Wen Knock-off--Introducing Hair One

You may have heard of an all-in-one product  called Wen (usually shows up late at night on infomercials, if you have cable).  Antyways, it costs $30 for the entire introductory package which should last 30 days.  Curlies are subject to PJ-ism as much as the next head, but $30 is a lot of money for a product that needs to be replenished frequently.  While perusing my local Sally's (I can ALWAYS be found where there are hair products, especially conditioner), I noticed a new product-HairOne.  My Sally's had an olive oil one, a jojoba oil one, and a tea tree one and they even had sample packets.  The full-size bottle is $10.99 for 8 oz which is a great deal versus the Wen.  Now, I have never used the Wen, but I do know that since going natural, I use conditioner like it's going out of style.  According to the official site, you cannot order the conditioner seperately, so I figure you have to order the entire kit each time you run out of conditioner.  CurlMart charges $28 (plus shipping and handling) for 16 oz.  I usually spend about $5 for 28 oz of Herbal Essences or $6 for 33.5 oz of Aussie Moist, so Wen is a little steep for me. 

Back to your regularly scheduled review: I used two packets of the Olive Oil Hair One, following my usual routine (co-wash twice and then more conditioner and comb through) except that I used the Hair One in place of the two conditioners I usually use.  I found that I needed more product than what is recommended on the package (I used a whole packet to co-wash and a whole packet to comb-through).  While my hair did not feel quite as moisturized as it usually does , I felt that my hair felt soft and conditioned overall and that this product would be good in a pinch or for travel. 

***I also purchased two packets of the Jojoba Hair One that I will review at later time. 

Stay curly, Cupcakes!

Natural Starter Kit

Many people begin their natural journey without the faintest idea of how to proceed, what to use, etc.  I know I did.  I transitioned for 8 months and during that time I pretty much treated my hair as though it was still permed.  I didn't change any products or regimens (I was using KeraCare stuff then) and had my hair straigthened every two weeks for probably the first two months.  Then I started getting my hair braided every month before I finally BC'd.  I say all that to say that I wish that I'd had some guidance in the way of what to do w/my new hair.  Which brings me to:

Natural Basics:

• a really good leave-in conditioner-I recommend using something from the Herbal Essences line-I like Dangerously Straight and Hello Hydration.  something without silicones, parabens, or sulfates. Some naturals like silicones for slip and smoothing of the hair follicle, but some silicones can mask damage.  I avoid parabens because there is some empirical evidence that links them to various cancers and I avoid sulfates because they can strip natural oils from your hair.  I have stopped using Herbal Essences and Aussie moist because they contain these ingredients and now use either Yes to Cucumbers or Giovanni Moisture Max to co-wash, and Yes to Cucumbers regular conditioner or leave-in as, um, a leave-in.  I love Yes to Cucumbers which I use on my ends or to refresh my hair. 
• a really good conditioner for conditioning or co-washing (washing your hair using conditioner)-I use V05 Moisture Milks or Tea Therapy-My favorite is Blackberry (my grandad used to grow blackberries to make jam for me as a kid) and Passionfruit.  Conditioner really can clean your hair and scalp as well as shampoo without the drying effects
• sulfate-free shampoo for occasional or weekly use-I only shampoo once a month, just in case I have product build-up; however, if you wish to shampoo, choose a moisturizing one or at least one without sulfates (salts which strip hair of its natural oils and dry it out).  I shampoo with castile soap diluted with spring water (works well w/my unfinished water bottle habit). 
• oil(s) and/or butter(s) of your choice for sealing end-I have all of the basic oils including olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and castor oil.  You can also melt shea butter to make oil.  I also add 1-3 Tbs of oil to my leave-in conditioner.  I LOVE shea butter from head to toe, but I've recently embraced QP Elasta Mango & Olive Oil butter for sealing or adding a litle shine to my hair. 
• detangling comb or brush-I use a Denman brush, but a lot of people like shower combs (I recommend a seamless comb).  *as of 5/23/11, I own a Ouidad detangling comb, Denman, AND a Tangle Teezer.  Please don't judge me.  I'm seeking treatment for my PJism!*
• a rat tail comb for parting-I usually use my fingers to do my twists, but I like clean parts for other styles
• shower caps for deep conditioning
• old t-shirts and/or microfiber towels (smoother and softer on hair)-tip: don't use fabric softener on towels or whatever you use to dry your hair/body because it makes them less absorbent

Optional:
bottles or other containers for mixtures and concoctions you might make for your hair
honey for deep conditioning or natural highlights
yogurt for deep conditioning
coconut milk or cream for deep conditioning

Introduction

I decided to write a blog for a number of reasons.  I'm newly natural and would like to both document and share my journey, I want to share knowledge and insight with others, and I was looking for a way to encompass all of my passions (my culture, my interest in other cultures, and my desire to learn and share hair info).  Please feel free to drop by, share what's on your mind, and tell a friend!

Recipes

Intro

Hey y'all!  I wanted to explain my reasons for starting this blog.  After being asked by several relatives, friends, and strangers about my hair, how to go natural, product reviews, etc. I figured I could be most helpful if I could provide people with a central location for information about my natural explorations and other curiosities.  I hope you find this blog to be helpful, informative, and entertaining.  I welcome suggestions, ideas, and of course, praise!