Hawaiian Silky Moroccan Argan Oil Hydrating Sleek Edge

No matter what style my hair is in, I'm not much of a gel user when it comes to my edges. This product in particular is not marketed as a gel, but more of a hydrating style pomade made exclusively for your hairline edges. When I received this product to review, I must say that I was clueless as to how my unruly hairline edges would react. 

I used this product around my front hairline consistently for a period of 3 weeks and saw positive results in regards to control, shine, moisture, and softness. The product applies very easily to your edges and tames the random flyaways while providing sheen and definition. The product is light and didn't dry out my edges and make them hard like similar products I've used in the past. Also, the addition of Argan oil helps to ensure a non-sticky formula. I have almost used the entire 2.4 oz container because it's just that great!

Product description:

Hawaiian Silky Argan Oil Sleek Edge provides the perfect control for your edges. This non-sticky formula helps hold down edges to give you control of your style while delivering sleek shine and incredible moisture.

• For all hair types
• Sulfate free
• Non-sticky & non-greasy

Directions:
Apply sleek edge as needed onto hair and edges. Smooth with fingertips for desired hold and style.

Cost = n/a 
Absolutely love it, staple = ❤❤❤

For more convenience check out their website at:

http://www.hawaiiansilkyusa.com

Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde

I was doing some research on osha.gov and came across the following information on the website...


The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and several State OSHA programs are investigating questions and complaints from hair salon owners and workers about possible formaldehyde exposure from hair smoothing products. Some of these products have been labeled as "formaldehyde-free."


During Federal OSHA investigations, air tests showed formaldehyde at levels above OSHA's limits in salons using Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, labeled "formaldehyde free," and Brasil Cacau Cadiveu.


The first reports about formaldehyde in hair smoothing products surfaced when Oregon OSHA investigated a complaint from a hair stylist who had nosebleeds, eye irritation, and trouble breathing while using a Brazilian Blowout product labeled "formaldehyde-free." After testing the product, Oregon OSHA found that the product contained formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause the health problems reported by the stylist. 


Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that presents a health hazard if workers are exposed. You can be exposed to formaldehyde if you breathe it into your lungs, if it gets into your eyes, or if it is contained in a product that gets onto your skin. You can also be exposed accidentally if you touch your face, eat food, or drink after using a product containing formaldehyde without first washing your hands. It can irritate the eyes and nose, and cause coughing and wheezing. Formaldehyde is a "sensitizer," which means that it can cause allergic reactions of the skin, eyes, and lungs such as asthma-like breathing problems and skin rashes and itching. It's also a cancer hazard.


Read the product label and MSDS to determine if they list methylene glycol or any of the other names for formaldehyde listed above (like formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol). If they do, the product can expose you to formaldehyde. The best way to control exposure to formaldehyde is to use products that do NOT list formaldehyde, formalin, methylene glycol, or any of the other names for formaldehyde listed above on the label or in the MSDS. Beauty care companies are now making and selling products that they claim do not contain formaldehyde in the solution. Choosing one of these products might eliminate the risk of formaldehyde exposure. Note that just because a product doesn't list formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol does not mean that it does not contain any other hazardous ingredients.


Credits: read the entire article at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/hazard_alert.html

Hair Length Reference Chart

I'm currently a quarter of an inch beyond shoulder length. I realized that this year's setback occurred as a result of me over-trimming my hair in an effort to keep it healthy. Coming to this realization has helped me to ditch the trimming for now. Now don't get me wrong, I understand the importance of trimming your ends to get rid of splits and dead weight. However, my ends are healthy and don't need constant trimming. So from now on, I will trim my ends on a need-basis. Otherwise, I plan to trim every relaxer, which is about 3 - 4 times a year. I know now that this is the part of my regimen that I needed to tweak. Maintaining progress is vital when you're on a hair care journey. 

