioning, shampoo and towel dry hair. Apply La Plancha from scalp to ends, wrap hair in plastic cap and place under dryer or blower for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Style as usual. 

3rd Option: For deeper conditioning and intensive hair repair, after shampooing apply La Plancha, divide hair into sections, wrap each section in aluminum foil. Proceed to heat each section with a professional hair ceramic iron for 30 seconds. Rinse with warm water. Style as usual. 

This conditioner is amazing. It’s a white cream that appears thick while in the jar but, once you touch it feels pretty lightweight. I didn’t know what to expect. I applied an average-sized amount in sections and was not blown away by what I felt. I combed the product through, put a shower cap on and waited about 5 minutes (option #1) before rinsing. My hair was very soft with good slip and very few tangles. At this point I consider myself a conditioner aficionado. I can pretty much tell what’s going to happen as soon as one touches my hair. However there is an exception to every rule and La Plancha is it. The second time I used the conditioner I processed it following option #2. Right after I took off the shower cap, I touched my hair and couldn’t believe it. I don’t know if it’s ever been so soft. The result was 10 times better than the results from the first option which brought me to the conclusion that the more intense the heat you use with it the better the result. Yes, the label on the jar implies this but; you have to try it to believe it. I didn’t even need to use a rinse! Wow! I haven’t tried option #3 yet because my hair is in good condition and I feel it’s not necessary right now but, in the future I will definitely give it a try. 

 

The Leave-in: Deep Heat Protector

Price: $12.99

How to use: Apply to damp or dry hair. Use a professional hair ceramic iron or blower and style as usual. 

Simply put, this leave-in is magnificent. It delivers instant softness. Unlike most other leave-ins, you can see the shine even before your hair is dry. Depending on your method of drying, the shine remains almost the same. I put a quarter-sized amount in my hair while it was still wet. I didn’t mix it with any other products and much to my surprise, my curly hair was smooth and under control with a nice sheen. I absolutely loved it! My husband actually commented on how good it looked. That’s quite a compliment coming from a guy doesn’t even notice when I’m wearing his T-shirts. ;-) 

  

Product: Tropical Bano de Crema Negra (Black Cream Treatment)

Price: $9.99

How to use:  Apply Tropical Black Cream Treatment on wet hair massaging gently. Rinse with plenty of water and repeat application if necessary.  

Personal Rating: 3 out of 5 

Tip: Be careful when you applying this conditioner. I used it on for the first time in the shower and some of it splashed onto the grout. It was a really difficult to remove. On the bright side, it does wash out of clothing pretty easily and it doesn’t stain skin or nails 

            The Crema Negra conditioner is a black (no, I mean, really black) jelly-like consistency. It’s extremely thick with a strange smell that lingers after you rinse. It reminds me of the Dax black tar grease my grandmother used to straighten my hair with.  It’s not oily or greasy and, to look at it you’d probably think it would alter the color of your hair by making it darker but it doesn’t. 

            I applied the conditioner after shampooing. The conditioner is so thick that I had to use a good amount of product to fully saturate my hair. I let it sit for about 10 minutes with a shower cap on so it could do its thing (steam from the shower allowed me to forgo the dryer). After rinsing, my hair was soft, but still slightly tangled with little to no slip. It was also pretty dull looking - even while wet. I decided not to apply it a second time as the instructions suggested because with certain products I can tell instantly how my hair will react – and I wasn’t feeling this one. I did, however, repeat the procedure on my daughter’s relaxed hair and my niece’s naturally curly hair. I noticed no difference in results between the first and second applications.                       

            While not one of my favorites, I must say that this product does soften all hair types pretty well. If you decide to use this conditioner, I recommend following it up with a rinse conditioner just to restore some of the shine and slip. Normally I suggest using a rinse only as an optional method of detangling, but with this product I advise everyone to use it. For those of you that usually skip the rinse, the softness you get from using this product is well worth the extra step. 

