Product review: Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise

Posted in product review, products by Jen

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.

Continue reading →

8May2015

Product Review: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Purification Masque

Posted in product review, Product store, products by Jen

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.

Number- 07064186931

BB Pin- 7AFC56

Have an awesome weekend!

Xoxo

21Mar2015

Jumia Haul

Posted in product review, Product store, products, Spotlight by Jen

Hi guys!

I’m only using the word ‘haul’ because, you know, that’s what people do on other blogs. #BloggerLingo

So I was on my own jejely browsing through Jumia when I saw Aunt Jackie’s products.

I had read reviews of some of the products previously and planned that one day when I was feeling rich I would try them out.

I had seen them at Casa Bella and knew they generally retailed at around N2,500 upwards.

So imagine my surprise when I saw them on Jumia all below N2,000! I had to have them, whether or not I already had enough products! (Does someone need to sign up for Product Junkies Anonymous?)

I also bought some Aloe Vera gel because… ummm… product junkism.

DEETS:

Where to buy- Jumia

Prices-

1) Aunt Jackie’s Knot on my watch- N1,895 (Currently out of stock)

2) Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean– N1,795

3) Aunt Jackie’s In Control– N1,795

4) Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel– N1,475

Also available on Jumia is Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La for N1,895.

Jumia also sells some Cantu, Namaste Organics, Tropical Isle, Eco styler, Elasta Qp, Shea Moisture, Beautiful Textures and African Naturalistas products, essential and carrier oils, shea butter and even Hairfinity.

Note that not all of them are as cheap in comparison.

Delivery info-

-Nationwide delivery (note that you might have to prepay either through your master/visa/verve card or a bank deposit/transfer for some states as not all states qualify for cash on delivery).

-You can opt to have it delivered to you or pick it up at the closest pickup station to you(which attracts little or no shipping charge)

-Free shipping within Lagos for orders above N10,000

Aunt Jackie’s Product Reviews-

1) Knot On My Watch by Igbo Curls

2) Curl La La by The Kink and I

3) In Control by The Kink and I

4) Curl La La by Sizzelle

5) Oh So Clean and Knot On My Watch by 1 Blessed Natural

6) In Control and Oh So Clean by Nappy Headed Black Girl

Have you ever shopped on Jumia? How was your experience? Have you ever tried any of these products? How did you feel about them? What do you have planned for the weekend? You know I wanna hear!

9Mar2015

NITC 10

Posted in events by Jen

Hi guys,

NITC 10 was on Saturday and I went. I think this is the third one I've been to. If you missed it, not to worry; I gat you(sort of).

I was really early for this one and I got a little bag of Jessicurl samples for being early(See why you should say NO to African time?).

There were 4 talks:

1. Dr Sandra of Naija Girl Next Door spoke about making the most of what you have product-wise.

Pretty jumpsuit ei?

Main Points:

-Be realistic- Don't buy products with unrealistic expectations e.g an expensive curl cream when you know your hair will probably never curl like that of the girl on the container.

-Pick one- Pick the best product/the product that works best for you e.g you don't need to have 4 conditioners; just pick one.

-Merge products- Use multitasking products e.g a rinse out conditioner that can serve as a leave in.

-Use a light hand- Don't be heavy handed with products.

-DIY- It's relatively inexpensive; you can strike gold with trial and error.

2. Nkechi of Formula Botanica spoke about making the most of things around you for natural skin care

Although you can't see it well, she has amazing skin.

Main Points:

-For cleansing- The Oil Cleansing Method(she recommended castor oil for this), honey, yoghurt(you can add some lemon/lemon essential oil), black soap.

-For moisturizing- Aloe vera, green tea and other humectants can be added to your moisturizer.

-As a serum- 1 teaspoon water + 2 teaspoons glycerin + half teaspoon vitamin C(Ascorbic acid in powdered form. Found in pharmacies)

-For the under eye area- Witch hazel(can be found in pharmacies), cucumber, green tea bags, lemon juice(for dark circles), aloe vera.

-For exfoliants and masks- clays(e.g bentonite), bananas, tomatoes, cocoa, yoghurt, honey, milk, sea salt.

-As a toner- Witch hazel(for oily skin) and floral waters(e.g rose water for dry skin)

-Don't store natural products/DIY mixes as they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Make them in small, single-use batches.

3. Dr Patrick of Carib Health spoke about making the most of the natural foods around us.

Main Points:

-Go for a checkup annually(I won't even lie, I don't think I've ever been for a checkup. I only go to the hospital when I'm sick)

-The following foods are super good for you:

~Tigernuts(Those brownish small things that mallams hawk that you chew and spit out. He suggested eating them like 2 times a week)

~Dates(Also hawked by mallams. Brownish like a big raisin)

~Moringa

~Bitter leaf

-Doing a detox every now and then is very beneficial.

4. Isioma spoke about loving yourself. It was also her birthday!

Main Points:

–Self love- Love yourself just the way you are. Any changes you make, do them for yourself and not for anyone.

-Acceptance- Accept that you are who you are and make the most of whatever your situation is. E.g If your hair does not curl, that is something it does not do. Accept it, focus on and rock what your hair can do.

-A little selfishness goes a long way- Think about yourself every now and then and put yourself and your opinions first.

-You are the only you you have

There was also a panel where some ladies were asked questions about their hair and experiences but I only stayed for the first few minutes of this part before I had to leave.

I had good conversations about hair with a couple of people before the main event started.

I also took a few shots of a few good people.

Loved her threaded hair! Not sure if I can pull it off though.

AB's twists were on serious fleek

(Taking pictures like a professional stalker)

Wish I had taken more pictures but my battery was at about 15% when I got there.

By the way, do you know The Kink and I now has a store?

I got this cute note with my purchase from their stand at NITC.

And shoutout to the lady that recognized me from here and said hi! 😀

Keep your eyes glued to Natural Nigerian and The Kink and I for more deets and pictures from NITC 10 soon.

Sidebar: My friends and I went to lunch afterwards and we thought our experience was totally “blogable” so that might show up here as a restaurant review sometime within the week. I wanted to add it to this post but I am not a fan of really long posts.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @nigerianandnatural

Xoxo

21Feb2015

Review: The BoonBox

Posted in Not hair, Review by Jen

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!

28Jan2015

What I wore: Stripes and Nude

Posted in events, Fashion, Not hair, Product store, products, What I Wore by Jen

This might come as a shocker to you but this is an outfit post! *jaws drop* LOL

Remember I’m dabbling and diversifying? It’s all in a bid to make me post more consistently.

I read a number of blogs: hair, makeup, fashion, food etc.
Of recent I think I have read one too many fashion posts so that might be the inspiration behind this post.

I am not a fashion blogger neither am I a fashionista but I think style is relative and maybe someone out there might find mine interesting.

If you ask me to describe my style in 1 word it would be ‘comfy’.
However, my sister and my good friend say I am boho/hippie(I do not agree though).

I wore this outfit to work sometime last week.

And because I see them do this on fashion blogs:

Top: Apt. 9 essential

Blazer: Dorothy Perkins (from Debra’s Grace, a cool store in Yaba)

Pants: Next (I’ve had them for years and have rocked the life out of them so much so that they are fading)

Shoes: I don’t know (long story)

Bag: Michael Kors (obtained from my mama)

Hair: Twists using Noble Gold (4 packs, uncut)

Oh and have you heard of Design Essentials? It’s a product brand that makes products for people who want healthy hair and has a line for natural hair. I first heard about them on Kemi Lewis’ blog.She uses their products in her natural hair salon.

Design essentials just launched a flagship store and training centre in Ikeja(yay for the mainland!) that stocks their products.

Their natural hair friendly products are silicone, paraben, paraffin, petrolatum, mineral oil and sulfate free and include the:

-Curl cleanser

-Moisturizing conditioner

-Almond and avocado detangling leave-in conditioner

-Honey curl forming custard

-Honey and Shea edge tamer

and more.

I love the packaging and I also sniffed some of the products(they smell great!) plus Kemi Lewis speaks well of them so I’m looking forward to trying them out!

Store details:

LOCATION: Angels Super Store, 88 Awolowo way, Ikeja by Fadeyi, beside Holy Trinity Hospital.

TEL: 08033029107 or 08033264570

OPENING HOURS: 9-7, Mon-Sat

What do you guys think of outfit posts on the blog every now and then? Yay or nay?

Have an awesome week!

