| The Long & Luxe Collection from As I Am was designed to aid in growth and length retention. |
Y'all already know I'm on a length retention mission. Now that my hair is restored to health (Hallelujah!), I'm focusing all my energy on maximizing growth and retaining every inch that I can.
That's why I was so eager to get my hands on the Long and Luxe collection, the newest set of products from As I Am. This collection, made specifically for type 3 and 4 hair, is all about helping naturals retain length by strengthening and lubricating the hair to prevent knots, tangles, snags, and breakage.
Right. Up. My. Alley.
Over the next two posts, I'm going to deep dive and break down each product, and share how I used Long and Luxe to create two easy, cold weather friendly natural hair styles perfect for the holidays. I'll also be sharing which products are absolute must-haves for my stash!
Let's dive in!
The first style up is a super easy, super cute braid & curl. This style is perfect for naturals with multiple textures of hair, including transitioning hair! It's super easy to install, and the perfect alternative to a wash & go! Check out the video for style details!
Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo (Hydrating Hair Wash)
Cost
$10.99 for 12oz
Where to Buy
As I Am website and Sally Beauty (heads up - the Long and Luxe Line is BOGO 50% off at Sally's right now!)
Active Ingredients
- Water
- Aloe Vera Juice: Acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair's sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.
- Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate: Cleansing and wetting agent derived from coconut oil fatty acids. Used to help water mix with dirt and oils to be rinsed away. As a wetting agent, helps product spread across surfaces for more efficient cleaning.
- Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid: Mild anionic surfactant (cleanser) with good tolerance in hard water (I personally thank you).
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: Gentle surfactant and cleansing agent that is not a sulfate. It aids in foaming, degreasing, and emulsifying while being extremely gentle on the skin and hair.
- Cocamide MIPA: Surfactant, emulsifier, and foaming agent derived from coconut acid.
Protein Free?
No. Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin
Curly Girl Friendly?
As far as I can see yes - the shampoo is sulfate and silicone free.
| Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo |
The Good
First things first - I honestly love the fragrance of the line. While it is stronger in some products (like the conditioner and co-wash), it is less hefty in others. In the Strengthening Shampoo, the tropical pomegranate fragrance notes are lighter, and I'm totally here for it. As a shampoo, I enjoyed it in the way that you'd enjoy a traditional shampoo. It smelled great, foamed well, left my hair and scalp clean, and didn't turn my curls into a hot, tangled mess.
I can definitely say that after each shampoo use, my hair felt stronger - even before applying the conditioner. And I noticed that when following up the Strengthening Shampoo with the conditioner, I didn't see as much shedding as I detangled.
First things first - I honestly love the fragrance of the line. While it is stronger in some products (like the conditioner and co-wash), it is less hefty in others. In the Strengthening Shampoo, the tropical pomegranate fragrance notes are lighter, and I'm totally here for it. As a shampoo, I enjoyed it in the way that you'd enjoy a traditional shampoo. It smelled great, foamed well, left my hair and scalp clean, and didn't turn my curls into a hot, tangled mess.
I can definitely say that after each shampoo use, my hair felt stronger - even before applying the conditioner. And I noticed that when following up the Strengthening Shampoo with the conditioner, I didn't see as much shedding as I detangled.
The Bad
Although I enjoyed the strengthening properties of the shampoo, I do wish it had some slip. It didn't tangle my hair all up, but I definitely wasn't able to run my fingers through the suds like I can with some of my favorites.
Although I enjoyed the strengthening properties of the shampoo, I do wish it had some slip. It didn't tangle my hair all up, but I definitely wasn't able to run my fingers through the suds like I can with some of my favorites.
The Bottom Line
The Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo made my hair feel clean and strong - there's no doubt about that. I wouldn't consider it a moisturizing shampoo, just something that gets the hair clean while strengthening and reducing shedding. If your hair is weak, overprocessed, or you suffer from excessive shedding and breakage, the Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo could do your strands some justice!
The Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo made my hair feel clean and strong - there's no doubt about that. I wouldn't consider it a moisturizing shampoo, just something that gets the hair clean while strengthening and reducing shedding. If your hair is weak, overprocessed, or you suffer from excessive shedding and breakage, the Long and Luxe Strengthening Shampoo could do your strands some justice!
Long and Luxe Conditioner (Strengthening and Hydrating Treatment)
Cost
$10.99 for 12oz
Where to Buy
Active Ingredients
- Water
- Pomegranate Fruit Juice: Widely known as an anti-aging, antioxidant powerhouse, pomegranate juice protects the outer layer of the skin (scalp), facilitating cell regeneration and tissue repair. Pomegranate juice is also able to penetrate and treat dry skin, soothing and repairing dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It also strengthens the hair follicles and improves circulation at the scalp to encourage hair growth.
- Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
- Cetearyl and Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
- Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.
- Passion Fruit Juice: Rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and proteins. This nitrient-packed juice works as an anti-inflammatory - rejuvenating the follicles to help combat hair loss.
Protein Free?
No. Contains Hydrolyzed Lupine (plant-based) Protein and Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Curly Girl Friendly?