Note: With many hair products the manufacturer’s instructions are merely suggestions of how to get the best result from the product. Just because a bottle says ‘shampoo, rinse and repeat’ it doesn’t mean you have to repeat. Use your judgment. Your hair tells you what it needs and what it does not. 

Certain chemicals like hair dyes, perms and relaxers are the exception. Always follow those instructions for your own health and safety. Still, when in doubt ask a professional or refer to the instructions on the label.

Chaka on:

Product Name: Nacidit’s Leave-in Conditioner

Price: $13.99

How to use: Apply a small amount onto towel-dried hair and style as usualPersonal Rating: 4 out of 5 (What it lacks in shine it makes up for in softness)

Note: Ladies please make sure that your stylist is using some type of leave-in on your hair prior to your blowout. Whether it’s it cream, liquid or spray it’s so important to use.

Nacidit Leave-in conditioner provides hair with a softness that is beyond measure. This is another product that works well with all hair types. It’s just a matter of adjusting the amount used to suit your own hair. The only disappointment was the lack of shine it left once my hair was dry. I applied the lavender colored cream in sections and felt instant softness. It also smelled great. It has a floral scent with a faint hint of berry. I was also pleased that the product was non-greasy. I used this on relaxed hair before a roller set and the softness was just over the top but still, no shine. This product is too fabulous to overlook simply because of its shine factor. A quick fix to the problem is to mix it with a little shine serum like Silicon Mix or whichever one you prefer.

To me leave-in conditioner is the second most important step in your hair care regimen with the most important being the deep conditioning treatment. The leave-in is that last step before styling. This is also the only non-styling product that is not rinsed. It acts as a heat protectant, sunscreen, it helps to prolong moisture, and replenish damaged hair. There are so many ways that we voluntarily bring stress to our hair and we sometimes forget about the involuntary hazards. Our hair, nails, and skin are made of keratin (protein). Though we’ve been warned for years about how over exposing our skin to sun rays is detrimental to our health we still neglect our hair. Our hair is exposed to the elements of sun, wind, pollution, and even the harsh dry air coming from the air ducts in our homes. This happens day after day all year long. We can protect our skin with clothing but, other than hats what’s left to protect our hair? Personally my hair is way too big to wear a hat without looking like Bozo the clown. You know, flat on top and a puffy fro around the sides? I see leave in conditioners as more than just a product used for manageability, shine and so forth. It’s more like a protective barrier in a bottle.

Tip: As a natural, I love to mix products to achieve the end result I’m looking for. Here’s a concoction I like to use after shampooing or co-washing to help control my wild hair :

2-parts Nacidit leave-in + 1-part Brillantina leave in + 1 part Silicon Mix shine drops = a quarter sized natural hair cocktail that hasn’t failed me yet.

Chaka on: 

• Product Name: La Bomba Conditioner Rinse
• Price: $7.99
• How to use: Apply after using the conditioner massaging for a few minutes and then rinse with plenty of water
• Personal Rating: 3 out of 5
  

Note: If you’re looking for volume – this product is a must have.

I was so excited to try this rinse because I’d heard so many wonderful things about the La Bomba line. I was told about how excellent it was and how some Dominican stylists swear by it. This is the first La Bomba product I’ve tried.  The first time I used it was after my weekly shampoo and deep condition. I applied the white cream, which has the consistency of a thin lotion, while my hair was still damp. I massaged a silver dollar sized amount into my hair and immediately realized I needed more. After the second dose, I expected to feel my hair begin to soften -  and it did, but not much. So I tried combing it through and adding just a tiny bit more. It was as if my hair was a sponge that would swell up each time I added more of the rinse. That was the last thing I needed with my hair already being big, thick and, very curly. Next I put on a shower cap and let the rinse penetrate for about 3 minutes. Normally I just comb through and rinse, but I wanted to see if the product would do anything else. Once it was time to rinse my hair, it was a little softer but not much slip. And no, it wasn’t my imagination, my hair did swell up. I had to see if this was just a reaction from the products I used prior to the rinse but, after further attempts with other shampoos and deep conditioners, it still happened. I used the rinse a few more times for co-washing with the same end result without as much pouf as before. It was a mystery. Then I had a brainstorm:  

A family member of mine has thinning hair. It’s quite noticeable almost to the point where you can see areas of her scalp when her hair is combed down. She’s currently transitioning (going from relaxed to natural). I shampooed and deep conditioned her hair as usual and applied the rinse. Bingo! Her hair swelled as well. For her this was a good thing. Once I finished styling her hair it was noticeably fuller. Her biggest concern was that her bald spot would still show but after using this rinse it was barely there because the rest of her hair was thick enough to cover it. Amazing! Talk about your surprise ending. No matter what hair type I use this on one thing has been consistent: the shine. That positive aspect almost makes up for the, “aromatic spice”, smell that it leaves in your hair. It really lingers. I call it an aromatic spice smell because that’s what is listed as an ingredient on the bottle. It smells something like cloves. You’ll either hate it or love it. To sum things up, I recommend the La Bomba rinse if you feel like your hair lacks body. No matter what type of hair you have. Try it out and let us know what you think.  

Note: Conditioning rinses are hair detanglers. They are optional to use after deep conditioners or chemical processes. They’re ideal for co-washing (washing hair with a conditioner in place of shampoo).  I suggest conditioner rinses to anyone whose hair tangles easily after washing.

Chaka on:

 

Product Name: Aceite de Canela (Cinnamon Oil)

Price: $3.99

How to use: Apply a small portion to hair before shampooing and rinsing.

Personal Rating: 4 out of 5 (This product is a must have)

Cinnamon oil is a mixture of essential cinnamon oil and liquid Vaseline (petrolatum). Essential oils are oils that have been extracted from a plant that have a specific scent or essence hence the term, “essential oil”.

Cinnamon oil in specific shows its benefits over time with continued use. It helps to minimize breakage and reduce shedding. It has also been used to stimulate the scalp which in turn promotes hair growth especially in, what I refer to as, the stress areas of the head i.e.: the temples, crown, and nape.

When I first opened the bottle I was surprised at how strong the smell was. I am not the biggest fan of the smell of cinnamon but hey, to each his own. I was afraid that the smell might linger and that the bright red color would stain my clothes so I was very careful not to drip any of the watery liquid.

Normally I apply pre shampoo oils directly to my scalp but in the summer months the heat causes perspiration and Vaseline can clog pores. Instead I apply the oil close to my scalp with a tint brush that’s normally used for hair color application.  I start by parting my hair into four sections with the end of the brush which is like the end of a rat-tail comb. I pour a good amount of the oil into a bowl, dip the brush in, and lightly dab it on my hair near the partings. I follow by massaging the oil through my hair and adding a little extra to my ends. I let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes without heat or a shower cap. Then I go through my usual shampoo, condition, and rinse routine. I’m pleased to inform those of you who are not big cinnamon fans that the smell is gone with the shampoo.

I gave this product a good rating mainly because its hair-health benefits and versatility. I say it’s versatile because it works well on dry skin. Just rub it onto my knees and elbows and ash is a thing of the past. This product did lose a few points because it’s not so kid-friendly. Mine can’t stand the tingling. Nor does it give the shine that I’m used to from other pre-shampoo oils. I’ve used this product on natural as well as chemically treated heads with the same results. What I recommend is using the cinnamon oil in problem areas and using oil such as the Coconut & Watercress or Whale Sperm on the rest of your hair. Possibly mixing one of those with the Cinnamon oil would work too. I think everyone should keep at least one bottle of this on hand especially in the fall and winter when cold-dry air tends to turn hair intro straw.

Note: Be careful when applying this oil especially near edges. The excess oil may drip onto skin or eyes and OMG CINNAMON BURNS!

