D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: My Two Favorite Drugstore Hair Finds!

Let's face facts: I am unemployed, and broke!!! While I am grateful as all holy hell for the weekly compensation given to me by the New York State Department of Labor, it really doesn't allow me to go crazy on my hair care products. It's times like these I wish I was a more popular blogger, so I can get scores of freebies! LOL

You can totally send me some, though! Just sayin'.... I mean, look at this punim, doesn't it inspire you to WANT to send products?!?!?

But alas, I'm not... so I have to work with what I got, within my modest budget. I've also put myself on a temporary spending freeze when it comes to purchasing products, which means that I am using up a lot of the more expensive brands I purchased when I had a steady paycheck, in addition to using products I've grabbed on a whim from my local Duane Reade. Two products in particular have worked themselves into my weekly routine, so I thought that it would be a great idea to share them with you because.. that's pretty much what I do, isn't it? LOL

Shea Moisture Restorative Hair Conditioner ($9.99 at most stores). Now, my wet hair is not crazy about this stuff.. like, at all! But when I tried it on my hair when dry, Whooo!!! Magic Happened!! I use this every night before bed, when I put my hair into two (or four) braids before wrapping it. I love how my hair looks when I take the braids down in the morning.

Kuza Coconut Oil Conditioner and Hair Dressing ($3.99 at most stores) I can almost hear the collective gasp in the natural hair universe. "Hair... grease?!?!" Yes, hair grease. My hair L-O-V-E LOVES this stuff!!! I don't apply this to my scalp, because... I'm not crazy, but this is another product that I use once or twice a week to maintain my braid outs. And the smell is AWESOME!!!

I've been using both products since the beginning of the year, and I am very pleased with the results thus far. Do any of you use Drugstore brands for your hair? Leave a comment with your faves!!

DIY Nappturaliciously: Lush Caca Noir Product Review

I've been flirting with the idea of coloring my hair for the past few years now. What has stopped me is the mere fact that my hair starts breaking when I linger in the hair color aisle at my local Duane Reade for too long... it's THAT sensitive. lol

Inspired by the lovely Sophia of Kiffe Coco, I decided to try henna for the first time, and snatched up some of Lush's Caca Noir Mama. Henna and indigo are mixed together for this particular blend, and its the darkest of Lush's four henna colour blocks, leaving hair with a blue/black sheen in time. Bowled over by Sophia's results, I knew I had to try it for myself.

I first separated the blocks to make it easier to chop up. I used three squares in total, which was plenty for my hair.

I've read that its recommended that the bars be shredded using a cheese grater, but I managed chopping them into semi-small pieces.

I filled a pot with water and brought to a boil. I then took some of the water and mixed it with the chopped up henna in a heat safe glass bowl.

I added some Dabur Amla oil to the mixture and placed the bowl over the post with the rest of the boiling water.

This helped the mixture go from this (Ewwww... lol)....

To this!!! Once I took it off the pot to cool, the color went from "baby ca ca" green to a very deep dark brown/black. After I was certain that it was cool, I rushed to my newspaper-lined bathroom to begin applying the henna to my hair.

My hair was divided into four sections, so I just separated and gently detangled (using my Tangle Teezer & water) each section before adding the mud-like mixture.

The bars actually come with these really cute blue "Rocky Horror Picture Show" rubber gloves, but I ended up using these industrial gloves I scored from Duane Reade, the tread on the finger tips made rubbing the henna through my hair a snap!

I covered my hair in a showercap, and set out to let the henna sit in my hair for at least 4 hours... fast forward to the next morning! LOL Yep, I fell asleep!

Rinsing the henna out was actually super easy. My hair was still separated into four sections, so I just rinsed each section until the water ran clear. I followed up the rinsing with a co-wash using Yes To Cucumbers Color Care Conditioner

Once the conditioner was rinsed out, I was astonished by the shine and curl definition. My hair wasn't exactly blue black, but it was slightly darker and the difference was subtle, which I liked.

I braided my hair as usual and went about my chores for the rest of the weekend, not knowing that by the end of the upcoming week, I'd be sick as a dog. I wish the results on my dry hair were a bit more va-va-va-voom, but they were taken upon my release from the hospital, so my hair was a bit of a mess! LOL

All-in-all, I thought the experience was a lot less time-consuming than I anticipated, and can honestly say the results are worth the efforts!

Have you tried Lush's Caca Noir? Please leave a comment with your experience!

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: What do you feel about Shrinkage?!?!?

Let's face it. To quote the tee shirt, shrinkage happens. You take a shower, wash deep condition and detangle your hair. You get out the shower, and as your hair dries, you are face-to-face with...

