Product Review - Hair Honey

Over the last few weeks, I’ve revisited a product that I used back in my transitioning days, it is Kynk Naturals, Hair Honey.

I purchased the Hair Honey from Noah’s health food store, but it is also available on their website, http://www.kynk.ca.

How to use (as quoted from Kynk Naturals):
A conditioning treatment that improves you hair’s strength and flexibility. Apply Hair Honey to clean wet hair to help ease tangles when combing. Hair Honey can also be used to reinforce hair ends when styling especially with braids & twists. For the not -so -intense kynks but severe dryness issues, saturate dry hair and wrap head & hair in a (not too) hot towel. Then wash as usual. Use Hair Honey as needed on natural or treated hair.

Ingredients:
Persea Gratissima (Apricot Kernel), Prunus armeniaca (Avocado), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut), Cera alba (Beeswax), Melaleuca Alterfernolia (Tea Tree), d-alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint), Ribes nigrum (Black Currant aroma), Oleoresin Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary), Petroselinum sativum (Parsley), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), & love (Agape).

My thoughts: 

Now that I’m 100% Curlie, I find this Hair Honey works better on my hair. It looks honey and has a mild honey and menthol/peppermint scent. The strength of this product is that it is a great for sealing in moisture. I often used it to apply one top of my moisturized hair. Yet for me, the best use of the Hair Honey was adding it to my deep conditioner. It gave my hair a protective coating and I love that.

I may not use it every day because I’m used to fruity and floral scents in my products, yet since all the ingredients used in Kynk Naturals products are all natural, I will keep the Hair Honey on my rooster. I should also mention that the Hair Honey is also has Clean Care's seal of approval for safer beauty & personal care products in Canada. It’s important to note that their mantra is, “If you can't eat it we don't use it!” In essence it makes my hair feel good.

Have you tried this Hair Honey or any of the other Kynk Natural products? Tell me what you think.

Blessings and Curls,

Kim aka B-Curlie

Featured Transitioner now Curlie - Kyra Cox

Hometown:

Toronto, Ont.

Length of transition (start to finish):

1 year

Why I went curlie:

I didn't actually go curlie purposefully. Quite a few years ago I gave myself a really nasty burn when perming my hair at home. The side effects were the onset of migraine headaches, and a very sensitive scalp. It took a few months of increasingly painful headaches for me to see a specialist, which is where I was told that a severe chemical burn could have caused my migraines to begin. After making the connection, I tried to perm my hair less often (and definitely stopped doing it at home), but my sensitivity to almost all hair oils, shampoos, hairsprays, gels and other styling products, resulted in me doing less and less to my processed hair. As it grew out, I found new ways of 'coping', never really consciously committed to going natural, but knowing that I could not go back to processing my hair all the time, and that I had to discover a healthy - and practical - way of living with my hair.

Since my hair was cut into a short style to begin with, before I knew it I had a head full of natural hair that I 'chiney bumped' and twisted; promising myself I would braid it as soon as the back was long enough, and then toying with the idea of locking my hair after that. I never did do any of the above, which I am happy about because it caused me to reach out and ask questions, pay attention to different creative hairstyles I saw other ladies wearing, and to think of and treat my hair as a healthy and beautiful extension of myself, rather than a burden to be dealt with.

Transitioning products and current products:

As a result of my sensitivity (which persists), I use olive oil and shea butter currently to moisturize. I have been told by another Canadian Curlie that shampoo is not something I should be using in my hair, so I will be looking into more natural products for caring for and styling my hair - I am always open to suggestions. I recently tried Olive Oil Eco Styler hair gel (courtesy of my dearest cousin), and I love the definition it gives and the fact that it does not irritate my scalp.

Since I was continually experimenting with products while my hair was processed, the products that I was not allergic to was the line of Elasta QP hair care & styling products, Dove Shampoo (only), as well as the Aphogee line.

The best part of now being curlie:

Aside from the health benefits, which are extremely important to me - my migraines have drastically reduced (if not disappeared) and my scalp, while still sensitive, is much healthier - I love my hair in a way that I never did before! I am a very low maintenance kind of girl and the focus of my hairstyles has always been practicality.

