Why I Use Hot Oil & Pre-Poo Treatments

Welcome back Queen for another Natural Hair Post! If you haven’t doneso already to please follow my blog in the upper right-hand corner so you can be notified when I release new posts. I promise you won’t ever be spammed because who likes spammers? NO ONE!!

 

So why should you use a Hot Oil & Pre-Poo Treatment on your wash day? Because your Natural Hair will love you long time if you begin incorporating this simple yet effective routine. For some it may be an extra step to a tedious wash day but not for me. My #LowPorosityHair loves the extra TLC especially for these winter months.

 

What is a Hot Oil Treatment?

It is the use of an oil, preferably I use “Jamaican Black Castor Oil” from Jamaican Mango & Lime, that is warmed to a comfortable temperature and applied to the scalp to moisturize and treat dry, itchy, flaky scalps.

 

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I love a good Hot Oil Treatment for I apply my oil of choice (JBCO) and follow up with a stimulating scalp massage to increase the blood flow to the scalp. This helps to bring those nutrients from our bloodstream to the cuticle to help keep it healthy and strong. A hot oil treatment can help to relieve any dandruff, itchy, or dry scalp you may be experiencing. With continued use this can eliminate your scalp problems all together!!

 

What is a Pre-Poo?

It is the use of an oil of choice that can either be warmed or not and applied directly to the hair and left on 20-30 minutes before heading into your wash day routine. A pre-poo can also be used to detangle your natural hair as well.

 

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My favorite product to use for my Pre-Poo treatments is the Botanical Bliss “Stimulating Pre-Poo Oil Treatment. It contains JoJoba, EVOO, Grapeseed, Essential Oils, and Love! I love how this product coats each strand of my hair ensuring that it will remain moisturized even after my wash day is complete. In using a Pre-poo for my natural hair I experience less shedding, dryness, and breakage throughout the week helping to retain hair length.

 

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If you are interested to see a demonstration as to how I do my own Hot Oil and Pre-Poo treatments then your in luck!! I recently shared a in-depth video on my YouTube Channel “QueenSheeMee” on “What/Why I Use a Hot Oil & Pre-Poo Treatment” as well as which other products I use as well.

 

Thank you for all of your continual love and support Queens! See you in the next post!!

20+ Foods for Healthy Hair Growth!!

Hi Queens and welcome back for today it is all about Lifestyle!! Yes! I’m excited for this one for I have been wanting to really dive more into this area and bring it especially here to the blog.

I get asked often what I do for my hair to grow as long as it currently is. Its a slew of answers but TWO that I know for sure are: 1. Drinking Water and 2. The Foods I Eat. 2017 for me was the year of learning to love myself even more, rediscovery of who I am, and wanting to live a healthier life.

 

If you are interested in watching the video component that goes with this blog post then click here!

 

For more on the foods that I eat regularly that have helped my hair grow so fast during these last few months of 2017 then keep on reading!!!

 

 

WATER– Hydrates the scalp and ensures good circulation of blood helping the vital nutrients find their way to your hair.

 

OATS– Beneficial for the maintenance of the natural color of the hair. Also aids in creating Melanin and preventing hair loss. Contains minerals potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron which boost hair growth.

 

Leafy Greens– High Iron content which aides in the absorption of minerals and essential to keeping your hair moisturized.

 

Almond Milk– Helps the hair grow quicker and faster due to the Biotin content.

 

Tomatoes– Rich in Lycopene which is an essential antioxidant that helps maintain the collagen on the body. In turn, this is good for nourishing the hair and promotes shine/healthy hair.

 

Bananas– Contain Silica which is thought to improve hair thickness.

 

Strawberries– Contain Vitamin C which aides in Collagen which strengthens the hair shaft.

 

Blueberries– Contain antioxidants that assist in defeating FREE RADICALS that lead to split ends and hair discoloration.

 

Whole Grains– Rich in Biotin along with Iron, Zinc and B vitamins. This is required for cell proliferation and plays an important part in producing amino acids (proteins).

 

Carrots– High in Vitamin A, aides in quicker hair growth and the production of Sebum.

 

Beans– Great source of Vitamin B6 and folic acid, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and biotin, All of which promote shiny, moisturized hair that grows,

 

Nuts & Seeds– Good source of Omega 3s

 

Avocados– High in Vitamin E which improves the blood circulation and helps the follicles to promote hair growth. Helps to balance the oils and ph levels in the scalp to avoid clogging of pores.

 

Greek Yogurt– Packed with proteins and helps with increased blood flow to the scalp and hair. Contains Vitamin B5 which helps with thinning and hair loss.

 

Sweet Potatoes– Aides in shine and helps in the production of Sebum. Contains Beta Carotene which once digested is converted to Vitamin A which helps protect against dry/dull hair.

 

** **OTHER ORANGE FOODS WITH BETA CAROTENE: CARROTS, PUMPKINS, CANTALOUPE, AND MANGOS.****

 

Cinnamon– Aides in the blood flow and circulation which transport oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.

 

Turkey & Chicken– Lean Meat can help with protein deficiency for hair growth.

