Review: @Ouidad Mongongo Oil results on Natural Hair

NaturallyCurly.com sent me another gem from Ouidad to try and this time my socks have been knocked off... Well, Aztec print house shoes if we're being technically correct, but I digress...

Part of the Salon Series by Ouidad line, the Mongongo Oil is marketed as a multi-use hair treatment offering strands deep nourishment, protection, smoothed out frizz and boosted shine. It has no silicones, sulfates, parabens or waxes... what does that all mean? It's pretty freaking awesome without tons of bad stuff. And like we all know, good stuff doesn't come cheap. The oil is sold in 2 sizes: $36 for 2 oz and $58 for 4 oz.

Before you start to have an epic meltdown over the price to size correlation, let me say that NaturallyCurly.com sent me a 2 oz. bottle to try and though it may seem on the small side, a few sprays of this oil goes an extremely long way. I've average about 2-3 sprays for my entire head... meaning I spray 2-3 sprays into my hand, rub together, then distribute. Donzo. That's it. My results typically last a few days... think 3 or 4 on average. So, I won't use more than 6 sprays a week. Looking at the rate I've been using this oil I could easily see it lasting 3-4 months. When you put that into perspective it doesn't make the sticker shock so bad.

What the site claims the product does:

This super-concentrated, multi-tasking serum is infused with Mongongo Oil, known as “hair food” in Zambia for its high vitamin E content and superb regenerating and antioxidant properties. With American Palm Seed Oil and Broccoli Seed Oil, the formula restructures hair as it deeply repairs damage to restore a healthy appearance to even the dullest locks. By forming a protective film over the hair fibers, hair is instantly more manageable and has a natural, healthy-looking luster. It coats hair to protect against UV rays and environmental aggressors to help defend against damage. Further, it protects hair from aggressive heat styling and helps speed up drying time.

My experience:

I could immediately tell my strands were coated and feeling shinier and smoother. My drying time was noticeably shorter... it shaved off drying time similar to how my Brazilian Blowouts do (cutting it by like 50%), and heat styling with my flat iron took only 1 pass. I honestly didn't want to like this stuff because it's expensive. I'm being 100% honest lol. The last thing I needed was to become hooked on a product that didn't cost $5-$10. I'm not really cheap, but you know... I don't want to drop $36 for an oil. However, after using this oil the past few weeks I've definitely changed my mind. It yields consistent results, and the results are unique enough to not be duplicated with a cheaper product. I honestly haven't found anything that gives me these types of results other than the Brazilian Blowout... which is expensive, but of course is a chemical treatment (though temporary). So, in terms of an at-home DIY hair treatment, Ouidad knocked it out of the park! I'm completely smitten with the Mongongo oil. It makes my strands happy and heart smile.

If you'd like to learn more about the Mongongo Oil or buy it, click here.

Next up to review: Curlformers, Mizani True Textures

Earlier this week I received one of my favorite things - - a brown box from NaturallyCurly.com!! I'm always excited to get products to review and in the coming weeks I'll be taking a look at Curlformers, along with additional products from the Mizani True Textures line.

Although I previously reviewed the Mizani True Textures line, I had not tried all of the products the line offered. This time around NaturallyCurly.com sent me the "Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel" and after using it for a few days I'm shockingly a fan! Seriously... I was blown away that I liked this product. My initial review of the Mizani True Textures line was luke warm, at best... so I definitely was skeptical that I would think any different about the "Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel." I had just blogged about searching for the perfect styler and this product may have answered those prayers.

As for the curlformers - - it was a daunting 1 hr 15 min process to get them all in my head lol... but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the results. I'll be filming a video review giving my full opinion, along with some tips and tricks I figured out while using them. I felt like some sort of space alien at the end of the night when I was about to go to sleep (see right --->) but they were a million times better to sleep in than flexirods!!!

 

Review: Mizani True Textures line

Ahh, the Mizani True Textures line...

Like many I was familiar with Mizani products, but always associated them with relaxed hair care. NaturallyCurly.com sent me the entire Mizani True Textures line to try out and I must say, in general I wasn't really impressed.... and I know it can be annoying hearing people speak about what is and isn't "impressing" them, but I guess I should say I was very underwhelmed by the True Textures line and what it did for my hair.

Check out my full review:

Review: As I Am "Double Butter Cream"

I've been a busy bee over here cranking out my product reviews!!! I know it can seem a bit overwhelming to have so many hair posts coming out the same week, but these reviews were delayed as is, so please bear with me as I get them out :) Hopefully you're enjoying all of the wonderful feedback on the products I've tried.

On to the next one - - As I Am's Double Butter Cream!