Chaka on:

Product Name: Lacio Lacio Acondicionador Intensivo (Intensive Conditioner)
Price: $11.99
How to use: After Star Shampoo, apply evenly to damp hair, in order to obtain an intensive capilar therapy, leave in for 1 or 2 minutes, then rinse with water and style as usual.
Personal Rating: 2.5 out of 5
*Note: I consider the product pricey because of the amount I needed to use to get even the slightest result for my hair texture.

Lacio Lacio Intensive Conditioner is a conditioning treatment used to revitalize damaged and over processed hair. It’s a very thin cream that has the same texture as your average cream rinse. This made me made skeptical from the beginning (most deep conditioners are very thick almost like pudding). It also made me wonder exactly how much water this product contained. If you’ve used the Lacio Lacio leave-in before than you’ll recognize this conditioner’s identical light-flowery smell. It’s slightly more potent but won’t compete with the fragrance other products you follow up with.

After shampooing, I applied the conditioner in sections. I simply use my fingers to part my hair in quadrants and then I divide each quadrant in half and apply the conditioner. This may seem like a long drawn out process but it’s worth it especially for thick curly hair like mine. Look at it this way; you’ll only have to do it once a week. I used to just slap a palm-full in to my hair and massage it in. Then I started to notice that the center of my hair, where it’s the most dense, wasn’t getting as much product as the rest. You may not need to do as much sectioning as I do, but I still recommend this application process. Much to my dismay, I found myself having to add more and more of this product for my hair to feel saturated. My hair acted like a sponge. Most times as soon as the conditioner touches my hair, I can feel it begin to soften. This was definitely not the case this time. After I felt I had enough product on my hair for it to work, I massaged it in and combed it through. I put on a shower cap and let it penetrate for 10 minutes or so.

After I took the shower cap off I could tell instantly that it didn’t do the job. It gave me the same results as a mediocre conditioning rinse would. I was not at all pleased. My hair felt kind of hard coarse, and tangled with absolutely no slip. After it was dry, I was even less enthused. My hair was dry and frizzy without the mega-shine I expected.

On the other hand, when my husband used it his results were wonderful. Then again, he has Caucasian hair. A lot of the conditioners I love weigh his hair down and make it greasy. This one was perfect for him. It did everything that the label on the bottle claimed it would. Using the Lacio Lacio leave-in along with it only enhanced the results.

On my daughters relaxed hair there were the same disappointments as I had with mine. I used the same application process on her with the exception of using heat from the hood dryer to process instead of the steam from the shower.

To sum things up, I like this product for Caucasian hair that gets oily easily. Those with dry or coarse hair should try mixing this with a heavier conditioner for better results.

Chaka on…
Product Name: Baba de Caracol Crema de Peinar (Frizz Control Styling Cream)
Price: $9.99
How to use: Apply over dry or damp hair. Do not rinse out. Style as usual.
Personal Rating: 4 out of 5

*Note: For those with very thin or Caucasian hair, use this product in moderation. It can weigh your hair down and make it much greasier than you probably want.

Baba de caracol frizz control is a wonderful product because of its versatility. It can be used as a leave in conditioner, a styling product to control frizz, or a base for a relaxer. It’s a thick white cream and with a consistency comparable to that of a cream hairdress. It’s only slightly greasy and has a light scent that you’ll either hate or love. The smell will remind you of Dax hair grease (if you’re familiar with the product) but not as strong. I love the smell but my daughter and a few others feel differently. It’s completely dye-free which is rare these days.

