Carols daughter Monoi products: Review

Hello everyone!

I'm back, to do a long awaited review on the Carols daughter Monoi products. This review will be posted in sections over time, because I tried each of the products at different times. For Christmas, my awesome mother purchased a BUNCH of products for me to try, and these products were included in that bunch. 

I recieved the following:

-A bottle of the monoi sulfate free shampoo

-The monoi repairing conditioner

-The monoi repairing hair mask

(Later on in the month, I purchased the monoi oil, and the monoi anti-breakage spray.)

First up is the carols daughter monoi sulfate free shampoo!

The sulfate free shampoo is a non sudsy shampoo, with the most awesome smell. The smell is hard for me to describe, but it's not to strong and also not to faint. 

This product is marketed to ALL hair types, and hair textures. So no matter your ethnicity or hair type, this product will help you with excessive shedding and hair breakage. 

 

I always start the hair cleansing process by pre-pooing my hair with coconut oil, and also detangling. This helps to take out any shed hairs, and coat my hair strands to prepair for the shampoo process. 

I sectioned my hair into 4 sections and proceeded to work in the shampoo. Immediately after applying the shampoo, I could feel a big difference in my hair, Strong, fortifying and repairing. While all of this was going on, my hair was still soft.  Because I felt like the shampoo did it's job initially, I did not proceed to use the hair mask or the conditioner the first time around. I didn't want to overload my hair with to much of a strengthening  product, which could potentially cause breakage.  I rinsed out the shampoo normally, and proceeded with my normal conditioning routine. 

This product is a thick, creamy consistency that comes in a 8.5 fl oz bottle.  For this bottle size, the cost is $20.00. This is very pricey, considering how much of the product you receive and how much you may have to use.  This depends on how much hair you have, the thickness and porosity. Other than the price, I give this shampoo a 4/5 stars. It does a great job of strengthening and repairing hair, while preventing breakage up to 98% after the first use! (As listed on the bottle)

This can be purchased at Ulta, carolsdaughter.com and other hair care websites. 

Please comment, rate and subscribe! Reviews coming soon for the other carols daughter hair products. 

Thanks guys!

Danielle 

Guest Feature: Meet fellow natural Bianca!

1. Please introduce yourself!

 

My name is Bianca Young. I am 25, married and a mother of an outgoing little diva. A few things about me that basically sums me up; Proud Christian, I love serving & encouraging others (in ministry, church or community give back), family time (most of my weekends), fashion (my back ground is in visual art & fashion merchandise), I love to help people find items/looks/styles that enhances their wardrobes. I currently work at Express home office and outside of work in my creative zone; I collaborate with photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists and create style shoots or model look books. Last but not least, I am working on a site with my fashion partner that will have style tips, blog, natural hair channel, DIY, etc.

 

 

2. Why did you decide to go natural/ become chemical free?

I decided to go natural for one main reason, it was a fear of mine, sounds crazy right?! Well it wasn’t in my mind, I thought that if I went natural my hair would never get really straight again, and it would be a mess all the time. Of course no one should allow fear to control them from doing anything because 9 times out of 10 its false. So that gave me the green light to go chemical free! It’s been 4 years and I wouldn’t have it no other way!

 

3. How would you describe your natural hair texture?

My natural hair texture is type 3c – Curly Kinky Hair. Somewhat spongy when wet with a good conditioner in!  

 

4. Describe your most recent style regimen within the last month.

My most recent style that I’ve been wearing is a two strand twist out mixed with a few flat twist. I would keep that style in for about 2-3 days; adding a little oil, water and curl cream to keep it fresh.

 

5. What are your go to hairstyle(s)?

 

My go to hairstyles are full twist outs, half of my hair up in the back and the curly bang out in the front, last the natural bun!

6. Do you have a specific wash regimen?

 

I don’t have a regimen that’s a routine but I have different regimens that I do depending on what my hair needs at the time. Usually if I’m wearing it natural (not blown out) I would wash it once a week, shampoo if needed but mostly a co-wash with one of my favorite conditioners.

 

7. What are some of your favorite hair products?

Shampoo: Argan Oil by One & Only

Conditioners: Herbal Essence Honey I’m Strong, Argan Oil by One & Only.

Curl cream: Shea Moisture Enhance Smoothie,

Leave-In: Cantu Argan Oil leave-in conditioner or Design Essential leave-in

Oils: organic coconut oil, pure olive oil

 

8. Do you have any natural hair goals?

 

The first few years of going natural I didn’t have any hair goals, just for healthy hair. Now I would say it’s still to have thick healthy hair, but I do want to see more length by 2014 summer.

