Category Archives: Reviews

May18

Coconut Milk Pre-Poo

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coconut_milk

A couple of weeks ago, I was fudging around on YouTube and came across this two part series on using coconut milk as a hair treatment. I was immediately intrigued for two reasons. First, I love me some coconut oil! DON’T NOBODY better say nothin’ bad about COCONUT OIL. ‘Cuz that’s when Bonita goes OFF!! *teehee* Second, the YouTuber’s hair is RIDIC!! I mean, long as all get out and so healthy looking without a broken strand visible to the naked eye (whereas I have a ton from a rough, dry winter :( )!! Now, I know her hair is not curly, kinky, or coily. However, I have always believed that we can learn things from a variety of sources and different textures/ethnicities as so many of the practices that promote healthy hair are the same, regardless of race/texture/hair type (i.e. moisture, protein, protection). And, given the benefits of coconut oil (did you see this recent article on CurlyNikki about the amazing penetrating capabilities of coconut oil?!?!?) and how great it works for me, I figured coconut milk (which has coconut oil in it) might be just as awesome.

via BeautyKLove

Part I: Extracting Coconut Milk

Part II: Applying Coconut Milk

Now, though I love the IDEA of using fresh coconut milk, #aintnobodygottimeforthat.  *LOL* So, I broke out  a can of coconut milk that I had in the cabinet. I had picked up a couple of cans a long time ago for a post-wash avocado/coconut milk/honey DC that didn’t work out too well (made my hair hard). But, I was ready to give this new use of it a go! However, first, I decided to research a little more to see if I could find naturals who had used coconut milk with success. And, I just so happened to come across these posts by my virtual curlfriend, Petra/Emily CottonTop: Coconut Milk Deep Condition and Results – Coconut Milk Pre-Poo.  In these posts, Petra shares a pre-poo recipe:

The recipe
Coconut Milk  – 4 tablespoons
Honey -2 tablespoon
3 of Your Favorite oils – 1 tablespoon each

… and her awesome results. I was sold!

So, I whipped up a batch of coconut-milk with Vatika Oil and EVOO, using only two tablespoons of oil instead of three. I heated the mix and applied to my dry dirty hair. Then I donned a plastic cap and my thermal heat turban for about an hour. I will say that the application process was messy and a bit sticky. But, my wash process went very smoothly and my hair felt stronger, moisturized and my twists were so plump, juicy and shiny!

Coconut milk from the can.
Dried twists.
Dried Twists
Work-out hair.
Work hair for Mon-Thursday.
Day 5 hair: twist-out.

So, this past weekend, I made a coconut milk pre-poo again with the leftovers from the prior week. This time, I added some Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose conditioner (I was hoping that it would thicken the mix, but it didn’t really) and applied and massaged plain, warmed coconut milk into my scalp too. Though the application process was still a little messy (I think I’ll use a small dye applicator bottle in the future), I had great results again. So, I’m really thinking this will become a staple in my regimen!! I will keep an eye on my hair to make certain that the coconut milk doesn’t begin to make it feel hard or brittle (due to the protein content). If it does, I will reduce the frequency of the treatment.

Finally, I don’t use much coconut milk for the treatment and it only keeps in the fridge for about two weeks it seems. So, I was worried about spoilage and wasting it. Fortunately for me, I discovered that it can be frozen into ice cubes to form convenient “serving sizes” for future use!!!

coconutmilkicecubes

So yeah, all engines are a go!! Coconut milk pre-poo treatments are my new boo!! Time will tell if it results in strands as long, seemingly perfectly uniform in length, and unbroken as that YouTuber!! One can only hope ;) !!

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Do you use coconut milk in your regimen? If so, what’s your recipe and process? How often do you use it? What benefits to you see from using it?

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May7

EboniCurls Ebonnet Giveaway!!!

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AWWWWWWW SOOKIE SOOKIE NOW!!!! As if the 15% discount code wasn’t awesome enough … that’s right!!! Eboni is donating TWO EboniCurls 4-piece Ebonnet sets for a HAIRSCAPADES GIVEAWAY!!! This just gets better and better!!

Want your chance to win a red or chocolate Cheetah Dreams set, which includes a double-lined Ebonnet, contrast pillowcase and TWO scrunchies? Well here’s all that you have to do!!!

  1. Follow Hairscapades.com →→→→→→→→.
  2. Like EboniCurls of Facebook.
  3. Comment below to confirm when you’ve done both AND, in honor of Mother’s Day, tell us why your mom rocks and/or why you’re a rocking mom ;) !!

All subscribers, old and new, are eligible!! Just make certain to Follow, Like, and Comment as instructed above!!

