Posted by laurie on November 8th, 2009 filed in
Product Reviews
It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve finally found hair care products that have caused me to really appreciate my hair in its NATURAL curly state.
I’m almost finished the bottle and not only did I love this product when I first tried it, but now that it’s time to get more, I’m definitely sold. If you have curly hair, or more specifically curly black hair, try Alaffia’s virgin Coconut & Shea Enriching Hair Lotion.
As some of you know, I haven’t washed my hair with shampoo since being pregnant with my first child (2004) and noticed significant texture improvement with my very curly hair. So, I liberally “wash” my hair with conditioner, usually Pantene, sometimes Suave, just becuase the’yre cheap and I use A LOT.
However, I really didn’t like leaving them on my hair as a leave-in conditioner.
Now, I’ve finally found something organic that I can leave-in. What has sold me on Alaffia’s Enriching Hair Lotion is:
1. It works - my hair looks good.
2. It’s organic — I’m not introducing chemicals/synthetic products into my body.
3. It’s smells outrageously fresh and simple and lush - perfect for feminine sensibilities.
4. It’s designed for curly hair.
5. It’s Certified Fair Trade.
6. It’s traditionally handcrafted.
The ingredients are: Herbal infusion of Rooibos, Vegetalbe Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Panthenol, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Potassium Sorbate, Essential Oils (sweet orange and rose geranium), Limonene, Citric Acid.
I’ve been watching youtube lately under “black curly hair” and their is a copious amount of product being used out there. I’ve found that with this Enriched Hair Lotion, I don’t need so much. I’ve also found that I use less if I mist my hair with water before putting it on. So, I advise, for curly hair, condition hair clean. Then on wet/damp hair, apply Alaffia’s Enriched Hair Lotion in sections of parted hair with a concentration on the ends. Style and Go.
I also swear by Amla hair oil which I’ve been using since I was in my twenties. It’s a definite hair growth promoter! I’ll post more on Amla later.
I bought my Alaffia at the local Co-op. It’s sold at Whole Foods as well. I’ll mention their address and phone number and website if you can’t find it locally — PO Box 11143, Olympia Washington 98508. 1-800-664-8005. www.alaffia.com.
I excerpted the following information from the Alaffia website, this is what they had to say about their product in a blog posting…
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Summer is officially here! For many people as the seasons change so do our skin and hair care needs. Here are a few of our favorite products to address common summer hair and skin care concerns.
Shea and Virgin Coconut Enriching Hair Lotion
For those with even a slight amount of curl in their hair, summertime humidity can create a losing battle with frizz. Hair is also especially vulnerable to the drying UV-rays, salt water and chlorine that come with summertime fun. It’s no wonder swimmers, surfers and coastal populations (hello Hawaii!) are big fans of Alaffia’s Shea and Virgin Coconut Enriching Hair Lotion.
Our Hair Lotion works as a styling product to tame frizz while smoothing and defining curl. As leave-in conditioner, the Hair Lotion hydrates and protects all hair types and is especially recommended for curly hair and Locs.
I also excerpted some of their essential oil descriptions for you….
Sweet Orange ~ essential oil is extracted from orange peels and has a fresh, sweet, tangy fragrance. In aromatherapy, Sweet Orange essential oils is commonly used to treat depressed mood and colds where lots of congestion is present.
Limonene ~ is derived from several essential oils, including orange. A study published in The Journal of Nutritionindicated that limonene may offer some preventive benefits against several types of cancer. We primarily use this oil as a preservative but it does have a bright, sweet citrus-y fragrance that is uplifting and energizing.
Soothing, Calming and Restorative Ingredients
Scientific studies have proven that shea butter helps heal small cuts, burns and chapped skin. Clinical trials have also shown shea butter to be rich in antioxidants.
Virgin coconut oil lends a silky smooth texture to the balms while providing antioxidants and soothing, softening fatty acids.
Sounds really good, and it is. I recommend this product highly for curly hair. I’ve tried other organic conditioners and they just didn’t cut it for me. I love this product!
–Laurie
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