On Natural Hair:

Depending on the season, my hair gets really dry so I mix this product with a lighter leave in conditioner like Lacio Lacio just to give it a little moisturizing boost. After washing and conditioning, I mix the two products and apply it in sections while my hair is still wet (adding a leave-in while your hair is wet helps to lock in moisture). This is one of the rare times I do not comb the product through. I just massage it in very gently and keep my hair as smooth as possible (focus on your length, not the scalp). As I’m sure Naturals know, the true tell-all of a leave-in is the state your hair once it’s dry. Natural hair tends to look smooth while wet but can turn into a Jackson 5 fro in a split second! Luckily, after my hair was completely dry, the definition of my curls were impressive. I had a frizz-free, defined natural style that wasn’t crispy or dripping like a Jheri Curl. Now in the past I would apply moisturizers to my hair on a daily basis, and sometimes more than once. With this product, I only need half as much and half as often. A little really goes a long way with this one. I use a dab, slightly bigger than a dime, and I’m good to go.

On Relaxed Hair:

I use this on my daughter’s hair, which is relaxed, I apply it very sparingly. I found this out the hard way. The first time I used it on her hair, I used the same amount for my hair - big mistake! It was really heavy and greasy and it took forever to dry. On the other hand, on days when she wears a ponytail, this really comes in handy because it has a great smoothing/anti-frizz effect (especially on edges). Edges tend to be a problem area for many, especially when it’s time for a touch up. Another plus is it stays put pretty much all day and she is a very active 10 year-old.

I’ve also used this to moisturize my clients’ scalps before braiding and when I cornrow for weaves. I love it because the hair doesn’t slip out of my hands from being overly oily. It absorbs fairly quick. Check it out. It may take an application or two to figure out in what way it works for you but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.

*Tip: When naturally curly or wavy hair has been straightened overuse of this product can make hair revert because it is water based.

Chaka on:
Product Name: Lady Fior Kita Ondas Aceite de Oliva (Curl Remover Olive Oil Plus)
Price: $10.99
How to use: After washing your hair with shampoo and a rinse, apply the conditioner to your hair from the roots to the ends and massage lightly for a few minutes. Rinse with plenty of water and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Personal Rating: 4 out of 5 (This product lost 1 point because of the labeling. See review for explanation)

*Tip: A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and apply more as needed. Hair only absorbs what it needs.

Finally, the long awaited Kita Ondas review is here! We’ve had many requests to get to the bottom of how this straightens-hair-but-not-a-relaxer conditioner actually works.
Let me start with my application process: I used a clarifying shampoo to remove any/all product buildup from previous weeks (I did this to be sure the product would absorb properly). I’m a creature of habit when it comes to my hair care regimen so instead of following the directions and applying a conditioning rinse, I went directly for the Kita Ondas. Okay, who am I kidding…I just forgot.

I massaged in the very thick light-yellow cream section by section. The total amount I used was about the size of a silver dollar. WOW! It usually takes a lot more to saturate my hair. I was lovin’ it! Instantly I could feel it working. I combed it through without one single snag. I was giddy sounding as if I was shooting an Herbal Essences commercial. I let it sit for about 5 minutes with a shower cap. The directions don’t specify a processing time and I was too impatient to wait much longer. I rinsed with cool water and was in heaven. I’ve never felt my hair so soft. It was even stretched out a little (for those new here, I’m natural).

You all know I love to sing the praises of my Silicon Mix with Pearl Protein but this takes the cake…as a regular conditioner. Now you didn’t think it would be that simple coming from Chaka did you? I emphasize regular conditioner because after reading the ingredients I don’t see anything that indicates that this should be used as a treatment for deep conditioning yet, at the same time, it’s more than just a rinse conditioner. This lingers somewhere between the two. This is in no way a negative thing. It actually gives me more flexibility. On the days when my hair feels dry and I want to co-wash this is safe to use. I can also use it after shampooing if I’m not looking for a deep penetrating treatment.

Now here’s the not-so good part: because this product claims to “work like a relaxer straightening your hair but without damaging chemical elements” some of you may be looking for a product to be used as a natural alternative to a chemical hair relaxer or texturizer. It pains me to say that this probably isn’t the one. If you ask me, the description is misleading. The ingredients in this product create a physical change in hair structure (temporary) not a chemical change (permanent).

