Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Whip Shea Butter

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Whip Shea Butter Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 How to Whip Shea Butter - Consistency at 5 Minutes Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc. After about 5 minutes, your mixture will still be very liquidy. You can take short breaks between mixing if needed.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: How to Braid Cornrows

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

How to Braid Cornrows Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 This is a simple and basic cornrow style. The parts are straight and the size is uniform. It's a good style for children which can stay neat for a week or two, so long as silk or satin caps or scarves are placed over the hair at nighttime. This style isn't just for kids or professional athletes. It's also a good style for women who want to give their hair a break from chemical treatments or heat styling. If you don't want to wear plain cornrows, you can add ponytail extensions or an Afro puff extension for a different look.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Hair Milk Review

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Hair Milk Review Jul 30th 2011, 10:01 When it comes to all-natural products, you want high quality to match the price. How does Carol's Daughter Hair Milk compare? Characteristics As you would expect from a product called Hair Milk, this product is a liquid consistency, but it's not runny. It has a nice, creamy texture to it that adheres to the hair well. While I like the fresh, natural fragrance, I know other women didn't care for it. Scent is a matter of personal preference and you like what you like. I think it's worth trying to get past the fragrance if that's the biggest issue because this is a good product. I've received a bottle or two where the contents separated during shipping. This is easily fixed: just shake the bottle well before using and the Milk should come back together. Out of the many bottles I've purchased over the years, this has only happened a couple of times. In every other instance, I received a product that was perfect on arrival. How to Use It You can use Hair Milk on damp or dry hair. My usual routine is to apply it to damp hair right after shampooing and conditioning. It melts right into the hair. A little goes a long way, which is where you can see the difference between cheap hair products and ones that are pricey, but definitely worth the cost. An 8 ounce bottle of Hair Milk lasts longer for me than the same size bottle in a low-quality product simply because I'd have to use more of the cheaper product to get satisfactory results. On dry hair, the Milk softens and adds moisture. Because a little does a lot, use this product sparingly. Otherwise, it can be too oily. Final Verdict Hair Milk is a great, light moisturizer, but may be too heavy for very fine hair. Some people won't be able to get past the scent (because you don't get a choice of fragrance with this particular Carol's Daughter product); it's not heavy or overwhelming, but is strong. For instance, if I had to do a blind test, I could tell the difference between Carol's Daughter products just on smell alone. It's light enough to use every day, but you may find that your hair is so well moisturized, that you don't need to apply it daily. It gives hair a nice sheen and makes it very soft.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Keri Hilson

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Keri Hilson Jul 30th 2011, 10:01 Singer Keri Hilson arrives at The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Jason Merritt/Getty Images Keri Hilson isn't fooling around with the blonde color. Instead of only wearing it on the tips of her bangs or on the top of her head while leaving the sides darker, she's going all out with this bright shade. More Keri style: Color-tipped fringe Loose curls Dark and wavy bob 2010 Grammy Awards

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Shampoo

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Shampoo Jul 30th 2011, 10:01 Question: How Often Should I Shampoo my Hair? Answer: You should shampoo your hair at least once a week. I know there are people out there who shampoo less often; some much less often. I know there are some women who rely on their stylists to shampoo their hair and if they only go in twice a month, then that's when their hair is cleansed. Your hair picks up soil from the environment as well as the products you put on it. Even if your routine is minimal and you don't place a lot of oils or creams on it each day, it still gets dirty. Black hair needs moisture, including moisture from water that you take into your body as well as water that you put on it. When you shampoo, your scalp should be your main focus, with your hair following closely behind. You need to wash away any buildup, oils, products and dirt. Shampooing once a week is enough to get rid of the soil without stripping your hair of the natural oils it needs. If you exercise frequently or wear your hair in a wash-and-go style, you can conditioner wash between shampoos. It doesn't matter whether your hair is natural or relaxed. A weekly shampoo is good for the health of your hair and scalp.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Jada Pinkett Smith

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Jada Pinkett Smith Jul 29th 2011, 10:02 Actress Jada Pinkett Smith arrives at the 2010 BET Awards. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images You can see more detail on Jada Pinkett Smith's braided hairstyle here if you want to recreate this look at home on box braids.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Childen's Hair

