Hey lovely people,
It’s that beautiful time again.
Nafisah and Oge who blog at Coily Head of Hair and I are presently having a giveaway.
Tag Archives: Hair products
Product review: Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise
Hey guys,
I decided to take a break from the Instapicks Of The Week post, seeing as the last one was on Wednesday, and instead do one of my long overdue product reviews.
I can’t even remember when I bought this product because I’ve had it for so long. As you can see, it is even dusty.
So let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Product Review: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Purification Masque
Hi guys,
This review is long overdue as I’ve finished this product and thrown away the empty container sef.
Disclaimer: All efforts shall be made to curb excessive typing in this post.
I bought this for the fact that I had never really had a dedicated/store-bought deep conditioner; that is, I always did DIY deep conditioners or used my regular rinse out conditioner. Another factor that sealed the deal was that it claimed to alleviate itchy scalp(my number 1 concern in life)
INGREDIENTS:
As you can see, this product is chock-full of good stuff! No red flags in sight. Very impressive.
LOOK, SMELL AND CONSISTENCY:
I like the packaging of this product. I think it looks nice. As for the product itself, it has a grayish colour and is thick(not excessively thick so it washes out easily). This product smells like a mix bananas and sand/earth to me(that’s the only way I can describe it. I don’t mind the smell)
CLAIMS + DIRECTIONS:
HOW I USED IT:
I would typically put it on my hair and scalp after shampooing, put on a shower cap and leave it in for an hour or more(depending on how lazy I am to rinse it out and carry on with the rest of wash day). No heat used.
PROS:
- It’s moisturizing. I can use this after shampooing/clarifying and rest assured that my hair will be soft and moisturized.
- It has great ingredients. I don’t have to worry about the big bad scary ingredients I try so hard to avoid.
- A little goes a long way. I don’t need too much product for it to work.
- It has slip. I can detangle with this.
CONS:
- It’s not so cheap. At N3200(when I bought it), it’s not the cheapest kid on the blox.
- It doesn’t do much for my itchy scalp. I did not notice much/any difference. Then again, perhaps I wasn’t consistent.
- It’s small for its price. For N3200, I would have expected more product. I got about 6-8 uses out of it(from my guesstimation) and I was trying to use it ‘gently’.
WOULD I REPURCHASE:
Probably not(except they dash me). I can get the same moisture from a cheaper product. If it actually worked for my itchy scalp, I would have said a definite yes.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I give this product 3/5.
WHERE TO BUY:
- The Kinky Apothecary for N2900
- Olori for N3300
Have you tried this product before? What did you think? What deep conditioner should I try? Let me know in the comments.
P.s: My Abuja people, there is a hair and makeup shop in Gwarimpa, Abuja. They sell natural hair care products, 100% Virgin human hair and makeup.
Brands and products include:
-Cantu
-ApHogee
-Tropical Isle Living
-Shea Moisture
-Creme of Nature
-KTC Organic Oils
-100% Organic Argan oil
-Organic Coconut Oil
-Tea Tree Oil
-Satin Bonnets
-Silk caps
-Spray bottles
Etc
Makeup brands include:
-MAC
-Dose of colors
-Coloured Raine
-Bdellium Tools
-Morphe Brushes
-Urban Decay
-LA Girl
-PNK Digger
Etc
DETAILS:
Address- House 47, 3rd Avenue opposite Shirley’s confectionery and Yogurberry Gwarinpa Estate Abuja.
Review: The BoonBox
Hi guys,
Ever heard of the CurlBox? It’s a subscription where you get a box every month that contains hair products either full sized or sample sized. The products are a surprise and are different every month giving you the opportunity to explore and try a variety of products.
Imagine my joy when I found out that we have our own version of this American wonder and ours is called the BoonBox! The BoonBox is put together by a Nigerian online beauty store called The Beauty Boon.
Somehow I never got around to ordering one until I read a review about it on She Is Out Of Control.
HOW IT WORKS
Just like I explained with the CurlBox, the BoonBox is literally a box that contains hair, skin and beauty products. The products are different every time and can be either sample sized or full sized.
You fill a form about your likes and dislikes, preferred brands and products etc. This helps the team putting the boxes together know what to put in yours. E.g if you say your hair is natural on the form, they won’t go and send you Profectiv relaxer in your BoonBox.
There are two subscription options: monthly and quarterly.
THE BAD
I chose to go with the monthly/one-time subscription so I ordered and prepaid for my BoonBox on the 17th of December. I chose to prepay instead opting for cash on delivery just incase I wasn’t home when it was delivered. Guess when I received it guys. 18th of February!!!
2 months later!
Sometime in January, a month or so after I ordered it(in fact I don forget sey I order something by then), someone from The Beauty Boon called me to confirm that I had ordered one, had prepaid and was yet to receive it; she also informed me that I would be receiving it soon.
By February 4th I had still not seen the shadow of the BoonBox so I sent an email to them about it and they replied saying it would come that Friday(February 6th).
Alas, it came February 18th.
