Product Review: Cassandra's Hair Potion

*I am not being paid for this review in any way. Guarantee to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth so help me God*

SO. Let me tell y'all about my new favorite product: Cassandra's Hair Potion.
Let me start off by saying that I have 3C and 4A hair with a splash of 3B in my 'kitchen'. My hair soaks up oil then acts as if I've never fed it before, so along with conditioning and protein treatments, I either have to moisturize every other day, or put heavier products in my hair to maintain moisture. I went on etsy.com to find some new products to share with y'all (and also shine some light on lesser known businesses), and I came across Cassandra's Hair Potion's page. The picture of the Extreme Moisturizing Cream looked so thick, and creamy, and I HAD to try it, so I immediately emailed her.

Ms. Cassandra was more than willing to share a sample, and I had it in my mailbox in a day. It was very well packaged; I was expecting little tiny jars, but I was blessed with plenty to try. the products came in a thick padded envelope inside another box.  I received Peppermint Bliss, Yummy Gumball, and Strawberry Delight, and a Peppermint Hair Mist.

 

The moisturizer comes in 4 oz ($7) and 8 oz ($12) size jars and 5 different fragrances. I tried the mist and Peppermint Bliss Moisturizer. It's very smooth and thick, and melts fast when you rub it in your hands, and the mist soothes your scalp and stimulates. It has Shea butter, Kokum butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut oil, Glycerin, Olive butter, Essential oil, and Fragrance oil.

You can use it on wet, or dry hair, and a little goes a LONG way. I tested this moisturizer and hair mist on both my mama's hair and my own. Her hair is more coarse and thick, and it still worked GREAT, and with hair split in 4 sections, I really only need about a quarter size of moisturizer per section.

I prefer spraying or wetting my hair first, to make sure it penetrates, but if I put it in dry hair, I won't have to worry about my hair feeling weird and greasy. It still moisturizes. I only moisturized my hair twice last week, and I honestly really didn't have to, but only did it because i re-flatwisted my hair, so basically I gotta break my habit. My twist out curls are light, bouncy, silky, and smooth.

I love this moisturizer better than using Shea Butter. I'm going to be a regular customer. If you're having issues with keeping your hair moisturized, you should definitely try Cassandra's Hair Potion a try. All the ingredients work together to make you and your hair fall in love, and you can tell that she loves what she does, and puts a lot of love and care into her products.

I asked Ms. Cassandra a few questions so you can get acquainted with her:

How long have you been natural?

About 2 years. Because I didn’t big chop, I don’t have an exact date. As my natural hair grew, I gradually cut the relaxer out. The main reason I went natural is because I wanted my daughters to see the beauty of their own natural hair. I couldn’t expect to show them how to appreciate their own hair, while I had chemicals in mine.

How did you get into the natural hair business?

My daughters have allergies and sensitive skin. Many hair products contain ingredients that my daughters are allergic to, such as mango. Other store-bought products turn my daughters’ skin into a bumpy, itchy nightmare. Products that use chemicals as preservatives and to add heavy fragrances were particularly problematic. Hunting for products became a full-time job – so I decided to make my own. When I would make hair my hair potion for my family, I would also give it out to friends and family. After a while, my friends suggested that I should make it available to others. My labor of love to find a perfect product that would give my girls gorgeous hair without itchy skin became Cassandra’s Hair Potion.
What makes your products unique and special?

What makes Cassandra’s Hair Potion: Extreme Moisturizing Cream unique:

·         Water is not the main ingredient

·         It’s made of natural butters and oils

·         Every ingredient used can be easily pronounced and is recognizable

·         No harsh chemicals

·         No Parabens

·         Helps hair retain moisture

·         Adds shine

·         No alcohol

·         No preservatives

·         Also a great body moisturizer

Where do you get your inspiration for your business?

My daughters inspired me initially. I wanted to create something that would work well with their hair. Then, as I began to hear and read more about other people going natural, I also became inspired by their stories.

