Product Review: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner



Twits Styled



I have been on the hunt for natural hairstyles and in the process become a youtube junkie. I spend hours scouring for ideas and products to try, but what I won’t do is go broke trying everything. I pick and choose items that sound promising and give a real value for my buck and if it doesn’t work I wish I wasn’t so lazy, but I usually end up losing money because I won’t take it back. I digress, anyway, I have heard some good things about Cantu Shea Butter, and so I decided to try it out. Can be found at Walmart or most beauty supply stores. I co-washed, detangled in shower, left hair drenched, parted hair in no particular way, oiled sections, saturated each section with Cantu product as I parted and made large two strand twist. I styled it and headed out, I wore twist for 5 days.

   

Close up of styled twist

Day 2 of twist out

On day 6 I did a twist-out, I gelled and brushed one side up out of my face and held it in place with 2 combs. I wore this style for another 7 days. I was so impressed by the definition, the moisture and shine was great. The definition did not go flat while I slept, or lost its depth no matter how much I rubbed my hands over it. I wrapped a scarf around my edges and put on a satin bonnet and slept. I probably could have gone another week if I used my scalp mix of peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and African pride oil on day 1 as oppose to day 6.

  I will definitely repeat this style process throughout winter. I will try different styles with the twist and now since I know how the twist out maintains, I will try different styles with the twist out. The next time, I will attempt to actually pull ringlets apart and hope that it will get big but not fuzzy. We will see, until next time.

Day 6 of twist out



Day 6 definition



Protective Styling



From thirstyroots.com



So, I have been away for awhile, I apologize, hopefully I can contribute something to those just looking for a little advice or inspiration. Okay, well first things first, it is winter and we will be wearing hats, probably washing our hair a little less often and just plain looking for easy hair styles. Let’s talk protective hairstyling. Protective styling is important to keep your hair healthy during the harsh winter months. Cold weather soaks up your hair’s moisture, so lather on the oils and moisturizers (avoid mineral oil and petroleum ingredients). Breakage is more prevalent because of the hair drying, manipulation on fragile strands and the rubbing of hats and scarves that we tend to layer to stay warm. Most protective styling consist of braids, twist, maybe buns, any style that can be worn for longer periods and doesn’t cause you to manipulate your hair often. I would stay away from tightly pulled ponytails of any sort and any style that may cause stress to your hairline.



From curlynikki.com



 Be mindful when choosing your protective style so that you get the most for your trouble. So, if you usually style your hair every 2-4 days, try a style that allows you to get 7+ days wear. Choose styles that allow for moisture retaining, for example your hair will keep its moisture better with a french braid than a wash and go. A wash and go leaves all of your hair follicles and hair shafts exposed to the elements. The best protective styles allow for the ends of your hair to be tucked away, from the extreme temperature changes and from rubbing constantly on clothing, i.e. sweaters. If possible try to avoid wool hats, wool has a tendency to latch on to hair and pull it out. If your coat is wool and there is the possibility of your hair rubbing against it, try putting a non wool scarf around the collar and/or shoulders.

Here is a shameless plugJ Non wool hats and scarves now available at www.raedianncedezigns.com

My next post will be a product review and show one of my chosen protective styles for the winter.