10.25.2007

She's back!

Hello all, I'm sorry to have been gone so long. I've gotten quite busy
over the last couple weeks, and I really hadn't had the time to put
together a proper post. Never fear, topics for my upcoming postings are
always in the back of my mind.

Which brings me to this: has anyone ever noticed that mixing two
products or using one right after another can yield some undesirable
results?

I always read through the product reviews on Nappturality.com and
Motowngirl.com quite religiously, and I usually end up trying the most
popular products for myself. A couple weeks ago, I got my hands on a
bottle of ic Polishing Gel (with Sparkelites!) and added it to my daily
routine, (which I will elaborate on later). This gel is not tacky or
sticky, and it contains glycerine-so it draws moisture instead of taking
it away. The first time I used this gel I really liked the shine that it
gave as I smoothed down the top of my head and my edges. The second
time, though, was another story. Right after applying Cantu Leave-In
Conditioning Cream to wet hair, I slicked the ic Gel onto my top as
usual. The two products together changed to this yucky, gummy
consistency. "Maybe I can brush this in," I thought. Wrong! The sticky
mixture only collected into little gray balls on the strands of my hair
and in the bristles of my brush. What a mess! I was in a rush to get to
a meeting, so I had to quickly rinse the top of my head and improvise
with a scarf 'do.

I eventually figured out the problem was the combination of the two and
made a mental note not to use those products in conjuction. A few days
later, I was getting ready yet again, and I wanted that wet-wave look
that I get when using the ic Gel. So, I grabbed it and some Garnier
Leave-In Conditioner to pull my hair into a high puff. Again, I ended up
with the same grayish-goo in my hair! With no time to rinse, I had to
cover it up with a hat. Crap!

My observation is that there is an ingredient in the creamy leave-ins
that reacts with an ingredient in the ic Gel and forms a completely
different compound. What those ingredients are, I haven't the slightest
idea. The ic Gel DOES work well with Elasta QP Mango Butter, Hollywood
Beauty Olive Creme Hairdress, and Shea butter. Beware the gray goo!

This brings me to my next topic: Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme Hairdress.
I love this product! I'm going to let you know all about my experience
with it. It is a wonderful moisturizer and styling product. High on the
list of ingredients is water, olive oil, and various extracts. This
product also contains no P/MO, which is always a huge plus+++! It has
the consistency of a very smooth and satiny cold cream. When rubbed
betwwen the hands, it warms to body heat and the consistency becomes
more like hand lotion. It defines curls quite well and keeps the hair
moisturized and soft. It doesn't leave the hair dull or leave a heavy
residue, as long as you don't use blobs and gobs of it. The fragrance is
unique and pleasant, not overpowering at all. Reasonably priced, I
picked up a 7.5 oz jar for about $3.50. The blurb on the back mentions
that after using the creme, you'll notice softer fingertips and
cuticles. This is true, not a bad bonus. Definitely try this out for
yourself and leave a comment letting us know what you think.

Have good days,

BrightTrotter
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

10.03.2007

And It Feels Like Oooooooh....

Hello all,

Wanted to share my style with you today. This really reminds me of the
Alicia Keys video for "You Don't Know My Name". I was perusing a Kings
Beauty Supply yesterday when I came across a tub full of these nets. I
picked up a few to see what I could do, and here is the result. I thinks
it looks pretty cute! It was easy as pie. I applied my product,
Hollywood Olive Cream (which I'll review soon), all over and brushed the
top smooth. I slipped on a headband and put the net on over it. Done in
5 minutes! I'm lovin' it like some Mickey D's.

I love stopping at beauty supplies to see what I can find. Of course, a
product junkie has their usual spots to cop a fix. But it seems like now
whenever I see that illuminated sign with wigs and posters behind it, I
HAVE to stop! I, personally like to go down each aisle, reading labels
and smelling various concoctions. I pick products almost like I pick
fruits and vegetables.

First I look at the label. Is it cheesy or too much of a gimmick? You
know what I mean...Ultra African Herbal Voodoo Grow & Shine Elixir with
Amino Acids (33% more free!) usually equates to the first few
ingredients being petroleum or mineral oil (P/MO). Blech!

Once I've given the label a once-over, I check the ingredient list. We
know the the first ingredients listed are the most abundant in the
product. So, if P/MO pops up, its going straight back to the shelf.
Check for paraffinum liquidum, which is another name for mineral oil. I
also look for panthenol (a vitamin), natural oils (like almond or olive
oil), glycerine/glycerin (draws moisture), shea butter (butyrospermum
parkii), and esssential oils. Its never a bad thing for water to be
early on the ingredient list. All the syllables and weird words may make
you dizzy at first, but educate yourself and you'll be reading labels
like a pro. Do it!

After checking the contents, I open the container to see, smell, and
feel the product. I know, it sounds intrusive, but this is necessary. I
don't mean rip open boxes or break safety seals. But, if you can easily
open the bottle or jar, give the product a quick test. First, I look at
the product. Does it look like it would leave buildup on my hair? If the
ingredients are separated or all messed up, it may be an old product.
Pick another jar to test.

Then, I smell it. Is it strong? Mediciney? Funky? Gag-inducing? Scents and fragrances are deal breakers for me. I just can't use it if I can't stand smelling like it
all day. Then I take a SMALL amount and rub it on the back of my hand.
Of course, you are looking for the product to do what it says it does.
If it is a moisturizer, you want it to eventually absorb into your skin.
You don't want a lot of residue or the product to just sit on top of
your skin. If it is a pomade or gel, you want it to have nice hold. You
don't want it to freeze up your hand, get flakey, or look tacky and
dull. Conditioners are creamy and leave your skin very soft. This sounds
like a lot to do before buying a product. Trust me, take care in what
you choose to put in your hair and your hair will respond by looking its
best.

Have good days, and thanx for reading my blog!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

10.01.2007

MotownGirl Spotlight

"Wait a minute-that's meeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Aww shucks!"

The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Thank You, MotownGirl!

Very exciting news today! NappyNest was chosen as the October '07
Spotlight on MotownGirl.com!

*screeeeeeaaaaaam!*

Imagine my surprise as I checked her site today and saw my pix! Wow, I
hope that those who come across my site are helped by the information I
give.

MotownGirl, you rock my socks! You were, and still are, the biggest help
to me while finding my natural self. I can only hope that my blog
touches as many people as yours does. Thank you, thank you, thank you
for starting your site and inspiring me to start mine. Much love!

I'm going to be walking on clouds for awhile....I'm so happy. It is so
important to me that I reach someone who had the same questions as I
did. Do me a favor, please? If you know someone, anyone, who is thinking
of going natural or is beginning to transition, tell them about
MotownGirl, my site, Nappturality.com, hell, any site you can think of.
The support and information is much needed by us "newly-nappies"

Have good days, and thanx for reading my blog!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)