Product Review-Reve' Essentials Hair & Body Butter

8oz Hair & Body Butter

Name: Hair & Body Butter

Ingredients: raw unrefined shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, castor oil, vitamin E oil, fragrance
(contains ingredients that are derived from nuts, if you have a nut allergy please seek medical advise before using)

Price: 4 oz jar $8, 8 oz jar $12

Where to buy: www.ReveEssentials.blogspot.com

Product promise: to lock moisture into the hair and skin, soften dry and rough skin

Review: Most of you know that my friend Rebecca and I started a natural hair and body care line so you are probably thinking my review of our product will be biased but I assure you that I am sharing my honest opinion. While I stand behind all of our products the Hair & Body Butter is by far my favorite of them all. I use this product on both my hair and body. On my hair I usually apply it to freshly washed or refreshed hair to lock in moisture when twisting my hair. I apply a leave-in conditioner to my hair and then less than a dime size amount of butter to each section that I am going to twist. The results are a well defined, soft, and moisturized twist out. On my body I apply the butter after getting out of the shower. I pat my skin dry so that all the moisture is not wiped away and then add the butter to my body focusing on my feet, elbows, and hands. These are the driest parts or my body but after continued use I can say that these areas are a lot softer. I have very sensitive skin and I have eczema. There aren't many products I can use on my body that will not cause irritation but this product does not bother me at all. I will definitely continue to use Reve' Essentials Hair & Body Butter and hope that you will to!

Summary: In my opinion this is a quality product that is reasonably priced and I would recommend it to others. A little product goes a long way so you will definitely get your money's worth.

Rating: 5 out of 5

TKK Natural Hair Spotlight-Tiffany Hill

Relaxed

What is your name and where are you from?

Tiffany Hill from Cleveland, Ohio

How long have you been natural?

4 years and 8 months.

Why did you decide to go natural?

For the overall health of my hair and for versatility. I like the freedom of experimenting with color without worry and the ability to go from straight to curly.

What is your hair type and how would you describe it (kinky, curly, wavy, spirally, etc)?

3b/3c

What is your hair care regimen?

When its flat ironed I wash and condition with Matrix products and Design Essentials Deep Conditioner. I use a thermal protectant by Mizani before I blow dry.

When its curly I use a variety of products. I put olive oil in my spray bottle, I use Shea Moisture Leave-In Conditioner, as well as a spray conditioner during the week by Elasta QP for touch ups. For added moisture I use Pantene’s Moisturizer for natural hair. To get my curls, I use Elasta QP Silkening Gel and Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel for my edges and the front of my hair. 

What are your favorite hair products?

I cannot live without my Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel. It leaves my hair still soft, but provides excellent curls and waves!!

When its straight I live by Redken Glass 101 to give the shine and moisture it needs without it being too heavy.

FroHawk

Flat Ironed

What has been your experience as a natural? Good, bad, or ugly? How has it affected you?

My experience as a natural has been great. I have always been a person to push the envelope, so I always get a kick out of people’s reaction to my hair, especially in the professional environment that I work in.  I am known as a person who “always looks different” my hair is never the same (so they tell me) especially during the summer months. I love being natural in the summer, because the humidity and heat no longer hold me hostage. I am free to be and live and to do whatever I want and no longer have to worry about my hair getting frizzy, puffy or most of all wet!! I LOVE IT! This has also been fun as my mother, my aunt, my sister, niece and most of my first cousins are natural. We have held our own natural hair summits where we exchange ideas, techniques and products. It has bought us closer together. 

What is an important piece of advice you would give to a newly natural?

Do it for yourself and no one else! If it feels right to you, do it, embrace it and love it and yourself! 75% of being natural is about confidence. If you feel that you are fly, you are! If you don’t then you won’t be!

Most of all, you have to experiment! You have to try a lot of products and techniques to find out what works for your hair. Every one is different. Don’t rely on someone else's experience to define your own.

Do you have a blog, vlog, or website where we can find you?

Nope, I leave that to folks like you ;-)

Thank you Tiffany!!! 