Advice/message for new naturals?

There is a huge learning curve in learning what products and hair styles work for best for your hair. Don’t be afraid to experiment and most importantly – enjoy the journey and the experience. I had no idea what a joy it would to understand and work with my natural hair.

Example of product use

I love braid outs. I love how this technique gives a uniformed pattern to my curls while elongating my hair. It’s a style that works for any occasion.
I achieve my braid out by:
1. Separating my hair into sections. I create sections as I go. The amount of hair in section, depends on the desired look. Smaller sections give a more defined look. The bigger the section the less defined it will be. I usually have 12 braids total.
2. Dampen the section just created with Peppermint Hair Mist. Very important that the hair is not wet, but damp. Wet hair will take a longer time to dry.
3. Detangle the section with a wide-tooth comb and/or a Denman brush.
4. I apply Cassandra’s Hair Potion: extreme Moisturizing Cream as my sealant using about a dime-sized amount. Use less or more depending on hair.
5. Comb the cream through the hair.
6. Braid the section.
7. Make another section.
8. Repeat steps above until all hair is braided.

Product sites
website: www.cassandrashairpotion.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairpotioncassandras
tumblr: http://cassandras-hair-potion.tumblr.com/

Available for sale at:
* Amazon
* Etsy
* Ebay

Loc Hair Care: Simplified

Loc Hair Care:  Simplified.

                The decision to go natural and later to loc your hair, is not a decision that one enters into lightly.  There are many things to consider when you decide to loc your hair; what products do I use, what size do I want my locs to be, will I use a loctician, what does free form mean?  A person can easily become overwhelmed trying to navigate through all of the information that is available on locs.  While everyone's journey is their own, there are two things that I feel are universal truths; one, you have to figure out what works best for YOUR hair and two, healthy locs are achieved by maintaining clean locs and moisturizing.  There are a million and one videos, blogs, and websites dedicated to loc hair care, product reviews, and tips.  I realize that I'm pretty much a "baby dread" but I have come to the realization that loc hair care has become too convoluted and difficult.  In a nutshell, water, a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo, and oils will be your best friends. 

Water

                Water is probably one of the most important things you will need to maintain a healthy set of locs.  When water is applied to your hair it is absorbed by the cuticle layer of your hair strand.  The cuticle layer is the outermost layer of the hair shaft and our hair's first line of defense.   Water provides the means for the necessary hydrogen bonding between hair fibers to occur that is essential for the maintenance of hair strength, elasticity and integrity. Without this, the hair becomes thin, frizzy, and much more prone to permanent damage and breakage.  In my opinion, it is equally important to increase your daily water intake into your body.  It not only aids in improving bodily functions, maintaining healthy skin, but also provides moisture to your locs from the inside out. 

Shampoo

I know you might be wondering "what is a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo?"  If you are like me and are fully embracing all things natural ever since you transitioned to Team Dread, then using things free of as many chemicals as you can is of huge importance.  Parabens and sulfates are chemicals used in many shampoos today.  Parabens act as a preservative that inhibits bacteria growth, therefore prolonging the shelf life of products.  Parabens contribute hair problems such as the deterioration of the hair follicles caused by the removal of the protective cuticle.  Parabens have also been linked to breast cancer.  Sulfates attract and then break dirt on the hair and scalp.  However, studies have shown that sulfates have been linked to eye damage, hair loss, hair thinning, deteriorates the hair follicle, and slows hair growth.  Sulfates have also been found to be toxic and a skin irritant.  (For more information, see http://www.topsulfatefreeshampoo.com/why-use-paraben-free-and-sulfate-free-shampoo/).  As we have already seen the importance of water in the strengthening of your hair shaft and follicles, it would be counterproductive to use products containing chemicals that aid in the deterioration and damage of the very hair follicles we are trying to strengthen.  