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Childen's Hair Jul 29th 2011, 10:02 For whatever reason, there are parents out there who aren't happy with how their child's hair looks. These are very young kids, usually under the age of three. Mom or Dad (or Grandma or Auntie) start looking for various styling methods, techniques, tools and accessories that will make the child's hair look like they want it to look. When it comes to very young heads, try to remember that less is more. A toddler doesn't need the volume of products on her hair that her mother might. There's no need for gel, pomade or even curl-enhancers. Instead, let a child's hair flourish on its own with a daily brushing (with soft-bristle brushes), combing and a small amount of hair oil or conditioner. A spritz from a water bottle can help work through tangles if necessary. To finish off the style, one or two barrettes is fine, but avoid: Metal accessories Tight styling Extensions Rubber bands A heap of product Heavy, goopy products Young scalps are still developing and a child's true hair texture may not reveal itself until he or she is at least eight years-old. If a tender head is subject to harsh treatment on a daily basis (including chemical processes), it's possible that a child's hair will be permanently damaged, leading to hair loss. It's very common for babies to have odd hair growth patterns. They may have a full, lush patch on top with bald sides. They may be nearly bald all over. While this may be annoying for parents of a girl who want everyone to know she's a girl, slip a pink fabric headband over her head and call it a day. There's no need to wrestle with trying to get two little strands of hair into a barrette. Your baby's hair will grow and flourish if mostly left to its own devices. Use gentle shampoos and gentle techniques when combing or brushing. Beyond a little water and oil, you don't need to do much else to it. Before you know it, your son or daughter will have a head full of hair that you can then braid, plait, cut into cute styles and accessorize.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Rihanna - February 2010

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Rihanna - February 2010 Jul 29th 2011, 10:02 Singer Rihanna attends a press conference to promote her latest album 'Rated R' at Intercontinental hotel on February 11, 2010 in Seoul, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images The back of Rihanna's hairstyle shows the close-cropped sides and back are dramatically darker than front blonde pieces.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Jennifer Hudson's Bold Bangs

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Jennifer Hudson's Bold Bangs Jul 28th 2011, 10:01 Singer Jennifer Hudson arrives at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Ledisi's Vibrant Locs

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Ledisi's Vibrant Locs Jul 28th 2011, 10:01 Singer Ledisi arrives at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Save Money on Hair Care

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Save Money on Hair Care Jul 28th 2011, 10:01 Let's face it; not all of us can afford every high-end hair product on earth and have a bevy of stylists hovering at our shoulders, waiting to make us look like a star. Most of us style our own hair (and do a fantastic job) and we don't want to spend an arm and a leg doing it. Try these budget-friendly tips on taking care of your hair that won't break the bank. 1. Relax Less Often It's highly recommended that you see a professional for relaxing services instead of doing it yourself with a home kit, so how can you save money when chemical processes get pricey? Extend the time between your touch-ups. It's not as painful as you might think, though you may have to change the way you approach having straight hair. Wet sets and curly styles help camouflage new growth (and may even encourage you to try something different than a sleek 'do all the time!). 2. Get Regular Trims Trimming away dead ends on a regular basis is less expensive than having to get a cut once split ends wreak havoc on your hair. This "preventive maintenance" is good for the health of your hair and your budget. Some resourceful women are capable of "dusting" their own ends, but ask a trusted friend to help you with the back of your hair to make sure it's nice and even. 3. Mix Your Own Products Are you a kitchen chemist who loves to mix up her own hair goods? You're not alone. Peruse different hair care forums and you'll find all kinds of recipes that resourceful members have concocted, many of which are made from ingredients you'll find in your local grocery or health food stores. At first glance, natural and/or organic products are more expensive than commercial products, but you can create your own hair care goods that normally last a lot longer than drugstore finds; typically, a little bit of a natural product goes a much longer distance, allowing you to use less of it. 4. Choose the Right Length The shorter you wear your hair, the more often you'll have to visit a stylist for trims and possibly touch-ups to keep it looking great, leading to more expense. Why not try a mid-length or longer cut? Bobs that reach the ears and lower are low-maintenance styles that work with just about any lifestyle; they can be worn on relaxed or pressed natural hair. 5. Visit Local Beauty Schools Maybe you can't afford the services of a professional stylist, but you might be able to afford someone training to be one. Local beauty schools often need real people to practice their skills on, and will cut, relax and perform other services for much less than a salon. 6. Use Products Made for Color Treated Hair If your hair is colored in any way, make that shade last longer with products made specifically for color treated hair. L'Oreal EverPure Smooth Shampoo is a gentle, 100% sulfate-free cleanser designed to make your color last. The longer your color stays vibrant, the less often you'll need it redone.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Lock & Twist Gel Review

