Winterize Your Natural Hair Regimen - Winter Edition ~ Volume I

Photo Credit -  YouTube's Brandi Lofton

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I think it's safe to say it's winter time for most of us, right?! Last winter I experienced how to manage a TWA during winter but now that I have a head full of hair - game on! I have seen many naturals talk about winter regimen vs. summer regimen. Although I personally believe in giving your hair just as much attention in the summer vs. winter there are a few ideas, tricks and suggestions I have that will aid in making sure your hair is tangle free, moisturized without a dry scalp! A lot of naturals love to protective style during the winter and if you are one of them - no biggie if that works best for you and your curls, coils and kinks... just please don't neglect your hair! Let's take the time & resources we have been given to ensure your hair isn't dry & brittle this winter. Calling all dry naturals with itchy scalps... tired curls, coils and kinks!

My Top 10 Natural Hair Resolutions of 2016!

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If you are anything like me when this time of the year rolls around you are left wondering where did the year go?! As I just passed my one year anniversary since my brave BC I started to reflect on the upcoming year and my hair goals. I am naturally a goal oriented individual and although I am so thankful for all that I was able to accomplish in 2015 I am creatively passionate about what may be in store for me and my curls in 2016! At the end of the day some goals I may accomplish and some may take a little longer than expected but that shouldn't stop us from believing for the very best and setting our minds high in abundance.  As I look back 2015 was a BIG hair adjustment for me and as 2016 rapidly approaches I am left with nothing but a consistent drip of ideas and goals for me, my curls and coils! Let the NEW hair journey begin as we ring 2016 in...

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo ~ Product Review!

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I know what you are thinking... is she really about to try a shampoo after creating her own DIY shampoo?! YES! If you haven't learned by now I don't like anything going to waste and since this was given to me I definitely wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to try this popular shampoo. Although I don't shampoo weekly I do think it is important to clarify your hair as often as your texture and scalp needs to be cleansed. There is a huge debate over to shampoo or not... how often... the debates go on and on. I like to try to keep it simple and suggest doing what's best for your curls, coils and kinks. Would I be disappointed by this shampoo or will it in the end live up to all the hype? I don't know about you but I was excited to see if this shampoo could hang with my DIY?! 

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner ~ Product Review!

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I have FINALLY been able to review this co-wash from Shea Moisture! There are so many products I have been itching to get my hands on and this one was given to me at a hair event so I was beyond ecstatic to try this co-wash as I am huge fan of SM products. I have heard overall very great reviews about this famous co-wash but as everyone knows what works for one may or may not work for another so... I had to try it out for myself to see if my tight coils loved this co-wash or not. As of yet I haven't tried a co-wash that my hair didn't embrace so was this one going to join the ranks of the others or be gifted to someone else? If you have been as curious as I am about this co-wash and its effective ranking against my hair then keep reading. ;)

Do you still have a relaxed girls mindset? ~ 5 BIG changes to consider once you are natural!

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Are you trying to navigate through your natural hair journey but your mind is still stuck in relaxed hair mode? Is your natural hair not performing at its highest potential and you just can't put your finger as to why? Don't fret as a lot of the time it's a simple solution to our concerns and issues that we highly overlook sometimes. I am always learning every day when it comes to my natural hair and some days I have come to the conclusion that I am making my hair issues way more complicated than they actually are. I will highlight a few questionable habits that many naturals make while holding onto a relaxed girls mindset that will ultimately stunt your natural hair journey! As always I am not a licensed hair professional and these are my thoughts based upon experiences that I have encountered while on my own natural hair journey. 

My 8 Favorite YouTube Inspirations ~ Natural Hair Edition

YouTube Natural Hair Guru: Naptural85

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When I first began my daunting task of embarking on my natural hair journey I quickly became eternally thankful to each one of these YouTuber's who helped guide, educate and set me on a fabulous path to natural hair greatness! They are all so unique and provided me with such different valuable knowledge about this so unfamiliar natural hair world I all of a sudden was a part of. I will highlight and introduce them all to you although I know most of them are your favorites too and really don't need any introduction as they have been game changers in the natural hair industry! Sit back relax and see who has been helping me along my journey in the virtual hair world. ;)

One year Anniversary since my Big Chop! - Reflection & Pics...

