With all that is happening in current events, it seems as if this is the perfect opportunity to continue to push the agenda for change forward. There are so many ways that you can get involved; one way is leveraging your buying power. According to a Nielsen report in 2018, the black community had a buying power of 1.2 trillion dollars. If we deliberately chose to spend a percentage of our dollars with black-owned or minority brands, we could help cultivate a new generation of wealth for people of color. Keep reading for a list of black-owned brands that should you should know (in no particular order). Black-Owned Hair Brands Mielle Organics View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mielle Organics LLC (@mielleorganics) on May 3, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT Launched in 2014 by Michelle Rodriguez, a registered nurse, this brand focuses on natural hair care for all hair types and prides itself on using organic ingredients. Taliah Waajid View this post on Inst...
Trying to detangle my thick and coily hair can sometimes become quite daunting.  Because of this, I am always looking for ways to make the entire process easier. I was intrigued by this product that claimed to make everyday detangling fast and painless. My curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to test the claims of the Remington "Tame the Mane" Electric Detangling Brush.  Would it help me detangle my thick bush quickly and free of pain??? First Impression The cost of the product is set around $20 and can be purchased  HERE . When I received the product, I noticed a little blonde girl with long curly hair on the packaging.  This did not make me confident in the results to say the least...but I digress. The product is a vibrant purple with teeth that made me extremely nervous about putting it anywhere near my hair.  The detangling brush is cordless and takes batteries, which is definitely a plus.  This means that you can "tame the mane" on the go.   ...
A t some point in our Natural Hair journey we have all heard of the signature Deva Cut that could help get your curls into formation. That signature cut was developed and implemented by DevaCurl.  DevaCurl has now become known for what I consider luxury hair care products.  Most of their products range from $20 to $60... so yes, the prices can be very steep.  Oh My GIF from Antm GIFs Source: DevaCurl Because of the luxury prices, I have been afraid to try out the DevaCurl hair products.  Fortunately for me, I was recently sent one DevaCurl's newest products to try out, Super Stretch - the Coconut Curl Elongator. Disclaimer - I did receive this complimentary, but this will have no bearing on my honest review!  The Claims DevaCurl Claims that Super Stretch "weightlessly elongates curls and maintains definition" . The website states that the product is " Versatile and lightweight, this styler has a rich velvety texture that the provides the mo...
A s some of you may know, I am a product junkie.  The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. 😉Because of my obsession with buying and trying out different hair products, I feel comfortable with sharing with you all my favorite styling gels that can help you have the ultimate curl poppagé (yes, I just made that word up).  This list will include some budget options, for those that want to save a bit of coin and some splurge options for those that don't mind spending a few extra dollars.  The point is, there are plenty of products that you can use that will fit into your budget and allow your curls to win! Budget Friendly 1. EcoStyler Gel This has been my tried and true gel from the beginning of my natural hair journey. It has done right by me; helping me achieve sleek ponytails, curly high puffs, and wash and gos with a shiny, elongated curl. This product can definitely go the distance at price that won't break the bank.  You can find this ...
In case you haven't heard, Shea Moisture, a beauty brand that has catered to the hair and skin needs of Black women, released a new commercial. Just as soon as the commercial was released, the public dragging commenced. The reason for the major backlash was the fact that the new advertising featured a woman who appeared to be biracial ( I could be wrong ) and several White women.  Say What? Yes, Shea Moisture, who has made tons of money from black consumers created, approved, and released a commercial that didn't focus on it's core audience.  Granted, a woman with a lighter complexion was front and center... BUT what happened to all of the other beautiful shades of brown?  No caramel, chestnut, chocolate, cocoa, etc.  Before I continue, check out the video that has all of the chocolate sisters up in arms. Credit: Peculiar Royalty - Youtube Objective Opinion I see why Shea Moisture thought this was a good move to make as a brand. They want to expand the...