As far as I can see yes - the conditioner is silicone free.
The Good
First of all, let me say this - the slip in this conditioner is OFF THE CHAIN! It's literally the perfect companion to the Strengthening Shampoo. The consistency feels less like a super creamy conditioner, and has more of that ooey-gooey slippy feeling. As I Am definitely called in a favor from the slip gawds on this one.
I've found that I get the most bang for my buck when combining the conditioner with the shampoo on wash day. I'm a little disappointed, but not surprised because conditioners always work better when paired with shampoos over co-washes.
While detangling with the Long and Luxe Conditioner, I found that my breakage was significantly reduced, and I had a lot less shedding. With the immense slippage, I was able to detangle my whole head in record time. Mind you - this is after I shampooed the crazy way (aka "girl you trippin'" style) - not splitting my hair into sections!
First of all, let me say this - the slip in this conditioner is OFF THE CHAIN! It's literally the perfect companion to the Strengthening Shampoo. The consistency feels less like a super creamy conditioner, and has more of that ooey-gooey slippy feeling. As I Am definitely called in a favor from the slip gawds on this one.
I've found that I get the most bang for my buck when combining the conditioner with the shampoo on wash day. I'm a little disappointed, but not surprised because conditioners always work better when paired with shampoos over co-washes.
| Long and Luxe Conditioner |
The Bad
I do feel like the Long & Luxe Collection over all is missing a true deep conditioner. You know, that thick, rich, creamy stuff that just lavishes your strands in immaculate splendor? Yeah, that. The Long & Luxe Conditioner is great for strengthening, slip, and some moisture, but it's not super moisturizing. It doesn't give me that baby smoove buttery realness that my curls crave. It's not bad - it's just not the best.
I do feel like the Long & Luxe Collection over all is missing a true deep conditioner. You know, that thick, rich, creamy stuff that just lavishes your strands in immaculate splendor? Yeah, that. The Long & Luxe Conditioner is great for strengthening, slip, and some moisture, but it's not super moisturizing. It doesn't give me that baby smoove buttery realness that my curls crave. It's not bad - it's just not the best.
The Bottom Line
To be honest, the conditioner isn't an essential part of the collection for me. It's cool, but not amazing - ya know? If you're suffering from weak, brittle hair, the conditioner would make an excellent detangler to help minimize hair fall and breakage. But for me and my tresses, it's not a must-have.
To be honest, the conditioner isn't an essential part of the collection for me. It's cool, but not amazing - ya know? If you're suffering from weak, brittle hair, the conditioner would make an excellent detangler to help minimize hair fall and breakage. But for me and my tresses, it's not a must-have.
| I found these dope rose gold hair jewels at my local BSS. |
Long and Luxe GroWash (Cleansing Creme Conditioner)
Cost
$10.99 for 16oz
Active Ingredients
- Water
- Aloe Vera Juice: Acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair's sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.
- Pomegranate Fruit Juice: Widely known as an anti-aging, antioxidant powerhouse, pomegranate juice protects the outer layer of the skin (scalp), facilitating cell regeneration and tissue repair. Pomegranate juice is also able to penetrate and treat dry skin, soothing and repairing dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It also strengthens the hair follicles and improves circulation at the scalp to encourage hair growth.
- Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that draws in moisture to the hair.
- Cetearyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
- Coconut Oil: Oil high in saturated fats (which is why when cold, it is solid). One of the few known oils to penetrate the hair shaft and truly moisturize hair. Coconut oil helps to moisturize, seal, and prevent breakage.
- Passion Fruit Juice: Rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and proteins. This nitrient-packed juice works as an anti-inflammatory - rejuvenating the follicles to help combat hair loss.
Protein Free?
No. Contains Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein and Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Curly Girl Friendly?
No. Contains propoxy tetramethyl piperidinyl dimethicone (albeit at the bottom of the list).
The Good
Can I be real with y'all? I've secretly been in love with the GroWash Cleansing Creme Conditioner since this summer. I first peeped the new Long & Luxe line at BeautyCon LA, and got my grubby lil' hands on a jar. I was immediately enamored with the slip. Like, the slip levels in GroWash are light years above and beyond anything that the revered As I Am Coconut Co-Wash could ever achieve.
You can have the most tangled, trifilin' hair and GroWash will know those knots out in record time. As with the Strengthening Shampoo, I noticed reduce shedding and virtually no breakage while working the product through my hair. Upon rinsing, my hair felt soft, strong, and very well cleansed. I've noticed that As I Am does this thing with their co-washes that gives them more cleansing ability than conditioner, but less than shampoo. I kinda like it. But that slip?! Unparallelled.
Can I be real with y'all? I've secretly been in love with the GroWash Cleansing Creme Conditioner since this summer. I first peeped the new Long & Luxe line at BeautyCon LA, and got my grubby lil' hands on a jar. I was immediately enamored with the slip. Like, the slip levels in GroWash are light years above and beyond anything that the revered As I Am Coconut Co-Wash could ever achieve.
You can have the most tangled, trifilin' hair and GroWash will know those knots out in record time. As with the Strengthening Shampoo, I noticed reduce shedding and virtually no breakage while working the product through my hair. Upon rinsing, my hair felt soft, strong, and very well cleansed. I've noticed that As I Am does this thing with their co-washes that gives them more cleansing ability than conditioner, but less than shampoo. I kinda like it. But that slip?! Unparallelled.
The Bad
The fragrance on the GroWash is a wee bit strong for my taste, but that's it.
The fragrance on the GroWash is a wee bit strong for my taste, but that's it.
The Bottom Line
If you thought the Coconut Co-Wash was that jam, you definitely need to give GroWash a try.
If you thought the Coconut Co-Wash was that jam, you definitely need to give GroWash a try.
| Don't forget to watch the video demo for style deets! |
Questions from the 'Gram
I dropped a post on Instagram asking what questions you guys had about the line. See my answers below!
Q: What are the must-haves/favorites from this line, if not all?
A: For me, the must-haves are the GroWash Cleansing Conditioner and the GroYogurt Leave-In. The Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a close third. I like it a whooooooole lot more than Shea Moisture's.
Q: Did you find these at Sally Beauty?
A: Sure did! And they're BOGO 50% off this month!
Q: I want to know what you think of the smell?...I'm afraid it's gonna linger in my hair.
A: I know you mentioned pine vibes - I don't catch that at all, lol! I'm definitely getting passionfruit and tropical vibes. A little perfumey, and I smell it more in the conditioner and co-wash than the other products. It does linger. I don't notice it hours later, but in the first hour or so after using the products, I still smell them. But I rather like the smell.
Q: I'd love to hear your comparison between this and their original line.
A: I haven't tried the entire original (brown label) line, but there are some definite differences. GroWash blows the As I Am Coconut Co-Wash out of the water. I love the GroYogurt Leave-In and original As I Am Leave-In about the same, with a slight edge to GroYogurt because it's creamier and has a wee bit more slip. I love the original As I Am Smoothing Gel, but the Long and Luxe Collection doesn't have a gel, and it's not fair of me to compare it to the smoothie - because gel will always win.
The Long & Luxe Shampoo beats out their Curl Clarity Shampoo in my opinion, and literally everything outperforms that Detangling Conditioner and Leave-In Tangle Releaser (do they still even sell it?) that I tried years ago. But the superstars are definitely GroYogurt and the GroWash!
Q:Does the scalp serum actually moisturize the scalp and help with dryness?
A: Without giving too much away for part 2 where I'll discuss the Scalp Serum in depth, I'll say this - it's not a serum in the way you might think. Rather than look like an oil, it looks like a runny ointment - think milk of magnesia. While it does contain some moisturizers (glycerin, aloe), the primary purpose of the Scalp Serum is to strengthen the hair, nourish the follicles, and stimulate growth. I would personally have the Scalp Serum and another scalp moisturizer in my regimen to balance things out.
I dropped a post on Instagram asking what questions you guys had about the line. See my answers below!
Q: What are the must-haves/favorites from this line, if not all?
A: For me, the must-haves are the GroWash Cleansing Conditioner and the GroYogurt Leave-In. The Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a close third. I like it a whooooooole lot more than Shea Moisture's.
Q: Did you find these at Sally Beauty?
A: Sure did! And they're BOGO 50% off this month!
Q: I want to know what you think of the smell?...I'm afraid it's gonna linger in my hair.
A: I know you mentioned pine vibes - I don't catch that at all, lol! I'm definitely getting passionfruit and tropical vibes. A little perfumey, and I smell it more in the conditioner and co-wash than the other products. It does linger. I don't notice it hours later, but in the first hour or so after using the products, I still smell them. But I rather like the smell.
| Leave your unanswered questions about the line in the comments below! |
A: I haven't tried the entire original (brown label) line, but there are some definite differences. GroWash blows the As I Am Coconut Co-Wash out of the water. I love the GroYogurt Leave-In and original As I Am Leave-In about the same, with a slight edge to GroYogurt because it's creamier and has a wee bit more slip. I love the original As I Am Smoothing Gel, but the Long and Luxe Collection doesn't have a gel, and it's not fair of me to compare it to the smoothie - because gel will always win.
The Long & Luxe Shampoo beats out their Curl Clarity Shampoo in my opinion, and literally everything outperforms that Detangling Conditioner and Leave-In Tangle Releaser (do they still even sell it?) that I tried years ago. But the superstars are definitely GroYogurt and the GroWash!
Q:Does the scalp serum actually moisturize the scalp and help with dryness?
A: Without giving too much away for part 2 where I'll discuss the Scalp Serum in depth, I'll say this - it's not a serum in the way you might think. Rather than look like an oil, it looks like a runny ointment - think milk of magnesia. While it does contain some moisturizers (glycerin, aloe), the primary purpose of the Scalp Serum is to strengthen the hair, nourish the follicles, and stimulate growth. I would personally have the Scalp Serum and another scalp moisturizer in my regimen to balance things out.
Stay tuned for part 2! I'll be deep-diving into the GroYogurt Leave-In, Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and Scalp Serum!
This blog post is sponsored by As I Am.
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