So that is today's topic of discussion. How do you handle shrinkage? Bane of your existence, fact of life you've embraced, or challenge you've conquered with products? Leave a comment and sound off on shrinkage. Special shout to to Aisha for suggesting today's discussion.

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Celestial Crowns Shower Caps are the TRUTH!!!!

Me - circa 2004 or 2005

Back in my "Braided Beauty" days (Where my braids reached down to my tuchus!), taking a shower was always a hassle because no shower cap... no matter how JUMBO the packaging claimed to be, could fit my extensions comfortably, and by the time I left the shower, either my roots or the ends of my braids were sopping wet.

I have to take a shower.... and I am a crafty little thing, so I very quickly improvised by using plastic shopping bags (Ever get ink from the shopping bag's little smiley face all over your forehead?!? Not cute!), and white garbage bags (Which always made me look like a brown smurf, imho!)... One of the blessings of doing my version of the big chop (I call it "the big braid out" LOL) was that I could finally fit a shower cap... but only if kept my hair wrapped up.

Imagine my surprise when Margie L. Cattouse, the Owner of Celestial Crowns Shower Caps, reached out to me and offered me a shower cap to try out. I must admit, I was dubious.... not only do I have big hair, I have a BIG HEAD... and the combination makes it difficult for me to find a comfortable shower cap. I visited the site, and was bowled over by the heartfelt words of praise from Celestial Crown Chicas with locs and various natural hair styles:

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for celestial crown shower caps! Such a wonderful idea, all of my braids fit under the cap for the first time."

" Im one of the people at the hair show that couldn't believe their eyes. A shower cap for us w/ locs!!!"

" Thank you for making such a wonderful product I don't know what I would do without this Crown now that I have it I will never let it go. It makes my showering experience all the more better!"



With glowing recommendations like that, I would be a fool to turn down her generous offer. When Chris and I returned from our cruise, I was overjoyed to find my package (They come in the most beautiful packaging... little things like that really make a difference and makes the experience so much more enjoyable!!) and I couldn't wait to try my crown on for size!!



I've been using it every day for about a month and I must say... I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! I never ever knew how much something as simple as a shower cap that fits comfortably can improve your day! After a long day at work, I no longer have to tie my hair up before hopping in the shower. I just have to slip on my Celestial Crown and wash that bad day away!!!


Me wearing my "Shower Up" Crown... I had such a blast taking this picture, I felt like I was modeling for a old soap commercial! LOL

To see the beautiful line of Celestial Crowns Shower Caps for yourself, be sure to visit:

http://www.mycelestialsouls.com/index.html

UPDATE: Margie from Celestial Crowns has generously created a coupon code JUST for readers of Miss Moon's Musings!!! Hooray!! Enter the code "MISS MOON" during checkout to receive 20% off your purchase!!! Many, many thanks, Margie!!

This review contains sample products sent for post consideration. Miss Moons Musings is not about "faking the funk" and I fully intend on honoring that belief by being fully honest! Furthermore, I do not get paid for reviewing products and any type of review I share in this blog is not incentive-based in anyway. For more information,you can feel free to contact me by clicking here

I SWEAR I'm Not Obsessed (But I AM a Little Dorky) About...

Oyin Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade!!!!!

One of the highlights of my evenings for the past few weeks (since buying the 4 oz. sample jar) has been coming home and taking a bit of this delicious concoction and putting it in my hair before braiding it in my two trusty braids for the night.

In the morning, my hair is softer and shinier... which is a feat because it is COLD and WINDY here in New York. My hair usually struggles to regain luster and sheen during winter months, and come spring, my hair is hanging on for its life. So far this winter (which in my opinion has been the COLDEST in years!!!), my hair is defiantly telling Jack frost to "Bring it, Baby!"


Not my sexiest photo, but I am in ready-for-bed mode here! LOL

Burnt Sugar Pomade is a blend of oils, butters, and veggie waxes that acts as a humectant and protectant for hair, so you know it increases the shine and locks in moisture ( AMUST NEED during "Brrrrr...." season!) It's packed with essential fatty acids to nourish the scalp, and absorbs easily with a long lasting, non-greasy feeling.

That's on the surface, but we all know that what's inside is what counts:

Contains virgin coconut cream, mango oil, and hempseed oil in a base of nourishing castor oil. Fragranced with a subtly sweet vanilla-sugar scent that is appropriate for both men and women.....

And now, let me say a few words about the SMELL....