Being a realtor, always on the go - quick and practical styles were a necessity. I always thought that low maintenance natural hair was an oxymoron, only to discover that not only can it be extremely low maintenance (disclaimers needed here lol), my hair's potential is only bound by the limits of my imagination. The best part about being curlie for me is expanding my imagination. I have fallen in love with the versatility of my natural locks and I must admit that I feel a sort of connection to all the sisters out there that I see, wearing their hair like mine. My husband loves my hair, my friends do, and most importantly - I do! I am so glad to have been introduced to Canadian Curlie - I am looking forward to expanding my imagination =0)

My Hair Journey ... so far

So I’ve finally gotten my act together and gathered a few pics of my transition to present day living in happy curly land to show you guys.

Looking at these pics really made me see how far I’ve really come and it makes me feel proud that I stuck it out. Tell me what you think.

The Truth about Transitioning

Those of you who follow my blog, know that my curls appeared as a result of transitioning for nine months. I was not ready to just break out with a huge big chop. I wanted time to get to know my growing curls. But, I wanted to talk about a few things you may go through if this is the journey you’ve chosen for your curls.

What is transitioning?
It’s when women decide to grow out their processed hair and cut it off at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Transitioning regime?
Use your favourite deep conditioner and if time allows do so with every wash. Be sure to apply a detangling leave-in conditioner, water-based moisturizer and a natural oil for sealing.

What styles can be worn while transitioning?

How long should you transition?
This is a very personal decision. You and only you will know how much of dealing with two textures of hair you can take. Your new growth will be stronger and healthier than your processed ends, but transitioning is about taking care of both at the same time. Some people last one week, while others can go on for two years. Make up your mind and the best part about it is you can always shorten or lengthen the journey at any time. It’s your hair not anyone else’s. So take control of it!

What should you expect while transitioning?
It’s not easy, and it’s definitely a labour of love and it needs to be, otherwise you will end up relaxing or processing your hair again. Another thing people should remember is that patience is necessary as your curls will not just pop up overnight, especially if you plan to do a long transition.

During your transition you will have moments of triumph and frustration, but all of these experiences will make you appreciate the true beauty and strength of your hair and will as a women with afro-textured hair. Embrace it!

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Product Adventures

I’m am currently in a product funk. I say this because I have been using the same thing on my hair for at least the last five months. I’m talking about my coveted home-made whipped shea butter. I absolutely love it not only for my hair, but for my entire body. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure my household would got nutty if I did stop making it, since they all use it as much I do.

So I’m not a product junkie, but any means, at least not now. When I was transitioning, I tried everything that my budget would allow. Thank God I have now calmed down. I’m interested in trying Oasis for Curls, first of all because they are a Canadian company and secondly, because their product line is natural and simple. I’m guessing, that I wouldn’t need to totally transform the way I do my hair just to apply the products. I’m also considering to try Shea Moisture and Deva Curl products, but they are quite pricey at least in Canada anyway. Although I have a job, I’m not interested in paying an arm and a leg for hair products. As far as I’m concerned other than the great health factors of natural hair, saving a few coins was also one of my reasons for the switch as well.

As you all know our curls come in different shapes, sizes and textures so it stands to reason that products will not react the same on one curl to the next. I’ve listed below a few products that I’ve tried so far and have rated them from my personal experience on a scale of 1 (never again) to 5 (I can’t live without it)

Kinky Curly Curling Custard - 2
I was not super impressed. Yes it defined my curls, bit there was a lot of shrinkage. I ended up giving it away to my Aunt. Perhaps, I’ll try again after my hair grows a little more.

Curls Curl Souffle - 3
I liked the water-based moisturizer for the winter months, but other than moisturizing it did nothing else for my hair and didn’t lend itself to adding shine. The smell is intoxicating is you like cake.

Komaza Coconut Hair Pudding - 1
It left my hair feeling hard and gooey in spots. The smell was great, but otherwise I can’t see myself buying it again.

Homemade Whipped Shea Butter - 5
Love it, it must be in my house at all times.

Jane Carter Nourish and Shine - 4
I used a sample and love it. The smell and consistency were great and it agreed with my hair. It’s just a little pricey.

Darcy Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass Transitioning Cream - 4
An excellent product. It definitely helped with the detangling sessions and was a fantastic moisturizer. Come to think of it, I may revisit it this winter, even though I’m now 100% natural.

Eco Styler Gel (argan or olive oil)-5
I love this stuff. It's great to slick those edges down or to do a wash-n-go. It also give a nice shine and can be easily manipulated if water is used.

Enough about me what products do you swear by or wish you hadn’t purchased?

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie