Review: Eco Styler Krystal Styling Gel

Eco Styler Olive Krystal Styling Gel is a light, priced the same as the olive oil formula, approx $2.99 CAD for 473 ml/16 Fl oz jar. I liked the curl definition that it gave. It was also very light on my hair. But it left my hair feeling crunchy, even after I had added coconut and olive oils. After researching the ingredients I discovered that I was PVP that gave the drying effects. Both formulas contain this ingredient but the olive oil counteracts the drying effect of this ingredient. PVP prevents moisture from entering into the hair while it holds a hairstyle. Overall, the ingredients of the Krystal Styling Gel are similar to the Olive Oil Styling Gel (except for the olive oil of course and the colorants). I was not satisfied with the feeling that Krystal Styling Gel gave my hair. I will stick with the Olive Oil formula.


Ingredients

Water: Self Explanatory

Carbomer: Carbomer is a term used for a series of polymers primarily made from acrylic acid. The Carbomers are white, fluffy powders but are frequently used as gels in cosmetics and personal care productsHelp to distribute or suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid. Also used to keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. Often used to control the consistency and flow of cosmetics and personal care products.


Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Acts as a film-former and skin conditioning agent

PVP: Also called povidone or polyvinylpyrrolidone, is a faint yellow solid. In cosmetics and personal care products. Helps to distribute or to suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid and keeps emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. Dries to form a thin coating on the skin, hair or nails. When used in hair care products, it helps hair hold its style by inhibiting the hair’s ability to absorb moisture.

Glycerin: Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that can be obtained from natural sources or can be synthesized. In cosmetics and personal care products. Glycerin is a well known humectant(draws moisture from atmosphere)in cosmetics and personal care products. Also referred to as Glycerol, is a component of all animal and vegetable fats and oils. It can also be synthesized from carbohydrate materials or from substances such as propylene.

Treithanolamine: pH adjuster. Used in conjunction with Carbomer to increase viscosity

Sodium Hydrxymethyglycinate: Derived from amino acids; gentle, safe and effective preservative.

Polysorbate 20: Derived from fatty acids; an emulsifier and solubilizer used to facilitate the coupling of water-soluble with water insoluble ingredients in formulation.

Tetrasodium EDTA ( Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetate): - Chelating agent. In manufacturing helps to binds loose ions. Helps break down the membranes of some bacteria so it has preservative properties.

Fragrance: Self Explanatory

LOVE AND PRIDE: Self Explanatory LOL

Listening To Your Hair & Product Junkyism

Since I've been on Youtube. I've learned so much about natural hair, I swear I could write a book. Perhaps I should, okay, one more thing on my list of things to do in life. But even if I do, it would be so worth it. There are so many little girls and women hating their textured tresses. Simply because they've be conditioned to by family and media or they simply have not been given the proper information on how to care for it. As a child my mom cared for my natural hair, so hair was the least of my concerns. But, now that I've decided to go back to my natural roots, I'm obsessed with learning all that I can about natural hair. I spend hours on hair sites and youtube absorbing everything I can. It's easy to get caught up with what products your hair needs. But what your our hair really needs if for us to listen to it, feel it and understand what in needs to grow. And that is TLC, which includes protective styling and patience.


Who knew after years of buying products with labels like "HairFood" and "Do Grow" not many of us achieved great lengths. Even worse, is the fact that many of the "black hair" product marketed to us contain a lot of junk! Terrible ingredients like parabens, petroleum, mink oil and other unmentionable substances that rob our hair of the moisture that it needs to thrive. So, so much money time and energy wasted on product to "help" our hair grow. If only we had listened to our hair many of us would have healthier hair. Even now that I'm natural I'm learning to listen to my hair and give it what it need moisture, TLC and a lot more patience. I still see the desire for that magic growth product among some naturals. Have we not learned? Hair grows, we used to get touch up with relaxers and dye jobs . So, that should be an indication that our hair grows. Also, it grows approximately 1/2 and inch every month.

