Product Review: Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold and Control Smoother

I was shopping in Macy's about two months ago when I spotted  the Carol's Daughter's counter.  I looked at some of the products, read the labels (which didn't really seem to be too bad, preservative-wise) and decided to try the "Carol's  Daughter Macadamia Hold and Control Smoother" I was a little incredulous about the claims of holding down natural edges, but, I decided to try it.  I'm glad I did.

Here is a review of the product and its ingredients.  I hope that it helps you make a decision if you are undecided about trying it.

What is it?

Carol's Daughter Hold and Control Smoother is a wonderful combination of smoothing ingredients in one jar that successfully holds and smooths  natural and relaxed hair. It contains macadamia oil which creates a protective barrier against the  high temperatures of heated styling appliances.  It also contains Lawsonia Inermis Extract (henna), hops, hydrogenated  castor oil, temofolia seed oil and humulus lupulus;  all  are great and natural oils that help smooth, moisturize, nourish and control flyaway hairs. I would say that it definitely fulfills its claims and there is no buildup of grease, nor flaking.  No rashes nor skin irritations occurred while I was using the product.

There are also no parabens, nor pore blocking mineral oil or petrolatum.  It is also free from artificial colors. This is great news for those who are watching exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. But, the bad news is that there are a number of commonly used-and new- preservatives that are contained in many beauty products.  Here are just a few.

The Chemicals and preservatives

Ethylhexylglycerin - is a new chemical that is present in many beauty products as a conditioning agent and preservative.  It is being used as an alternative to the parabens. It has a low potential for skin irritation. (www.carolsdaughter.com)

Phenoxyethanol - is an aromatic ether alcohol derived from benzene, which is a known carcinogen.

Ceteareth-25 - this is a penetration enhancer that alters the skin structure to allow deeper penetration into skin.  This leaves the door open to toxic entering into the blood stream.  Obviously, this isn't too good. (www.cosmeticsinfo.com)

In summary

There you have it.  The risks and the benefits.  It seems that more and more manufacturers add healthier ingredients, but still use the same, and new, preservatives in the products. Alas, what price must we pay for beauty?


Sources:

www.carolsdaughter.com
www.cosmeticsinfo.com

Taking Care of Your Natural Tresses this Summer

Summer presents so many challenges to women: weight loss, trying to stay beautiful in the heat while taming and managing unruly hair can be a challenge during the surging temperatures and humidity.

This post will give some healthful hints on taking care of those natural tresses during the scorching, dog days of summer.

Summer presents a challenge for
 hair health and beauty.

In the gym

If you are a fitness buff, before you go to the gym, take steps to protect your hair.  Working up a sweat can  deposit salt on the hair, which is drying and can leave the hair feeling brittle-breakage almost always follows.  The Rx: apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. After your workout, rinse with and cowash with lukewarm water.  (Remember, the high temperatures of water can dry hair).

On the beach

The ultraviolet sun rays can damage the skin, so we know to apply sunblock to provide protection for the skin. But, remember that we need to similarly protect our hair. The ultraviolet rays  can damage and dry the hair, particularly if you've been swimming and frolicking in saltwater for hours on end. Make sure to prep hair again with leave in conditioner.  Also, wear a wide-brim hat and remember to  rinse/cowash hair when water activities are done.  The key is moisturize, moisturize and moisturize to keep hair healthy.

After Hours

Summer days bring the fun-filled nights of excitement and socializing.  Try to avoid using super-heated curling irons, which can severely damage and break hair and cause split ends.  Instead of going for the bone-straight look, improvise with your natural hair by fashioning up dos with elegant and colorful combs, or twist hair for an array of curls. Again, top off with combs and flowers, depending upon the occasion.

Source:

Hair/Natural News, "Curly Girl Review" Essence Magazine, July 2013

Dr. Miracle's "Feel It" Formula Intensive Spot Serum - A Hair Growth Review

 Over the past few years, I have attempted to use products that help re-nourish the hair and scalp damaged through years of abuse by common hair preparations, chemicals and poor application of braids, wigs and extensions.  As many of you, I'm plagued by uneven hair due to some of the same excesses: overuse of wigs, braids, and perms from long ago that my hair never recovered from.

