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?

To Co-Wash or Not to Co-Wash?

What is co-washing? You Ask.. Co-washing is when you wash your hair with a moisturizing conditioner instead of shampoo. It's a technique to restore the moisture in your hair. I know it sounds crazy right? When I started my hair journey I was like "straight up conditioner'"? but the more I researched the more I started to understand the benefits of it. Of course, this technique may not work for everyone, so if you try and your hair feels coated, itchy scalp increases or your hair doesn't feel manageable then this technique is not for you.

The benefits of co-washing:

•  Co-Washing helps to reduces knots and tangles

•  Co-washing will help to keep your hair soft and moisturized, which is especially important if  you’re transitioning

•  Co-washing is great for hydrating the scalp

When I saw all the benefits of co-washing I went for it. I tried it with VO5 moisturizing conditioners, my hair said "NO BUENO" it was dry and stiff.  I've tried it with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration my hair did say "HELLO." My hair was so moisturized that I didn't have to add any moisturizing products in my hair like I usually do, so I was good until my wash day without adding any products. I've also tried Cream of Nature Nourishing Conditioner and my hair said "Keep Nourishing Me Baby." My new growth was crazy manageable with this one, almost like my hair was a completely different texture.

I will admit that since I'm giving up the creamy crack my hair seems drier than ever, so co-washing does give my hair that restored moisture it needs and my new growth is way more softer and manageable.

A cheapie conditioner is what you use to co-wash. You can usually find these type of conditioners on sale at drugstores like Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens or Target for less than $5.

Hair Lover Ravs & Favs Co-Wash Conditioners
VO5 moisture milks conditioners
Suave Almond & Shea Butter
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration
Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner
Dove Damage Intensive Repair Conditioner
Tresemme Moisture
Aussie Moist
Pantene Relaxed & Natural Conditioner

How often to co-wash? That's all up to you. I try to do it once a week in between my wash days, but I've read some hair regimens and some girls do it more than that. I think my hair is just fine with just once a week or as needed basis. If you try it and see great improvements and results  from co-washing then add to your regimen. But if you see no difference, your hair doesn't quite respond right then give it the boot. Not every technique will work for everyone. Finding the right moisturizing conditioner, is part of a successful co-wash.

Have you tried co-washing? Love it or Hate It?