9. Do you have any advice for other new naturals or those aspiring to be natural?

 

The grass is definitely greener on the other side! Once you go natural it’s a lifestyle, more than the hair. I will be honest, when you first are transitioning over to natural it will be challenging and rough, but many trials and errors will help you better understand your hair and love it. Your hair is going through a whole new transition process, so it will take time and patience.The best thing to do is, tons of research! There is a worldwide natural community; hair blogs, YouTube (blessed my life), books, magazines, social network etc. Last but not least it’s not about length it’s about healthy hair; giving special TLC to what God has blessed you with! All natural hair types.

 

   10. How can you be contacted?

 

 I can be contacted personally 216-253-6023 or bianca_charles88@yahoo.com. Social network: @1bianca/ twitter: @queenbabyb3. My business site/blog and info I’m working on is:www.clashingeko.com, Bianca@theclashingeko.com

Protective styling: revisiting mini twists!

Hello All!

I've been away for a while, my apologies. I've been using the products I listed in my last post, so that I can get some reviews out to you guys! As of today I am 3 years and 4 months natural. Time is really flying guys. I had a protective style in not to long ago, which was the full sew in with bangs. I took that out and decided to let my hair breathe for a bit, while giving it some much needed TLC. Deep conditioning and a lot of moisturizing!

One of my staple styles is a braid out, and that requires a lot of braiding, rebraiding and handling of the hair.

 To much manipulation can cause damage and split ends! Since I am trying to reach a goal by my 4 year hair anniversary, I wanted to "protect" my hair, while giving it a break from my usual protective style which most times is a weave.

I decided why not revisit mini twists? They are great for all seasons, easy to manage and easy to moisturize. My hair has been stretched for a couple of days now from and old braid out. So I did not wash my hair before putting them in.

I put in the twists by sections. With each section, I sprayed my ends with water, and proceeded to use Darcy Botanicals Avacado and Honey twisting cream. This is a medium to thick consistency. Smells very light, with a faint scent of honey! This was the only product I used, (besides water) to moisturize my ends and keep them from unraveling. 

This Darcy Botanicals product makes my hair very soft, not greasy and it doesn't have a strong scent. I will come back when I take out these twists and give my final review.

From start to finish, it took me about 3 hours to do my entire head. Not to bad, considering I made the twists small to medium sized. 

I forgot how much I loved this style guys. It's so simple and the twists can be styled also! I will TRY to keep these in for at least 2 weeks. I say I will TRY, because my kinky, coily hair tends to matte up if kept in a style for too long, especially if I'm applying water to it. I will moisturize my ends everyday, especially because it is winter time. I will cover my head with a satin bonnet at night to keep the look fresh. 

How do you guys like this style? Check out Darcy botanicals website, she has some awesome products! Stay tuned for more reviews.

Thanks,

Dani

Product Reviews Galore!!!!

Hi All! 

Black Friday has come and gone. On that day, my mom (who is also natural) and I decided to indulge in some of the sales that went on from various natural hair care companies. I will be doing reviews on each product after I have had enough time to successfully use all of them. I want to be able to give you the best and most honest reviews possible. Here's a list of the products purchased:

1. Darcy botanicals avocado and honey twisting cream

2. Darcy botanicals Shea butter moisturizing cream

3. Carols daughter monoi shampoo

4. Carols daughter monoi  conditioner

5. Carols daughter monoi hair mask

6. Camille rose aloe whipped butter gel

7. Camille rose fresh care hair smoother

8. Obia naturals twist whip butter

9. Obia naturals curl hydration spray 

10. Alikay naturals lemongrass leave in conditioner

11. Aliyah naturals Shea yogurt moisturizer (sample)

12. Jane carter nourish and shine

13. Jane carter wrap and roll spray

All of these products will be reviewed within the next couple of months. Please bare with me in doing so :-) 

My hair has grown A LOT since I removed my most recent protective style. I will be allowing my hair to breathe for 3-4 weeks and then I will be installing another sew in to carry me through the next 6-8 weeks of winter. 

Thank you for reading my posts! I appreciate all my followers and subscribers. Happy holidays and happy new year to you all!

-Dani

Just checking in...

Hey guys!

 I wanted to take this opportunity to check in with you guys! 

I'm still rocking the full sew in with bangs I posted about a month ago. It's still working out wonderfully for me. I can really appreciate that I have not had to mess with, detangle or style my real hair for the last month lol. 

I plan on keeping this style until mid December, and then I will take it down to give my hair a good wash, deep condition, trim my ends and most importantly let my hair breathe!

It's so important to remember to take care of your hair underneath and sew in or any other protective style. You don't want to suffer from hair loss, breakage or tangled dry hair. 