If this product did NOTHING AT ALL for my hair... I would still use it just to perfume my hair!!! When I first received my jar, I spent the day opening it and sniffing it repeatedly. LOL

I am really looking forward to warmer weather, and I do believe I have found a replacement for my summer braid-out product (Kizzy "Stay Put" Hair Pomade by Carol's Daughter). I will be sure to post my results then!!!

In the meantime, I will be placing an order for a couple 8 oz. jars this time.... and maybe a 4 oz. jar, just to keep on my desk! But I SWEAR I'm not Obsessed!!! LOL

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Frizz Fighter Set Results

Last week, in my never-ending quest to tame the frizz, I used Carol's Daughter Frizz Fighter Set.

This was my hair Sunday, when I let down the braids for my braid-out. I was very happy with the results!




As I promised, I periodically took pictures of my hair during the week, to show the progression. This week was pretty hot, but not ridiculously so. I did manage to get caught in the rain once this week. Here's the forecast from this past week in NYC:



So did I win in the battle against the dreaded "Frizzeeda"? Let's see:

Each night, I applied a small squirt of Hair Balm to my hair and separated it into two sections. I then pinned my hair into kitten buns (that's what I call 'em.. if they have another name, let me know! lol), covered with a scarf and proceeded to BED-fordshire!



See what I mean? Kitten Buns! LMAO

Here's how my hair looked Monday evening after work:



Not bad, huh? Here is how my hair looked on Wednesday after work:



And this is how my hair is looking tonight (AFTER riding home on the C Train with no air-conditioning!!!)



So all-in-all, I think that the Frizz Fighter Set did what it claimed it would do... While it didn't eliminate my frizzy hair entirely... I still had curl definition after a week of sweating up a storm. And most importantly... my hair didn't feel like a tumbleweed with dryness!!! As my usual ritual, I am going to finish using the set until it runs out and decide if it is ultimately worth the expense.

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Frizz Fighter Set Review

My hair has been taking on a life of its own the past few weeks.... a life I have come to name "Frizzeeda". While I love the way the frizz makes my hair look, I do not like the excess of tangles and dryness. For the past few weeks, I've been searching and searching for a product that would curtail the excess frizz without weighing my hair down and causing a lot of product build up, some I've actually liked for other reasons, but none has really done the job.


It's super cute, but the tangles and dryness I had at the end of the week were no bueno!! I want my hair to look good and feel good!

I remembered that last summer I did a braid-out using Kizzi 'Stay Put' Hair Pomade from Carol's Daughter (using the remnants of a HUUUUGE 16 ounce tub of the stuff from my days working for the company!) and loved the results. So I decided that this weekend I would get myself over to Carol's Daughter and get some tout suite!

I ended up getting the Black Vanilla Frizz Fighter Set ($46, Carol's Daughter)



This set includes:

Black Vanilla Shampoo, 8 fl. oz.
Black Vanilla Smoothie, 8 oz.
Hair Balm, 4 oz.
Kizzi “Stay Put” Hair Pomade, 2 oz.

I also got the Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, primarily because I love it! I have never used the Black Vanilla Shampoo before, so I was excited about trying it out.

Recently I my Natural Hair Tips for the fantabulous blog Everything She Wants where I shared an epiphany I had recently: I don't need to lather, rinse and repeat as my hair cleanses thoroughly very easily. Since recognizing that... the stripping I've experienced with shampoo in the past has been a thing of the past.

So I separated my hair into four sections and braided them down, got into the shower, unbraided a section, applied the Black Vanilla Shampoo, lathered it up, and rinsed thoroughly. The first thing I noticed is that the shampoo lathered a lot more than I am used to with Carol's Daughter shampoos, which made me have to check out the ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Melilotus Officinalis (Sweet Clover) Extract, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Cocoate, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-150 Distearate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caramel, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is supposed to be a milder alternative to SLS, perhaps a "lesser of two evils" sort of chemical.

Once I washed each of the four sections, and braided each section, I applied the Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie. The consistency was a lot thicker than I remembered, which I instantly loved because in my mind thick conditioner = more concentrated conditioning.



Yikes!! I need to get my eyebrows waxed!! LOL

Anyway -- I left it in my hair, under conditioning cap for about two hours, rinsed thoroughly and proceeded to doing the braids for my braid out.

I sprayed each section of my hair heavily with the Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, which is just dope as hell. I then parted my hair in rows, applied the Kizzi and braided my hair down. I did this Saturday night, so I had to use my Mum's trusty hooded blow dryer just to ensure that my hair will be dry in time for work on Monday (Yeah, that's right.... MONDAY!!!!!!! LOL)



So far I noticed that after every step in the process, my hair was noticeably shinier and easier to work through. The Black Vanilla scent is addictive..... and I've missed the high! But what about the frizz fighting? We shall see on Friday, for my follow up on this review.