 

Shrimp– Contain vitamin B12, Iron, and Zinc. All 3 are vitamins that prevent hair breakage.

 

Salmon– Contain Vitamin D, Protein, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids that promote hair growth by keeping your scalp healthy.

 

Eggs– Good source of Biotin and Protein.

 

Curlkit Unboxing: December 2017

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Oh my how the time has flown by for we’ve received our LAST CURLKIT of 2017! Wow! I love this monthly subscription service for I was initially a member and was afforded the opportunity to become a VIP Elite. If you would like to sign up, you can save 10% off your FIRST Curlkit here.

 

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Photo taken by Queen Esther Spivey, Owner of QueenSheeMee

The December Curlkit ended the year with a BANG for I got some NEW products that I have never tried from Dax for Naturals, Novex, Ashtae, and Qhemet Biologics.

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Photo taken by Queen Esther Spivey, Owner of QueenSheeMee.

 

In the December Curlkit, we received the Dax for Naturals “Styling Pomade” and “Combing Cream” which are PERFECT for these colder months. (SN: It is currently 27 degrees in Pensacola, FL) So my natural hair is here for some extra loving.

 

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The “Styling Pomade” was the first thing I tried in the box for I was needing to refresh my hair. As far as the texture it is really creamy, a bit on the heavier side being it is a pomade. But not the traditional one that is tacky in a sense.

 

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The “Combing Cream” I have yet to try out but look forward to using on my natural hair. On the site, it states “a hydrating moisturizer and treatment for your hair, helps to promote hair growth, strengthen hair follicles and imparts luster and shine”.

In texture, it is creamy as well but not as heavy as the Styling Pomade as aforementioned. It reminds me of a butter for it does contain Shea Butter, Broccoli Seed Oil, and other oils as well.

I do not plan on using this in conjunction with the Styling Pomade for this product can be used alone on wet hair. So for me I would prefer to use this for either my #TwoStrandTwists or #WashandGo.

 

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Next, we received the “Bamboo Sprout Leave In Conditioner” by Novex. We have received products from this brand in past Curlkits and must say that I do like this brand.

This Leave In Conditioner is very creamy for I was able to detangle easily for it provides a good amount of slip and shine. It also states that “it with helps with the Growth and Strength of your hair”.

 

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Ashtae is a new brand to me for I have never used them before. We received samples of their “Moisture Plus Leave In”. It can be used to add an abundance of moisture to the hair. It is a humectant excellent for all hair types.

I will let you know in the future how I felt after using this product over on my Instagram @QueenSheeMee Make sure to follow me Queen!

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Qhemet Biologics has been a brand I’ve come to love during 2017. They too have been in past Curlkits and I don’t mind them being in this one either!

The “Heavy Cream” is wonderful for these colder months. I must say that is a bit heavier being that it is a a cream containing Amla & Olive Oil. Perfect for very dry or coarse hair. I like to use this for a refresh or as a styler for my hair enjoys it. (I’m Type 3C/4B).

The “Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee” is lifffeeee!! It does just like it states and detangles my curls nicely with little to no issues. In addition it softens the hair and works well for those with dry, thick hair. This one is lighter than the Amla & Olive Oil heavy cream.

 

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Our final item in the December 2017 Curlkit was the ORS Curls Unleashed “Get the Look” Style Pack. This one is specifically curated to achieve the perfect “Co Wash N’ Go” by ORS.

Now we have, again, received this pack but I don’t recall if it was this one. So! I’m looking forward to trying out the Hair Milk, Rinse Out Conditioner, and Leave In Conditioning Creme on my Type 3C/4B natural hair.

Be sure to follow me over on Instagram for my updates and reviews of products in the December 2017 Curlkit.

 

Thank you for hanging out with me today Queen. Please make sure to follow “QueenSheeMee: The Blog” below so you will be notified of new blog posts!!

Cantu Beauty “Natural Hair Collection” #WashDayReview

Hello Queens and welcome to the NEW BLOG for “QueenSheeMee” Here’s to my FIRST blog post and I must say that IT’S EXCITING! If you don’t mind, please go ahead and SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss a post! I plan to share my more “In-Depth” reviews of “Natural Hair, Beauty, and Lifestyle” for my Queens who love a GOOD READ here on my newest platform.

 

I recently was browsing the Hair Aisle (Just like any other Naturalista would) at my local Wal-Mart when I came across “Cantu Beauty”. It has been FOREVER since I have used a single product from their collection. Not intentionally. Simply the life of a #NaturalHair Blogger. Lol There’s so much to tryout, it seems, EVERY WEEK. It can be a bit overwhelming but in a good way for us Product Junkies. 😊

 

Cantu Beauty Natural Hair Collection

 

What caught my eye was the Cantu Beauty “Define and Shine Custard” which is a part of the NEW “Natural Hair Collection”. November 2014 is when I began my #transitioningjourney to becoming FULLY natural. Cantu Beauty was my One-Stop Shop for my transitioning hair and they made the journey easy! For I used FREQUENTLY the “Moisturizing Cream Shampoo and Rinse-Out Conditioner” as well as the “Leave-In Conditioning Cream”. My hair texture at the time was DEFINITELY a #Type4 which means I needed as much moisture and hydration possible for my curls. So, Cantu Beauty was my #HolyGrail just for that!

 

So, I decided to purchase from the NEW Cantu Beauty “Natural Hair Collection” their Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo, Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner, Moisturizing Curl Activator Crème, and lastly, the Define & Shine Custard to use in my most recent wash day. Let me spill the tea on why you SHOULD add this to your #NaturalHairCollection if you are a Type 3 or Type 4 Naturalista. You will thank me later Queen!

 

Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Sulfate Free Cleansing Creamy Shampoo

With a formulation that is creamy, provides CRAZY SLIP, and is moisturizing what more could you ask for?! Being able to incorporate the “Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo” into my #WinterRegimen is AWESOME. I can DEFINITELY say that this shanpoo, 1. Ensures that my scalp will remain healthy during these colder months. 2. Remove product buildup all while maintaining the current moisture in my natural hair. We all know the feeling of using a shampoo that in turn strips your hair after “claiming” to be non-drying or stripping. Psh! Child! Cantu Beauty had my #NaturalCurls covered. This Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo is formulated with Shea Butter and without harsh chemicals. Perfect for my natural hair and for this colder weather. As instructed, I followed this with the “Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner.

 

 

Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner

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If you follow me on Instagram or Youtube then you know how I feel about my conditioners. I DON’T PLAY! Lol Seriously, this “Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner” had me all kinds of giddy when applying to my hair. With a THICK and creamy consistency, my curls were here for the hydration, moisture, and slippage. My hair was sooooo soft and the amount of conditioner per section I feel was good being that my hair is thick. On their site, www.cantubeauty.com, the benefits state: 1. Helps retains hair natural oils for fewer split ends. 2. Moisturizes revealing healthier, hydrated hair. And 3., Conditions and adds slip for less breakage. The scent was PHENOMENAL as well across the board with this collection. I’m grateful to add another rinse-out conditioner to my Product Junkie Collection.

 

NOW! Let’s get into these styler’s Queens Yassssss!!!!

 

Moisturizing Curl Activator Crème

Curl Activator Creme

The Moisturizing Curl Activator Crème! This product had me so anxious to use on my hair for the formulation had me curious as to how it would work for my Type 3C/4A hair type. I recently used another “Curl Activator Crème” from Crème of Nature and I looovveee it but would Cantu’s work the same? Or better? I had to give this a try!

What I like about the “Moisturizing Curl Activator Crème” is that it works just like a Leave-In Conditioner! Perfect because this is VERY IMPORTANT for my natural hair and maintaining the longevity of the moisture and style of my natural hair. It provides CRAZY SLIP as well as moisture giving your hair a nice shine. I applied this product onto soaking wet hair, as instructed, and used it in conjunction with the “Define and Shine Custard” for extra shine and long-lasting hold.

On their site, www.cantubeauty.com, benefits state: 1. Activates curls revealing frizz-free, bouncy curls, 2. Volume & Shine and 3. It’s great for a quick Wash n’ Go. Now I can say these are VERY TRUE for I wore my “Mini Twists” in for a total of NINE DAYS with no frizz, ABUNDANT shine, and softness to my curls. Once I took them down and rocked my Twistout the results were beyond what I expected. So, let’s discuss how the “Moisturizing Curl Activator Crème” and “Define and Shine Custard” made all of this MAGIC happen. 😊

 

Define and Shine Custard

Define & Shine Custard 

As I stated at the beginning of this blog post, what caught my little eye was the Cantu Beauty Define and Shine Custard. I first, of course, had to read how it works and it states “Ultra moisturizing ingredients make the driest curls defined and healthy. Define & Shine Custard helps reduce hair bulk, elongates curls and provides enough hold for long lasting styles that stay.” (Courtesy of Cantu Beauty) Again, these products are formulated with Shea Butter and without harsh chemicals.

What I absolutely loved about this custard is how it looks and resembles like a “putty”. Lately, brands have gotten hooked onto this and apparently this is a “Yes!” for #naturalhair. I applied the “Define and Shine Custard” to small sections after applying the “Moisturizing Curl Activator Crème”. I did use an oil for my LOC Method because I take no chances in my hair not retaining moisture. 😊 What I also like about the custard is that it doesn’t create any product buildup once dried and didn’t leave my hair dry or crunchy. I can’t stand that when I use something new for the first time and my end results are BLAH! Cantu Beauty took the guesswork out of that!

 

Queen Esther’s Final Thoughts

 

Overall, my experience using what I purchased of the NEW “Natural Hair Collection” products from Cantu Beauty was a SUCCESS!! My Mini Twists lasted for a total of NINE DAYS and were elongated even after fully drying. Once I did take them down I had AMAZING DEFINITION. Not to mention that my hair is now on Day 12 and still soft, moisturized, and hydrated.

Would I purchase these products again in the future?! HELL YEAH! 😊

Check out my FULL REVIEW AND DEMO by clicking the link below! Make sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe so you’ll never miss an upload.

Thanks for hanging out with me today Queens and I’ll be talking with you soon!

WATCH MY FULL REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/rQ660yKn3as