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Lock & Twist Gel Review Jul 27th 2011, 10:02 If you're looking for a product to use when beginning and retwisting locs, or for perfecting those two-strand twists, does Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel deliver? Characteristics When you open the container, you'll see a white, jelly-like substance with minimal smell, so if you're sensitive to scents, you'll probably like this. The fragrance is practically non-existent so it won't clash with other scents on your hair and won't overwhelm you. The Lock & Twist Gel is thick and feels like jelly, but absorbs easily and clearly in your hands and hair. It's non-sticky and non-coating, which is important when you apply them to locs. You want products that absorb into the hair and not sit on top of it, flake or coat it heavily (like beeswax would). You also want your twists, locs or coils to move freely, which this gel allows them to do. How to Use It The manufacturer's site suggests applying the gel to freshly shampooed and conditioned hair, and after styling, to set under a dryer. This would be a good method for twists, locs and coils, but you can also apply it to dry hair without worrying about flaking. The amount you use depends on the thickness of your hair, but you don't have to use an excessive amount to get satisfactory hold. For each twist section I used it on, I used about a dime-size amount. If you need to freshen up a style, you can apply more gel, which soaks into your hair much like water. I think this would be a good product for anyone transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, especially for a transition-friendly style like comb coils. Applying the gel to wet hair and combing through allows the two textures to blend together, making the line of demarcation less obvious. If you've done the big chop and have a "teeny weeny afro," the gel works just as well for creating coils on short, natural hair. Wear the coils for a few days or a week, loosen them up and you can enjoy a chunky 'fro for a few days more. Final Verdict I don't have locs, so I can't vouch for how it would work on retwisting, but I've used it on two-strand twists and it works very well. Besides applying the gel to each twist section, I dabbed some on the ends for extra hold. The twists didn't unravel, and when I undid them to style a twist-out, my hair wasn't as affected by the humidity as it normally is. My twist-out stayed wavy and curly instead of puffing up, even two days later, which was a first for me. Besides being affordable, you can find this product in many beauty supply stores or drugstores, so it's easy to find, which is a big plus.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Hair Color

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Hair Color Jul 27th 2011, 10:02 What's in a Name?: When it comes to coloring your hair, everything! Not only do different types of hair color give you different results, the chemical processes you already have on your hair can greatly affect the coloring results you get, good or bad. Just walk down any hair care product aisle and you'll find every hair color-in-a-box under the sun. You can be a blonde, redhead, coffee brown or jet black hair beauty. You can also consult with your stylist for her input and professional advice. Before you choose a color, you need to first choose which type works best for you. Temporary Hair Color: As the name suggests, this color won't last long. They're usually marketed under the term "hair rinses" and only coat your hair's cuticle; they don't penetrate it. Because of that, they're perfect for relaxed hair as they don't place a lot of additional stress on it. Temporary hair color gradually washes out over time, usually a period of a month or so, depending on how often you shampoo. Caution: If your hair is gray or white, temporary hair color is not temporary: It will leave a permanent stain on your hair. Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Semi-permanent hair color is made for darkening or adding depth to the hair, not for lightening. It coats the hair much like a rinse, but some types do contain small amounts of peroxide (not enough to lighten the hair). You'll often find an activator inside a home semi-permanent color box, which makes your color darker. This is a good option for adding richness to your existing hair color and will last about four to eight weeks. Be careful applying this color all over. It's best to concentrate on the roots. Otherwise, you can get a buildup of color on the ends of your hair, giving you a two-tone look you don't want. Permanent Hair Color: Now we move on to permanent colors, which are perfect for giving you a whole new look or for covering significant amounts of gray. However, because of the higher levels of peroxide, permanent color is better for: Healthy, natural hair Lightly texturized hair For women with relaxed hair, a stylist would need to apply a lower-peroxide formula for safe coloring. You can't get this in a box, although you can dilute your home hair color with water (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 oz. added to the solution). When you want a really dramatic style switch, permanent color is the way to go. Highlights: For a subtle or not-so-subtle change, try highlights. Benefits of highlights include: You can ease into coloring, starting with a small section They'll brighten and bring attention to your face When choosing to highlight your hair, use tint highlights instead of bleach, especially if your hair is relaxed. For the best overall look, wear highlights that are compatible to your existing base color. Blonde highlights look better with a dark blonde base, while bronze highlights work with cinnamon. Platinum blonde on jet black? While definitely dramatic, this can be too much contrast. One of the best aspects of hair color is that it can provide you with an almost instant change, a real lift. If you've been feeling drab and want a pick-me-up, hair color can be an inexpensive, quick way to switch up your look. For do-it-yourself types, all of those boxes calling from the shelf can be quite tempting, but if you're a total newbie to color, it's best to call your stylist. Too many bad dye jobs are a result of too-little information and too much time. Still want to try it yourself? See what the Beauty Guide has to say about coloring your hair at home.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Relaxers vs. Texturizers

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Relaxers vs. Texturizers Jul 27th 2011, 10:02 Relaxers vs. Texturizers - What's the Difference?: Because hair products sometimes make conflicting and confusing claims, the average consumer may not know what effects a product will have on her hair. Just look at all the "natural" claims on bottles and jars. One drop of olive oil doesn't make a product natural when every other ingredient is five syllables long! When it comes to chemical processes like relaxers and texturizers, you should be particularly vigilant to avoid serious problems like breakage and hair loss. What's the difference when it comes to relaxers vs. texturizers, anyway? Time Factor: Relaxers are typically left on the hair anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, while texturizers shouldn't be left on for more than five to 10. The amount of time the chemicals react with the hair is the main factor in differing results between the two processes. Chemical Composition: Don't be fooled by claims that texturizers are a natural product. Both relaxers and texturizers contain chemicals that change the hair permanently. In many cases, these products contain the same ingredients -- what alters the results is the time that they're left on the hair. Straightening: When it comes to how straight you want your hair to be, there's a big difference. Relaxers are made to "relax" the curl; in many cases, women choose to relax their hair completely, or bone, straight. This sometimes results in overprocessing and can leave the hair with little elasticity and no body. Texturizers, on the other hand, are applied when you don't want all of the curl removed from the hair. Done correctly, this process can turn thick, bulky hair into a curly or wavy texture, but it's important to note that hair should already contain S-shaped curls. Z-shaped curls do not texturize well at all (though they respond well to relaxers). This is when consumers need to honestly assess their hair to get the best results. Texturizers simply give better "curly" results on some hair textures than others. Results: Qualified stylists who care about the health of their clients' hair can typically get consistent results with relaxers, and even texturizers, although the latter tend to be a bit trickier. While relaxers work well on S-shaped curls and Z-shaped curls, honest stylists should advise clients about unpredictable results from texturizers on Z-shaped textures.

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Black Hair: How "Touchy" Are You?

Black Hair Get the latest headlines from the Black Hair GuideSite.