This is a product that I was definitely on the fence about for the first few weeks I used it. I actually just became a huge fan of it the last 2-3 weeks when it dawned on me what consistent, amazing results it was giving me. As someone that loves the look of stretched out, fluffed out hair, my blow dryer is typically my best friend. I have no qualms about using my concentration nozzle and diffuser to create the looks I love... but the best thing about the As I Am Double Butter Cream was that it not only moisturized my hair, but it gave little to no shrinkage!!!

I was blown away that my twist-out was defined, stretched, and required just a bit of fluffing! Being able to skip an entire step is enough to make me buy this product again.

It's available on CurlMart.com for $15.50 which is rather steep for an 8oz jar... but we pay for the products that consistently give the results we like! I'm about 75% sure I'll be replacing this stuff. Also, Amazon has the 16 oz jar for under $30.



Check out my video for a full review (my hair was in a twist-out using the double butter cream!! )

Review: Karen's Body Beautiful "Sweet Ambrosia"

I'd heard many good things about Karen's Body Beautiful, but had yet to try the product line for myself. After receiving the "Sweet Ambrosia" from NaturallyCurly.com I was left with mixed reviews.

Check out my full review:

 

Available for $16 on CurlMart.com

Review: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie + Raw Shea Butter Line

This review is LONG overdue...

In a nutshell, I was having a TON of issues recording videos and having there be an insane amount of lag w/ the audio and my mouth. I didn't want to post videos that looked like low budget kung-fu flicks so alas, the wait... I figured out what was wrong with my webcam and I think I'm back in business.  


The Goods:

NaturallyCurly.com sent me the following products from the Shea Moisture line...

1. Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
2. Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
3. Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque


The Verdict:

Review: DevaCurl No Poo + One Condition

Back when I got my ends trimmed @ Flo Hair Studio they used DevaCurl's No Poo and One Condition on my hair. I remember loving the smell and feel of the products, so I was excited to see they were the next thing NaturallyCurly.com sent me to review.

Please watch the video for a complete review of both products.

N♥tural Hair: Pantene Curly Hair Series Review

Getting my first package from NaturallyCurly.com was beyond exciting. I literally ripped open the box the moment it was delivered and was happy to see the Pantene Curly Hair Series on deck for my first review.

The Curly Hair Series features shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and stylers all aimed at offering frizz control and curl definition. I received the Dry to Moisturized 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner, Light Conditioning Detangler, Heat Protection & Shine Spray, Curl Shaping Gel, and the Fine Hair Solutions Ultra-Light Moisturizing Treatment (which could have possibly been a mistake but I still chose to use and review).



You can watch my video for a full review, but I'll give a quick overview for those that prefer the written word:

Dry to Moisturized 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
I've never been a fan of 2-in-1 products because I never felt the conditioning aspect was substantial enough. It's a great idea, but I believe more beneficial to those that don't require intense conditioning for their hair. This was more of a conditioning shampoo that didn't leave my hair feeling stripped, but not something I would incorporate into my routine and make a staple product.

Fine Hair Solutions Ultra-Light Moisturizing Treatment
The name is right because this was a super light moisturizer. I don't know if I was sent this product in error because it's from their Fine Hair Solutions line, but it definitely didn't offer the level of moisture I needed. I think this product would be good for those with a looser curl pattern whose hair is easily weighed down.

Curl Shaping Gel
Ahhh, the Curl Shaping Gel! I had a love/hate relationship with this product. I loved the LOOK of the results it offered me, but loathed the actual feel of my hair. I used this stuff everyday for a week and ended up with overly dried locks. Seriously, my hair was on its last leg and needed life support to bounce back from continued use of this product. I tried a few combos to make this work, but have yet to strike gold. I'll keep playing around with this product, but definitely can't use it daily... Maybe once every other week.

Heat Protection & Shine Spray
I didn't get a chance to straighten my hair during the week I tried these products due to being consumed with trying to find a combo that made the Curl Shaping Gel work lol. I will review this once I do my next blow out.

Light Conditioning Detangler
My hair is rather easy to detangle so I can't say this product did much for me in that area. It is also marketed as a curl refresher, but while it made my hair wet it also dried it out when I used it the next morning. I'll have to stick with water as my preferred curl refresher.

Turn your "Curltastrophe" into a payday

A great outfit, accessories and makeup can't hide hair that failed to get the memo. Nothing can ruin a day faster than a hair disaster, but thanks to NaturallyCurly.com you can turn your "curltastrophe" into a payday!

NaturallyCurly.com is currently hosting a "Curltastrophes" contest with 5 grand prize winners receiving a year's supply of Pantene's Curly Hair Series and a Flip Cam.

Entering the contest is a breeze - - all you need to do is share your "curltastrophe" with NaturallyCurly readers. Enthusiasm, creativity and pictures may give you an edge over the competition, so put on your thinking cap and bring your best experience to the table!

I was recently named one of NaturallyCurly.com's newest vloggers... all a result of entering their competition last month, so please know that winning is a possibility. However, you can't win a race you don't enter so share your story today!