I have purchased a couple new products, and will also be purchasing some things I've wanted to try during the Black Friday sale on November 29th. So there will be some reviews coming up pretty soon, going into the new year. Just this past week I celebrated being 3 years and 4 months in the game! ( 3 years and 4 months of being natural). It has been a long journey and I can't wait to see what my hair is looking like at my 4 year mark which is August 2014.

Here's some pictures of my hair in October right before I got the full sew in: 

Let me know if you guys have any questions!  Talk to you soon

-Dani

Protective style #2/ full sew in with bangs

Greetings!!!!!!

You guys know that I am currently still doing my protective style challenge for the winter. I had in a kinky curly weave, and removed it about a month ago. I gave my hair a break for about 3 weeks, clipped my ends and deep conditioned my hair each week. I had my hair in a bun, while giving it a break and allowing it it "breathe". Recenty, I had my newest protective style installed which is a full sew in with bangs

I love this style guys :-) 

It's perfect for fall/winter, and it keeps all of my hair protected. I don't have to worry about any leave out, or prepping any of my real hair.

The hair I bought isn't anything fancy, but it's called "Visso" by bobby boss. It's a long the same lines of "outré" hair for those of you familiar with weaves. I paid $32.99 per pack, and I have 2 1/2 packs installed of two 14 inches and 1/2 bundle of a 12 inch. 

My plan is to keep this in for at least a month, maybe longer.  The reason I am unsure is because there is no real way for me to moisturize my hair and "take care" of it while it's under a full sew in. I want to make sure that my real hair is nurtured while also being protected. 

How do you guys choose to protect your hair during the colder months? Do you ever give your hair a break? Don't forget to subscribe and leave your comments below!!! I plan to be back soon to give and update on the hair :-)

Peace,

Dani  

Guest feature: Meet the beautiful Whitney!

1. Please introduce yourself!

Hi Everyone!! I’m Whitney. I’m from Ohio and I’m a PR, Marketing and Special Events consultant. I write a blog too!www.Whitneybillups.com

2. Why did you decide to go natural/ become chemical free?

It all started when I had an internship in NYC in 2008. I was getting a lot of sew-in’s because I didn’t have a hair stylist there. While I was there I saw so many woman with beautiful thick curly hair and it inspired me. By the time I got back home to Ohio I had a good chunk of new growth. My hairstylist of 6 years said “Let’s not put a perm in your hair anymore.” And I said, “Ok!”

3. How would you describe your natural hair texture?

Like most naturals I have a few different textures. The crown is very soft and lose so I would say that’s a 3C. However the rest of my hair would be a 4A. My hair tends to get dry pretty fast so I try and moisturize it often.

4. Describe your most recent style regimen within the last month.

I’ve been working out almost every day so throughout the week I try and keep it in some sort of protective style. I don’t know how to french braid L so I usually do a chunky flat twist or maybe some small 2 strand twist and pin it up. Actually as of late, I’ve been feeling very 1950ish and have been wearing a lot of pompadours. I guess I think I’m Janelle Monae or something lol.

5. What are your go to hairstyle(s)
Go to hairstyle is 2 strand twist. My hair loves that. I love to do flat twist outs also, especially on stretched hair because it gives such a great feel for the length I’ve got. But my super go to is a bun. Just gel this bad boy up and I’m good to go for a few days!

6. Do you have a specific wash regimen?

Yes. And btw I hate wash day. I’m so tired afterwards. Lately I’ve been deep conditioning the night before. Then the next day I’ll section the hair off into 4 parts and use the finger detangling method. I don’t like combs or brushes so I spend a considerable amount of time detangling in the shower.

7. What are some of your favorite hair products?

Coconut oil, shea butter, Suave Professionals MoroccanTrader Joes Tea Tree conditioner, Mizani’s Puriphying shampoo, The Conditioner by Paul Mitchell, Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner Deep Moisture Conditioner

8. Do you have any natural hair goals?

My goal is firstly to maintain strong healthy hair. Secondly, I would like to reach back of the bra strap length. 

9. Do you have any advice for other new naturals or those aspiring to be natural?

This is spiritual journey as much as it is a hair journey. As a woman our identity is directly connected to our beauty. Our hair is an extension of our beauty. You are going to have to come to grips with your hair being short for a while. You are going to have to be ok with seeing the curl pattern, no matter if it’s loosely curled or if it’s super tightly coiled. Love this experience and love who God made you to be. A beautiful Queen  J

10. How can you be contacted?

Whitney Billups
WhitneyBillups@gmail.com

Or IG: @letwhitbrandit