How "Touchy" Are You? Jul 26th 2011, 15:51 I just received this great heads up from our new Multicultural Beauty Guide, Gerrie Summers (if you haven't already checked out her site, please do!). Raise your hand if anyone has ever touched/grabbed your natural hair without asking. Or did they ask first, and then touch? * CNN has an article and video discussing this sometimes weird, sometimes flattering fascination with black hair in its unaltered state. Not surprisingly, some people are offended when perfect strangers just reach out and grab their hair. Whether or not this has to do with feelings of prejudice -- real or imagined -- that span centuries of a painful history, or just preferring that others don't invade your personal space, it can be disconcerting, to say the least, to have this experience. If this has ever happened to you, I'd like to hear your thoughts, or leave them at the CNN article. Were you affronted, angry, flattered or just plain weirded out that a stranger would touch your hair (or even ask to touch your hair)? *By the way, I'm raising my hand. And I was weirded out. (Photo credit: Elke Van de Velde/Getty Images)

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Stretch Curly Hair

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Stretch Curly Hair Jul 26th 2011, 10:01 Your daughter has a head full of thick, very curly hair and you're at your wit's end dealing with the tenderheaded issues. When she sees you coming with the comb, she looks like she's about to cry. Hair grooming shouldn't be a painful process, for her or for you! Before you reach for that home kiddie perm kit, hold on. Is your daughter even old enough to get her hair relaxed? Just because you know someone who relaxed a three year-old's hair doesn't make it right. Relaxers are better left to children over the age of twelve. Until that time, if you still think relaxing is necessary, you should find other, non-chemical ways of making your child's hair manageable for you. Although straightening in any form really isn't necessary, if you want to straighten hair in a way that won't damage a still-developing scalp and hair follicles, try these methods. Styling Techniques You can style hair in a way that will loosen its tight texture pattern. After shampooing and conditioning, apply natural oils and/or a clear, light gel. Then braid or twist your child's hair. The number of plaits or twists is up to you. Small braids and twists will leave hair more tightly curled than larger braided or twisted sections. Let the hair dry. Once dry, unravel the plaits or twists. The hair's texture will be slightly loosened and relaxed, while still retaining a good amount of volume. Blow Dryer Another way you can relax some of the tight curl in hair is with a blow dryer. You can use one with a plastic comb attachment, but you'll need to be gentle so that it doesn't tug so much on the child's hair. If you don't have an attachment, a wide-tooth comb or plastic bristle brush will do. Again, start with freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. After applying natural oils, the hair should be parted in four to six sections, depending on thickness. Beginning at the bottom of the hair, direct low to medium heat on one section at a time as you comb or brush the section down. Work your way up the section until you reach the scalp. You're not aiming for complete straightness; you're simply relaxing the texture. You may find it easier to comb through hair whose tight curls have been relaxed somewhat. Using wide-tooth combs is still essential to avoid pulling on the hair and scalp. By holding off on chemical treatments as long as possible, you're creating a healthier environment for hair, which will help it thrive.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: How to Braid Cornrows

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

How to Braid Cornrows Jul 25th 2011, 10:02 How to Braid Cornrows 5 - Continue Braiding and Adding Hair to the Cornrow Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc. Continue to braid the section of hair, adding more hair into the cornrow as you work your way toward the end.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Oil My Scalp

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Oil My Scalp Jul 25th 2011, 10:02 Question: Do I Need to Oil My Scalp? This scenario may sound familiar: A child sitting between a mother's knees, as the mother parts and oils the scalp in preparation for hairstyling. Many of us remember this ritual from childhood. Maybe you had that ubiquitous jar of Ultra Sheen (blue or green) sitting in your bathroom; maybe your mom used something different. That was the rule back then: to oil the scalp. Do you still need to do that today? Answer: It's really up to you whether or not you want to oil your scalp. For some people, it just feels good to apply a light oil to your fingers and massage the scalp before styling the hair. Other people have dry scalps that benefit from the moisture. However, it's not necessary to oil the scalp. You may have an oily scalp that doesn't need any additional oil; yes, you can have dry black hair with an oily scalp. It may not be the norm, but it happens. Your hair is what requires moisture, which is why you apply products to it and not necessarily your scalp. If you like the feeling you get from oils applied to your scalp, feel free to do so, keeping these points in mind: Don't use products with petrolatum: Be your own hair care advocate and look at the list of ingredients on every product you buy. All too often, you'll see petrolatum listed as a top ingredient. It's that old "hair grease" that many of us grew up using, but it doesn't do anything for black hair besides coat it and attract dirt. Don't put this stuff on your scalp unless you want to clog your pores and weigh your hair down. Use natural oils: Visit your local health food store or organic market. You'll probably find many items perfect for your hair, including natural oils like jojoba and coconut. Jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum that your scalp produces; not only good for your hair, you can apply this oil to your entire body as a moisturizing treatment. Oil as needed: You may not need to oil your scalp every day, even if this was common practice for you as a child. Learn to recognize your hair's particular needs, which may differ season to season and can be very different from other people in your own family. Examine your scalp: Is it tight? Does it itch? Then maybe you could benefit from a light application of oil. If it feels smooth, it's not flaky and it's clean, then skip the oil. You may need to oil your scalp once a week or once a month. Winter might see a weekly scalp oiling, while this is a practice you skip in the summer.