Oils

                I have used a few products since loc'ing my hair that promised to be natural and loaded with natural oils.  In reality, these products are full of chemicals and the natural oil in the product is virtually non-existent.  Why use a product containing the oil when we can go straight to the source and use the actual oil?  Oils are important because once the water has been absorbed by the hair, oils act to seal in the moisture from the water.  Oils also give your hair shine, aid in hair growth by stimulating the scalp, and keeps hair from becoming dry and brittle.  The four most important oils for natural hair and loc'ers are Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, and Grapeseed Oil.  (For more information, see http://blackgirllonghair.com/2012/06/4-cheap-oils-that-work-incredibly-well/).  Tea tree oil is strong and it is recommended that you mix a few drops with water prior to applying to your hair.  Tea tree oil can be used right after shampooing or as part of a daily spray/mist.  Tea tree is my favorite oil because it is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.  Tea tree oil also sooths itchy scalp, eliminates dandruff, and unblocks hair follicles.  Coconut and Olive Oil can also be used to moisturize and condition your scalp as part of a hot oil treatment.  There is no need to spend unnecessary money on hot oil treatments full of unrecognizable chemicals when you can simply heat some coconut and/or olive oil and apply to your hair directly.    Grapeseed oil is high in vitamin E which also aids in hair growth and healthy hair.  When purchasing oils, make sure the oils are unrefined, virgin/extra virgin, and/or cold pressed.  Cold pressed oil is obtained through pressing and grinding fruit or seeds.  The temperature must not rise above 120°F (49°C) for any oil to be considered cold pressed. Cold pressed oils retain all of their flavor, aroma, and nutritional value.  These oils are not only good for your hair but have the added benefit of improving the look and appearance of your skin.   

-Shaun Scott

LIFE BEFORE NATURAL

                As a little girl, my hair was always a "problem".  I don't remember a time when I didn't have something in my hair; a relaxer, Jheri curl, sew-ins, braids.  I was always trying to cover up the naps and create the illusion that I had long luxurious hair.  In reality, my hair was damaged, thin, and unhealthy.  My hair was so thin and unhealthy that when I got sew-ins, my hair was too thin to cover up the tracks.  My mother took me to numerous hair dressers trying to get my hair to grow or figure out a way to tame my super coarse hair.  Never was it suggested that I should be my natural self.  My natural hair was something I was ashamed of and as much confidence as I tried to exude, deep down I didn't feel pretty.  In college I went through the phase of getting my hair cut short, which I liked at first, but still required all day appointments at the hair dresser to get a relaxer and maintain the cut.  In addition to that, the daily maintenance of a short cut that needed to be curled added the extra stress of heat.  As I have gotten older I realize that while I love to look good, it has to be with the least amount of effort possible.  Therefore, the short cut eventually lost its appeal and I was back to looking for something else to cover up my hair.  

                My last hair style was what finally made me decide to go natural.  The style was super cute and I stuck with it for a little over a year (which is really long for me).  It was the short hair cut style that Rihanna was famous for (shaved on one side, longer on the other side with a longer bang).  Even though the style was cute, it drove my self esteem even lower because in order to pull off the style, I STILL needed a little bit of weave in the front.  Who needs weave for a hair CUT?  I had had enough.  I decided that as soon as my hair grew out enough for braids, that I was going natural.  I didn't know what I was going to do with my natural hair, but I decided that I would figure that out later.  I began getting braids in February 2009 and wore them without fail until September 2011.  Each time I got my hair re-braided, I cut the relaxer out of my hair little by little.  I was so amazed at how my hair was growing.  There were a few times that I tried to wear my afro out but being new to natural hair, I was unaware of shrinkage.  I tried to blow my afro out to make it bigger but the heat began to damage my hair again so I went back to the braids.  Finally, I decided, you know what? I'm not going to worry about how short my hair looks or what people will say, I'm not wearing braids, weaves, or anything.  I'm going to get locs.  Getting locs was THE BEST decision of my life.   I love my hair.  I love the low maintenance and the carefree feeling my locs give me.  I have been loc'd for almost 2 years and this is the longest and healthiest my hair has ever been.   My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner and avoid a lot of the turmoil I went through trying to understand and accept my authentic self.   