From what I know of texturizers through personal use and use on others, a relaxer or texturizer can take a tight curl pattern to a much looser curl. Depending on processing time, it can remove the curl completely. I did a second and third trial increasing the processing time by 10 minutes as well as using a rinse as directed. The outcome was the same. Now don’t get me wrong, as a conditioner this is the best I’ve ever used and coming from me that says a whole lot. I just don’t agree with the wording on the label.. This in no way lessens my opinion of the product itself. Some of you may be disappointed in the results if you‘re looking for the same outcome as a relaxer gives. Be open-minded. Think past the label. You might be surprised at how wonderful Kita Ondas works.

*Note: This product will not replace your weekly deep conditioning treatment. This can be used in addition for further moisture and smoothing.

Chaka on:
Product Name: Shampoo 12 en 1(12 in 1 Shampoo)
Price: $6.99
How to use: Apply over wet hair to create lather and repeat the process as necessary. Rinse thoroughly with plenty water to obtain better results.
Personal Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (This product is a must have)

Note: Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get a huge lather. The natural ingredients don’t produce as many suds as other shampoos.

12 in 1 shampoo is another much-loved item of mine. This is truly the most moisturizing shampoo that I’ve come across that doesn’t claim to be a conditioning shampoo. 12 in 1 works well on practically every hair type. It’s coral colored and smells delicious like fruit candy. These products are starting to make me hungry. I only wish the scent was strong enough to remain on my hair after conditioning. It has a consistency that is slightly thicker than your average shampoo. This is probably because it contains more natural oils and a lot less water than much of the competition.

After my usual pre-shampoo oil treatment, I applied an amount about the size of a quarter to my dry hair to loosen some of the pre-shampoo oil. This step is not always necessary. If your hair feels dry or brittle just shampoo as usual so that some of the excess oil remains. Next, I rinsed my hair and applied another quarter-sized amount to my hair strands. After I got somewhat of a lather going, I used the pads of my fingers to scrub my scalp in circular motion. I prefer to scrub vigorously to help stimulate my scalp and lift the dirt. I never use my fingernails as this can irritate the scalp. I try not to get so carried away with the scrubbing that my hair gets tangled. With my light scrubbing I noticed the shampoo did not create a huge amount of suds like clarifying or other Lauryl Sodium Sulphate based shampoos. That’s right there’s no alcohol in the list of ingredients. This was a first for me and now I’m hooked.

This is one of the few products that each member of my household uses including my 15-month old. We have every texture of hair imaginable. My kids love it because it doesn’t burn their eyes when I rinse their hair in the tub or shower. I was also impressed that they use mineral water in the mix. This company did not hold back on the, “good stuff.” It contains all the ingredients of a healthy salad: carrot, onion, garlic & celery just to name a few.

Most hair cleaning detergents (shampoos) contain ingredients that strip hair of its oil, which helps to produces lots of suds. They may even leave your hair squeaky clean and that’s not good. When your hair is stripped of its natural oils, it is in a vulnerable state. It welcomes breakage and for some of us head lice.You’ll end up using twice the amount of conditioner afterwards. Think about it, how many times have you had almost a full bottle of shampoo and only a half bottle of conditioner left when they were bought at the same time? We’ve all experienced this I think. It’s because we over wash until the hair is too clean. Yes, in my opinion, there is a thing as too clean. Just because the bottle says to repeat it doesn’t mean it’s needed.

In general, shampooing hair once a week is a good rule for African American hair. I knew a woman who thought washing hair every 2 weeks or longer was great. “Girrrl…you know dirt makes your hair grow,” is what she’d say. No doubt, she’s got about a teaspoonful of hair left on her head after all those years of grime. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule about how many times per week to shampoo as well as how many times to rinse…lather…and repeat. Use your best judgment.

Tip: If you have fine or Caucasian hair, you may not feel the need to condition afterwards. If this is the case, you should still use a leave in. I don’t usually recommend skipping conditioner but only with this shampoo on those hair types, I feel it’s okay.