It's doesn't seem like a lot but if you keep watching and constantly measuring, it won’t seem like anything's happening. Like the saying goes a watched pot never boils. I guess it's impatience that compels some of us to run out and buy every single product that has had good reviews. I can understand, believe me, that we want our hair to look the best it can be. But it's equally important that your hair feels the best that it can be. That requires using products that it responds well to and just listening to your hair. It's important to remember what works for one natural may not work for you, even if you have the same hair type. Create a hair regimen that works best for YOU, it's a trial and error process. Don't be afraid to try new products but don't go looking for a miracle product, even if it has the word "Miracle" on the label. If we've learned, we know that there will be many products claiming to be the solution to hair growth, so we end up buying so many. But, Product Junkyism is not the solution to hair growth, moisture, TLC and patience are key to healthy hair and the length you may desire.

Review: Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel is a light, reasonably priced, approx $2.99 CAD for a 473 ml/ 16 Fl oz jar. It contains olive oil which helps retain moisture. I use it damp hair after co washing and finger comb the product in my hair. It' not flaky and does not leave my hair feeling crunchy at all. I normally only use it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). For the most part it's light, inexpensive and doesn't' dry my hair.

The only negative about this product is that it reacts with my conditioner (Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner) and my Cantu daily Shea Butter oil moisturizer. But other naturals on youtube, for example, Janellapy has paired Eco Styler with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine. But I'll have to try it and see for my self. Overall It's a decent product for simple styling like Wash n Gos. And for the cost it is good for what it claims to do, keep moisture, hold curls and is weightless.

See below for all the ingredients in Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

Disclaimer: I've outlined the main points of the ingredients as they relate to hair care and cosmetic use. I encourage you to research further on your own.

Ingredients

Water: Self Explanatory

Carbomer: Carbomer is a term used for a series of polymers primarily made from acrylic acid. The Carbomers are white, fluffy powders but are frequently used as gels in cosmetics and personal care productsHelp to distribute or suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid. Also used to keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. Often used to control the consistency and flow of cosmetics and personal care products.


Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Acts as a film-former and skin conditioning agent

PVP: Also called povidone or polyvinylpyrrolidone, is a faint yellow solid. In cosmetics and personal care products. helps to distribute or to suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid and keeps emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. Dries to form a thin coating on the skin, hair or nails. When used in hair care products, it helps hair hold its style by inhibiting the hair’s ability to absorb moisture.

Glycerin: Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that can be obtained from natural sources or can be synthesized. In cosmetics and personal care products. Glycerin is a well known humectant(draws moisture from atmosphere)in cosmetics and personal care products. Also referred to as Glycerol, is a component of all animal and vegetable fats and oils. It can also be synthesized from carbohydrate materials or from substances such as propylene.

Treithanolamine: pH adjuster. Used in conjunction with Carbomer to increase viscosity

Sodium Hydrxymethyglycinate: Derived from amino acids; gentle, safe and effective preservative.

Polysorbate 20: Derived from fatty acids; an emulsifier and solubilizer used to facilitate the coupling of water-soluble with water insoluble ingredients in formulation.

Tetrasodium EDTA ( Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetate): - Chelating agent. In manufacturing helps to binds loose ions. Helps break down the membranes of some bacteria so it has preservative properties.

Olive Oil: Also labeled as Olea europaea derived from olives; moisturizes and softens.

Fragrance: Self Explanatory

Blue #1: Also called FD&C Blue No. 1, is a synthetic color that is subject to certification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In cosmetics and personal care products, used in the formulation of a wide variety of product types. Gives a blue color to cosmetics and personal care products.


Yellow #11: Also called D&C Yellow No. 11, it is used in the formulation of bath products, cleansing products, hair products, nail products, and fragrances. It's synthetic pigment sometimes referred to in general terms as a quinoline color. Color additives are classified as straight colors, lakes, and mixtures. Straight colors are color additives that have not been mixed or chemically reacted with any other substance. Yellow 11 is a straight color.

LOVE AND PRIDE: Self Explanatory LOL

Video: Beautiful Naturals With Flowers In Their Hair

Cantu Daily Shea Butter Oil Moisturizer

Cantu daily Shea butter oil moisturizer is. The label says it prevents breakage tangling and frizz, leaves hair silky and smooth. I'll have to co-sign with most of that because well moisturized and detangled hair is less prone to breakage. Since I've been using it I've been happy with my hair's manageability and how it feels.

