I love reviewing products. I really love when those products come from a Black-owned brand. But Alikay Nauturals has me over the moon. Why? Because the CEO and Founder of Alikay Naturals is Rochelle Graham, aka Blackonyx77 from YouTube. Rochelle built her beauty empire in the most dynamic way - from showing DIY recipes and tips on YouTube, to sitting at the helm of a multi-million dollar beauty brand that's shelved at retailers like Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Sally Beauty nationwide.
Alikay Naturals represents (for me) what's possible beyond the world of blogging. Not that I'll ever stop blogging -- but growth is important to me. So to see Rochelle go from YouTube to store shelves is nothing short of inspirational.
Anywho, like the title of this blog post suggests, I tried 7 Alikay Naturals products for the first time. Thanks to Rochelle and the Alikay team, I was able to deep dive into: Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Mask, Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion, Bentonite Me Baby, Aloe Berry Styling Gel, Creme Brulee Curling Delight, Botanicals Hair and Scalp Balm, and Essential 17 Growth Oil.
What did I think of them? Watch my #ProductChatter video below, and read keep reading the post for all the nitty-gritty details on each one!
Cost
$16.00 for 8oz
Where to Buy
alikaynaturals.com or Amazon
Active Ingredients
- 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.
- Stearalkonium Chloride: Cationic surfactant derived from stearic acid, a fatty acid found in plants and animals. It is an antistatic agent, and positively charged salt that attracts and binds proteins, which are negatively charged. It is found to increase luster and improve the condition of wet or dry hair, often serving to detangle the hair.
- 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.
- Avocado Oil: Omega 3-rich nourishing oil extract that can enhances shine, moisture retention, softness, and elasticity in hair.
- Avocado Butter: Omega 3-rich nourishing butter extract that can enhances shine, moisture retention, softness, and elasticity in hair.
Protein Free?
Yes!
Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!
The Good
I love how creamy and thick the Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Mask is. The smell is amazing - like a green apple Now & Later candy (#hoodmemories lol). The slip is okay - nothing I would particularly use to detangle with, but better than some products that feel like sandpaper on the hair (lol). It soaked right in to my strands - and left them shiny and moisturized. I am totally nuts over how much avocado goodnes is packed into this product. Avocado is one of the best oils for distressed curls - helping to boost shine, softness, and elasticity while patching up damaged cuticles. Yes, yes, and more yes. With each use, my hair got stronger and was full of shine.
I love how creamy and thick the Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Mask is. The smell is amazing - like a green apple Now & Later candy (#hoodmemories lol). The slip is okay - nothing I would particularly use to detangle with, but better than some products that feel like sandpaper on the hair (lol). It soaked right in to my strands - and left them shiny and moisturized. I am totally nuts over how much avocado goodnes is packed into this product. Avocado is one of the best oils for distressed curls - helping to boost shine, softness, and elasticity while patching up damaged cuticles. Yes, yes, and more yes. With each use, my hair got stronger and was full of shine.
The Bad
I do wish the Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Mask had more slip -- but I've used products with less and continued to love them, so I can do the same here.
I do wish the Avocado Cream Moisture Repairing Mask had more slip -- but I've used products with less and continued to love them, so I can do the same here.
The Bottom Line
As a protein fiend, I wish there was some bonafide protein in there - that would really send it over the top. But even without, it's a solid deep conditioner and perfect for protein sensitive ladies who need a little strengthening boost.
As a protein fiend, I wish there was some bonafide protein in there - that would really send it over the top. But even without, it's a solid deep conditioner and perfect for protein sensitive ladies who need a little strengthening boost.
Would I Buy it Again?
Oh absolutely - without a doubt!
Oh absolutely - without a doubt!
Cost
$15.00 for 8oz
Where to Buy
alikaynaturals.com or Amazon
Active Ingredients
- 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.
- Cocoa Butter: A powerful emollient and softening agent. Not only does it possess amazing healing and soothing properties for the skin (scalp), it softens hair and promotes shine and elasticity.
- Kokum Butter: Fatty acid rich butter that helps with cell oxygenation, making nutrients more readily available for use by the scalp - promoting hair growth and improving elasticity to prevent breakage.
- Silk Amino Protein: Used for conditioning, moisturizing, known to make hair glossy, and give hair more body. It is a strong humectant, and is made from a mixture of amino acids, the most common in this mixture are Glutamic acid, Serine, Proline, Arginine, Threonine, and Aspartic acid.
- Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and contains omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids that provide nutrition for hair. It also contains Linoleic and oleic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize hair. Helps repair damaged follicles, imparts shine, and prevents frizz and rough ends.
Protein Free?
No.
Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!
The Good
Y'all, Dulce got me out here acting a dang fool. I love the smell, the creaminess, how it melts into my strands, and provides super moisture and shine. It works phenomenally as a leave-in, or moisturizer. It's not oily or greasy, and keeps my curls looking supple between wash days. I don't know why more people aren't talking about Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion, because it delivers moisturized realness.
Y'all, Dulce got me out here acting a dang fool. I love the smell, the creaminess, how it melts into my strands, and provides super moisture and shine. It works phenomenally as a leave-in, or moisturizer. It's not oily or greasy, and keeps my curls looking supple between wash days. I don't know why more people aren't talking about Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion, because it delivers moisturized realness.
The Bad
The only downside to Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion is that I'm running out, and I have to order more online. Why is this not in stores?! In gallon sizes?!
The only downside to Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion is that I'm running out, and I have to order more online. Why is this not in stores?! In gallon sizes?!
The Bottom Line
Get you some Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion for #summersixteen. You'll be walking around smelling like tropical Jolly Ranchers, and your hair will be poppin'.
Get you some Dulce Hydrating Curl Lotion for #summersixteen. You'll be walking around smelling like tropical Jolly Ranchers, and your hair will be poppin'.
Would I Buy it Again?
Would I? I got it sitting in my cart riiiiight now.
Would I? I got it sitting in my cart riiiiight now.
Bentonite Me Baby
Due to challenges with the FDA earlier this year, Bentonite Me Baby is not currently being sold in stores or online. Click here to read all about what's going on.
Cost
$10.00 for 8oz
Where to Buy
alikaynaturals.com or Amazon
alikaynaturals.com or Amazon
Active Ingredients
- Aloe Vera: 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.
- 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.
- Almond Oil: Smoothes hair cuticles, promotes hair growth and thickness, boosts shine.
- Vitamin E: Supports hair growth, and believed to assist in preventing hair loss. Also has been known to be a proven UV protectant.
- Fragrance
Protein Free?
Yes!
Yes!
Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!
Yes!
The Good
Although I can't quite put my finger on the magic ingredient that makes it work, it works. I didn't expect Aloe Berry Styling Gel to have as much holding power as it did - but it held my curls downnnnn! I love thick, heavy gels, and what I found about Aloe Berry Styling Gel is that it locked my curls IN. It gave my curls more of a wavy look, which was a cool switch up from the shrinkage life.
Although I can't quite put my finger on the magic ingredient that makes it work, it works. I didn't expect Aloe Berry Styling Gel to have as much holding power as it did - but it held my curls downnnnn! I love thick, heavy gels, and what I found about Aloe Berry Styling Gel is that it locked my curls IN. It gave my curls more of a wavy look, which was a cool switch up from the shrinkage life.
The Bad
I didn't get the super voluminous, plumped up curls I achieve with thicker gels on day 2 and day 3, which was a nice switch up - but not 100% what I look for in the performance of a gel. The hold was epic - but I love my curly curls more than the wavy look. Just a personal preference.
I didn't get the super voluminous, plumped up curls I achieve with thicker gels on day 2 and day 3, which was a nice switch up - but not 100% what I look for in the performance of a gel. The hold was epic - but I love my curly curls more than the wavy look. Just a personal preference.
 |
| My curls are more loose and wavy than curly... interesting, but I love my curls! |
The Bottom Line
If you have frizzy realness, or hair that eats gel for a living, Aloe Berry Styling Gel is probably the perfect hold and defining product to try out.
Would I Buy it Again?
I could see myself hanging on to it for updos, or styles that don't need a whole lot of volume to work. But to be honest, I'm more partial to Creme Brulee Curling Delight.
Speaking of which...
I could see myself hanging on to it for updos, or styles that don't need a whole lot of volume to work. But to be honest, I'm more partial to Creme Brulee Curling Delight.
Speaking of which...
Cost
$16.99 for 8oz
Where to Buy
alikaynaturals.com, Target, Sally Beauty, and Amazon.
alikaynaturals.com, Target, Sally Beauty, and Amazon.
Active Ingredients
- Aloe Vera Gel: 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.
- Agave Nectar: Sweet extraction of the agave plant that's rich in vitamins and acts as a hydrating humectant - drawing water to and softening the hair.
- Argan Oil: Oil derived from the seeds of the fruit of the Argan tree, touted for high concentrations of vitamins A and E, among other other claims.
- 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.
- Almond Oil: Smoothes hair cuticles, promotes hair growth and thickness, boosts shine.
Protein Free?
Yes!
Yes!
Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!
Yes!
The Good
@chiaricurls told me I would love the Creme Brulee Curling Delight - girlllll you were right! I love the smell, the creaminess, how it captures my curls, but provides touchable definition by day 2. Creme Brulee Curling Delight is a total rockstar in my book. I have to go a little heavy on the more disrespectful areas of my hair - but that's par for the course. But can you really argue with results like these?
@chiaricurls told me I would love the Creme Brulee Curling Delight - girlllll you were right! I love the smell, the creaminess, how it captures my curls, but provides touchable definition by day 2. Creme Brulee Curling Delight is a total rockstar in my book. I have to go a little heavy on the more disrespectful areas of my hair - but that's par for the course. But can you really argue with results like these?
The Bad
The only down side to Creme Brulee Curling Delight I found is that the jar is only 8oz. Because my crown and front middle section don't want me to be great, I had to use extra product and as a result, half the jar was gone in the first use. I was only able to eek out one more wash and go before the jar was empty. Can a sista get 12 ounces or more (on the ground), please?!
The only down side to Creme Brulee Curling Delight I found is that the jar is only 8oz. Because my crown and front middle section don't want me to be great, I had to use extra product and as a result, half the jar was gone in the first use. I was only able to eek out one more wash and go before the jar was empty. Can a sista get 12 ounces or more (on the ground), please?!
The Bottom Line
Creme Brulee Curling Delight is a solid curl defining product that gave me multiple days of curl definition - my curls were STILL poppin' on day 5! Although it's a little pricey for the size, the proof is in the way the product works.
Creme Brulee Curling Delight is a solid curl defining product that gave me multiple days of curl definition - my curls were STILL poppin' on day 5! Although it's a little pricey for the size, the proof is in the way the product works.
Would I Buy it Again?
I'ma just go'n let these day 5 curls answer that question....
I'ma just go'n let these day 5 curls answer that question....
Cost
$15.00 for 8oz
Where to Buy
alikaynaturals.com or Amazon.
alikaynaturals.com or Amazon.
Active Ingredients
- Rosemary Oil: Known growth stimulant and extract, used to prevent dandruff and even premature baldness, as well as enhance highlights. The leaves are known to have relatively high levels of antioxidants.
- Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
- 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.
- Vitamin E: Supports hair growth, and believed to assist in preventing hair loss. Also has been known to be a proven UV protectant.
- Nettle: Leaf rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. It encourages hair growth by improving circulation and reducing shedding.
Protein Free?
Yes!
Yes!
Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!
Yes!
The Good
Mmmmmmmmohhhhhhmygod where do I begin?! Of all the Alikay Naturals products I tried, I love Botanicals the most. I know, it seems crazy. But I really do love a scalp grease more than curl definers, deep conditioners, and hair lotions combined. See, here's the thing. As a kid, I lived for getting my scalp greased. There was just something about that feeling of a finger coated in oily goodness running down the parts in my scalp. Back then, my mom and grandma would use like African Pride or some green Hair Food grease. In 2016, I know better than to slap those on my scalp. So when I saw Botanicals and realized I was getting the naturalistas version of a good ol' fashioned scalp grease, I could hardly contain myself. It's everything I ever wanted in a natural scalp balm and more. I love the bits of nettle, peppermint leaves, and other herbs. I love the cool, slightly tingly feeling I get whenver I use it. Bontanicals takes me back to my childhood - flooding me with warm memories. But beyond that, the stuff is amazing. It soothes my scalp, and works on the hair itself as a great sealant and shine booster. I can't wait to order more!
Mmmmmmmmohhhhhhmygod where do I begin?! Of all the Alikay Naturals products I tried, I love Botanicals the most. I know, it seems crazy. But I really do love a scalp grease more than curl definers, deep conditioners, and hair lotions combined. See, here's the thing. As a kid, I lived for getting my scalp greased. There was just something about that feeling of a finger coated in oily goodness running down the parts in my scalp. Back then, my mom and grandma would use like African Pride or some green Hair Food grease. In 2016, I know better than to slap those on my scalp. So when I saw Botanicals and realized I was getting the naturalistas version of a good ol' fashioned scalp grease, I could hardly contain myself. It's everything I ever wanted in a natural scalp balm and more. I love the bits of nettle, peppermint leaves, and other herbs. I love the cool, slightly tingly feeling I get whenver I use it. Bontanicals takes me back to my childhood - flooding me with warm memories. But beyond that, the stuff is amazing. It soothes my scalp, and works on the hair itself as a great sealant and shine booster. I can't wait to order more!
In the photo above, I'm demonstrating the Rake & Shake Method using Creme Brulee Curling Delight. But you know what's sealing tha tmoisture in? Botanicals, baby!
The Bad
Absolutely nothing. I love this stuff - a little goes a long way, so the jar lasts a mighty long time.
Absolutely nothing. I love this stuff - a little goes a long way, so the jar lasts a mighty long time.
The Bottom Line
If you love a good scalp greasing as much as I do, Botanicals is right up your alley.
If you love a good scalp greasing as much as I do, Botanicals is right up your alley.
Would I Buy it Again?
In a heartbeat. Keeping it on deck for #summersixteen and beyond!
In a heartbeat. Keeping it on deck for #summersixteen and beyond!
Cost
$17.00 for 8oz
Where to Buy
alikaynaturals.com, Target, Sally Beauty, and Amazon.
alikaynaturals.com, Target, Sally Beauty, and Amazon.
Active Ingredients
- Emu Oil: Oil made from the fat of the Emu bird, rich in lineoleic acid and touted to promote skin scell regeneration, awaken the hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth.
- Rosemary Leaf Extract: Known growth stimulant and extract, used to prevent dandruff and even premature baldness, as well as enhance highlights. The leaves are known to have relatively high levels of antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: Oil extracted from the olive fruit, which is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger and its emollient properties prevent hair loss.
- Jojoba Oil: Oil closest in molecular weigh to the natural sebum produced by the scalp. It coats the hair shaft (its molecular structure prevents it from penetrating the cuticle) and aids in providing slip and protection.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Smoothes hair cuticles, promotes hair growth and thickness, boosts shine.
Protein Free?
Yes!
Yes!
Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!
Yes!
The Good
I found it really interesting that the Essential 17 Oil was based in Emu Oil. I've purchased Emu Oil by itself, and that stuff is craaaazy expensive! I'm talking over $20 for like 2oz! While I haven't used the oil long enough to pinpoint any hair growth benefits, I do know that it's great for two things: one, soothing ichy scalp. Two, moving down the shaft of the hair and sealing in moisture and softness from root to tip without making the hair greasy or weighed down. For that, Essential 17 gets The Mane Objective seal of approval!
I found it really interesting that the Essential 17 Oil was based in Emu Oil. I've purchased Emu Oil by itself, and that stuff is craaaazy expensive! I'm talking over $20 for like 2oz! While I haven't used the oil long enough to pinpoint any hair growth benefits, I do know that it's great for two things: one, soothing ichy scalp. Two, moving down the shaft of the hair and sealing in moisture and softness from root to tip without making the hair greasy or weighed down. For that, Essential 17 gets The Mane Objective seal of approval!
The Bad
While it's not inherently bad, I'll stick it here as a reminder: remember to shake the bottle before each use. There's horsetail powder and other botanical sediment that settles in the bottom of the bottle as it sits. To make sure the botanical ingredients are steeped evenly in the oil, give it a little shake before using. That's all!
While it's not inherently bad, I'll stick it here as a reminder: remember to shake the bottle before each use. There's horsetail powder and other botanical sediment that settles in the bottom of the bottle as it sits. To make sure the botanical ingredients are steeped evenly in the oil, give it a little shake before using. That's all!
The Bottom Line
If scalp balms aren't your thing, Essential 17 Oil is for you. It makes a great pre-poo, sealing, and softening product without weighing the hair down or making it greasy. A little goes a long way!
If scalp balms aren't your thing, Essential 17 Oil is for you. It makes a great pre-poo, sealing, and softening product without weighing the hair down or making it greasy. A little goes a long way!
Would I Buy it Again?
While I really, really like Essential 17, Botanicals has my heart. If I have to choose, I'm going with Botanicals all day!
Well, that's my take on Alikay Naturals! Have you tried any of the products? Let's chat in the comments! Thanks for checking me out - I hope you found this review helpful!
While I really, really like Essential 17, Botanicals has my heart. If I have to choose, I'm going with Botanicals all day!
Well, that's my take on Alikay Naturals! Have you tried any of the products? Let's chat in the comments! Thanks for checking me out - I hope you found this review helpful!
from The Mane Objective http://ift.tt/1UjCxCF
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