Product Review : Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo and Conditioner

I recently went through a period where my curls weren't looking as clean and fresh as they had been. I'd been using the same products for quite some time, the weather was changing, and I decided it was time to experiment.

Since I've been using almost exclusively natural products for ethnic hair, I decided to try Cantu. These products are extremely inexpensive, smell fantastic, and can be purchased easily online and in many local drugstores.

I switched my regular co-wash for Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo and my regular conditioner with Cantu Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner.

First up, the shampoo: I was very impressed with this product. One of the things I miss when I co-wash is the lather. I still have excellent curls and soft hair, but sometimes you want some suds, right? This shampoo has sufficient lather without stripping hair, and I cannot get over how great it smells. It's WONDERFUL. I does give a little bit of that "squeaky clean" feeling that I'm not super crazy about but I didn't need to use much and it got the job done.

Next, the conditioner: This conditioner is very thick and also has the great coco butter smell of the shampoo. I combed it through my hair and let it sit for the rest of my shower. It rinses out clean and kept my hair feeling soft. I finished up with my go-to leave-in conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today.

A month later, I'm still using these products. I recommend waiting at least 2-3 days between shampoos to avoid dry-feeling curls and maybe sub in a co-wash in between uses. Overall, I think these will be the winter products I use most. Can't beat the price and I got some great results! 

Have you ever used Cantu products? What are your thoughts?

4 Summer Curly Girl Tips

Hello, Curly Girls!

Technically, it's still Spring, but the temperature in my car today registered a whopping 103 degrees! Changes in weather and humidity can wreak havoc on your curl routine. Products that worked in the fall and winter months can cause your curls to fall flat or frizz in the heat. Here are some tips that have helped me beat the heat:

1) Less is More.

In the winter, I need more products and more moisture. As temperatures rise, simplify your routine. Stick to a Co-wash, leave-in conditioner and if you can get by with one styling product, do it. Even natural products and weigh hair down or flatten curls in high humidity. My 3-product summer routine?

Step 1: Co-Wash with As I Am Coconut Co-Wash

Step 2: Rinse Co-Was and comb As I Am Leave-In Conditioner through hair with fingers.

Step 3: Style with Kinky Curly Curling Custard and dry with diffuser.

2) Sweaty? Try A Scalp Scrub!

Whether or not you spend a lot of time outside, we sweat more in the summer. Remember that curls need moisture, and even co-washing can strip it if done daily. A scalp wash is a quick way to feel refreshed without wrecking your curls and stripping them of moisture. Simply pull your hair into a high ponytail or put on a shower cap, then use a small amount of co-wash or sulfate-free shampoo and scrub ONLY your scalp, then rinse. I use this on gym days year round and it keeps the length of my hair looking fantastic. 

XL Waterproof Shower Cap

3) Refresh Daily.

Every morning, it's good to spray your curls down with some curl refresher spray. There are many you can purchase, but I prefer to make my own using essential oils. Simply add some tap water to a GLASS spray bottle (you shouldn't use plastic if using real essential oils) and add about 15 drops of lavender oil. Spraying your hair down with this mix and then using a diffuser will give new life to curls without damage AND make them smell fantastic! You can also reapply a small amount of product for hold if you'd like.

Set of 2 glass spray bottles for essential oils

4) Protect Your Pony.

Warm weather means pulling hair up in a ponytail or bun. Do not underestimate the damage ponytail holders can cause to curls. One of my all-time favorite products right now are spiral ponytail holders. They don't look like much, but the coil shape allows hair to be held in place without pulling on the scalp or crushing curls. Since I started using these, I no longer use conventional ponytail holders. They are amazing!

Spiral Ponytail Holders by Kitsch

When it comes to Summer, there are plenty of ways to love your curls! Many of us get frustrated and do a big CHOP, but you don't have to. These simple tips will allow your to get through these crazy humid months and still have people asking "How do you get your hair to look so great in this heat?" 

In fact, I just had someone ask me today. :)

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