Monthly Archives: August 2010

>Conditioners what’s really the difference?? Introduction

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Hello Blog Lovers! I’ve recently talked about scalp conditions and overall issues with the scalp and there are a lot more things that could be discussed but I covered the more common issues that some tend to deal with on a regular basis. If you have any other questions let me know!! I want to discuss Conditioners and what the many different types of conditioners and what they should be used for and how often they should be used.

Conditioners are special chemical agents applied to the hair to deposit protein or moisturizer, to help restore its strength and give it body or to protect it against possible breakage. They are only temporary solutions for hair that feels dry, appears damaged, or is damaged. They can only repair to a certain extent but can not necessarily “fix or heal” the hair that is damaged, and can not improve the quality of new hair growth. Conditioners can restore luster, shine, manageability, and strength while the hair that may be damaged will grow long enough to be cut off (keep in mind that once the hair is damaged by either chemicals or heat it’s hard to restore it and the end result may be to cut the hair off and start over; not necessarily all the way down to the roots but where the dead ends begin). Frequent shampooing, use of heat styling tools, use of hair coloring products and heat from blow dryers conditioning is crucial if you wish to maintain “healthy” hair.

Habitual misuse of conditioners can lead to build up on the hair making it heavy and oily.  This can lead to you having to frequently shampoo your hair often which will require frequent use of shampoos. Constant frequent shampooing will strip the hair of its protective oils which will lead to more usage of conditioners. Since conditioners are made up of chemicals it’s important to read instructions on how often the conditioner should be used. Using the conditioner the incorrect way will lead to further problems.

Conditioners are available in three different types: Rinse-out, Treatment or repair, and Leave-in.

Rinse Out: These types of conditioners are applied to the hair only to be rinsed out after they have been manipulated through the hair for detangling purposes.

Treatment or repair: These are deep penetrating conditioners (Deep Conditioners) that require 10-20 minutes of time to be effective on the hair. They restore protein and moisture. Sitting under a hooded dryer allows for deeper penetration. SN: If you do not have a hooded dryer or dryer bonnet you can leave it on your hair for 45 minutes to an hour (depending on the conditioner; you don’t want to over do it) the heat from your head will work just as fine (as I’ve stated before).

Leave-in: Applied to the hair after shampooing and not rinsed out. There are some that can be used daily (my new fave Cantu leave in conditioning creme) without having to shampoo the hair.

As we all may know Conditioners contain silicone’s along with moisture-binding humectants. Humectants are substances that absorb moisture or promote the retention of moisture. The silicone (which I discussed further in my Silicone Good or Bad post) makes the hair appear shiny. Other ingredients within the conditioners help to reduce frizz and bulk up the hair (giving the hair body). Most treatments and leave-ins contain proteins, which penetrate the cortex layer of the hair and reinforce the hair shaft from the inside out.

Conditioners are great for the hair when used properly. When it comes to me conditioning my hair the weeks that I don’t deep condition, I may use a rinse out conditioner or I may just use a leave-in conditioner. I will often times combine the two, meaning I will use the rinse out conditioner in the shower and then use a leave in conditioner  just for good measure. I use the HCO leave in blow drying conditioner every single time I shampoo my hair simply because it’s used to help protect the hair during the blow drying process and when I say that product is the best it’s the BEST!!  Always use the conditioner that works best for your hair type and hair issue. Always follow manufacturers directions. Try not to skip out on using conditioners.

My next post will go into futher detail of the three types of conditioners.

Thanks for reading! Tell a Friend! and Leave Comments! Peace and Blessings ~♥ Miss Nic ♥~


>HPOW: Silk Elements MegaSilk Intense Conditioning Mayonnaise

>This weeks Hair Product of the Week is another Silk Elements Product. Silk Elements is once again one of my favorites. Design Essential Products being number one and this product line is number two. You always have to have a back up line (in my opinion) when you can’t get a hold of your favorite products. The reason why I tried this conditioner is because they didn’t have the other one that I always use. Once again I am loving this conditioner just as much as anything else from their product line. The one thing that was a little new for me is all of the “seeds and grains” (I’m not sure if that’s what it really is or not), the mayonnaise reminds me of a sandwich spread in color and appearance. It has what looks like seeds and grains (I’m assuming they are bits and pieces of herbs) mixed in it. I thought at first it was going to be difficult to wash out my hair but it’s not at all. It may even (not saying this is fact) be an added boost that dissolves on the hair from the heat of the hair dryer. I have used it on my hair twice since I purchased it a few weeks back and I am happy with this product as all of their other products. I use this as a deep conditioner every two weeks. I will give this product my ★★★★★ (5 star stamp). Check out the stats below:

Silk Elements MegaSilk Intense Conditioning Mayonnaise helps prevent breakage by strengthening and repairing dry, damaged hair.

