Leave in...or give away?

Since I can remember, I've always tried to incorporate Leave-In conditioners in my routine. during my relaxed days, I used Leave-Ins primarily after a relaxer but I also used them as "setting lotion" for roller sets. however, I wasn't consistent with this, nor did I find it mandatory in my hair care regimen...

When I began transitioning and learned about the importance of moisture, I realized that Leave-In's are a good way to moisturize after washing and I began my search for the "perfect" Leave-in! Here are some that I've stumbled over in my search.

*Note: all are at or below $10 which suffices that very frugal quality I possess.

Infusium

It was good for relaxed and the earlier stages of my transitioning hair but it was too watery . Too light for these thick tresses. Definitely a give away

Giovanni Direct Leave-In

I mentioned it here , but I wanted to still include in this list. It is creamy and light and works well with pretty much all of the products I've used thus far. i use after every wash except for instances where I'm preparing for a twist/braid-out and plan on using the Shea Moisture Leave-In that I will discuss later. it can be used with this but it would probably be overkill...it has a very light 'hold' for wash''go styles but it's usually not enough for my hair, which is why it's usually the base for my styles (with another product). It's my "don't leave home without it" product. My first leave in!

**I wanted to define my wash'n'go- which is the style where I don't do anything with my hair after washing (except putting in some product). so my hair takes it natural curly/coily form without combs, braiding, twisting or any other kind of styling/manipulation. I usually just put a headband on and leave the house with wet hair allowing it to dry as the day progress and just do whatever it wants.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair cream

Oh my goodness...this smells delightful. I really really really wanted to like this. side note: I'm apart of Long Hair Care Forum and the ladies on this swear by this product...For me, the product "worked". It left my hair uber soft and I used it to put in twists for a twist-out and the definition was good...but my scalp itched like crazy. At one point, I thought I had sores in my head...and (un)luckily for me, I was on a work-related trip and didn't have access to my mini beauty supply store that's in my cupboards at home. It was a sad day.

But I'm a trooper, so I washed my hair that night and tried it AGAIN. Yes, because I had to make sure that it was this and nothing else that I may have used. I think I left some conditioner in it the first time. Second trial, same results, soft hair with good definition...and an itchy scalp - although not as intense itching this trial.

Sooooo I sniffed it one last time and closed the lid. forever. My aunt was the lucky recipient of a full bottle of this. I'm guessing she liked ti because I never got any complaints from her. Category: give away

Honey Hemp Conditioner by Oyin Handmade

Let me start by saying...I just love this product line. They were the first set of 'natural' hair care products that I tried and did not fail me. Of course, all their products weren't the best for MY hair but I do have a staple from them as I mentioned here. Anyhoo, I won't be giving this up anytime soon. This conditioner is multipurpose as a conditioner, deep conditioner and leave-in. I usually use this as off of the above but since I'm discussing Leave-Ins, I'll stay focused. I use this when I'm sporting the wash'n'go. I have used this conditioner alone and I've used with another product and this faithfully has done what it claims to do. This is another Leave-In with a light hold but still a keeper. Definitely a leave in!

Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave-In

The first thing that stood out was the smell - which is still growing on me. It's a touch too sweet for my liking but I can't deny the quality of product this is. This is fairly new to my arsenal of goodies, however there is a space in my heart for it. The consistency of it is THICK. Like pudding kinda thick but it leaves my hair soft and feeling moisturized without greasy residue and works lovely for my twist-outs giving me great definition. The downside is my hair takes long to dry by itself and when this is in it---woooooh, the drying time literally doubles. I *think* I may be applying too liberally but as time passes and I continue to use, I'll definitely perfect this! Another leave in!

I also own a brand new bottle of Kinky Curly Knot Today which is another Leave-In conditioner but I have yet to use it. I'm saving it for when I finally purchase the Curly Custard which is the suggested product to go with it. I probably won't be purchasing anytime soon considering expenses associated with the move, I'm on hiatus from hair shopping (well I'll purchase basics that I need daily but no experimental products) until I get financially settled (around October). Also, the Curly Custard is used for wash'n'go styles and Canada actually has seasons so soon as the temperature begins to cool, I plan to start hiding my hair..well more specifically my ends because of the high chance of breakage from my hair drying out quickly. Twists, buns and ponytails will be staples until I see warmer weather again.

there are a couple other products that I use, which can also be used as Leave-Ins but I can't fairly comment on them in this capacity. look out for the next type of product reviews...deep conditioners!

smooches