In Store/BSS Products

So, I'd started an in-store only product challenge a long time ago. But for people who know me, it's a challenge to stick to anything. Lol. Needless to say I've been using some of everything. I started this thread because even though I can't commit to only using products that can be found in store, I thought we could discuss what we've tried, what works, and what doesn't. From the old thread, it seemed that most people like Yes to Cucumbers and Shea Moisture products. I get most of my shampoos and conditioners in store. But I have yet to find a good in store moisturizer or styler. Maybe someone has some suggestions.

So go ahead and share your own experiences...

I like the keracare naturals butter cream as a moisturizer and styler. My twists are soft and shiny and stay moisturized for days 

The Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque works great as a moisturizer and styler! I got GREAT results using it for my twist/twist out!!

I'm in love with the Giovanni Smooth As Silk conditioner--makes a great leave-in AND a deep conditioner. Also fell back in love with the Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner--been using it as a leave-in the last week or so, and my hair loves it.

I agree with LadyMika about Giovanni's Smooth As Silk, it's light enough to detangle with and co-wash with because, like all Giovanni conditioners, it suds up a little, but it's also thick/creamy to leave in for great moisture and a little hold.

Other good Giovanni conditioners are the 50-50, and Tea Tree Oil ones. Lately I've been finding huge liter sized pump bottles of Giovanni conditioners at stores like Marshals and TJ Maxx, and the Yes to ___ Line at TJ MAxx and Ross.

As far as stylers, I really liked Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. It doesn't have any water in it, but has a great blend of herb infused oils that are really good for slicking hair down without the waxy feeling of a pomade.

When you add it to a wash 'n' go , and when your hair finally dries, it dries with so much shine and your curls will literrally be popping. I'm lucky though, because there's a Carol's Daughter store in a mall near me. You might be able to find Carol's Daughter products in a Marshall's if you don't have a CD store around you, at least that's what I've read on this forum.

Thanks for the input.

I'll DEFINITELY have to checkout Keracare. I didn't know they had a natural line! I used to use them when I was relaxed.

I recently tried Giovanni Smooth As Silk when it was on sale and I LOVE it!

Haven't used the Shea Moisture DT in a while but I'm going to repurchase (my old one got left in high heat for a long time and now it smells funny) and try it as a styler.

I also revisited the Giovanni Direct Leave In. I hadn't used it since I first BCed. It's ok. Not really impressed. But it gets the job done. I bought 2 bottles, so it will be my leeave in until I use them up.

Forgot to mention the EcoStyler gel. This gel has yet to fail me. After trying FOUR different gels ovee the last (almost) two years, this one does what I need it to and at a price that's CRAZY affordable. And I have the EIGHTY OUNCE TUB WITH THE HANDLE to prove it.

TIGI Moisture Maniac conditioner.is very good. I got my big bottle from TJ MAXX. I also was pleased with the Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey ( I got a better deal on it at an Ulta sale + coupon, but it is also available at TJ Maxx & Marshall's.)
I keep forgetting about John Freida Root Awakening Conditioner. My hair liked the strengthening formula(they usually place $2-3 dollar coupons in Sunday papers). There is also a moisturizing formula.
The Organix Conditioners are popping up everywhere. I used the shea butter and the lavender soymilk fragrances and was a serial sniffer of every other variety.
I also liked the L'Oreal Evertrong masque, Aussie Moist Hair Insurance Leave-in and Suave Ginseng & Aloe Conditioner.

Has anyone ever used Murray's loc-lock gel for twist outs ? I saw some at the dollar store and wondered how it would work. If so did you use it alone or with something else?

I'm interested in trying ORS Lock n Twist Gel. I LOVE Oyin
Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade but...I dunno.

PaganWifey wrote:I'm interested in trying ORS Lock n Twist Gel. I LOVE Oyin
Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade but...I dunno.

I've tried the ORS lock and twist gel. It's dries my hair out something terrible but gives great hold in definition. I've tried mixing it with oil and nothing helps.

How does the burnt sugar work and have you tried shine and define?

Neems wrote:

PaganWifey wrote:I'm interested in trying ORS Lock n Twist Gel. I LOVE Oyin
Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade but...I dunno.

I've tried the ORS lock and twist gel. It's dries my hair out something terrible but gives great hold in definition. I've tried mixing it with oil and nothing helps.

How does the burnt sugar work and have you tried shine and define?

Try using a moisturizer under the ORS lock and twist gel to prevent the dryness. I've used the Shea moisture deep treatment as a moisurizer to twist under the ORS which keeps the hair from becoming dry. Really great definition with the Sheamoisture and the ORS combined.

i was going to post something similar to this because I am looking for a product that will give me more definition. no matter how long I keep twist/coils in, when I un-do them they look frizzy. I have tried ORS, bee Mine curly butter, just conditioner and oil. What has given you great definition besides what i have mentioned?

Neems wrote:

PaganWifey wrote:I'm interested in trying ORS Lock n Twist Gel. I LOVE Oyin
Handmade's Burnt Sugar Pomade but...I dunno.

I've tried the ORS lock and twist gel. It's dries my hair out something terrible but gives great hold in definition. I've tried mixing it with oil and nothing helps.

How does the burnt sugar work and have you tried shine and define?

The burnt sugar works. The shine and define works but it doesn't because I have to use a moisturizer underneath that and those thick moisturizers don't really go with my locs.

I was just hoping to find something I can get in store to work. Oh well.

CrissyQ wrote:i was going to post something similar to this because I am looking for a product that will give me more definition. no matter how long I keep twist/coils in, when I un-do them they look frizzy. I have tried ORS, bee Mine curly butter, just conditioner and oil. What has given you great definition besides what i have mentioned?

I had the same problem but as my hair got longer it got better.

is it bad to use a regular conditioner as a leave-in b/c i hear alot of talk about this....

Indidiiamond wrote:is it bad to use a regular conditioner as a leave-in b/c i hear alot of talk about this....

For me personally, I like to use products the way they were intended. It's only bad if it is not working for your hair.

CrissyQ wrote:i was going to post something similar to this because I am looking for a product that will give me more definition. no matter how long I keep twist/coils in, when I un-do them they look frizzy. I have tried ORS, bee Mine curly butter, just conditioner and oil. What has given you great definition besides what i have mentioned?

tresemme curling jelly works for me. i found it at ross for about $3; you use it on damp hair. it did make my hair a little crispy the first time, so i used shea butter on top of it, and i loved the results. very good hold!

Elasta QP Creme Conditioning shampoo

VO5 Free Me Freesia conditioner