I was totally excited when Natural Nigerian's leave-in conditioner was launched into the Nigerian market. NN's leave-in has been able to solve two big hair problems for me:
- I don't have to wait for my friends/family to travel before I can get an affordable leave in conditioner that works for my natural hair and
- I don't have to pay double for a leave in conditioner. Most of the leave-in conditioners that find their way into Nigeria are hard to find and can be very expensive.
CLAIMS
- Nourishes, fortifies and moisturizes hair.
- "Natural Nigerian Moisture and Shine detangling leave in conditioner is a light weight , pH balnaced conditioner which can be used to detangle as well as improve the general manageability of your hair."
- It contains plant derived active ingredients.
- Contains high performance moisturizers.
- Protects hair from heat .
INGREDIENTS
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, coconut oil, glycerine, hydrogenated olive oil, shea butter, olea europaea (olive oil), citrus aurantium dulcis(orange peel oil) e.t.c
FIRST IMPRESSION
After reading the ingredients and recognising some as being suitable for my hair, I opened the bottle and the first thing that hit me was the yummy citrusy fragrance. The smell reminded me one of my favourites; citrus cake. I poured a bit on my palm and noticed that the consistency was light...hmmm....this girl is used to thick conditioners oh. Well, there's always a first time.
THE INTRODUCTION: NN LEAVE-IN & MY MANE
To get the best results, I washed my hair and did a deep conditioning treatment. After rinsing off the deep conditioner, I was too tired to do the usual detangle, smooth and layer products on my hair. So I applied some leave in, detangled, smoothed my hair and then braided it for the night. By the next morning, my hair was dry and felt very soft after take down. Okay:).Since my hair felt soft and moisturised I decided to do without olive or coconut oil. After day 3, I took down the braids and noticed that my hair had begun to feel dry so I applied some more NN leave-in conditioner in place of water and immediately I felt a difference. (see pic. below)
MY DIRECTIONS FOR USE
- Apply the product immediately after washing. smooth product on hair strands and apply very little coconut oil or shea butter afterwards. Or
- Apply the product immediately after washing and braid. The next day, apply very little coconut oil or shea butter for added shine and manageability.
Dry Hair?
- Put some water in a spritz bottle, pour in some of the product and shake.
- Working in section, spray on some of your mix, smooth hair, apply some butter or light oil (sealant) and braid.
My hair after moisturising using NN leave-in condish
After carrying those braids for 3 weeks (covers face), I used the leave-in to detangle hair. I couldn't wash the hair immediately because my scalp felt sore so I braided hair and let it be for 2 days (pic to the right)
Styling?
 |
| ...this. Frizzlove |
- Put hair in a bun, smooth very little amount of the product on your hair, and tie with a satin scarf. Proceed to do prepare for the day. After some minutes take down scarf and rock your smooth , curly fro.
NOTE: If you have tight curls like mine and do not like frizzy hair, you might want to follow up that with a gel. I like the frizzy look so I go without. Hair ends up looking something like....
PROS
- The leave-in's consistency is light: I don't think anyone (at least I know I don't) enjoys the hours and days it takes to air dry natural hair so this product should be great for naturals with long/full hair. The lighter the product the less time it takes to dry your hair.
- The fragrance is awesome: I just love how the leave in leaves my hair smelling fruity.
- The product can be used without using oils: If you are one of those lazy naturals (like myself) who gets tired of layering product after product just to get soft manageable natural hair, then this product is for you.
- Because the product contains oils and butters like shea butter, a little goes a long way. Too much and your hair would feel slippery and oily. Applying too much oils after using the leave in to seal in mositure would give you the same oily result. This is a plus as you would be able to save your oils and butters.
- Detangling: The leave in was also able to deliver on this promise. Dry hair? Apply some of the leave in to your hair (in sections) and detangle using a comb or your fingers and the tangles would come apart.
CONS
Although I did not pay for mine, I gats recognise that the leave-in is slightly pricey.Trust me when I say I understand how difficult it might be for some of us students, job seekers and frugal people to pay N2500 for a bottle of conditioner. But I think that if one uses the product in moderation, a bottle can last for a whole semester. I got mine in July and between my 2 sisters and I, that leave-in has survived more than 3 wash days (each). And guess what, I still have more than a quarter of the bottle left. Remember moderation is KEY.
On the left is the amount of coconut oil I use to NN leave- in conditioner per section.
Please note that I use very little product because I can't stand oily hair. If this is too little find the quantity that works for you.
Have you used the Natural Nigerian leave-in conditioner? If yes, please share your experience below.Please note that I use very little product because I can't stand oily hair. If this is too little find the quantity that works for you.