During the week, at night (possibly every other night) I plan on applying the hair balm to maintain the shine. I will be sure to take pictures during the week for the final results!!

I'm REALLY Diggin': Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Dry Ends Serum

So My Mum (Mizz Lennnid) is THE, I repeat THE Avon Queen.... so please feel free to address her formally as Queen Mizz AVON Lennid. LOL

She has so many unopened boxes and bottles of goodies that she could very easily open a small store, or at least a kiosk somewhere and make a grip on the stock she currently has.

About a month ago, I wrote a blog about Winter Hair Regimens and around the same time she was raving about ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Dry Ends Serum from Avon and was suggesting I try it out. I was still in the process of putting together my routine and figured I would try it for a few weeks to see if I like it on my braid outs, which (as I've mentioned before) get very dry at the ends by week's end.

I've been diligently following this routine for about three weeks now and WOW!!! My hair is shinier, healthier and I am actually starting to see just how much my hair has grown in the past few months!

My routine is a simple variation of my normal one, with a few twists. I am thinking of doing a picture tutorial blog to show you what I do with my hair during the course of 7 days and would get to it if there was an interest for it (Let me know!)

For more information on Avon's Advance Techniques Dry Ends Serum, go to http://www.avon.com/1/1/990-advance-techniques-dry-ends-serum.html

"Not So Much...."* about Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Shampoo

* "Not So Much..." is a quote from one of my favorite old T.V. Shows to watch, "Mad About You". This phrase was made popular by Paul Reiser's character, usually used a lot to indicate his unwillingness, in the not-liking or not-wanting-to department.

So, I've been sticking to a weekly regimen of using ApHOGEE Shampoo for Damaged Hair with the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Deep Conditioning Treatment for a few months and I've been very satisfied with the results: my hair has been healthier, shinier and growing very well.

When I ran out of my bottle of shampoo, I thought I would switch over to using ORS's Olive Oil Shampoo, as I believed the hype that products work best when used with their counterparts. Boy, oh Boy... I will not drink that Kool-Aid again!

I used Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo for THREE WEEKS before I went rushing back to my ApHOGEE: My hair was a dry, stripped, straw-like mess and NOTHING I did (Short of stop using the shampoo) worked to retain the moisture.

So to the folks at Organic Root Stimulator... you get a big "Thanks but no thanks" for your shampoo... I'll be sticking to my combo.

Yes! Success! (Update to DIY Nappturaliciously: Deep Conditioning with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak)

In my last blog posting, (DIY Nappturaliciously: Deep Conditioning with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak) I was talking about trying to figure out a hair routine to coincide with my new work schedule. One of the benefits of being unemployed is a)You can do your hair whenever you feel like it and b)If your hair is jacked up, you can't go out anywhere anyway because YOU'RE BROKE! LOL

But such is not the case with me anymore (Well.. I'm still broke! LOL). Now I have the opportunity to go to work everyday and with that opportunity is the challenge to keep my hair presentable and healthy without spending hours everyday on it. Which to me means my steady and true, braid out.

Like I wrote on Saturday, I made the mistake to do my hair Sunday afternoon, so by Monday morning, my hair is overloaded with oil, frizzy (because it hasn't had ample time to dry) and although I love the curl, texture and poof.. my hair felt dryer and dryer and crunchier by week's end, which prompted me to do the Deep conditioning with the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak.

:::drum roll::: here are the results -

BEFORE: Doesn't look bad, but felt very stiff, lifeless and oily to the touch. It didn't feel healthy to me, and its important that my hair feels full of life AND look cute.

AFTER: This is more like it. My hair is soft, I have minimal frizz and curl definition, and more importantly, my hair has life to it, sheen and shine and I can run my fingers through it without coming back with a hand full of hair.

So far, I am really diggin' the conditioning pak. I will give it a month to see if I like it. And if there is a dramatic result.. I will post a one month update! Regardless, I will take a picture at the end of the week to show how (and if) the braid out lasted.

Peace from Brooklyn!

DIY Nappturaliciously: Deep Conditioning with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak

I think I've finally figured out a routine for washing and deep conditioning my hair so that it's not an oily, frizzy mess by the time the work weeks starts.

The previous week, I waited until Sunday to wash, deep condition and braid my hair and when I took my hair out on Monday morning, it was still a bit damp. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I braid my hair with DOO GRO® Triple Strength Medicated Hair Vitalizer, and since I didn't have the opportunity to let it absorb in my hair, it was oily as hell and frizzy. By the end of the week, I had hair that was oily at the roots and dry and crunchy at the ends... and that's NOT hot! lol

So despite the fact that I was tired from work and had to go grocery shopping on Friday, I washed, deep-co'd, and braided my hair up that night:



I started by sectioning my hair into four and braided them loosely. Then, while in the shower, I undo a section, finger comb to detangle while under the shower, add shampoo (I am currently using Aphogee's Shampoo for Damaged Hair ), comb shampoo through with a shampoo comb, rinse and braid that section back up.

Once I was done with my whole head, I tried a new Deep Conditioner this time, that was recommended by Twitter friend @sugahjones (Thanks, girl).



Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak.... It's my first time using it, and so far, I'm diggin' it. The smell wasn't really what I expected it to be (it smells a bit like Like 'Em Aid!), but it has a nice slip. I ended up using two packs on my hair, and I kept it in for two hours, and my hair was silky when I washed it out. I am going to keep using it for about a month and if I am 100% satisfied with the results, I will keep using it!

::drools:: Hair Products I CANNOT WAIT to Try!!!

I am feeling SOOOO much like Jane and Michael from "Mary Poppins" right about now:



"Hurry Money.... much thanks.... Miss Moon and her... kinks" LMAO

I've been reading blogs as part of my training last week, so I've had a rare opportunity to read countless product reviews, and after many months of using the bare minimum (namely, swag from my old job at Carol's Daughter and the minuscule remnants of the products I last purchased) I am looking forward to sampling new products and discovering which ones work well with my hair.

So, for your drool-along enjoyment, I bring you my list of hair products I cannot wait to try --



First up is the Califa Care Sample Kit (Price $25.00) from Komaza Care. This set contains a 2oz Califa Care Shampoo, 2oz Califa Care Conditioner, 2oz Califa Care Leave-in-Conditioner, 2oz Califa Care Moistening Spray, and 2oz Califa Moisturizing Cream.

Designed for Type 4 hair (I believe I am a type 4a), This kit specializes in coil care and (according to the website) is designed to give your coils shine, softness, and minimize breakage so you can see your hair growth.

I have heard so many rave reviews about this next sampler pack, I am ASTONISHED I haven't used any of the products before.



The 4-piece Hair Care Sampler (Price $17.50)from Oyin Handmade was recommended to me by the ‘grand mixtress’ Jamyla herself, and I am really looking forward to trying it out. The 4-piece sampler contains generously sized 2 ounce containers of Honey Hemp Conditioner, Greg Juice leave-in spray, Shine & Define coaxing serum, and Whipped Pudding (which can be used as rich moisture on either hair or skin - DOPE!).



I love Qhemet Biologic's products, thanks to Mizz Empress Ri (Shout Out to you, girl!). The product that just made my hair go "Whoooooooo!" like little Richard was the Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm, and I totally plan on scooping up a jar of that. But what I am really looking forward to trying is the Karkady Tea Replenishing Mist (Price $11.00). This water based moisturizing and replenishing mist instantly softens dry, coarse hair leaving it healthy, soft and supple!(I am hoping to use this daily as a more natural replacement to the Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Grow Spray).

These two are from the same company, so I will give them an honorable mention together.




The Ashlii Amala Red Raspberry Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Mask (Price $21.95) &
Shikakai Hair Growth Elixir (Price $12.00) are both from AfroVeda, and just from spending some time browsing their website and blog, in addition to taking their Dosha quiz, I cannot wait to get my hands on these products.

I am also planning on drinking the Denman-flavored Kool-Aid big time! I plan on getting a Denman Freeflow Styling Brush 9 Row #d41 (Price $10.95).



And last but not least, I am finally going to get me a conditioning heat cap. Where I live in Bed-Stuy, I pass 3 beauty supply stores on my way to the subway, but everytime I go shopping in one, the thought of getting a heat cap completely leaves my mind, so I plan on buying this one along with my Denman brush.



The Thermal Spa Cap Professional Hair Conditioning Heat Cap By Mastex (Price $19.99) offers 3 Heat Settings, Dual Thernostatic Control, Reusable Inner cap Liner & Improved Temperature Control. Frankly I dont know from these things, so I picked the cheapest one. If there is another brand I should look into, be sure to drop me a comment and let a sister know!

I plan on getting all the items from this little "wish list" by the end of the year, and I will be sure to post reviews on all of them as I try them out to let y'all know what I think.

Next up, I will be talking about the body and facial products I am dying to sample (I'm looking at YOU Brown Butter Beauty!) LOL

Peace from Brooklyn!!