On the positive side,  I've found some pretty good stuff along the way. One noteworthy product is Dr. Miracle's "Feel It" Formula Intensive Spot Serum.  It has quite a few good points, but also bad ones for those of you who, like me, are looking to stay away from potentially harmful chemicals and the like. It has, however, helped me recover from baldness around my edges.  I'm now proud to say that I'm off to a running start with growth.

 Anyway, here is a breakdown of the ingredients and a review of the product .  As always, please feel free to write and add any thoughts on the subject.

Dr. Miracle's "Feel It" Formula Intensive Spot Serum

 

This product is manufactured for those who need a remedy for split ends, slow growth and breakage.  (I wish I knew why we constantly murder our hair with the chemicals, wigs and too tight braids and extensions that only temporarily bestow beauty.  Historically, for all our chasing beauty, we've gotten nothing but years of using products and elixirs for damaged and weakened hair).

 

Anyway, the product uses a proprietary formula: "Thermaceutical Complex," which is a blend of hair nourishing essential oils such as clove and menthol oil, Eugenia carophyllus and peppermint oil. There is no doubt that this blend of oils grows hair by nourishing the hair and follicle. It also through stimulates blood flow. As you apply the serum, the scalp experiences a rich and wonderful, warm tingle that makes you visualize the wonderful essence going to work.  This tingle lasts about 30 minutes or so.

 Incidentally, the instructions say that you should apply twice a day by squeezing the product into your hand and applying to the scalp while vigorously massaging.  I have to be honest though, I apply the product directly to my scalp and then massage. After a few short weeks, you really do see growth in areas that were bald or patchy.

 

 Now, there are some objectionable chemicals in the product.  If you are a junkie for natural products, you might have some objections to these other ingredients; it depends on your point of view.  Of course, weigh it out.  Only the user can decide if it is worth it. But, being forewarned is forearmed.

 

Chemicals in the "Serum"

 

As is common in many health and beauty aids, this product contains methylparaben and propylparaben.  These substances have a hormone-like action in the body, mimicking estrogen, and can possibly cause breast cancer.

 

Also, cyclospentasiloxane, dimethicone, dimethiconol are all silicone derivatives that add texture, shine and control  frizz. The FDA has approved their use, but, the coating action can trap bacteria, sebum, sweat and other impurities under the silicone and this can cause irritation. The effects on the environment are questionable. (www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/cyclospentasiloxane).

In summary

Well, here you have it. This product will definitely stimulate hair growth as it does contain a number of healthful essential oils.  However, it does contain objectionable chemicals. Consider this, to gain beneficial results, the product can be used for only a short time- six weeks - and then discontinued in favor of a chemical-free hair serum. (Most studies reveal that long term use of chemicals poses the greater and more significant health hazards).

Source:

(www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/cyclospentasiloxane).

 

My Nubian Hair Care Blog: African Formula Hair Gel

My Nubian Hair Care Blog: African Formula Hair Gel: Readers of this blog know that I am always around and about looking for new and healthful products to use for hair conditioning and mainten...

African Formula Hair Gel

Readers of this blog know that I am always around and about looking for new and healthful products to use for hair conditioning and maintenance. I stumbled upon something good that I wanted to share here on the blog.

Two days ago I was in "Whole Foods" scouring the health and beauty aisle looking for a product that didn't contain a lot of dangerous chemicals. (I needed edge control for natural hair). Well, I spoke briefly with the sales associate.  He then  disappeared for a brief moment - I almost thought  that he didn't know what to give me.  Well,  he reappeared with African Formula "SuperGrow Hair Gel Extra Hold."  I carefully perused the label and was satisfied with the fact that there didn't seem to be a lot of chemicals.  It seemed to be a wholesome blend of vitamins, herbs and oils.  There was one ingredient, "natural preservatives" that seems to be vague.  I will inquire further as to what this actually is.  Anyway, I've used it for two days and, so far so good.