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One year ago this month I began my daunting yet exciting natural hair journey... what a fabulous journey it has been! I didn't really know what to think as my flowing locks hit the floor that Big Chop day but one thing was very clear there was no turning back now. I am thrilled to report an entire year later I am loving my new natural hair & it was blindly one of the best decisions I have ever made. I not only chose to embrace my natural texture but decided to take the time to get better acquainted with my curls while having fun and experimenting. Our journeys in life are half what has been given to us and half what we choose to do with the rest of it - so I made an decision to enjoy my natural hair journey with a good attitude! I didn't blog very early on in my natural hair journey but nevertheless didn't stop me from taking pictures of my curls that were making their presence known. Would you join me as I stroll through memory lane?! Presenting my curls' former years.... ;)

4 Powerful Ingredients - Skin, Body and Hair Winter Edition!

Photo Credit - examiner.com

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Are you interested at all in killing 3 birds with one stone?! I know I am and I think through trial and error mixed with some research I have found a simple way to do so effectively especially during these harsh winter months. When I began my natural hair journey who knew that I would learn so much more than just hair related information - it would open an entirely new world for me... ingredients! Although I am very familiar with the old saying "What we put into our bodies will come out" knowing and doing are two different things. After learning a host of benefits about the ingredients in most natural hair products; little did I know how interchangeable these ingredients were. As always these are my opinions based upon my research and personal experience; always if you are under doctor's care for a unique reason do your research for your particular condition and consult your doctor before use. What ingredients exactly? - I thought you'd never ask!

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Conditioner ~ Product Review!

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Well, I am sure you are aware by now that I absolutely love the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line or should I say my hair does! I really had no real intentions on trying this conditioner initially but I was given this product at a natural hair event and instantly this product rose to the top of my must try product list. I have heard reviews that SM conditioners aren't dripping with enough slip so I thought this would be the perfect time to test that theory out for myself. My hair not only craves love and attention but thrives best with conditioners with tons of slip. Would this conditioner just slip through the cracks or surprise me as powerhouse to handle my delicate tresses? 

Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque ~ Product Review!

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PR time! I have yet another product review to share with all my naturals. I know you are thinking wow & it's not a Shea Moisture product! (lol) I was given this product at a natural hair event and was super excited to tackle yet another product I have been curious about. Although this particular masque by EBW's I haven't personally heard much buzz about it was on my virtual list of hair products to try. As some of you are probably aware I fell in love with another masque from this line EDEN Bodyworks Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner; so maybe my hair will love this masque too. As always this product review is based upon results with my tightly curled texture of hair - and what works for one may or may not work for another!  Let's dive right in...

Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Masque ~ Product Review!

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Imagine my surprise when I went to the wonderful Curlfriends hair event hosted by Jenell B.Stewart and this was one of the many products I received! When you think that you have tried all the SM hair masques and then you are presented with yet another masque to try it's such a wonderful treat!  I personally don't suffer from hair breakage but my hair definitely is frizz prone & I always strive to strengthen my hair. If you want to see how my hair performed with this masque by SM then definitely keep reading!

Are you about this Natural Hair Life?

That natural hair life!

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Let's be honest oils, creams, rich butters, co-washes, doesn't even began to scratch the surface of what the natural hair life is all about. I didn't even know I was about that life until I was faced with my natural hair again. I had a choice to either embrace it or hide. Although I love exposing my natural curls and coils now... it's not labeled a natural hair journey for nothing!  Not only did I transform from being hooked on relaxers but I decided to embrace returning natural and take everyone along with me as I do so.  What does it mean to be about this natural hair life so many of us rave about & I know some of you are wondering is it for you?  All opinions are based on my personal natural hair journey & experiences.

Naturalista on a budget? - 6 FAB Products under $10

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Hey natural hair money savers! That's right... all products listed below are $10 and under w/ tax! I don't know about you but I love saving money & I know if you are reading this then you desire to have fab hair without breaking the bank. Good news is it can easily be done & I will share with you my favorite effective natural hair products for a naturalista on a budget. I have learned that cheap doesn't always equal incompetent products. I don't think there is anything wrong with naturals who have those few pricey products (guilty!) however majority of my products are super affordable and I know a lot of people are on super saving money mode. As always these products are based upon my natural texture hair and what works for one may not work for another; although these products are so affordable if they happen to not work for you - bless someone else by passing the product along.  I hope by me doing my research it will help you decide which products to try!

My Top 5 Favorite Ingredients - for my scalp & hair!