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Black Hair: What's Hot Now: Milk Protein/Olive Oil Product

Black Hair: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Milk Protein/Olive Oil Product Jul 25th 2011, 10:02 M&M Products is a brand that consistently formulates hair care products that make your hair's health its primary concern. Along with other companies today, M&M is largely moving away from ingredients that have been shown to either be detrimental to black hair or to offer no real benefits. To this end, the company has debuted a new line of Milk Protein and Olive Oil products. See how each of these work for your hair and whether it's a product to add to your hair care rotation. Really Deep Conditioning Treatment It's imperative to have a good deep conditioner or two working for you and this one doesn't disappoint. It has all the qualities I think are essential for a great deep conditioning product; besides being thick and creamy enough to really saturate your hair, it has strengthening and super-moisturizing ingredients in it such as milk, olive oil and Omega-3. You use this as you would most deep conditioners -- apply after a shampoo, cover with a plastic cap and either sit for an extended period of time or use under the low heat of a hood or bonnet dryer. Rinse and your hair should be soft and well-moisturized. Leave-in Treatment Milk Protein & Olive Oil Leave-in Treatment M&M Products Company When I'm being really good to my hair, I make sure to use a leave-in treatment after every shampoo and condition session. It just adds an extra layer of protection against the elements and any harsh practices I may subject my hair to, like heat styling. I don't always use a leave-in, though, but if you're looking for one, the Milk Protein & Olive Oil Leave-In Treatment is a pretty good product to try. Use as you would any other leave-in. After spritzing it on my freshly washed hair, it did seem to put my little "frizzies" to rest somewhat. I made sure to comb it through after applying to work it all in. Three-Layer Growth Oil and Strengthening Creme As with all the other products in this line I've tried, the Three-Layer Growth Oil smells great. You must shake it well before each application for it to blend well. Otherwise, you can see the heavier oil sitting on the bottom of the bottle. Now, this product gave me pause because it contains mineral oil. I've questioned whether mineral oil is truly bad before. Petroleum, definitely, but in doing my own research, it appears that mineral oil is not evil. This is one of those products that will work well for some, but not for others. Because mineral oil isn't that good of a penetrator, I can't give this product two thumbs up because it left my hair feeling heavy. I'd give it about one-and-a-half thumbs up because it did make my hair very soft. However, one of my friends uses a product that contains mineral oil and she loves it. So take this one for what it's worth; if it works for you, by all means, continue to use it -- if not, there are plenty of other products out there to try. Next, the Strengthening Creme. This is a suitable daily hair conditioner that, with proper usage, can help maintain your hair's moisture level, leading to fewer split ends and breakage. I suggest applying as needed. If your hair feels soft and supple, there's no need to apply more product. In many cases, once your hair has a good moisture/protein balance, you'll find yourself needing to use less product. Daily Growth Lotion Milk Protein and Olive Oil Three-Layer Growth Oil M&M Products Company Like the Strengthening Creme, this is a good daily moisturizer. It's thick and creamy, so women with relaxed hair should apply sparingly in order to maintain a light and bouncy feel. Focus application more on the ends of your hair, especially if they tend to be dry. More M&M Other M&M Products that have been reviewed include the Sofn'free n'pretty Product Line for children. Also, please read this exclusive interview with Will Williams, M&M Product Company's Director of Education and New Product Development, to find out more about the company and how it continues to develop new and innovative products specifically for black hair. Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

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