I recently had the opportunity to try out some new products.  In March, I received four products in my monthly curlBOX subscription. To be quite honest, I had never heard of this brand and had never noticed their products in stores. After doing a bit of research, I now know that you can purchase these products at Target, Walmart, CVS, and Ulta.  I was actually excited to be entering uncharted territory with Maui Moisture. Let's dive into the four hair products that I received. PRODUCT BREAKDOWN Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo 13 FL OZ Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner 13 FL OZ Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie 12 OZ Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Milk 8 OZ I was very pleased to see how much product was included in each container.  The products range between $7 and $9 depending on where you purchase from. All of the Curl Quench products were designed for Thick, Curly Hair which is absolutely perfect for me.  If you do not have thick and curly hair, Maui...
W ith 2017 in full effect, I thought this would be the perfect time to introduce you all to some new products that have quickly become my  NEW FAVES.  As many of you already know, I'm a sucker for hair products and so I am always experimenting and often times wasting money on the latest product to hit shelves.  I have made every effort to limit how much money I spend IN STORES on hair products, and have forced myself to stick only to trying the products that arrive in my monthly curlBOX.  Check out this  post   for more information on this service that I use.  Listed below are some of my favorite products that I have received from curlBOX.  BABASSU OIL Mint Deep Conditioner  by Mielle Organics This deep conditioner smells great and feels even better as you massage it throughout your hair.  It has a tingling sensation and will have your feeling soft. I also really like the fact that this product was created by Monique Rodriguez, a women of color.  I'm all about...
The Product Junkie in me is filled with excitement about my November curlBOX.  This is my first shipment from the curlBOX subscription service.  I have previously ordered some products that were not included in their monthly subscription.  To read about that experience click  HERE .  The November box featured products from PAUL MITCHELL. Read on to find out more about these featured products. Box Breakdown  The products came wrapped in hot pink tissue paper and was placed in the signature black box with gold and pink lettering.  Included inside: Paul Mitchell curls - Spring Loaded Frizz-Fighting Shampoo.   This is a pretty small bottle with only 2.5 fl. oz. Paul Mitchell curls -  Spring Loaded Frizz-Fighting Conditioner.  The conditioner is much larger than the shampoo with 6.8 fl. oz. Paul Mitchell express style- Round Trip. This is a liquid curl definer and it has a pump attachment.  The appearance of this product is like a liquified gel/serum. The size of this produ...
A couple of days ago I did my first protein treatment ever! In the two years that I have been natural, I had never done a protein treatment... I know, I know. It's sad... but I'm not your average Naturalista; I don't follow the norm.   I decided to try it after talking to my cousin about her own natural-hair journey. Since this was going to be my first time doing a protein treatment, I wanted to try something easy and light.  I decided to use ORS Hair Mayonnaise and the results were really amazing. Check out my results: In honor of my first successful protein treatment, I wanted to share with you all some of the benefits: *Strengthens hair that is weak and brittle *Gives curls more body (my curls also looked more defined) *Gives hair a gentle sheen *Provides nutrients that promote healthy hair growth   **Just be sure not to overuse the product and follow the instructions on the container.** **Results may vary from person to person** ...
Update: I no lonver use the AsIAm cowash... I found out out that it was the culprit of my dry and abrasive hair that I was suffering from for a little while. I am finally willing to admit it...My name is Francesca and I am addicted to buying Natural Hair Products.  Since transitioning, I have tried so many different products and spent so much of my hard earned money. I have tried everything from As I Am to Carol's Daughter to Shea Moisture to every oil underneath the sun. I am here today to save you all the trouble of spending hundreds of dollars trying out ridiculously expensive natural hair products with little to no benefits. My fiancee would be angry if he knew how much money I was actually spending on all of these "life-altering" hair products.  For instance, this morning I spent $36 (and that's cheap) at Sally's for a new Denman brush that I misplaced, a new leave in conditioner, and some headbands. I literally walk into any store and immediately go to...