Its $9.99 CAD for a 13.5 fl. oz/400 ml bottle. I don't use a lot of it because a little goes a long way so, for me it lasts a reasonable time. Plus, I still have a Teenie Wennie Afro (TWA) so I don't use a lot of product.

Disclaimer: I've outlined the main points of the ingredients as they relate to hair care and cosmetic use. I encourage you to research further on your own.


Ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: An oily liquid made from coconut oil used in cosmetics and personal care products. Composed of caprylic and capric fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin.Favored for its is based on its stability, solubility and lack of odor and color.

Propelyne Glycol: Is an organic alcohol. One of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products including fragrances. attract water and ac as moisturizer to enhance the appearance of skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Also used to help stabilize formulations.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter): Shea butter is derived from the nut of the Shea tree that is native to Central Africa. The oil from the fruit of the Shea tree contains about 45-50% oleic acid, 30-41% stearic acid, 5-9% plamitic acid and 4-5% linoleic acid.

Ethylhexyl Stearate: An emollient derived from plant oil that prevents water loss (also known as Octyl Stearate). Used as an oil component for emulsions, bath oils, and as a solvent for active substances in cosmetics. Stearate esters are used most frequently in the formulation of eye makeup, skin makeup, lipstick and skin care products.

Decyl Oleate: Made from straight chained decyl alcohol, derived from a naturally occurring fatty acid, oleic acid. Used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, including makeup, and skin and hair care products. Has great lubrication properties and possess low viscosity.

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1-dimethicone: A Silicone that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier. Found in various cosmetic and skincare products. It provides emolliency, water binding properties, good slip and a silky touch on the skin. It keeps the water and oil parts of an emulsion from separating. It's able to hold active molecules and prevent them from being release especially if they are pigmented (i.e. eyeshadows).

Urea: A colorless or white crystalline powder; it can also occur in the form of small white pellets. Found in several cosmetics and personal care products. Minimizes the change in the pH balance of a product when other ingredients are added to that product. Slows the loss of moisture from a product during use. In skin care products, it increases the water content of the top layers of the skin.

Also know as carbamide, it is produced in mammalian systems when proteins are broken down. It is excreted in the urine of mammals. However, the Urea found in cosmetics and personal care products is synthetic and not animal derived.

Synthetic Beeswax: Synthetic beeswax also known as Microcrystalline wax it is a synthetic blend of beeswax and Paraffin. These waxes come from the distillation of crude oil. Synthetic Wax is a blend of low molecular weight polymers of ethylene. Synthetic Beeswax is a blend of fatty esters, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and high molecular weight hydrocarbons. The properties of Synthetic Beeswax are similar to beeswax.

Parfum: (Fragrance) Self explanatory

Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Castor oil is obtained by the cold pressing of seeds of the Ricinus communis plant followed by clarification of the oil by heat. Used cosmetics and personal care products, including bath products, aftershave lotions, skin care products, cleansing products, deodorants, fragrances, makeup, hair conditioners, shampoos, hair care products, personal cleanliness products, and nail polish and enamels.

Polyglyceryl-4 -isostearate: - An emulsifier also known as Tetraglyceryl monoisostearate. A natural, plant-based emulsifier that creates stable ointments and creams. One of its main components, Isostearic Acid, is a mild fatty acid also seen in many cleansers and cosmetic powders.

Sodium Chloride (Salt): In cosmetic use salt can be used to increase the thickness of the aqueous(water)portion of cosmetics and personal care products.

BHT: Acts as an antioxidant by preventing or slowing the deterioration of cosmetics and personal care products caused by chemical reactions with oxygen. Widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, as well as in fat-containing foods. Acts as a weak antioxidant in vegetable oils and is often added to meat fats.

Diazolidinyl Urea: Used as a preservative against bacteria, yeast and molds found in many cosmetic and personal care products. Prevents or slows bacterial growth, and thus protects cosmetics and personal care products from spoilage. So consumers are safeguarded from inadvertent contamination while using. It works by slowly releasing a small amount of formaldehyde into the formulation.

