AphroKiKi Vlogs: Accidental Twist Out Edition!

This post speaks for itself....literally!

An aphroKiKi Review: Carol's Daughter Monoi

Click here to try these products for yourself!

     It's been a while since I've done a review, and I've been postponing this one for two reasons. The first reason is that I've just been enjoying these products so thoroughly, and secondly, I wanted to make sure they actually delivered the results promised.
     Before I get into the actual review, let me just say, these were a Christmas gift and I don't normally spend exorbitant amounts of money on hair products! That being said, I probably won't make them a part of my weekly routine because they are a bit pricey-- at least to me they are-- for those naturals who got it like that and can afford to make high end hair products a part of your regimen, I ain't mad at ya! Well, maybe just a little. Even though I would consider them to be high end hair products (the conditioner cost about $20 and the split end sealer was $25), these products are not all natural (!!!) But, moving on!
     I began using The Carol's Daughter MONOI REPAIRING CONDITIONER AND REPAIRING SPLIT END SEALER in January. Used in conjunction, these products claim to produce 92% less breakage and 93.3% fewer split ends instantly. The conditioner contains Cetyl alcohol, glycerin, and fragrance. Speaking of fragrance, both of these products are VERY HIGHLY scented, almost to the point where it can be a little overwhelming at first. It smells as if they emptied an entire bottle of expensive perfume into the container. I found that after about 2 uses I got acclimated to it, and I even got a few compliments that my hair smelled great. Also, the conditioner has Shea butter, Coconut oil, and two sulfates-- Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Centrimonium Methosulfate. So as far as ingredients go, the conditioner has a balance of the natural and synthetic.  I noticed that the thick, creamy texture of the conditioner really agrees with my 4C hair and works well as a Co-wash conditioner. Though it didn't leave my hair feeling stripped, it doesn't provide the best slip, so you really want to make sure that you detangle your hair well beforehand. After rinsing, my hair felt soft and silky-- probably due to the hydrolyzed silk. In total, you get 8.5 ounces of conditioner which is good for about 5-7 wash days. I alternate between the Carol's Daughter conditioner and the Organix Coconut condtioner, and I only really use the Monoi collection when my hair is feeling fragile and can use a boost.

5 months without a trim! Look at my ends!!!

    After Co-washing and light blow-drying I applied the split end sealer, starting with my ends, and working my way up the hair shaft to the roots. I didn't notice an immediate change, but my hair did feel smoother. The following day, my hair was less frizzy and my twist-out was more defined. I've used the split end sealer pretty consistently over the past three months, and I do notice less shedding and breakage. In fact, I may continue to purchase this product, once every three months or so, because I do feel like it has helped me retain  length. I haven't had to trim my hair at all, and whenever my hair gets a little frazzled, I slick some of it on, and my hair looks freshly trimmed the next day. The SPLIT END SEALER is more of a serum than a creme or butter in consistency and is alcohol, paraben, petroleum, and mineral oil free. Like the conditioner, it contains Monoi oil and a blend of Tiare Gardenia Flower and Copra Coconut Oil. It also has another of my favorite ingredients, Babassu oil which is very strengthening.
     If I had to choose, I would recommend the split end sealer over the  conditioner because it's a life saver! I'm sure they work best when used together; I really have noticed a difference in the texture and resiliency of my hair after prolonged usage of both of these items. If I had the cash, I would probably make them staples because they deliver what they promise. If you're hair is in need of some TLC and you want to treat yourself a bit, these are definitely the products to splurge on!

PEACE and LOVE,

aphroKiKi

Regimen Reloaded!

I'm so hype about my hair today!

Product Dream Team!

After a week of utter lethargy, I'm back in the swing of things with my regimen. Well, at least for now I am. Also, I've added a few new products and procedures to my hair care routine. I recently started using COCONUT OIL, which I am now obsessed with-- not only does my hair love it, but so does my skin. I will probably use this stuff until I die (not to be morbid, but real talk, I will). I also bought CASTOR OIL, which I use to seal my ends-- again, I really should have started using this stuff earlier. My hair is shiny and moisturized with each application, plus, it's a really light oil so it doesn't weigh my hair down. I want to briefly mention two new products that I will be reviewing sometime in the near future. The first is Carol's Daughter MONOI SPLIT END SEALER and Organix COCONUT MILK CONDITIONER. I've used them together for the first time today and I'm so pleased with the results! Here's a picture of what my hair looks like today; this is a braid-out on FIRST DAY HAIR!!! I know my 4C girls feel me on this because my hair never looks this stretched or this defined the day after washing it. As a part of my wash-day regimen, I clarified my hair with diluted apple cider vinegar which I let sit for about 10-15 minutes. I then co-washed with Organix Conditioner. After my hair air dried about 30% of the way, I applied the coconut oil and split end sealer to my hair in small sections which I then blow dried (using the tension drying method..check the YT for tutorials). Note that I only dried my hair about 75% of the way, on medium heat, and let it air dry over night. I braided with African Pride's BOUNCY CURL PUDDING (review coming soon). I took down my braids this morning and I'm so hype about the results. I hope you all are having a great hair day too! 

PEACE & LOVE,

AphroKiKi

AphroKiKi's Deep Conditioning Treatment of the Week

Coconut oil, Olive Oil, Honey, Egg (for added protein)

So it's that time in my regimen to deep condition. I've actually been avoiding my hair regimen for a few days (which I now regret!), because of unnecessary laziness on my part. I'm ashamed to admit that it's going on two weeks since I actually washed my hair. Alas, I have to take care of my strands eventually, and there is no better way to nurse it back to health than with a hot oil treatment. I combined Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and Honey for my deep conditioning treatment. Whenever I use this combination of ingredients, my hair is instantly softer, shinier, and moisturized. I mix them all together, heat in the microwave for one minute, and apply directly to my scalp and hair shaft. I let it sit for about 25-30 minutes, then I co-wash, apply leave-in conditioner, and then I can decide on a style. It's a long process, but you natural gals are already accustomed to time-consuming hair care! WE GOT THIS!
That's it for now! Gotta go wash my hairrrrrs! 

Nite,

AphroKiKI

Aphro Aspirations

Gorgeous texture.

Soft, simple, edgy.

Laid back bandana tie.

'Fro Perfection.

Sun-kissed summer hair.