THE GOOD
I was pleased with the BoonBox (even though I grew old and wrinkled waiting for its arrival). I got 5 items in mine:
1. EOS lip balm in blueberry açaí (Been wanting to get one so I was happy about this)
2. Clearasil daily clear daily facial scrub (Been wanting to try the Clearasil moisturizer so let’s see how this one works. Hopefully it won’t be too drying/harsh seeing as it’s for acne and acne is currently not a problem for me)
3. Mac lipglass in famously fab (Even though I think I mentioned on my form that I don’t like lipgloss but then I could be wrong. It’s a nice pinkish lavender shade)
4. Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie (I already had this. Nooooo!)
5. A scented candle (The scent is called garden party and it smells divine even unlit)
6. A handwritten apology note (I wish! I was half expecting one but I got a hot ela as they didn’t send any)
FINAL THOUGHTS
I love the idea of being surprised with different products and I love the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone and my staple product bubble and trying new things. I love the idea of the BoonBox. It’s a winner if only it could be smoothly executed. I was really mellow about the delay in the delivery timeline even though it was pretty unacceptable but not every one will be. So what if it were the quarterly subscription? Would you be getting each one 2 months late?
WOULD I REPURCHASE?
Maybe. If and only if I am assured that it will arrive on time.
BOONBOX DETAILS:
Where to purchase– The Beauty Boon
Price– N5,000 monthly or N19,000 quarterly
Would you be willing to try the BoonBox? Ever tried it or ever tried something similar? Share please.
P.s anyone know any good WordPress blogging apps for iOS? I keep losing my posts because the official WordPress app keeps crashing on me 😥
By the way have you noticed?!?!
The blog is now a “dot com”!!! *confetti*
It is now http://www.nigerianandnatural.com
But don’t worry if you forget and type http://www.nigerianandnatural.wordpress.com (this one is so long to type though; I can say that now 😀 ) because it will automatically redirect you to the dot com website.
Also, the email address is now contact@nigerianandnatural.com but don’t worry if you send it to the old one (nigerianandnatural@gmail.com) because I will still get it.
We are moving on up! *shakes bottom*
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram if you haven’t- @nigerianandnatural
Peace!
My Hair Stash (Feb 2015)
Salut, hello, howdy!
I am not a product junkie! I really am not. However I seem to have a lot of stuff for someone who basically uses mostly shampoo, conditioner, leave in and shea butter 95% of the time! I did not realize until I was taking pictures for this post that I had so much stuff that I don't use often! I had to dust some of them before taking pictures sef
(Photo Cred: @thecreamycrackrehab on Instagram)
Without further ado,behold my stash
CLEANSERS/SHAMPOOS
-Bobeam shampoo bar in Shealoe (purchased from The Kinky Apothecary ). I have had it for over a year y'all)
-Dudu Osun- melted down and mixed with water and olive oil (Can be purchased from your local grocery/beauty store)
My staple: Dudu Osun
CONDITIONERS
-Shea Moisture restorative conditioner (a gift from someone who went abroad but can be purchased on The Kinky Apothecary as well as Olori)
-V05 herbal escapes conditioner (purchased at NITC but can be bought at many local grocery/beauty stores. I mostly buy it at Bruno's Place opposite Silverbird at Ikeja City Mall)
-V05 tea therapy conditioner (purchased at Bruno's Place)
-Herbal Essences ignite my color conditioner (purchased at Maxmart in Accra but can be found at Casa Bella or Goodies)
My staple: V05 conditioners(any kind but I like the Moisture Milks line the most I think). Haven't had a chance to use the Shea Moisture much yet.
DEEP CONDITIONERS
-Vitale hair mayonnaise (purchased at Spar but can be found at many local grocery/beauty stores)
-Coconut milk (purchased at Spar and can be found in most big grocery stores. You can also make yours)
-Shea Moisture purification masque (purchased at NITC but can be purchased on The Kinky Apothecary as well as Olori)
My staple: None. I haven't used them long enough but I like the purification masque. Still not sold on the Vitale. Coconut milk is something I've used a number of times and I like but I don't use it very often(I mix it with other stuff e.g conditioner before use). Usually I deep condition with my regular conditioner and don't use a store bought deep conditioner so these are relatively new(except coconut milk as I explained)
LEAVE IN CONDITIONERS/MOISTURIZERS
-Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream-2 tubs. (One was a gift while the other was purchased on Olori)
-Elasta QP olive oil and mango butter moisturizer (Purchased at Casa Bella but can also be bought on Olori)
-Water in a spray bottle (purchased at… Just kidding)
My staple: Cantu and water
STYLING PRODUCTS
-Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie (won in a giveaway but can be purchased on The Kinky Apothecary as well as Olori)
-Eco Styler olive oil gel (purchased from The Kinky Apothecary at the same time as the Bobeam)
My staple: None. I don't really use styling products. Eco styler works well when I want a laid down sleek look.