A winner will be selected at random within the week following the close of the giveaway!

The deadline for entry is Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th, at 11:59 pm.

EboniCurlslogo

*No purchase necessary. A winner will be selected at random the week following the close of the giveaway. In accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges that Hairscapades.com may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws. Contest open to Continental U.S. residents only. One entry per person. Claiming of prizes requires an e-mail response to hairscapades@gmail.com from the winner within 5 days of being notified of winning. Failure to respond shall mean that the winner forfeits the prize and an alternate winner will be selected.

May6

EboniCurls Ebonnet 15% Discount Code

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It’s been a while since we’ve had a discount code around here!! So, why not bring it back with one of the most popular giveaway items that I’ve every shared, the EboniCurls Ebonnet!! (I know some of you have been eagerly awaiting this. ;) ). From now until Mother’s Day (11:59 pm, 5/12/13), get 15% off of all EboniDreams Ebonnets at EboniCurls.com!!!! Wondering what’s so awesome about these bonnets? Then check out my review here: EboniCurls Ebonnets Review.

Just enter coupon code HAIRSCAPADES15 at checkout (excludes S&H) to get 15% off of as many bonnets as you’d like (1 for you, 1 for sis, 1 for your bestie, 1 for mom of course!!)!! Have at it!!

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For up-to-the-minute news on restocking dates, new designs and prints, Like EboniCurls on Facebook!!

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May1

Overnight Maintenance: Wrapping Curls?

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Over the course of the last month or so, I’ve been seeing videos of ladies using wrapping techniques to achieve heat-free, “blown-out,” natural hair. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I came across this video by Naptural85 using wrapping to maintain smooth, stretched curls overnight!

via Naptural85

Hmmmmm … interesting!! Wrapped curly hair!! Who woulda thunk?! *lol* Anywho, I had been loving the results from re-twisting/braiding my hair at night (I was getting great multi-day hair), but my strands were NOT loving the daily manipulation. So, I decided to try the wrapping technique to achieve good day two hair from the dry twist-out I’d done with Cantu leave-in and Eco Styler gel (here).

And the results:

cantutwistoutday1_2 wrapresults_1

Not bad!! By the end of the first day, my hair had frizzed and poofed just like Naptural85′s. The wrapping technique worked to smooth and calm the frizz, just like it did for her. But, the thing is, it really did stretch my hair more than I would want on day two. So, I didn’t do it again after that first night. I find that loosely bunning my hair overnight helps tame the frizz and preserve the curls, with some stretching, but not as much as seen with wrapping. Therefore, I don’t think that this will become a “go to” overnight maintenance technique for me. But, I’ll keep it in my back pocket for days where I want to achieve stretched and controlled curls! And for those seeking ways to stretch their curly styles, this may be just the ticket!!

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Have you tried wrapping your curly natural styles? If so, how did it work out for you?

Apr30

A Dry Twist Out with Cantu

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Yeah … this is way overdue. So, a couple of weeks ago, I teased the results of using a new product to style. As you’ve probably already guessed by the title (or know from IG and/or Facebook), that product was Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream!! I had been hearing about the awesomeness that is Cantu for a couple of years now, but had repressed my inner PJ and never bought it … that is, until I saw the GORGEOUS braid and twist-out results that the fabulous Shaniece (aka PGneiicey of YouTube) was getting using it!! Now, I know … 90% of those results are due to the fact that her hair is stinkin’ AMAZE-A-BALLS. But, you know, that never stops a PJ.

So, yeah … when Wei and I stopped at Target a couple of weeks ago and were perusing the hair care/body care aisles in search of some Shea Moisture Body Wash for him, I saw the Cantu. And I snagged the Cantu (along with a jar of SM Raw Shea Restorative Mask … had to restock).

Here’s a little information about the Cantu leave-in:

via NaturallyCurly.com

Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream is an intensive deep penetrating leave in cream conditioning treatment that is made with pure shea butter and other natural oils to stop and mend breakage, repair split ends, and add manageability and shine with every application.
Product Attributes: moisture, shine, detangling, frizz control, anti-humectant

Ingredients
Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean), Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium 37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PPG 1 Trideceth 6, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Panthenol, PPG 1-PPG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Lanolin Oil, Cinnamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Benzophenone 3, BHA, BHT, Zea Mays Oil (Corn), Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, DMDM Hydantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
Ingredient Attributes: sulfate free, paraben free

So, later that night, I decided that I wanted to try a dry twist-out with my newest acquisition. First, I finger detangled my dry, 8 day old twist-out (which was still looking pretty good, if I must do say so myself) …

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Then, I set my hair in an 8 twist, dry twist-out with a combo of Cantu leave-in and Eco Styler Olive Oil gel …

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cantu3cantu11

The next morning I released to some pretty awesome results!

