I’m very tentative about trying new products anymore. I know what works on my hair and I don’t want to cause a setback with untested products. I’m especially hesitant about shampoos and conditioners, as those can be make or break products for me. Stylers cause less difficulties. Therefore, I’m more willing to experiment with those when companies send me products to try/review.
Therefore, when I saw the sample size bottles of shampoo and conditioner that arrived in the mail last week … I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try them, especially given the state of my hair. I hadn’t washed it in two weeks and it was a rat’s nest of tangles. I’d styled it in a WnG that I bunned haphazardly and failed to re-moisturize for most of week two.
On Friday night, I pre-pooed with Aubrey GPB mixed with Vatika Oil and it took over an hour (maybe two?) and required the periodic use of scissors to cut out several untenable knots. So, when I say that I didn’t think that there would be enough of the conditioner in the four little 1 oz. sample-size conditioner bottles to detangle my hair on a good day, let alone on a day where it was a tangle-ridden, shed hair filled mess, I’m not kidding you.
But, you see, this wasn’t any random company that had sent me these products. No. They were sent by the wife of a friend of Wei’s who started a new haircare line, Bye Bye Parabens. So, I felt obligated to at least give them a go … though I did so with immense hesitation.
via Bye Bye Parabens
Bye Bye Parabens is pleased to announce the launch of its new luxury line of hair care products. The first product designed to dramatically transform natural or curly hair into soft hair with unbelievable shine, body, and bounce. Bye Bye Paraben products are also sulfate & paraben free and made from non-toxic natural and organic ingredients. Bye Bye Parabens was founded by Tracy Riggs who is an award winning international master stylist and salon owner with over 20 years experience in the hair industry. Tracy has styled the likes of Erykah Badu, Lil Kim, Mary J Blige, and Charlie Baltimore but more importantly servicing thousands of mom’s, wives, and daughters over a 20 year period. Tracy Riggs saw a need for a sulfate & paraben free hair care line that would be safe to use without sacrificing the integrity of the hair and that would achieve optimum results.
Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Methyl-2 Sulfolaurate and Disodium-2 Sulfolaurate/Cocamindopropyl Betaine, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel Seed) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-4, Citric Acid
Rosemary Mint Purifying Conditioner Ingredients:
Water, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel Seed) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Citric Acid
SEE 10/25/12 EDITOR’S RETRACTION BELOW REGARDING INGREDIENTS LIST
The Experiment
I was sent four 1 oz. sample size bottles each the Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner. I decided to start by diluting about 3/4 of the bottle of shampoo in about 6 ounces of water. My hair was in 8 twists and I shampooed the roots and then squished the suds through the length of my hair. The shampoo had a refreshing minty scent and a nice tingle. My scalp and hair felt clean, without feeling stripped. Shampooing also didn’t seem to cause any additional matting at my roots, which sometimes happens to my hair with sudsy shampoos. In fact, although I LOVE the Aubrey conditioners, the Green Tea Shampoo was not doing me any favors. Last week, I used it for a body wash because I ran out of the real stuff!! LOL!! But, anywho, I was pleased that my hair didn’t feel any worse for the wear after using the Rosemary Mint shampoo.
After rinsing, I planned to try one bottle of the purifying conditioner on one twist. I even grabbed a new bottle of HE HH from under the sink as I was prepared to need it to finish the job. I just knew that there was no way that those little sample size bottles of conditioner would provide enough product or slip to detangle my whole head. But, after I applied the conditioner to my first twist, I was like, “What’s this here now??” OMGosh!!! The slip was great!! Definitely comparable to HE HH, if not better as I didn’t seem to need to use as much!! I hopped out of the shower to tell Wei, “Color me impressed!!” LOL!! I ended up using three bottles to do my whole head. But, I think that I was a little heavy-handed with that first section and could have gotten away with two bottles if I had spread the wealth around a little more!!
Anywho, after finger detangling with the conditioner under the shower stream (so helpful!), I rinsed and applied Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Rose Conditioner to DC. I kept it in for about an hour using my Thermal Heat Wrap. Then, I cooled and sealed with diluted Aubrey Green Tea Cream Rinse and finally rinsed it all out with cold water.
Initial Thoughts
My hair felt “loverly!!” In fact, it felt so good that I didn’t even apply any leave-in conditioner! I just re-twisted it and applied a little JBCO/EVOO to the twists to seal in the water.
My hair dried quickly and the twists were so soft and plump! My God-cousin’s 30th birthday party was that evening and I simply released the twists with Wonder Curl Polishing Pomade for a fluffy twist-out.
I gotta say that I was impressed by my first experience with Bye Bye Parabens! I am glad that I gave it a try, despite my initial hesitation ;).
Conclusions
To wrap this up, I still love HE HH for the amazing slip and cheap price tag. So, I will continue to use it for henna rinsing. But, because I do like to incorporate as many natural products as I can, this may become a “go to” as a post-shampoo detangler if my next experience is as pleasant as my first one!
