My pal Patrice at Afrobella made sure that I heard about Curls Unleashed - and I'm glad she did! The makers of Organic Root Stimulator participated in a series of events during New York Fashion Week last month and Patrice made sure that I was invited. Sadly for me, I wasn't able to stay very long at either event - but I was lucky enough to get my hands on the entire product line to review.
The timing could not have been more perfect. I was literally out of all of my usual staples (which I am bored with anyway) and I was ready to make a trip to Ricky's to replenish. With the exception of the mousse (which is made for looser, curly textures - I passed that on to my youngest sister) I tried every product in the line, from start to finish.
I began with the Lavish in Lather Sulfate Free Shampoo ($10.99) which effectively removed the product in my hair without stripping it and making it feel like straw. In fact, it was kind of soft. I followed with the No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner ($14.99) which moisturized my hair very well and softened it hair even more, even though I only left it on for a few minutes. In subsequent uses, I have left it on for up to an hour, but it works well either way. I'm a conditioner hog, so I really need to watch how much product I am using and when I saw that my jar was getting low very fast, I started using less product and had the same result.
Sulfate shampoos and conditioners aren't really an issue because I find that several brands work well for me. The real test for me is with styling and moisturizing products. The ones that worked best for me in the past are just out of my current price range, so I haven't used them in a while. The cheaper products I've been using have been just... okay, so, I wasn't expecting much when I tried the Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly ($14.99). The promise is crunchless curl definition and, lucky me, it delivered - no flakes, no crunch and my hair wasn't dull for once. It even provided a bit of moisture even before I applied the Take Command Curl Defining Creme($14.99) It looked white when I applied it the first time and I was concerned about it drying that way but it didn't and, again - no flakes.
Throughout the day, I find that my hair remains soft and when I revive it the next day with the Second Chance Curl Refresher ($12.99), all is still well - no flakes, hardness or dullness. I haven't been this pleased with (nearly) an entire line of products in a long time. A very long time. I have yet to see them in any of the drugstores that I frequent in New York and New Jersey, so I will be visiting Sally Beauty Supply online to replenish when I'm ready. Highly recommended.
Curls Unleashed, $10.99 to $14.99, curlsunleashed.com and sallybeauty.com.
My eye always goes to the artwork. I'm not an artist but I'm always attracted to the packaging. These "Curls Unleased" products that shows a curly headed featureless model is great. I love the artwork. It inspires me! Go figure.
Posted by: Diane Clark | 2012.03.06 at 06:56 PM