If you are interested in being featured in TKK Spotlight please email me at: TheKinkyKhronicles@gmail.com

Natural Hair Nazis

A few weeks ago I caught a YouTube video made by JCokes7 aka CoilyHeadChick where she created a beautiful twist out using hair grease and water. I was surprised that this youtuber tried petroleum on her natural hair as it seemed that she followed all the "rules" of maintaining natural hair in her previous videos. I wondered why these petroleum based products our parents used on our hair so many years ago are shunned today in the natural hair community when they seemed to work wonders in the past. I mean I know that when petroleum is applied to the scalp and skin it creates a barrier that "traps" in whatever is on the scalp or skin (good or bad) including moisture, toxins, sweat, etc but you have to wonder if it's really that bad!?!? While one of the first ingredients I was told to avoid using on my hair was petroleum and I opt not to use it I don't feel like CoilyHeadChick or any other person who may use petroleum based products are more or less natural than those who do not use it.

 

The negative feedback that CoilyHeadChick and others have received regarding their hair care regimen brought back some of the feelings I dealt with when making the decision to go natural. When I started on my natural journey I never intended to wear my hair kinky. I wanted to be natural but wear my hair straightened. I received a lot of flack from other naturals from wanting to wear my hair straight. I felt judged like being chemical free wasn't good enough unless I wore my hair kinky. After doing research and realizing the difficulty in keeping my natural hair straight and the damage flat ironing my hair could cause I made the decision to be a kinky naturalista. Then a few months ago I decided to get a few highlights for the summer only to find out I would need to defend that decision too!! I was asked on several occasions if I was still natural since I had color in my hair. *sideeye* It is my preference not to wear my hair straight but I have no problem with the natural who rocks straight tresses. I like color but I don't feel that everyone needs to go get their hair colored. I also prefer to use all natural products on my hair but again that is my choice and doesn't have to be yours!

I've heard many naturals say that their decision to go natural was a great one because they felt free! I highly doubt that any of these people want to be confined to living in a box and following all the "rules" that these Natural Hair Nazis feel we should follow. I think our focus should be on having healthy hair whether it be relaxed, natural, kinky, straight, colored, or not. Do your OWN research and realize what works for them may not work for you. Don't feel like you have to fit a particular mold, it's your hair so do with it what you want to! At the end of the day however you decide to wear your hair make sure you are happy doing you! 

TKK Natural Hair Spotlight-Melissa Simmons

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Melissa Simmons and I am from Cleveland, Ohio

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for 1 year 2 months

Before BC

Why did you decide to go natural?

I was tired of the chemicals in my hair and all that it took to keep it straight. I also was tired of looking just like every other African-American girl (no offense). I wanted to be different and go back to how my hair was meant to be!

What is your hair type and how would you describe it (kinky, curly, wavy, spirally, etc)?

I would have to say that one thing that I noticed for sure now that I am natural is my hair is comprised of many different textures and not just one. Yet another beauty of being a natural!

What is your hair care regimen?

Umm..I cant really say that I have one…I  try to co wash every other day due to working out  and shampoo once a week  and then deep condition on Sundays.

What are your favorite hair products?

What I have found recently that has been working is Mixed Chics and for moisture I use Wonder 6 oil.

After BC

What has been your experience as a natural? Good, bad, or ugly? How has it affected you?

My experience has been good. At first I had to learn to let go of my length and accept what I was working with.  I often receive compliments even on days when I feel it’s the worst hair day ever.

What is an important piece of advice you would give to a newly natural? 

What works for one person may not work for you. It’s a lot of trial and error. Enjoy this journey because it defiantly a journey! Learn to love your coils and be in tune to what works

Final thoughts or words of wisdom?

I feel as if I am more confident now than I was with a relaxer. I am me with all my kinks and all and I LOVE it and LOVE me! I am so glad that I decided to embark on this journey. My only regret is that I took so long and my mother is no longer here and able to see me! She would be so proud!

Twisted

Thank you Mrs. Simmons!!

 

If you are intersted in being featured in TKK Spotlight please email me at: TheKinkyKhronicles@gmail.com

TKK Natural Hair Spotlight-CaShawn Thompson

Loc Rockin'

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is CaShawn & I am from Washington, DC.