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Let's be honest what we put into our bodies is just as vital as what we put on top of our bodies, right? When I returned natural I decided to make a complete change to my overall health. Although this is still a work in progress I am definitely elated that the many changes I have made have resulted in positive results. Now I am acutely aware of ingredients in my products, food, & body products. There are many healing, nourishing & exceptional moisturizing ingredients for our hair out there - the key is to find what works best for you!  Although I love so many ingredients with a host of benefits I will share with you my top 5 hair game changers for me! 

As I am Leave in Conditioner ~ Product Review!

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After I rediscovered how much I loved the As I am cleansing conditioner that reminded me that my friend gave me a bottle of the As I am Leave-in Conditioner that she didn't care for. (Thanks Latoya!)  I love an effective leave-in and although they are somewhat new to my natural hair routine for my texture I feel this step is necessary! I thought this would be a perfect time to see if any other leave in could even come close to my staple Shea Moisture JBCO leave-in. If you are curious how this leave-in stacked up with my tight fickle coils & curls... then keep reading. To keep or not to keep?

DIY Clay Wash - Shampoo/Cleanser/Moisturizer w/ a Twist!

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I am so excited I FINALLY tackled another one of my fears - DIY products! I never really had much of an interest in whipping up some kind of homemade natural hair potion but I am so glad I did and would love to share it with you. This particular DIY recipe was derived from Naptural85's YouTube DIY clay wash. I took the base of what she suggested and created my very own version of a clay wash based upon ingredients that best suited my hair & scalp needs. That's the beauty of DIY products 1. You know exactly what ingredients are being used 2. You decide the ingredients and how much 3. You can always add or remove any ingredient(s) based upon your personal needs.  This clay cleanser is super gentle & effective and can be used on most curls, coils & kinks. Let's get better acquainted with these exceptional ingredients & learn how to create such an easy, gentle, yet beyond effective DIY hair cleanser!

5 Reasons We Should Not Label Our Natural Hair “GOOD” or “BAD”

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I was inspired to write this article when people started saying to me, “Girl you got that GOOD hair.” I don’t know why but almost instantly I began to reflect on that popular phrase. I know what you are thinking, “Who wouldn’t want GOOD hair, right?” At one point I thought the same thing and used this statement often but some digging and pondering on this subject since I returned natural has completely flipped my reasoning upside down. My hair was relaxed for the majority of my life and as far as I was concerned it didn’t matter if I had good hair or not because I faithfully relaxed my hair every month. Once I decided I was returning natural it became instantly clear how many wrong thoughts I had about natural hair and that I had to reprogram my brain to embrace the truth.

Dinner with Curlfriends Event hosted by Jenell B. Stewart - KinkyCurlyCoilyMe

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My aunt & I had a wonderful time at the Jenell B. Stewart Curlfriends Event in Houston! Headed out of the country today however upon my return will share more pics as I get them! Have a fabulous weekend! ;)

As I Am Co-wash (revisit) ~ Product Review!

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This was my go to co-wash when I first conducted my Big Chop and it stayed in my stash until a few months ago. Over the past few months I must admit I have bounced around the co-wash block a bit and haven't used this co-wash in a few months. Although I have always remained to speak highly of this co-wash and even recommend it to others why I completely let it go I am not too sure. Good news is you can always pick up where you last left off! This review is based upon my personal experience with my natural hair. Let's take a closer at this popular co-wash!

Awkward Phase?

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If you conducted your Big Chop 6 months ago and now your TWA has taken a life of its own and started growing and forming... but you aren't sure exactly into what I completely understand. What is a girl to do when you are just getting the hang of your BC cut and now it's growing into a different stage and now you must figure out how to style and manage the "awkward stage"?  First, let's focus on the positive ... if you have reached this phase that is a sign your hair is growing right?! Bravo!

Friends w/ Curls, Coils and Kinks Series ~ Featuring: Amy Taylor

 

NaturelleGrow Coconut Water Hair Cleansing Conditioner ~ Product Review!

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Now you guys didn't think after my wonderful experience with the DC from this line I recently reviewed I would stop there right?! Oh no, where there is usually one gem others are bound to be hiding close by.  I have read nothing but awesome reviews about this cleansing conditioner & after a huge success with one of their DC's I had to find out myself if this cleansing conditioner was a winner for me or not?  As always this is a product review based upon my personal experience with my own texture of hair.  I have a staple co-wash already however I do like to have one alternative option to rotate with my products... so off on my quest to see if this co-wash was going to be that product for me! Let's chat ;)

My favorite protein treatment for my natural hair + quick breakdown!