Olivia - December

I swear I felt the ground shake the first time I heard this song. It ripped my heart out to hear Olivia say that she feels like no one believes in her (on VH1's "Love and Hip Hip"). It's a shame that our "mainstream" music industry allows talent like this go to waste. Thankfully, she's still working hard and released this single called "December." If there were more artists out here that had the heart and authenticity of Olivia, I would start listening to the radio again.

Hawaiian Silky Moroccan Argan Oil

This wonderful line of Argan oil products has finally launched, and I was blessed to receive a few sample packets of the Hawaiian Silky Moroccan Argan Oil beforehand.

The Hawaiian Silky Moroccan Argan Oil is formulated as a healing oil treatment. It's derived from pure Argan oil. It doesn't contain alcohol or parabens. It's designed to benefit all hair types and it smells so delightful!

Benefits of Argan Oil:

• Hydrates the hair with moisturizing properties
• Enhances elasticity of the hair
• Contains antioxidants that repairs damaged hair
• Contains Omega 3 & Omega 9 which strengthens the internal structure of hair

Directions:

Apply ample amount of Healing oil treatment through damp or dry hair for incredibly smooth and shiny hair. Style as desired. FOR ULTRA CONDITIONING TREATMENT: Mix a small amount of healing oil treatment to Intense Repair Hair Mask and leave on for 5 to 7 minutes. No heat is required for processing. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and style as desired. 

My thoughts on this product:

After moisturizing my hair as step 1, I've been using a dime-sized amount of the Hawaiian Silky Argan Oil to seal my ends. This oil has a very light consistency, as it does NOT weigh my hair down. It immediately penetrated into my hair to lock in the hydration from my moisturizer. The added benefit is that it adds additional moisturizing properties which is not commonly found in oils, other than coconut oil.

I have also used this Argan oil by adding a quarter size amount to deep condition my hair (after shampooing). Once I applied this oil to my hair, I covered it with a plastic cap & added my heat cap for about 20 minutes. After rinsing my hair, I allowed my hair to air dry. My hair was noticeably softer and produced a nice shine. My hair was easily detangled thus making it easier to manage once it air-dried. I also noticed that my hair still felt hydrated and there was no need for me to add additional moisturizers, because the Argan oil did the job! Also, it left my hair smelling so nice!

Cost = n/a
Absolutely love it, staple = ❤❤❤

For more convenience check out their website at:

http://www.HawaiianSilkyUSA.com

Random Thought...

Stretching my Relaxer for Extra Hair Growth

See the image on the left? It represents my ultimate length goal. My hair was almost @ MBL (mid-back length) in the past, before it was cut to the level it is now. So I know that I can get it back with a little patience.


Even though I am on a journey to "ultimately" grow my hair  to MBL, my goal for now is to grow it past shoulder length by January 2012. I have about 3 months left to reach this milestone.  I've come to the realization that I've been over-trimming my hair this year in an effort to keep it healthy. I  had too much of my progress cut off already. I will no longer have my hair trimmed until AFTER I relax it which is usually 3 - 4 times a year.


 Research shows that hair grows at about half an inch per month. I'm currently at SL (shoulder-length) now and i have 2/3 more inches until my hair reaches past SL. Sometimes I get a little impatient and constantly do length checks & new growth evaluations. However, patience truly is a virtue. In the meantime, I've been "stretching" my relaxer and utilizing protective styles to ensure that my ends retain length. 


 I will NOT be doing another relaxer until January 2012 which will also be my next length check to see if I  hit the growth milestone that I planned. We'll see how it goes because sometimes long relaxer stretches are difficult when you're trying to manage two different textures of hair. I'm going to do anything I can to ensure that everything goes well until the next relaxer in January 2012. At that time, I will also post new progress pictures of my length.


 During my current relaxer stretch, I also plan on utilizing my hair growth products. I will alternate weekly with the use of:  equal parts cayenne pepper & grapeseed oil for scalp to stimulate circulation and growth. Then the next week I will use the Vitale Olive Oil 4-in-1 Growth Serum.  I will continue to take my vitamin supplements like Omega 3, MSM, B-Complex, Vitamin C, and etc.