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since 2004. I got my last relaxer in February of that year. I Big Chopped a year later, then I loc’d my hair in August 2005. I picked my locs out in September 2010 & have been a loose natural since then.

  

Why did you decide to go natural?

I got that last relaxer the day before my wedding. It burned my scalp and I was very irritated on my “big day” because of it. I decided then that it just wasn’t worth it anymore. So I started my journey to natural that day and never looked back.

Textured 'fro from a chunky twist out

What is your hair type and how would you describe it (kinky, curly, wavy, spirally, etc)?

My hair is coily-kinky. I’m definitely 4A.

What is your hair care regimen?

I shampoo my hair every other week, and co-wash as needed in between. I do an avocado pre-poo treatment once a month to keep my hair (named “Cookie”) soft and happy. Yes, my hair is very happy! 

What are your favorite hair products?

Dr.Bronner’s Organic Pure Castile Liquid Soap (peppermint) for shampoo, Tresseme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner, Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner are all my favorite basics. I rarely stray away from these products now. My favorite styling aids are Oyin Handmade’s Burnt Sugar Pomade, Shine & Define, Juices n’ Berries moisturizing spritz and their Hair Dew. I use EcoStyler Styling Gel and Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk as well. My favorite natural oils are coconut oil, castor oil and apricot kernel oil. I’ve had great results with these products.

Cashawn & Cassandra-protective styling

What has been your experience as a natural? Good, bad, or ugly? How has it affected you?

I haven’t had any negative experiences with my natural hair. I come from a family of naturals (both my parents are long-time Loc Rockers), and I started using relaxers relatively late at age 14. I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with natural hair, but I did have to learn to do it myself once I went back to it. Most of my friends are Naturalistas and so is my teenage daughter. I do wonder if it made a difference while I was on my job hunt recently. I was made offers for jobs when I interviewed wearing a wig or a weave. Others when I went with my own hair out, I didn’t receive any offers. Kind of hard to tell, but I guess that’s just the way things can go at times. 

What is an important piece of advice you would give to a newly natural?

My motto is “I am inspired by many heads of hair, but I aspire to none but my own.” When Newbie Naturalistas start out, they have this vision of what their hair will look like, mostly coming from what they see on the heads of their favorite celebrity Naturalista or Youtube personality. I think the ladies should give their own hair a chance to show them who they are and work with that. Get to know YOUR hair through trial and error with products, techniques and styles, so you can formulate realistic expectations as to what your hair can do. It will take some time and maybe even some help, but you will get to a place where you love and respect your hair for what she can do and be. Happy Hair!

Do you have a blog, vlog, or website where we can find you?

I can be found at www.dirtyprettythangs.com and www.twitter.com/thepbg

Final thoughts or words of wisdom?

Name your hair! I believe the act of Naturalistas personifying their  hair lends itself to developing a relationship with it. “She” is somebody that you want to love and take care of the best you can. I know it sounds silly, but I think it works! 

The PBG

Thank you Ms. CaShawn!!



If you are interested in being featured in TKK Spotlight please email me at: TheKinkyKhronicles@gmail.com

Starting A Natural Hair & Body Care Line-Q&A w/Me

Many of you know that my friend Rebecca Williams and I recently launched a natural hair and body care line. As more and more people find out about this venture I am asked tons of questions about the line so I decided to create a post to address the questions I have received. Hopefully my answers will help you all understand what was going on in my head when deciding to take on this challenge. Here goes...

What made you decide to start a natural product line?

As I did research to find out what ingredients and existing product lines would work for my hair I began mixing up stuff and using it on my own hair. I tried and liked many natural product lines but I always found myself adding a little bit of this or that to the product to get exactly what I wanted. People started stopping me and asking what I was using in my hair and request that I make them something. So every now and then I would mix up something for a friend and find pleasure in them enjoying the products. I was proud that these lil creations were working for myself and others. I considered creating products and sharing them with more than just my immediate circle. I threw the idea around playfully as I NEVER in a million years thought I would really do it but to my surprise I found a lot of people tell me that they would be interested in trying some of my products. I proposed the idea to Rebecca and asked if she would be willing to join me and just like that we took off with the idea full force.

