Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. A Review!

My hair was thriving, then it was like the life got sucked of it. I was hating my hair for a few weeks almost at the verge of chopping it all off (again). Straight up hair frustration because my hair would not shine at all no matter how much moisturizing & sealing or co-washing I did. My rollerset would not last long and it started to look weighed down and I was experiencing some excessive shedding. I couldn't figure out if it was the products I was using or was I doing to much or what? Then a light bulb hit. WELP, I DO NOT CLARIFY MY HAIR.

The point of clarifying  is stuff builds up on your hair, all kinds of stuff. Hairsprays, mousses, and gels; hard water and mineral deposits; chlorine and chemicals from swimming pools; even the waxes and moisturizers in some shampoos and conditioners can leave build up on your hair over time. This build up can cause hair to appear dull, heavy, greasy, and limp. A clarifying shampoo can help remove those deposits, give your hair a fresh start, and restore shine.

I pre-poo (a pre-treatment with oils/conditioner before shampooing your hair) weekly and recently started incorporating co-washing (washing hair with a moisturizing conditioner) into my regimen, although they are great techniques for the hair, you eventually have to clarify at some point due to product build-up. So, off to the beauty supply store (BSS) I went to pick up a clarifying shampoo.

Anyhoo, I wanted to make it easy for myself with the decision making so I purchased Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo. Anytime I buy a product from this line, I am always pleased and impressed so I figured I couldn't go wrong. And I didn't.

First of all, what a big difference clarifying makes, I never knew! Honestly, this was my first time ever using a clarifying shampoo, since starting my HJ back in January, and I must say my hair does feel lighter, cleaner, silky AND no itchy scalp. I plan on adding clarifying to my regimen by the fifth wash.

The Facts: 
This shampoo exfoliates the scalp helping to relieve the itchy feeling associated with dry scalp. It's ideal for all hair textures, and adds moisture while helping to condition and detangle.

• Enriched with menthol, nettle and horsetail
• Gently lifts flakes and excess oils
• Stimulates and irrigates scalp

The Instructions:

• Conduct a patch test for allergic reaction before use. Apply as directed to the nape of the neck; wait 24 hours. If itching, bumps or redness develop, do not use
• Apply a generous amount of shampoo to damp hair and work into a lather. Rinse thoroughly
• Repeat shampoo, leaving on for 2 minutes to maximize treatment
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and condition with Organic Root Stimulator hair mayonnaise

The Truth:

• First off, no allergy reaction for me, thank God. I'm never allergic to anything so I was pretty optimistic about not having some sort of reaction.

• Loved the tingling sensation it gave while washing, made me feel like it was really doing something

• Clarifying shampoo's are known to strip the hair to release the build up, but for this to be a clarifying shampoo my hair did not feel stripped it actually felt moisturized and stronger.

•  I will say that my hair also behaved with holding rollerset curls. By day 2 of a rollerset my curls are lifeless.

• It definitely did the trick to my tresses they were lighter and shinier and my scalper is definitely cleaner. I usually have itching scalp and I haven't scratched my scalp going on 2 days. Impressive!  

Bottom line, hands down, Organic Root Stimulator is winning as far as product lines for me. I always get great results from their products. I'm a trusted fan! The ORS Uplifting Shampoo is surely a staple for me as my clarifying shampoo. If you don't believe check out one of my fav youtubers MrGORGEOUSisMYname who also reviewed this product. He had me LOL'n!!!

What do you clarify with?

Co-Wash Day

So yesterday I co-washed, I rarely ever co-wash, but I want to get rid of my Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner. I'm really not feeling it as a deep conditioner (DC) so I'm trying to find ways to get rid of it, so I co-washed with it yesterday. I must say, it was not bad -- at all! I've tried co-washing before and I didn't fall in love with my hair like most of the rave reviews on these hair sites, but CON Nourishing Conditioner did a really good job. My hair feels uber soft and manageable and I like it! My hair doesn't look moisturized as I thought, but it certainly feels like it though. If that makes sense?

So I used the CON Nourishing Conditioner, my last wash I let the conditioner sit in my hair a bit while I got so fresh and so clean.  Rinsed with coolish-warm water.

Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Leave In (my hair loves this)

Jamaican Black Castor Oil for my scalp.

My hair was amazingly soft almost like baby hair soft. I thought I was Indian for a second. lol. It was soooo manageable, and I have a lot of new growth happening. I added some aloe vera juice and my Aphogee leave -in. Detangling was a breeze.

Then I air dried. Lots of frizz going on. At this part of the air drying I added my Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter moisturizer and my Biolage Hair Milk which helps tame down the frizz.

About 80% air dry I blow dried on cool air, I applied grapeseed oil then flatironed.Grapeseed Oil is good to be used as a heat protectant. And here's the end result. Not bad right?

Edges Growth Check!

 Six months into my hair journey and I am still diligent with getting my balding edges to thrive. Patience and consistence is key to making this happen. I was once told "once your edges are gone, that's it, they'll never grow back" but I beg to differ. After sticking to my regimen married to the right products I'm making progress. Bump that! My sides are wassup! I'm a proud mama, after babying these sides.

Here is a pic from my last edges update from my April 17th post. Top left was the beginning of my journey in January.  Bottom Left was in April.

Six months into my hair journey, obvious signs of progress. don't cha think?

The only thing that has changed is I switched moisturizers. I still love Neutrogena Triple Moisture, but I wanted to try something different and I started using Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer. However, I still moisture & seal twice a day using Jamaican Black Castor Oil as my sealant. I will say that I don't really care for QP on my actual tresses, because it weighs down my hair, but I do love it on my edges & nape. It does a better job with keeping it nice and moisturized. So, I mainly use QP just for moisturizing my edges and nape area.

What has been your problem area? What was your technique for progress?

I Have Got to Try This!

I went to my hair salon over the weekend and came across a brand that my salon is selling called Dominican Hair Magic. My beautician suggested that the Hair Follicle Anti-Aging products would be good for my hair. The hairlista in me immediately picked up the kit and started to read the labels and ingredients. I was so impressed with the ingredients. My salon is selling the kit for a whooping $60 I tried to searching the net to see if I can beat that price, but turns out, my salon is selling it at the cheapest price. Shoot! so on to wish list this goes. I. CANNOT. WAIT. TO. TRY. &. REVIEW.  Hopefully my hair loves it.

Ingredient Description:

•  Rosemary: Stimulates hair growth by minimizing dry scalp and premature hair loss.

• Wheat: Provides the necessary nutrients and minerals to fight against dry itchy scalp in addition, naturally repairs and strengthens the hair follicle.
• Coconut: Provides moisture, while conditioning the scalp to reconstruct and stimulate hair growth. It's also a great source of vitamin E and C.
• Cinnamon: Increases blood circulation to keep the hair follicles healthy. It also softens and adds shine to keep it looking beautiful.
• Aloe Vera: Conditions the scalp which reduces oiliness and further balding. Also helps balance the pH of the scalp to stimulate hair growth.  

The kit includes a Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-in and Scalp Treatment.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Shampoo
Made with botanical extracts to prevent premature hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It combines the natural protection and restoration properties of amica and Rosemary extracts which condition and strengthens the hair strands.
Made with Natural Botanical Extracts.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Scalp Applicator
Made with a natural botanical complex, this hair applicator is designed to increase the moisture and blood circulation of damaged or balding hair. It's natural ingredients will help to enhance the integrity of hair growth. Therefore, minimizing premature hair loss by slowing down the age process and strengthening the hair follicles.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Conditioner
Made with the best botanical extracts to repair, hydrate and condition dry, process and color treated hair. Extracts from coconut, rosemary, aloe vera and jojoba are effective at the hair follicle and shaft restoration and therefore prevent premature hair loss.

Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Smoothing Balm
The best in smoothing all types of hair to create smooth curly or straight looks. Dominican magic Smoothing Balm provide maximum smoothness and superior shine on straight or curly hair.

Kicking Off the Summer With a New Do & A Review!

Side ponytail, swoop bang w/glue-in tracks .

It's officially summer, well in my book at least. Once Memorial Weekend comes around that's certified summer to me--BBQ's, cute dresses, cool shades, stylish sandals and up-do hairstyles. I'm in that annoying mid-stage, with no perm so I decided to get a ponytail to stick out the awkward stage. My sis-in-law recently graduated from beauty school and she got a chair at a hair salon, I wanted to support her new journey as a hairstylist and put her newly learned skills to the test.

I never get super long hair when I had pieces, but I was feeling the extra long pony, 16 inches boo! I love it, but my husband, umm not so much. What I love about it is, it's super simple, chic and fun. You can't go wrong with a pony. I figured this will get me through the mid-stage and those scorcher summer days. I'm having fun with it too. I swing to the back or have it draped on my shoulder for a chic-er look.

To maintain it, I take 3 flex rods, section off the pony and add them in to get that sexy loose curl. I add some Organic Root Stimulator Edge Control and dap that on my sides and nape for a refresher. I also take a dap of coconut oil and glide it across the sides and nape as well. The longest, I will wear this still is for two weeks tops.

I'm loving ORS Edge Control, it's clear so no residue or flakes, super thick, gives amazing hold and control and adds some good shine too. It's very sticky almost like a super glue texture. I have a piece of hair that is a little shorter so every now and then the hair sticks out, so all I do is put some Edge Control over it and BAM that hair is back in place, I don't even need a pin either. I haven't used gel in my hair in forever, like since high school days when all I wore were ponytails, so I was quite impressed that it didn't give that flaky residue, made my hair brittle like I remember. This will def be my staple for future up-do's.

It receives 4 out of 5 stars on most reviews. My girl, Sunshyne, gave it 5 stars on her Harlicious blog.

ORS Edge Control Details:

• Holds down edges
• Adds shine and moisture
• Ideal for relaxed and natural hair

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Edge Control™ is a unique alcohol free formula that gives the hair superior hold without flaking. It slicks and holds down the edges while adding shine and moisture.
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Edge Control contains natural ingredients and vital nutrients that work together to keep hair looking its best. It is great for relaxed and natural hair. Key Ingredients include Olive Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids and infuses moisture directly into the cuticle. Aloe Vera that provides moisture and conditioning properties and Wheat Protein which strengthens the hair and reduces breakage.

If you live in the Brooklyn area, check out my sis-in-law Felicia. She's at Hair Palace on Utica & Church Ave. 

What's your summer do?