  • Contains silk protein and olive oil for extra strength and nourishment
  • Helps create dramatically softer, healthier-looking hair
  • Helps mend split ends
Silk Elements MegaSilk Intense Conditioning Mayonnaise is a rich, creamy intense conditioner containing protein and essential oils that help prevent breakage by strengthening and repairing dry, damaged hair. To mend your split ends and avoid breakage, fortify your hair with the essential oils and protein in this product. Your hair will look and feel softer and healthier and will be conditioned from root to tip. Can be used as a weekly conditioner or overnight for deep conditioning. Rinse well and style as directed. 
I purchased this at my local Sally’s BSS. You guys have to understand that you can get a lot of things at your hometown local BSS but Sally’s carries a lot of things that the hometown BSS doesn’t carry and vice versa.  I’m really just now getting into making a lot of my purchases there, as far as hair products are concerned. Silk Elements hair products to me is like the neo soul artist that everyone is “sleeping on” but when you listen to a few songs you buy the whole album and then once you buy the album you’re now a fan. That’s how I can describe Silk Elements it’s that one product line that everyone else is “sleeping on” but deep down it’s one of those product lines that are what I consider to be the “Truth” or “That bizness” as I would say. This product is going for $7.99 at Sally’s Beauty Supply Store. Although it’s in the same type of jar as the original MegaSilk Conditioner it’s a total different experience for the hair.

Thanks for reading!Leave Comments!! and Tell a Friend!! ~♥ Miss Nic ♥~


>HTOW: Hot-N-Silky Tourmaline Slim Styling Iron/ Product Review

>Hello Blog Lovers! Welcome to my new followers! Thanks for following my blog!! This weeks Hair Tool of the Week is  the Hot-N-Silk Tourmaline Slim Styling Iron. I made a small purchase at Sally’s Beauty Supply store this past weekend and I was looking for a slim flat iron to use on a friends hair and to just have for future use. I needed a slimmer flat iron to help me style short hair styles so I ran across several but I wanted one that was good and affordable. Sally’s is having a very good sale and I was able to purchase this flat iron and get the mini travel size flat iron for FREE!! This flat iron is manufactured by the creators of Silk Elements (I just found that out, didn’t see that on the package anywhere). I love Silk Elements hair products as some of you may already know. I decided to try it out  on my hair (which is far from being short) this weekend after I shampooed and conditioned as normal. I had to part my hair in smaller sub-sections which took longer to flat iron but I just had to try it out! It has the  tourmaline technology as my new blow dryer that I purchased a few weeks back so I had to see how it would work in my new flat iron. It has two ceramic plates so that was a plus as well. I loved the fact that it was steaming while I was using it. It wasn’t like some flat irons where it “smokes” but it steams. Overall I’m satisfied!!! My hair was soft and super silky and I loved it (I used the Silk Infusion on my hair while it was still damp)!! Check out the stats below:

  • Slim 5/8″ plate size is perfect to create curls and ringlets
  • Gets close to the scalp and hard to reach areas like bangs and necklines
  • Adjustable heat up to 410 degrees
This slim straightening iron with ceramic plate technology is perfect for short hair. Infused with tourmaline to produce negative ions which restore hair’s natural moisture balance. Ceramic plates produce far infrared heat, which styles hair from the inside out leaving hair softer, stronger and healthier looking. Acceleration ionic properties style hair even faster and add shine. The slim design makes this flat iron easy to maneuver and excellent for styling short hair or creating ringlets. 
This flat iron is currently on sale for $26.99 at Sally’s Beauty Supply Store.
**Disclaimer** I purchased this flat iron with my own money and I not an affiliate or sponsored by Silk Elements or Sally’s Beauty Supply Store.
Check out the stats on the mini flat iron:

  • Far infrared heat for softer, stronger and healthier-looking hair
  • Tourmaline to restore moisture balance
  • Accelerated ionic properties for faster styling
  • Ceramic plates dry heat hair from the inside out
  • Heats up to 410 degrees
  • Perfect for short hair, traveling and quick touch-ups


This mini straightener is perfect for short hair, and creating curls and waves to long hair styles. The small size allows you to get close to the scalp and other hard to reach places. The technology provides gentle styling so hair isn’t damaged from excess heat, snagging or hot spots.