What makes your natural product line different than existing lines?

I think the biggest thing that makes our product line different is the reason behind us starting it. Neither one of us looked at this just as a financial opportunity but as a way to offer others quality products that we stand behind and feel will help others maintain healthy hair and skin. There are no products that we would sell others that we don't or won't use ourselves. We make all of our products and each batch contains a little bit of love and care!!

Hair & Body Butter

What challenges have you faced with starting a product line?

The biggest challenge has been picking a brand name...which we have yet to do...lol! Ideally we would love a name that really encompasses what we have to offer. Our products are currently being used by natural and relaxed individuals so we don't want the product name to be directed towards a particular group. We think the best way to avoid excluding people would be to focus on the fact that the products are natural and handmade. 

Another challenge is marketing and selling the products however, I'm sure once we decide on a name this will become a tad bit easier. We have to find a way to make our products stand out above the rest so that one day we can compete with the popular name brands. Now I'm completely aware that we are not Carol's Daughter but at the same time I realize that even Lisa Price had to start some where. So while we may never reach her level of success I definitely believe that we can be very successful!

How did you decide what products to offer?

We wanted to start by introducing the basics (shampoo and conditioner) and as we continue we will gradually add more items to the product line that are both needed and suggested by our customers. We now offer a hair and body butter that acts a a great moisture sealant and more recently added a hair and body scrub to our list of products. Very soon we will offer body washes, body lotions, and much much more!!

What should we expect from the product line?

Quality products with simple all natural ingredients at reasonable prices!!

What personal goals would you like to reach with the product line?

I  have already reached one of them which was the most important for me...finding something that I am extremely passionate about and actually enjoy doing. It's crazy because two years ago if you would have asked me would I be a natural I would have looked at you side ways. Now not only do I feel like going natural was one of the best decisions I made I have a freakin' hair and body care line!! It may sound silly but in my opinion no dream is too big so I hope and pray that in the future my passion will become my main source of income. I would love to devote the majority of my time and energy doing something that I love and know that I can do well!

 

Hair & Body Scrub

How do we get our hands on your products?

Our website is in the works so for now you can either inbox me on Facebook or email us directly at EveandBec@yahoo.com

 



 

TKK Natural Hair Spotlight-Kellie Thomas

What's your name and where are you from?

Kellie Thomas, originally from Cleveland, Ohio currently in Washington, D.C.

How long have you been natural?

Since November 2010

Why did you decide to go natural?

I LOVE to cut a rug! I LOVE to swim! I was tired of not being able to do the things I love because of my perm. I honestly wanted to be free!!

What is your hair type and how would you describe it (kinky, curly, wavy, spirally, etc)?
Most of my hair is 3B but my crown is 4A. I would describe my hair as curly. One of my homeboys actually calls me his "curly boo"! LOL!

Pre-Big Chop

What is your hair care regimen?

I cowash every week, wash my hair twice a month and do an avocado treatment every month. I use my spray conditioner and seal it with coconut oil everyday.

Big Chop day w/CaShawn Thompson

What are your favorite hair products?

• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk
• Dr. Bonner's Organic Peppermint Liquid Soap
• TRESemme Flawless Curls Moisturizing Conditioner
• Peppermint oil
• Organic Coconut oil

What has been your experience as a natural? Good, bad, or ugly? How has it affected you?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I just hate that it took me so long to go natural. I've had nothing but positive feedback. It was a struggle getting into my regiment  but once I found my rhythm, I was good to go!

What is an important piece of advice you would give to a newly natural?

Join a support group. Get as many tips as you can. Understand that all products are not for everyone but don't get discouraged. It's all about trial and error. It is sooo worth the effort though. Just keep at it.

Do you have a blog, vlog, or website where we can find you?

http://about.me/KellieC and http://lilsoso.com

Thanks Kells!!

If you are interested in being featured in TKK Spotlight please email me at: TheKinkyKhronicles@gmail.com