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My hair was shiny, defined, light (not “producty” or greasy at all), and flake-free (seems some have had that problem with Cantu/gel combos). So, I was very pleased with the results!!

Tomorrow … Overnight Maintenance: A New Bedtime Technique and Day 2 hair!

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 Have you tried/do you use Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner? How did/do you use it? How did/do you like it?

Mar6

Shea Butter v. African Butter

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sheabutter1

I don’t use shea butter a lot, but it is a natural product that I incorporate into my hair regimen in a couple of ways. When I first started experimenting with it in 2010, I found it was too heavy and waxy to use as a sealer for my ends. It just sat on top of my hair like wax and made it look dull and ashy. Coincidentally enough, it just sat on top of my skin as well. My skin would be shiny …and  it would just come off on my clothes and chairs!!! So, I started using shea butter by mixing it with Eco Styler Olive Oil gel to smooth and control my edges. And, it works great for me using it that way.

Thanksgivingbun1

I also include it in my coconut oil whip that I use mostly for my hair now (it wasn’t doing much for my skin, which had become more and more miserably dry and cracked with natural remedies … had to go back to the old school stuff with water and parabens!! But, I haven’t given up on natural entirely yet. Just haven’t had time to research a new “formula!).

Anywho, above is the shea butter that I use. Nothing special … no name brand. Just “Raw African Shea Butter.” Wei picks it up for me from the vendors in Harlem!! It says 100% natural … but, doesn’t say 100% raw shea butter … so who’s to say if it is? BUT, I think it is shea butter because it’s off white and very solid. Some “shea butter” that is sold is yellow/amber in color and the reason I’m writing this is to share that yellow “shea” may not actually be shea butter. A couple of years ago, I watched a YouTube video by DuchessGabrielle wherein she shared that the yellow butter is from a different tree and is actually called African butter. She explained that both butters are beneficial, but that they are not the same. So, just wanted to share her videos on shea butter and African butter for those of you who are interested in knowing the differences between the two and the benefits!

duchessgabrielle_sheabutter

Shea Butter 101: Off-White Shea Butter

Shea Butter 102: Yellow Shea Butter

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Do you use “shea butter?” If so, which one do you use, off-white or yellow, and how do you use it? If you use both, do you see any differences?

Feb14

Caramel Treatment: A Natural Hair Softener/Curl Loosener?

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Pouring-Caramel-Sauce-iStockSource

 

I often get asked about whether there are any natural hair softeners/curl looseners options for natural hair and if henna is a good choice. Although henna may loosen some curls, it can be hit or miss and seems largely dependent on the thickness of the hair strand and the existing curl formation. Henna tends to loosen the curls of those who don’t want loosening! It’s also a time-consuming process and essentially permanent, so it’s not for the faint of heart! *lol* Finally, if not done right, henna can cause damage and so I always suggest that anyone interested in trying it do their research before making the leap (I read everything I could on henna for 2 months before finally deciding to try it).

That being said, when I was in the NC.com Curly Nikki Presents Kim Coles’ Grow Out Challenge (whew … that never gets easier to write!), I read a rave review about a natural hair softener/curl loosener. The young lady called it a caramel treatment. This treatment was generally made with molasses (which gives it the caramel color and consistency – hence the “caramel” moniker), honey, banana baby food and oils, but there are variations on the recipe that can be found online.

Now, the old GOC blogs are very hard to find (I just was able to dig up a valid link to my old blog, Waist Length or Bust, last night). So, I wasn’t able to find the GOC blog or post about the treatment yet. But I did find this good article on Black Hair Information: The Caramel Treatment- A Natural Hair Softener.

As I wasn’t interested in hair softening or curl loosening (shoot! I was over-conditioned at the time and ever in search something to make my curls tighter!), I never tried it. But, I did “lock it in the vaults” as I knew it was good information and might be helpful to someone. And, since I recently got asked about natural curl softeners/looseners, I figured the time to open the vaults was now :) .

That being said, here is a video demonstrating how to make a caramel treatment that might be helpful to those of you interested in trying it!

via LadyTeola

Now, it wouldn’t be right of me to share this and not tell you about an article that I found by WestNDNBeauty on Confessions of a Blog Vixen that said that it was a waste of perfectly good banana baby food!! So, guess it doesn’t work for everyone. But, given that the ingredients are pretty easy to find and inexpensive, I figured that some might want to give it a try to come to their own conclusion!!