10/25/12 EDITOR’S RETRACTION: Last week, I received full-size bottles of Bye Bye Parabens conditioner and shampoo. I looked at the ingredients lists on the bottles and found that both the shampoo and conditioner contain the silicone DIMETHICONE and the conditioner also contains CYCLOPENTASILOXANE. The silicones are high on the ingredients lists. Based upon the lists of ingredients that were sent to me by via e-mail, I thought that these products were silicone free. They are not. So, they are not a natural alternative to HE HH and actually contain non water-suluble, build-up prone silicones versus build-up resistant cones the HE HH. That being said, this conditioner would not be a natural option or an option for those practicing the CG Method, the TCM Method or following a co-wash only regimen.
And that’s it. Oh, wait, one more thing. Because I do like to anticipate your needs, I’ll just let you know that the outfit above (it’s not a dress!! It’s a peplum top worn with the skirt that I previously showed you here) was another one that I jacked from Style Pantry!! To see Folake rocking it and find “where to buy” info, click here.
Happy Monday!!
***************************************************************************************************
Calling all reformed, pseudo-reformed or never-been-a PJs who like to stick with what they know works:
Are you willing to experiment with products? Are there any categories of products that are strictly on the “No-No” list?
hairscapades 
I havent tried anything new lately Ive been kinds slacking in the hair area. Im supprised Im not bald by now.
LikeLike
LOL! Tiffany, I’m sure you’re not treating it that badly ;). Shoot, I’m sure you’re treating it like royalty now that you’re not going to that hair school to straighten it anymore ;)!!
LikeLike
Your twist-out is VERY pretty and it looks incredibly soft…can I touch it, lol? I have actually tried L’oreal’s EverCreme conditioner and EverSleek Curl Defining Gel after watching a video review from Mahogany Curls, and to much to my surprise and excitement, I was able to get two days out of my Wash N Go for the first time ever!!!! Since wng’s are my go to style, this is definitely going to be my new go-to combo. I’m very excited! And my husband loved it, so that was a definite plus 🙂 🙂 :)!
LikeLike
I have been eye balling those products for my daughter! I may just have to give in and purchase them!
LikeLike
I haven’t tried the other products from the line, but I really like the nourishing conditioner and gel. That’s pretty much all that I have to use, I just use the conditioner as a styler and put the gel on top and I love it so far. The only thing is I wish it came in a larger size. I tend to use a good bit.
LikeLike
I want to try that whole, conditioner as styler layered under a gel for hold thing.
LikeLike
another animal print lover 🙂 I love love it!
so guess what? I have put down the HH for Dove’s Moisturizing Hair Therapy conditioner. The slip is the bomb. The same as the HH without that blue coloring….
LikeLike
Hmmm…Michelle, I’ve been looking for a replacement for the HEHH as lately I am not tolerating it well (eg itching). Thanks!
LikeLike
Well the Dove is great. I like it a lot. Pantene’s seems pretty good too. I used it to rinse out a mud pack and it had nice slip. I had a sample that I got from Fashion’s Night Out 🙂 It’s a white bottle. Not sure of the full name
LikeLike
Yeah, the blue coloring isn’t the best … really unnecessary, but I think HE likes to differentiate the different lines by color … though isolating it to the bottle would be fine. I’m intrigued by the Dove, of course. But, I just can not buy one more thing! It’s out of control up in here!!
LikeLike
Everynow I get a little ting to try something new,but then it ends up in the graveyard of products under my sink lol as far as rinse out conditioners ill try new ones as long as they are silicone free,but even with those I have my staples (garnier frutis come clean,dollar tree conditioner,sallys cure care salon conditioner)my staples are;shea butter,crisco,safflower/castor oil,aloe vera juice,olive oil spray & the mentioned conditioners.I make what I need using those,and that’s it.
LikeLike
Vannesa … DOLLAR TREE CONDITIONER!!!! Okay, DO tell!!
LikeLike
You do it too? That whole getting tired or lazy with your hair for a day or two, and just throwing it up in a bun, knowing it’s knotted like a bird’s nest? I thought it was just me! lol! Every time I do that, I get down on myself and I’m like “Shelli would never do this to her hair”!
I am definitely open to trying new products, but because I’ve found what my hair responds to, I’m not eager to try something new and waste the money on it. For example, I was thinking about trying to Cantu Shea Butter leave in, and I found it at the drugstore. Now in the past, I would have thrown it into the basket and taken it home. Now, I have to think about spending 8 dollars on a tub of something! So I looked at it, opened it up, sniffed it, put some on my skin. I figured it was a little too thick to use as a leave in, personally. It was more the consistency of a deep conditioner; I prefer for leave ins to be on the watery side. I’ve been trying to finger detangle daily and apply some sort of leave in, and I thought if I used that one daily it would be too heavy for my liking, and lead to build up. If water, aloe vera juice, and a bit of conditioner was working just fine to help me detangle and maintain moisture, why rock the boat. My time and money budgets (both of them modest 😛 ) often determine any changes in product or regimen for me.