A breakdown of the herbal ingredients

According to the label the ingredients include wild bee honey, coconut oil, west African shea butter, olive oil, basil, safflower oil, birch, coltsfoot, horsetail, calendula blossoms, rosemary, onion juice, biotin, panthenol and finally Vitamins A, B, C and E.  These ingredients are supposed to work together to stimulate natural hair growth, prevent hair loss or thinning and give hair strength to make it grow thicker and healthier.

So, just for my own information, I went home and did some research on the herbal properties in this hair preparation.

Horsetail plant is among the top 5 herbs which help in fighting against hair loss. Safflower oil, Rosemary, coltsfoot, onion and/or garlic juice are also good for thinning hair and prevention of breakage. Biotin, panthenol and other B vitamins are good also for hair growth, brittle hair and prevention of breakage.

Olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil and wild bee honey, I happened to already know are great for moisturization and antioxidants.

In summary

So, it sounds like this preparation may be a good bet for the money.  I'll give updates every six or so weeks.

If anyone has had any experience with this product, please feel free to leave a comment!

Tips for selecting the Proper Foundation

Women of color often face special challenges when looking for foundations due to the interesting range of colors and undertones in the skin. Orange, yellows, reds and even greens can be undertones.  Also, with the SPF in the makeup, this also adds to the problem because the sunscreen element makes a difference in how the foundation blends into our skin.

Here are some interesting tips from Sam Fine, taken from Essence Magazine's "Beauty" column.


How to shop for the right foundation

One of the first pointers that Mr. Fine talks about is selecting the right shade. When testing several, see if one matches more than another.  Be prepared to take your time and don't rush, he also advises.

Next, he discusses the need to be prepared to chat with the beauty consultant, and ask questions. This way, the person can better help you. 

Stay on point, once you have identified your skin needs, don't be tempted to try another product.  Stick with what is needed for your skin type. Be prepared to move on to other brands and lines to find the right one.

Test the colors on your jawline to find the correct hue. Also, remember that in store lighting may not give an accurate representation of the color.  Go to a window to see how the color really looks on your skin.

Know some of the buzz words of the trade: a long wearing formula can be drying, an oil-free foundation will minimize shine, and an age-defying formula will offer moisturizing benefits.

Keep a positive outlook and enjoy shopping.

Source:

Beauty/Foundation "Essence Magazine"

Avoid these Common Toxins found in Skin Care Products

Meticulous skin care also means staying alert to the toxins that are often found in skin care products.  It is really amazing to see how these things remain in supposedly "natural" products.  What's more, why were they ever allowed in the first place? 


Below is a list of commonly  found toxins in beauty products.  Avoid them like the plague.

Common toxins found in beauty products

Parabens - are used as preservatives in the beauty industry.  Studies have shown that they are hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen and have been found in breast tumors.

Mineral Oil - Is a petrolatum based product (as in oil and gasoline products). This substance can actually clog pores with their greasy consistency and not allow moisture in, which can actually cause dryness.
Sodium laureth sulfate/Sodium lauryl sulfate - These substances are surfactants which cause the sudsing action in shampoos and cleaners.  The problem is that they can strip hair and skin of natural oils, causing dryness and breakage (in hair). Also, can combine with other chemicals to form a potent carcinogen.
Acrylamide - This substance is often found in skin creams.  It has been linked to mammary tumors.
Propylene glycol - This is a commonly found in cosmetic moisturizers and fragrances.  It is also used in anti-freeze. This chemical can cause dermatitis and skin irritation.  It has also been linked to kidney and liver problems.
Toluene -This chemical is commonly found in fragrances.  Chronic exposure can cause anemia, kidney and liver damage.

In Summary

It's just not worth it, it is important to read the labels.  (I'm guilty of this too.  I just bought a load of products and only now I am sitting down and reading the labels.)


Source:

www.mercola.com