HTH!

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Have you ever tried/do you use caramel treatments? If so, what’s your recipe and what are the benefits?

Feb13

Product Review: Shea Moisture Stuff

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IMG_7959by Weusi

Today, I decided to try my hand at writing a few product reviews. I can’t get all hair-nerd like and break down the ingredients, slippage, porosity, alkaline balance and explain my preparation. All I can really say is either I like or dislike things. Here I go anyway …

Do you remember about a month ago when I went to that Shea Moisture pop up shop hosted by Jor-El aka Mane Man? (If you missed it, you can check out the post here.) I was proud of myself for being able to pick out at least one thing that I KNEW Shelli liked, because in my interviews, so many S.O.’s don’t know anything about what products their mate uses. While a part of me was proud, at the same time, I was a little embaressed that I could only pick one thing. I knew she had a few Shea Moisture products around, but I only recognized one as something she liked and uses. For real, there were so many products to choose from.

Weusi and Jor-El of Mane Man Blog

As I awaited a text from Shelli to find out what else she wanted, I looked at some of the things in the men’s line of products. Y’all know me a little by now … I am not one who usually takes notice of what my hair looks or physically feels like. I don’t style my hair. I could care less about my hair. I just have to feel comfortable. If Shelli says I look ok … I am ok. I know what I like. I like to wash and go. But I also know my skill set and expertise. So … I asked Jor-El and some of the shop staff what they might suggest. I respect Jor-El so much that I made purchases based soley on his recomendation. But it took a few weeks for me to actually try anything.

Why do I even mention that it took a while to use the products? The answer is that these entries are suppossed to give you some insight into the mind of an S.O. So, here is a peek into my mind … I think that I felt a little awkward because I actually spent some money on a “MEN’S PRODUCT.” What? Why does this matter? Wow … y’all have so many questions. I am glad that you asked. Let me tell you …

My circle of male friends and professional colleagues span diverse demographics. ALL of us like nice things. ALL of us like feelling comfortable. Yet, even those self-admitted metro sexuals feel “somekindaway” about making that initial purchase of a product that we know is marketed to us because we are a male and like nice things. We are even funny about using those products when they are gifted to us.

I am sure that you have heard the various sayings about men being wired so that their thoughts are led by logic and not sensitivity. This is one of those times where that logic is supported. Many times we want things to fullfill a function. Toothpaste … cleans teeth. Lotion … keeps you from being ashey and women laughig at you because they think that you are trifflin’. Soap … keeps your body clean. Shampoo cleans your hair … and sometimes makes it smell different. I’m just sayin’ … this is how we often think. Anyway …

I picked up the Moisture Retention Shampoo, because every once in a while I am reminded by Shelli that my quaff is looking a little dry. (Thank you my love … I think?!?) After it sat in a corner of the shower for a few weeks (You’ve seen pictures of Shelli’s PJ collection. You know I didn’t need it!), I tried it.

SM Raw Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo

Cool lather. The bottle dispersed an appropriate amount. Smell was ok … natural and neutral. Then … got out the shower and touched it, and there are a few things that stood out. One was that it really felt like my natural curl pattern. The second thing I noticed is that after it dried, it looked hydrated and healthy. (Haha … I’m impressed with myself that I can even knowledgeably speak about my 4Aish mixed texture curl pattern and what healthy hair looks like!) I think that I like this stuff. Honesly, I can’t say that I like it better than anything else, because I’ve never really payed attention to the differences between shampoos. Meh!?! But I can say that I like this and will be claiming it as MY SHAMPOO and everything else has to beat it!

shea moisture conditioner

About a week later I tried the Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner that Shelli had under the bathroom sink. All I am saying is about this is … I went out of town on business and one of the first comments I had was about how Shelli has my hair all soft and sexy looking! I let them know it was also in part due to my new Shea Moisture prodicts but … yeah, I gotta give Shelli her credit.

Jor-El also suggested that I try the Three Butters Wash & Scrub. He gave it the highest praise. Honestly, in my mind, I was like, “This is soap. OK … body wash. It cleans your bod. It’s cool that it’s all natural, but all that really matters is that it gets me clean.” Again it had been sitting there for about a week and I hadn’t tried it …

shea moisture bodywash

Now, I’m in the shower. I read the ingredients. “It really is like … all natural.” I take a little whiff. “Hmm … It doesn’t smell all earthy like dirt and mixed nuts.” Then … a nice little dollop was all it took. A good lather and in the end … I felt clean! “It works for me!” THEN, after using it for about a week, Shelli and I are snuggled up and (in my mind) she touches my shoulder and says something like, “Your skin is so soft and sexy.” In my head, I freaked out! I wanted to jump up and go buy a case of the stuff! But instead, I played it cool and told her how much I liked the Shea Moisture Wash & Scrub. SO …

Hairscapadians: Get this for your S.O. and then enjoy touchin’ on em!

Significant Others: If you’re reading this, go order some … and get touched!

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As I am writing this, I am traveling home after working in DC for a week … and I just realized that I forgot my Wash & Scrub in DC!

*NOTE: If anyone from Shea Moisture is reading this, PLEASE contact Shelli on where to send me stuff! Imma fan! And look at how beautiful Shelli is … I need help to keep up! Send it immediately! I want to show Shelli that I wash more than my shoulders! What? My arms are sexy too! ;-)

SHiNE

Feb9

Shea Moisture Hair Color System: Takers?

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Okay, so I just posted this on Facebook and had to do it here too!! Who’s planning on trying the new Shea Moisture hair color line?!?!?! You know I’m a henna head, so I “can’t.” But, I am so intrigued!! What color do you want to try?!?! I need someone to send in a review of this (with pics of course)!!! *lol*

(p.s. How DOPE is the artwork on these?!?! What a brilliant marketing move!! These will SOOOOO stand out on the hair color shelves!! Just so eye catching!!)

My girl Gina just shared this video review with me, so I’m returning the favor, even though I haven’t finished watching it yet either!!

via BeeUtifullyMade

Okay, can I say that I thought the $14.99 price point was a little high until I saw the nice sized Raw Shea Moisture shampoo, conditioner and restorative elixir enclosed!! NICE!!!

On another note, DANG!! That was a lot of hair she cut for that “strand test!” “Strand?” That’s singular. That was a hunk!! All they getting out of me is some shed hair from the trash can!! LMBO!!

Okay, let me finish watching this!! LOL!!

Feb7

Blensblend 100% Silk Bonnet Review

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As some of you may know, in my early natural years, I came up with the idea of wearing a half-slip as a “bonnet” to accommodate my down and out hair. I’d put the waist around my head and cinch the bottom of the slip closed with a rubberband. I showed this to you all in A Bonnet for Every Occasion, but here it is again in case you forgot or missed it ;) .

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Fast forward to three or four years ago. I thought about making a real bonnet that accomplished the same thing by buying silk and/or satin fabric and creating the “funnel” with drawstring closures at both ends. Even told my bestie about it and how I thought it really fit a need in the marke. Never did anything.

So, imagine my surprise when I was perusing pics in my Instagram news feed a few months ago and saw this post by MyHairFestish.

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“My journey has always been about sharing. So it’s only fair that I share with you what I love this week. If you’re looking for great bonnet please check her out” (sic)

DANG!!!! This silk bonnet by Blensblend ($27 for extra large) is the incarnation of an idea I had several years ago, but never executed! So, of course I started asking all kinds of questions and MyHairFetish appeased my curiosity and expressed her satisfaction by creating this video review!!

via MyHairFetish

(Skip to 5:12 if you just want to see the demo and review of the bonnet :) .)

Well, of course I had to get one. I love my EboniCurls Ebonnet, which is super large and helps my hair retain moisture, bit it has no “hang time.” So, if I try to wear my hair down in it, I end up with a mushed, tangled mess with flattened and crooked curls. And, a pineapple with a scarf and/or bonnet has also never worked too well for me due to my straight nape. So, I would try the pocket bonnet like My Hair Fetish demoed in the video (but that would compress my hair too much) or revert to the slip solution.

But now, I have the Blensblend silk bonnet and have been wearing it for about a month and it is working really well!! It does sometimes slip off at night, but I think it’s because I should probably tie the hidden elastic tighter. And, I just haven’t gotten around to it.

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Here is my Day 2 braid-out from yesterday after wearing the bonnet overnight.

BnC_day2_collageNot bad, right? 

Final Thoughts
So yeah, I’m very pleased with my purchase! I’d give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5!!

The reason I gave it 4 1/2 stars out of 5 is because I could use one that is even longer to fit my hair now and as it continues to get longer *fingers crossed*. And, when I ordered this bonnet, the extra large was the biggest one available. But, when I checked the site last night, they have a new SPECIAL ORDER bonnet in 30 inches that you can get made custom for $33.10!! Ummmm, yeah, I think I found my birthday gift to me!!! And finally, though I think this bonnet is great, I do have a couple ideas about what could make it even better. So, maybe you’ll see Hairscapades silk bonnets for sale yet!! ;)

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Have you found a bonnet that works perfectly for your hair? Do you have different bonnets/scarves for different hairstyles?