9Jan2015

Tresses And Body Organics

Posted in Feature, Product store, products, Spotlight by Jen

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!

15May2014

I’m bad at titling stuff but this is just an update

Posted in hair update, nails, protective styling, styling by Jen

Hi guys, it’s been a minute.

I really don’t have much to talk about. My hair isn’t in the best place right now; I have inexplicable dandruff, thin edges and I’ve combed my hair dry one too many times. Hoping to get back on track ASAP and sort my hair out.

In other news, I stopped taking the Biotin. I got a horrible Urinary Tract Infection(UTI). Even though I’d rather not discuss this(lol) it might be of use to someone else. I’m not new to UTIs; I’ve had them a few times in the past but I haven’t had one in over 2 years so when I started feeling the symptoms, I guessed it was something I’d recently started doing that caused it. My mind told me it was the Hair,Skin and Nail supplements but I kept taking them and drinking bucket loads of water to hopefully flush the UTI bacteria out. The infection only got worse until I took to Google and saw that some people complained about getting UTIs from taking Biotin or Hair supplements(some said it was the Pantothenic acid that caused it,some said it was the Biotin itself etc). I’m not very certain the pills caused it but it is highly likely that it is. I stopped taking them and was treated with antibiotics and the infection is gone.

Anyone who is willing to try the pills can email me and I will give it to them(if you can pick it up in Lagos especially in the Maryland/Ikeja vicinity). I took them for one month so I took about 90 pills meaning there should be about 160 pills left in the bottle. Email me at jenniferabah(at)gmail(dot)com if you want it and can pick it up.
As far as progress goes, here’s a before and after.

It’s grown a bit more since I stopped taking the pills. It’s just hair/nails in the end; it will grow.

As always,I will leave you with a mini gallery of how my hair has been/how I’ve been wearing it. Enjoy.

You know I love my puffs

Been trying some Ayurveda. Not yet sure how I feel about it

Did mini twists and actually wore them out

Did loads of flat twist outs

I’m currently looking to buy a wig so that I can keep my hands out of my hair and keep my hair safe from my cruelty.
Will let you guys know how that goes.
Be safe!

P.s It’s been 10 months since I did the big chop! Oh and I’m still thinking about opening a product store so your opinions and suggestions on that are welcome.

14Apr2014

Product store in Nigeria

Posted in products by Jen

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!

27Nov2013

Casa Bella deal on Dealdey! + NITC reminder

Posted in events, products by Jen

As I might have mentioned in a previous post, Casa Bella is a Nigerian store that sells natural hair products like Giovanni, Cantu, Taliah Waajid, Creme of Nature etc as well as other hair and beauty products. At the moment, they have a deal on Dealdey for 50% off on a N3000 voucher. This simply means you will be paying N1500 for a voucher worth N3000 so you’re saving N1500. So you can buy N3000 worth of stuff from Casa Bella with this voucher having only paid N1500 for it.

You can use the voucher at any of the following Casa Bella outlets:

-The Palms Shopping Centre, Lekki
-Ikeja City Mall, Alausa
-Adeniran Ogunsanya (Shoprite) Mall, Surulere
-Polo Park Mall, Enugu
-Grand Towers Mall, Abuja
-Ajose Adeogun Street, opposite Zenith Bank HQ, Victoria Island

You know your girl got a voucher! Cheapskates don’t sleep, LOL! I have my eyes on that Cantu shea butter leave in.

Hurry because the voucher sales end in 5 days!

To buy your own voucher from Dealdey, click here

Also, don’t forget that NITC7 is this Saturday! Don’t let them gist you; come and see it first hand. Relaxed, big chop, natural, transitioning, bald; it don’t even matter! The focus is healthy hair and we all want that right?

Highlights:

~There will be talks about:
..protective styling
..hygienic makeup application
..Ayurvedic treatments
etc.

~A hair documentary will also be screened and discussed.

~There will be a product swap as well so come with all the products you would like to swap(Don’t bring empty containers oh!).

~There will be stands selling all sorts of goodies from essential oils to conditioners to accessories, name it! (All those products you’ve been eyeing but didn’t order because of delivery costs will be there! I know I want glycerin, aloe vera juice, tea tree oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil!)

So clear your calendar and try your absolute best not to miss it.