Methylparaben: Parabens is the general term used to describe they type of ingredients derived from para-aminobenzoic acid. Commonly used a preservatives is cosmetics and personal care products. Work by preventing or slowing the growth of yeast and mold and also some types of bacteria.

Propylparaben: Parabens is the general term used to describe they type of ingredients derived from para-aminobenzoic acid. Commonly used a preservatives is cosmetics and personal care products. Work by preventing or slowing the growth of yeast and mold and also some types of bacteria.

Yellow 5 (19140): A synthetic pigment also known as tartrazine. In addition to its use in cosmetics and personal care products. Commonly used as a food coloring and may often be found in colored soft drinks. In the U.S, colorants are subject to various regulatory restrictions.

Yellow 6 (15985): A synthetic pigment also known as monoazo color in cosmetics and personal care products. commonly used in fermented foods which must be heat treated, such as marmalade and cheese sauce mix. Insoluble in water, so it is considered a pigment.

Learn more abuout FDA regulation for colorants:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-col.html

Hairspiration

I decided to create this blog for natural hairspiration, I realize that there are plenty of natural hair blogs out there and a lot more women, with kinky coily curly hair who are not comfortable with their hair. Not because there is anything inherently wrong with it but because of f*cked up way they have been taught to view their beautiful locks. So I'd like make my contribution to showcasing the inherent beauty and diversity of kinky curly ladies and at the same time give a middle finger, metaphorically speaking, to those atrocious hair ads that demonize textured hair. But that's for another blog, another day. But, I just want to share awesome images of beautiful people with gorgeous natural hair.

It's Just Hair, Or So I Thought

I've heard the phrase it's just hair being thrown around, I've often thought nothing of it because this is the belief I've always held. I took for granted I grew up in a family with a healthy and positive view of black hair. I remember my mother being adamant about her stance on no relaxers. She would occasionally press our hair, my sister and I, but she refused a relaxer. We were always told by cousins, family friends that we had nice hair. Now my sister and I have type 4 hair which is tightly coiled. Most people I know, some who are in my close circle would consider that bad hair or problem hair. What a tragedy! I can't imagine what life would have been like if I grew up in a family that taught me my hair was bad! I grew up wanting hair that was big like Rudy Huxtable's. I don't recall ever wanting long hair, looser curls or any other type of hair. I guess I was comfortable with mine. I had no horror stories of hair braiding sessions with my mom. Instead, my mother was very gentle and I often remember dozing off as she would braid my hair. She would often put our hair in protective styles, at the time we'd just call them plaits. But thanks to youtube I'm now familiar with a lot of natural hair lingo.


Growing up, I just understood that my hair had to be neat and that was all. In retrospect, my mother refusing to give me a relaxer at a young age and my family saying to us that we had nice hair was the most loving thing that a family could do for two little black girls. However, at thirteen I begged and begged my mother to get a relaxer because all my friends had one, really just two, but I wanted to be cool and grown up. I should mention my mother never permed her hair. After badgering my mother, she finally, relented and so I began with the creamy crack. My hair was silky and straight I was happy not to have to blow dry, hot comb or have to sit and have my hair braided for extend periods of time. Freedom, well not so much. I'm not going to get into my entire hairstory, but it's pretty much like everyone else, except for the fact that I didn't hate my hair nor did my family make me ashamed about the hair that grew out of my head.

Two years ago I stopped with the relaxers, I Big Chopped my hair in June 2009. I'm so glad to be reacquainted with my natural hair. Since being on youtube I have learned a lot about natural hair and products. I'll be glad to pass on some of this information especially to the individuals in my close circle who have such a negative perception about afro textured hair. When I do watch these videos of women transitioning I often wonder why they would perm their hair in the first place because it was hair that would be considered by my family "nice hair", in other words, healthy hair. Thank god for my family! I can't imaging the psychological anguish those women must have gone through hearing negative messages from media and their own family. I just hope that I don't have to entertain questions from people as to why or comments about me trying to make a "statement." This is not a political statement, its my DNA, I'm not trying to be "afrocentric", I was born in Kampala, Uganda and I have deep chocolate skin, I don't think I can be anymore down than that. I just want to go back to that 8 year old who just wanted big hair like Rudy's. God willing, with patience and a lot of protective styles, I'll have my big hair.