LikeLike
LOL!! Pennie, you had me laughing with the, “Shelli would never do this to her hair!” Oh yes I would, even when I know better!! But, definitely try to not do it too often!! It sucks to deal with the consequences!!
And sounds like you have good limits!! I have price limits … but that’s about it. The quantity is my issue!! Too many products … not enough time!!
LikeLike
cute dress…did you get it online? I am slightly obsessed with animal print and peplums at the moment…
LikeLike
Yup, but it’s a skirt and top … the link to Style Pantry, with the links to online shops, is in my post. Yeah … I’ve been obsessed with leopard for a while now. Peplums is going to become a new one though, I think :)!
LikeLike
I NEED THAT LEOPARD DRESS!!!! You look amazing in it 🙂 And yes Im willing to try some new products but {not always} based off of what people say. Ive heard ppl rave about a product then I go buy it and it falls short of my expectations. I try not to jump on the band wagon so to speak. I use discretion when trying new things but I do try them. Now if I see a hair guru with my “type” of curl pattern then im more likely to try the product they’ve raved about.
LikeLike
LOL!! I know you already know that it’s a skirt and top. I hope that you can get them! I love the look and the skirt fits wonderfully!! As to products, those are good criteria too. Unfortunately for me, I’m too often swayed by a pretty bottle and the promise of enhanced curls and/or volume!! LOL!! Also, I’m getting gifted more stuff to try … so the deliveries have been a little out of control around here lately and product is sitting around all over the house!!
LikeLike
My budget, my budget..and my neurotic ways keep me from trying new stuff. My husband loves this part of my personality, his wallet is happy. But my holy grail items came because of trial and error (not really, somewhat). I research everything to an inch of its death, buy it and try it. Love it, and I refuse to let it go. But I have been researching As I Am Coconut Co- Wash, we will see…but first I have to research it to death…
LikeLike
LOL!!!! Nothing wrong with being frugal, budget-conscious and research oriented RazzyYazzy!! In fact, I love that ;)!! Let me know how the co-wash works for you as I’ve been wondering and reading about that one for a while too myself. If I recall correctly though, I’ve heard mixed reviews. That and the price have kept my dollars in my pocket on that one.
LikeLike
If I had some length, I would use the HEHH, but because I’m just past the TWA awkward stage, I find that ‘cones leave my hair feeling stiff and dry. I just don’t get the “high” that others experience – you know what I mean? So, it’s “Just Say No” to ‘cones for now.
Now seriously, if someone would invent a super-slippery cone-free detangler I would buy it! Right now I’m using Kinky Curly Knot Today, and even with that in my regimen, I’m seeing some (needle eye) mid-strand splits. A 4c curly girl just needs a break – and not in her hair.
If someone invents that ‘better mousetrap’, the natural world would beat a path to their door!
LikeLike
Truth, maybe you could try adding some oil to you KCKT to enhance slip? The slip in the Bye Bye Parabens was great and it’s silicone free (I’m updating the post with the full ingredients list!).
LikeLike
Ummm yea I pretty much love the ‘do but Im even more in love with the outfit!! I cannot order it because I believe its by invite only on the website!!! Is this true??? Please help me!!!
LikeLike
Nikita, which site do you mean? None of them are by invitation, so I’m wondering where you were directed? The link above is to Style Pantry’s fashion blog and within it are the links to where to buy: the skirt is on Wallisfashion.com (but I think it sold out, unless they’ve restocked); The top is on Asos. In regard to the skirt, if Wallis is sold out, if you go to the older posts on Style Pantry, she previously posted this skirt and provided links to similar skirts. HTH!
LikeLike
Pingback: Mommy & Me Recap « hairscapades
Pingback: Bye Bye Parabens: Free Samples « hairscapades
Shelli Where do you find this Vatika oil you talk about so much? Coconut oil can tend to be a little heavy on my hair so Im looking for another option. I am wanting to experiment with different oils.
LikeLike
Hey Deanna, I get my Vatika oil from my local Indian grocer (Patel Brothers). But, you can also buy it online if you don’t have an Indian grocery store in your area. Amazon carries it, but so do a lot of other sites. Check out, “I Found it Cheaper” under the home tab and I provide links to various retailers: https://hairscapades.com/i-found-it-cheaper/
And as to coconut being too heavy for your hair, do you mean as a pre-poo? I don’t use it to seal because I found it makes my hair hard/crispy. But, I LOVE it in my pre-poos.
LikeLike
That last post is from Deanna I need to sign up so you know who I be! LOL
LikeLike
LOL!!
LikeLike
Pingback: Bunning Challenge: Week One Buns « hairscapades
Pingback: Wallis Fashion 30% off EVERYTHING Flash Event « hairscapades