I after I did my last review on the Cantu for Naturals line, I couldn’t wait to try out the rest of the line; first up was the Deep Treatment Masque.

I picked this up from my local CVS, for about $8.99, which was right in the price range for CVS. I definitely could have gotten it cheaper at Wal-Mart for about $6.99, however, my local Wal-Mart was completely sold out. But it was OK; it was still under $10, which is still a great price for a deep conditioner that is in a 12oz jar.

When it comes to Deep conditioners for my hair I always look for one that are thick and creamy, and this Deep Conditioner checks out in that area. This product contains No Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Parabens, Silicone, Phthalates, Gluten, Paraffin, Propylene, PABA or DEA.

When I first used it, I applied it to freshly washed hair. I felt like as I applied it melted my strands and I was able to get A LOT of detangling done. I left it in overnight and paired it with my heat therapy wrap (you can use a warm towel as a substitute), once I rinsed, my hair felt soft and moisturized and more manageable. I’ve used this deep conditioner numerous times at a minimum of 30 minutes and achieved the same results.

Pros:

• Moisturizing
• Left my hair feeling soft
• Can detangle with it
• Can be used as a leave in conditioner (per directions)
• Relatively free of harsh ingredients and other chemicals

I don’t really have any cons. I enjoyed it and I will definitely pick it up again.

Make sure you guys go check out my YouTube Video where I have a giveaway going on for the product!!!

Once I started my PSC, I was kind of bored. In the beginning all I was doing was different variations of the Marley Bun…LOL. Which don’t get me wrong I love my Marley Bun, but I just couldn’t justify doing that for the next 6 months…LOL. So eventually I stopped thinking about and just did styles as I thought of them, as you will see some examples below.

I did give my hair a break a day or two, here and there. Just to give my edges and nape a break as well. Also, before I decided to start my challenge, I already had a scheduled heat pass for October, for Fernando’s birthday, which I still took; at that time I blew out my hair (pictured below).

I probably wore my hair out about 5-6 times over the 7 month time frame.
I did notice that my hair was moisturized and I didn’t need to moisturize constantly. Sometimes I went 4-5 days w/o re-moisturizing my hair, sometimes longer. Especially when I did my mini braids. My ends feel very smooth and healthy, which was an awesome plus. Every time I took down a style I felt like my hair was softer and more manageable. What I did find it that protective styling kept my mind off of length which made me focus more on health, which in return gave me length .
Overall, I would say I really enjoyed protective styling and I will probably pick it back up in the fall…HOWEVER, for the next 4-5 months I have NO intentions of protective styling. As much as I enjoyed it, I still enjoy my hair out more. PLUS, my hair LOVES the sun and warmth of the spring and summer months, so I will not deprive her of that…LOL

MY Pros and Cons of Protective Styling:
PROS:

• Time Saver
• Helps retain length and moisture
• Low maintenance
• Versatile
• Protects your ends from damage
• Just gives you hair an overall break

CONS:

• Can get very boring & repetitive

YUP! That’s my only CON. I gets PRETTY BORING!! Protective styling is not everyone’s taste. Do I think it’s crucial to my hair journey? NO, it’s not CRUCIAL, but it doesn’t hurt to do it every once in a while.

What are you guys’ thoughts on protective styling??

First, I would like to say thank you to Cantu for contacting me to try these products out. Everyone knows that the Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner has been a staple in my hair regimen since before I even went natural and I swear by it to this day.

So I was given the opportunity to try out 3 out of the 6 Cantu Shea Butter for Naturals hair products. I was sent the Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, Coconut Curling Cream and the Coconut Milk Shine & Hold Mist. All of these products contain No Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Parabens, Silicone, Phthalates, Gluten, Paraffin, Propylene, PABA or DEA. These products are very inexpensive retailing way under $10 and very accessible. I did a review and demo on my YouTube Channel, which you can check out here. I just want to go through and some of my pros and cons on each product.

Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream

I used this product as a light leave in for my hair . It definitely made my hair feel soft and gave it some shine!

Pros:

• Very Light
• Has enough slip to detangle
• a little goes a long way
• Smells AMAZING!!

Cons:

• Creamy Gel like Feel
• Can get a little sticky if too much is use (be careful)

Coconut Curling Cream

I used this product as my actual styler for my braid/twists out. I must say I really like the definition I got from using this.

Pros:

• Of Course the Smell is GREAT!
• Very Thick in consistency
• Moisturizing
• Gives good hold and definition
• Can be used on wet or dry hair

Cons:

• Sorry I don’t really have any for this. I was exactly what I thought it was, I did exactly what I thought it would and more!

Coconut Milk Hold & Shine Mist

I sprayed this product after I finished my braids and then again after I took them out.

Pros:

• Nice Shine
• Seals in moisture pretty well
• Smells Great as Well

Cons:

• Nozzle didn’t work too well. Kinda sprayed out in a “stream” way. Could’ve just been a faulty batch.

Overall, I would say I really enjoyed these products. My favorite being the Coconut Curling Cream. It is so rich and creamy, which I love. I love that this line stayed consistent with that coconut smell!! I LOVE IT!! I am definitely going to go out and try out the rest of the line, I pretty curious of how the Deep Conditioning Treatment Masque will work on my hair, so that may be next. Take a look at my Day 1 and 2 results below (FYI: I did not re moisturize my hair at all throughout the week). Feel free to comment under this post if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: I was sent these products for consideration. All opinions are my own and truthful

Now on to the GIVEAWAY!!!

So you guys know that I am all about Social Networking, so this giveaway is all about connecting with me!!! So Here are the rules!!

1. You must be a subscriber to my YouTube Channel
2. Follow CantuBeauty on Facebook
   
3. Follow Me TotalDivaRea on Facebook and leave a comment saying: “I’ve Entered the Cantu Giveaway” (You can leave comment once a day!)

Prize: Winner will receive ALL 3 of the items mention in this post: The Curl Activator Cream, Coconut Curling Cream & The Coconut Milk Shine & Hold Mist

You must 18 or older (or have parental consent). And you must live in the US.

Giveaway ends, February 28, 2013 11:59pm EST

Winner will be selected using random.org and will be announced via FaceBook & YouTube !! So make sure you are like my Page and Subscribe!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Don’t forget to follow my website, by entering your email in the box at the upper right hand corner of the page and click, “Follow” and That’s it!!

Love & Natural Hair Tag!!

So this weekend we celebrated Fernando’s brother’s Birthday at a club called C.I.C.

Sometimes you just need a quick break from your protective styling, so for just today I decided to do a juicy braid out.

The only products I used was my Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter (HBB) and my Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (CES).

I applied the HHB first, and then applied the CES on top. I detangled with my Ouidad Double Detangler and my modified Denman Brush. I did about 13-15 plaits. The next morning I took out my braids and I had this awesome hair style. My hair was soft, fluffy and moisturized. This is a one of my favorite go to styles when I want to give my hair some life.

To see a tutorial for this (in another variation) go here: http://youtu.be/2QABbfMJHJ4