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I know many naturals fear protein treatments & they have created such a bad reputation & buzz in the black hair community. Trust me depending on your hair texture & characteristics this vital step may be just as important as moisturizing your hair.  I have learned the importance of a moisture protein balance for my texture of hair.  I noticed this with my hair as moisture became my only focus that I totally neglected strengthening my hair at the same time.  If you want to see how I learned to fix this issue & quickly keep reading! ;) 

Hot Oil Treatment (HOT) - My old faithful hair remedy... A MUST try!

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When I first conducted my big chop I was on the search for the best way to give my thirsty curls life and make my curls pop naturally!  I found this with my wonderful oil treatments which was highly beneficial since I BC during winter time.  This treatment not only gave life back to my hair but made my first few months with my new BC cut so much easier to manage. Initially I would give myself a hot oil treatment every week to help restore and treat my parched fresh new curls... once I felt my hair was happy, moisturized, and nourished I then decreased my HOT to once a month.  As always you must do what's best for you and whatever condition your hair is in and where you are currently with your natural hair journey. It's been a few months since I have given myself this vital treatment so I thought this would be a perfect time to discuss & show you my results. ;)

Can you tell which photo is 1st day, 2nd day & 3rd day hair??? ;)

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Loving my natural hair & just to think I have only scratched the surface of how versatile my hair is! Let it grow... let it grow! (lol)

Friends w/ Curls, Coils and Kinks Series ~ Featuring: Latoya Burton

My 10 tips: Growing your TWA long & healthy

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Photo Credit: Here

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We all desire long healthy natural hair right?  Well, if so this article is for you.  I have read a lot of articles and heard lots of tips on how to grow our hair out super long and I always learn something new!  I hope not to only inspire you to incorporate healthy hair practices but a healthy lifestyle overall.  These tips are based upon my personal hair growth and natural hair journey. Let's discuss! ;)

Did VO5 Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream Conditioner... replace my staple conditioner?!

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Calling all silicone free conditioners!  As most of you are aware I am aiming to follow the Curly Girl Method.  You could imagine my surprise when I realized my old faithful Trader Joe's Nourish Spa conditioner contained a clingy silicone that I hadn't even realized.  I am sure you are thinking how could you not realize it? I know right! Well, in the beginning of my natural hair journey I was still learning and gathering so much information and totally missed this vital oversight. I didn't let this oversight taint me from moving forward I just dusted myself off got back up and started fresh.  I had researched silicone free conditioners and the TJ Nourish Spa always showed up on that list and still does. It didn't even cross my mind to the possibility they might have changed their formula!  In the beginning I went to TJ to pick me up this very popular conditioner and slightly glanced over the ingredients.  I thought I did my research or did I?

My Transitioning Story

My favorite transition style up close
(cornrow flat twists w/ perm rods at the ends)

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Oh the joys of transitioning!  If you are currently at this phase of your natural hair journey... I would like to commend you on taking this big step and embracing your natural hair texture.  If you have been there done that then you know how important it is to help along others during this time by giving much needed encouragement and providing as much knowledge as possible.  I definitely was grateful to my natural hair friends who allowed me to pick their brains and soak up as much information as I could.  If you don't have many friends who are natural then don't fret as there is a world out there with plenty of naturals on YouTube/Articles who were once in your shoes and can shed some insight into the transitioning phase.  My goal is to inspire you by sharing my transitioning experience and maybe you can learn something that will aid in you having a successful transition into your natural hair journey!  Let's discuss.

Featured Articles ~ A. Adams

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The Natural Hair Network ~ Click Here

Featured on The Natural Hair Network!

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Hey all! I just wanted to share one of my articles was featured on the Natural Hair Network based out of the UK! Thank you so very much for the opportunity to share my story! ;)

 Click Here

A.Adams ~ Subscribe:Learn:Grow:Share

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Featured on BHI!

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Hey all! I just wanted to share one of my articles was featured on the BHI website! Thank you so very much for the opportunity to be a contributing writer. ;)

 Click Here

A.Adams ~ Subscribe:Learn:Grow:Share

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Featured on KinkyCurlyCoilyMe!

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Hey all! I just wanted to share I was featured on KinkyCurlyCoilyMe website! Thank you so very much to Jenell B. Stewart for the opportunity to share my story. ;)

Click Here

A.Adams ~ Subscribe:Learn:Grow:Share

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NaturelleGrow Herbal Blends Deep Conditioner ~ Product Review!