-Shaun Scott

               

Big Chop

I big chopped 9/8/2012 and it has been such an amazing experience. I've learned to care for my hair and watch it grow. My goal is BSL by the end of summer. I've had so much success with hair growth and retention and I could list the products that I use but your health plays a huge part as well. Hair vitamins, natural products, and heat free styling only go so far. I wanted to do a series on health tips that not only help with hair growth but also with overall health. I think we forget our body is a machine working to keep us going. We can't just focus on hair we must focus on the body as a whole.

Hydration is key. You must drink water every single day. It is so important not just for healthy hair but for clear skin, better metabolism, and helps energize muscles. If you want healthy hair drinking water is a must. The amount of water you should drink daily varies from person to person. I personally try to drink at least 2 liters a day. If you take your weight and divide it by 2 that's the numbers of ounces of water you should be drinking daily.

I know a lot of you don't like the taste of water but don't let that stop you from drinking it and staying healthy. It should be health over taste but if you're not quite there yet try making your own vitamin waters. Adding fresh fruit, fresh herbs, and even some veggies to water is a great way to add flavor to water and also add vitamins.

 Vitamin water recipe.<http://www.theyummylife.com/Flavored_Water> 

Sassy Water Recipe.<http://www.asweetsimplelife.com/home/2012/1/16/sassy-water.html/>

-Demetra

He Say She Say They Say I Heard...

I could write a post telling you what to do, what to buy, how to do it, how often etc... 

You can come on here and rant and rave about how frustrated you are because you tried a method someone else told you worked for them, and you expected the same results. I guess this post is for the newbies because I see a lot of frustration on here because some of you had high expectations for your hair, and a couple months later, you're frustrated because your hair isn't growing as fast as you want it to, and it's curls aren't as defined as you were hoping they would be. Some have become complete product junkies and just layer products over each other to get a slick bun, or a shiny twist out. Well I need to tell you something...

Stop.

Your hair isn't the issue. Or a burden. Your hair is doing what it's supposed to. The sooner you realize that shrinkage happens to everyone and that it's not a bad thing, that nobody's curl pattern is the same, and 100 products won't make life easier, the more enjoyable this journey will be for you. Give your hair a chance. Just love it, and take care of it, and you'll be rewarded. Trust me. 

Never take assume all advice or information will apply to your hair. Just because something works for some people and/or the informant has done their research, doesn't mean it will always work for you. If you just want to experiment and see if it works, that's fine. But don't expect everything to work; and don't get upset if it doesn't. Just move on to the next thing. Most, if not all, natural vets have gone through trial and error. We didn't just know what to do, and what to use. You don't get to dodge the mistakes either!

Patience really, really is the key to success with your hair. Be adventurous, be curious, and don't be hard on yourself or your hair when it doesn't turn out how you want. Have fun. Ask questions. Learn about other's experiences, and share your own. You'll be surprised what you learn -- even from yourself!

- Lauren

Summer Hair Care

 Ladies! Summer is coming quick, but before we get too excited and grab our cute sun dresses and sandals we have to make sure our hair is protected. Believe it or not the sun can be a threat to your natural hair, but there's always a solution. If you take anything from this let it be moisture!! I can't express enough the importance of it. The sun and heat will leave your hair dry and that's a natural no-no. Keeping your hair moisturized isn't too hard or expensive.

-water can be your best friend (and cheap too!)
-deep conditioner
-leave-in conditioner
-essential oils
-sealant (Shea butter)
If you don't want the hassle, don't worry! There are some really cute protective styles. You can rock braids and twists which lock in moisture. A few popular styles are:
-Box braids
-Senegalese twists
-Havana twists
 -Beeper braids
-Mini twists (with your own hair)
-Sew ins (try avoiding heat)
Don't get too comfortable, you'll still need to maintain the moisture.

- TEONA