OILS
-Olive oil (Can be found at your local grocery store)
-Silverbird Eucalyptus oil (Can be found at your local pharmacy)
-Canola oil (Can be found at your local grocery store)
-Castor oil (can be found at your local pharmacy)
My staple: None. I'm using oils less and less. If you had asked me in the past I would say Olive oil but ever since I realized that it does nothing for me when it comes to sealing, I now only use it for occasional oil rinses, prepooing and deep conditioning mixes. Silverbird I use because it is so affordable compared to other essential oils and I like the menthol feel and smell. Castor oil I use mostly when I have a protective style on or if I see my edges vanishing. Canola oil I used out of curiosity and only use for oil rinses and prepooing occasionally.
BUTTERS
-Nasheaba Shea body butter (purchased at Shoprite Accra)
-African Naturalistas hair butter in Sweet Rosie (won in a giveaway but I believe the formula has been revised. Can be purchased on African Naturalistas or Jumia)
-Shea butter (purchased at Game Accra but can be found at your local market)
My staple: Nasheaba or any Shea butter mix/whipped Shea butter really.
MISCELLANEOUS
-Apple Cider Vinegar (purchased at Spar. Can also be found at Shoprite. The organic version can be found at Health Plus)
-Neem powder (purchased on Olori)
-Shikakai powder (purchased on Olori)
-Bhringraj powder (purchased on Olori)
My staple: Apple cider vinegar. I use it as a final rinse most times when I wash my hair(don't know if it makes a difference but I do it) and I use it to clean my scalp when I have a protective style on. Still haven't gotten the hang of Ayurveda though.
C'est fini.
What are your staple products? Is your stash less, similar to or bigger than mine? What products do you recommend I try? Please share!
Tresses And Body Organics
Hey guys,
It’s always a delight to learn about a new Nigerian store or brand that caters to natural/healthy hair and well being. So that when you’re feeling a little rich or you’re in need of some good products, you have places to splurge in and products to splurge on!
Today I’d like to introduce to you Tresses and Body Organics.
What do they do?
“We specialize in everything organic, 100% herbal with no harsh chemicals or additives. Our products nourish, heal, hydrate, tone and keep the skin and hair healthy. We deal with popular brands like Shea Moisture, Cantu, Jessie Curls, Ambro Styl, Softee, Infermo, Silk, Twist n Lock, Vaadi Herbals, Beautiful Textures, African Pride, Forest Essentials etc.
We sell at wholesale and retail, products include:
-Vaadi Herbals
-Shea Moisture range
-Essential/ carrier oils e.g Palmarosa, Argan, Indian Rose, Pimento berry, Clove, Clary sage, Peppermint, Neroli, Tangerine, avocado etc.
-Natural hair products like Jessie Curls, Cantu, Beautiful Textures, Carson’s, Shea Miracle etc.
-Ayuverdic powders from the Middle-East and India e.g Morroccan Rhassoul clay, Neem powder, Amla powder etc.
-Sulfate free shampoos
-Sulfate free conditioners
-Heat protectant serums
-Hair Moisture butters
-Hair Growth oil
-Revitalizing Scrubs
-Facial wash
-Body scrubs
-Home spa kits
Etc.”
Where do they deliver to?
“We deliver nationwide and carry out door to door delivery”
Contact Details:
Phone number- 08075542049 or 08183412877
BB pin- 2B6CAC09
Facebook page- Tresses & Body Organics Ent.
Blog- Tresses and Body Organics
Address- 33, fatai irawo street, Ajao estate, off Int’l airport road, Lagos Nigeria
So that’s it folks; feel free to contact them and buy to your heart’s(and hair’s) content. I haven’t bought from them yet but hopefully I will soon.
If you sell/make natural hair products or offer natural hair related services, feel free to send me an email.
Take care beautiful people,
Have a fun-tastic weekend!
Product store in Nigeria
Hi y’all,
Straight to the point.
Finding products in Nigeria is still a struggle for me(I’m sure a lot of you can relate!). Even worse is the fact that when I do find products, the prices send me into a mini cardiac arrest(I’m sure even more people can relate). You know I’m a proud member of the Cheapskates club!
So I’ve been thinking, I want to open a store and sell products! Products for natural hair and for anyone who is looking to have healthy hair or who is on a healthy hair journey. I want to focus on those hard to find products/brands that are mostly only available abroad.
My main aim is to make the products reasonably affordable(Considering shipping cost and all). Another aim of mine is to be able to ship nationwide.
Products will be displayed and available for purchase online. Also, they will be available at a supermarket in Ikeja, Lagos for those who prefer to shop physically and for those who want to pickup what they ordered online(Hopefully, more outlets will be available in the future in other places)
For now though, it’s still just an idea. So I need opinions! I was going to put a poll below but I changed my mind. Please let me know in the comment section what you think.
Here’s what I’d like you to answer:
1. Do you think I should start selling hair products or do you think there are too many stores already?
2. What kind of products/tools/things would you like me to stock?
3. What brands would you like me to stock?
4. What do you think of this idea in general?
5. Anything you’d like to say?
Thank you!
Have an awesome week guys!
P.S. Please help me get the word out so that I can get as many people’s feedback as possible, thanks and God bless!
Jennifer Abah 