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I love product reviews!  This review is extra special and unique due to the fact I decided to review a product from a not so main stream product line.  I feel there are so many boutique product lines that are just as wonderful if not even better than the popular well known hair care lines on the market.  This line many may not be familiar or maybe you are already a huge fan with this line however I found this line floating on YouTube and heard nothing but wonderful comments from the reviews I watched.  This line is formulated with all natural & healing ingredients resulting in ultimate growth.  If you follow the CGM you definitely don't have to worry about this line carrying any of those pesky or questionable ingredients.  If you are interested and curious about this product line called NaturelleGrow then follow me as I dive into this review full throttle.  Let's discuss!

The 10 Curl Commandments for Natural Hair

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If you are a transitioner, recently BC, growing TWA, or even been natural for many years this 10 Curl Commandments from Naturallycurly.com I found on Pinterest is a great guide in achieving healthy natural hair.  Let's discuss!

The battle of the best detangle tools... and the winner is??

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Combs, brushes and fingers oh my!!  Yes it's that time... what works best for detangling our delicate tresses?  Although I know it varies for everyone I thought it would be informative for me to share my experiences for detangling a tightly curled growing TWA that I am currently sporting.  The tools I will be highlighting are the: wide tooth comb, semi-wide tooth comb, Denman brush, Felicia Leatherwood detangling brush and last but not least our trusted fingers.  As always this is my personal opinion based upon my experiences with these tools with my texture of hair.  I will go over each detangling tool individually then give you my final thoughts.  Let's discuss!

Who Am I? About Me... Meet me & my curlsssss

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My name is Ashley Adams and I am 32 years young born and raised from Houston, Texas and I am a stay at home wife who was blessed to marry my best friend last year!  I am a newbie blogger/freelance writer who was inspired to mix my love for creative writing and natural hair by blogging my natural hair journey, experiences, challenges, and just my personal thoughts about the unfamiliar natural hair world that I found myself in.  This journey has not only opened my eyes to so many new things but has made me tackle head on many of my fears and wonders concerning natural hair in general.  My goal is to empower, educate and allow my creative juices to spill over onto my blank pages and help as many naturals as possible reach their highest potential.  Thank you so very much for allowing me to share my natural hair journey and take you along with me!

A.Adams ~ Subscribe:Learn:Grow:Share

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Follow me on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/callingallnaturals

Are your products Curly Girl Approved?

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There has been so much talk and debate over harsh ingredients in many natural hair products and in beauty products in general. Should you shampoo or co-wash?  I have heard some valid points all across the board... and what's a girl to do?  I am sure there are some who follow the curly girl method and some who semi-follow it and some who just don't care... no matter what your thoughts may be I thought it would be fun to discuss and see if the Curly Girl Method is for you? I am not a professional or even an expert but I have been researching diligently and trying to familiarize myself with this subject.  Thought we could learn together! Let's discuss!

EDEN BodyWorks samples ~ Product Review!

EDEN BodyWorks samples

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Yes, it's that time again! Another product review is underway and I couldn't wait to try a few products from this line!  This line I have seen all over the place and with such wonderful reviews and a personal friend of mine who is natural fell in love with some of their products... so I thought this would be a perfect time to give it a try.  I was more than thrilled when I went to their website and noticed they offered a sample package for you to try for $4.00 which I was all over that!  The sample deal consisted of 6 sample size packages from three of their lines.  I was mainly interested in their All Natural Cleansing Co-wash & All Natural Leave in Conditioner from their Coconut Shea line.  I would like to point out my friend who fell in love with several of their products has a completely different texture than mine.  This review is my personal opinion based upon my personal experience with my natural texture and none of my reviews are meant to bad mouth any company but just provide any insight into a few products and how well they worked with my texture.  Let's discuss!

My Current Favorite Natural Hair Products

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Who doesn't want to discuss our favorite natural hair products!?  This is always a fun topic and plays a huge role in how well our hair performs.  Before I dive into my favorite staple hair products let me preface by stating products can't alter or change your curl, coil or kink nor do they create a different pattern they only enhance your natural texture.  Below are my go to products that have worked well for my hair... however they may or may not work for your texture but if you have been curious about trying a certain product here are my thoughts and experiences. Click the product name for additional information.  Let's discuss!