Friday, November 20, 2009

Product Review: "The One N' Only Argan Oil"

Hello Bellas,

This review will feature the much talked about, Argan Oil. This product has been so hyped that I was dying to try it, so here's my review:




Your Frequently Asked Questions:

*How Much Was It? $7.99 on sale @ Sally Beauty Supply. It’s $8.99 regular price.

*Girl, What’s In It? Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Red 17 (CI 26100)

• *What Does It Claim To Do?
"Premium finishing, smoothing and conditioning product
• Non-greasy, alcohol-free formula
• Instantly absorbs into the hair
• Creates brilliant shine without leaving an oil residue
• Reduces drying time and speeds up styling time
• Smoothes cuticle for silky, conditioned and healthy looking hair
• Eliminates frizz and leaves hair more manageable
• Helps protect against damage caused by the environment or heat styling
• Mix with color/chemical processes for enhanced results and added depth to color
• For all hair types
• UV protection
• Compare to Moroccan Oil

One of the world's rarest oils, argan oil is derived from the Moroccan argan tree. Rich in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and Vitamin E, it is valued for its ability to regenerate and nourish dry and damaged hair.

One 'n Only Argan Oil is a non-greasy, alcohol-free formula that is instantly absorbed into the hair, creating brilliant shine without leaving an oily residue. Smoothes cuticle for the silky, conditioned and healthy looking hair. This precious oil helps protect against damage caused by the environment, chemicals, or excessive heat from stylers, and provides long-term conditioning while reducing frizz, split ends and breakage. Ideal for all hair types, One 'n Only Argan Oil is a premium styling finishing, smoothing and conditioning product that produces consistently silky smooth results."
*Where Can I Find It? As far as I know, the only storefront where you can buy this oil is Sally Beauty Supply, however, online it can be found at http://www.folica.com/, and http://www.houseofbeautyworld.com/.

*Directions From The Container:
"Apply a small amount through damp hair after shampooing. Style as usual. For Protection: apply a small amount to dry hair. Styling and Finishing: Distribute a small amount of oil evenly through clean, towel-dried hair; use heat to style. Distribute a small amount through dry hair to moisturize, reduce frizz and add instant shine. Smoothing and Conditioning: Smoothes the hair instantly, leaving it revitalized with a healthy look and feel. Hydrates, protects, revives and detangles natural hair, wigs and extensions. Color/Chemical Process: Prior to treatment massage a small amount of oil evenly into hair. Do not rinse. Then mix approximately 1/4 teaspoon of oil with the color, highlighting, straightening or relaxer solution and process as usual. One 'n Only Argan Oil increases absorption of product into hair for enhanced shine and depth of color."
*My Personal Review:
First let me say that I tried this oil two different ways. The first way, with freshly co-washed damp hair, I applied a leave-in conditioner, sealed with the Argan Oil, and blow dried my hair in sections on low heat. My hair came out soft and shiny, but somewhat heavy. I think that was due to the leave in conditioner I used.   The second time I used the Argan Oil, again on freshly co-washed hair, it was the only thing I used. I blow dried my hair in sections on low heat, this time my hair was soft, shiny, light, and weightless. I loved it!! But……because of the cones in this product, my hair was coated. I couldn’t moisturize on top of this oil. Nothing would penetrate.

*My Final Thoughts:
I really like this oil. I can only imagine how silky my hair would be if I used this oil to flat iron with. The smell is mild, not at all like the Chi Silk Infusion, however, they have the same consistency. My only objection to this oil is that because of the cones in it I have to use a heavy-duty shampoo to get it off my hair. Sulfates are a must! Because of this, I will only be using this oil from time to time, not very often. (Maybe just the week prior to me clarifying my hair.) Other than that, there are no down sides to this oil. And if you are a frequent shampooer, you won’t have a problem with it at all.

So, Bella’s, have you ever tried this oil? Are you curious to try it? Let me know in the comment section.

Be Fabulous,
SouthernBella

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Just a Quick Pic

Hello Bellas,

Here's a pic of me in my new wig. I love her because all I have to do is slick my hair back, put her on, and slide on a headband. It takes less than 5 minutes. You can't beat that with a stick!




BTW- The wig is by Motown Tress, model LG-61, in color 2.
( I hate their wigs don't have names. I call her Lola, for some reason. LOL)

Until next time,
SouthernBella

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Wig Wearing Regimen

Hello Bellas!

Talk about low maintenance!! Since I started wearing wigs my regimen is simpler, my product-junkie-ism has decreased DRAMATICALLY, my breakage has ceased, and the overall health of my hair is 100% better!!

Here's my Wig-Wearing Regimen:


SUNDAY NIGHT

1. Shampoo with diluted Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo (once)
2. Deep Condition with Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner (with heat cap for 30 mins)
3. Co-wash and detangle with Aussie Moist
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
5. Spray damp hair with either: Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin, or Chi Keratin Spray, or Nioxin Thermal Bliss (whichever is closest)
6. Blow dry on cool setting until hair is about 80% dry.
7. Apply Shea butter in sections, part hair down the middle, French braid hair in two braids, pin the ends up, and cover with a satin cap.

MONDAY-THURSDAY MORNING

1. Take off satin cap, and spray hair with diluted Aussie Moist or rub Shea butter over the braids.
2. Gel my edges back with either Eco Styling Gel, or Designer Touch Finishing Gel (which is a pain in the butt to find!), put on my wig cap and my wig and GO!!!

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY EVENING

1. Take off wig and wig cap.
2. Spray braids with diluted Aussie Moist or rub Shea butter over the braids.
3. Put on satin cap, and go to sleep.

THURSDAY EVENING (light protein day)

1. Take down braids and co-wash with Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In (let sit for about 5 mins & rinse)
2. Co-wash with Aussie Moist (let sit for about 5 mins) and detangle with shower comb while rinsing.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
4. Spray damp hair with either: Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin, Chi Keratin Spray, or Nioxin Thermal Bliss (whichever is closest)
5. Blow dry on cool setting until hair is about 80% dry.
6. Apply Shea butter in sections, part hair down the middle, French braid hair in two braids, pin the ends up, and cover with a satin cap.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

1. Either I do nothing with my hair, or I do Thursday's regimen without the protein.

*****************************************************************************

This may not seem like a low-maintenance regimen, but for me, any regimen that doesn’t involve blowing out my new-growth, and flat ironing my hair, is low-maintenance. I love being a wig-wearer. It’s the perfect protective style for me.

 Oh, if you're interested, this is the wig that I wore last week:



She's a wet and wavy style. I don't wear any of my hair out with this wig, I just slick my hair back, but on my wig cap & wig, and cover the welt with a headband. I love being able to do that! No rollers, or styling needed!

Am I a wiggaholic yet? LOL

Be Well Bella's,
-Southern Bella

P.S- To my new subscribers, WELCOME!!