Trying Aveda hair products- post 2

Sorry, it took me forever to write my verdict on my Aveda products.

“Best in Show” goes to…

Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade

2.6oz, $19

This stuff is the shizznit y’all!  Unfortunately, they only sell it in that little 2.6oz jar AND it costs like 19 bucks a pop.  This is my current hair crack addiction.  It is definitely worth it and smells awesome.  According to my stylist Mizz Ethnicita (see those posts) over at Phia salon, the humectant pomade serves to lock moisture in which is needed for curly/nappy hair.  The curl definition and shine I get as a result is great and it’s not greasy to the touch.

Here’s a link to the product overview on Aveda’s website- Brilliant Humectant Pomade

“Blue Ribbon” goes to…

Aveda Brilliant Conditioner

6.7oz for $18 or 33.8oz for $62

I am learning, about 4 years into my nappy journey now, that the conditioner is the most critical part to the health and look of your hair (my expert opinion, but I’d like to know what you think, too).  I am addicted to this conditioner as well right now.  The fragrance is awesome, it’s ability to soften my hair and define ringlets is great, too.  I use it as my conditioner as well as my leave-in.  I think the best use for this is as a leave-in.  There is a definite visual difference in my curl pattern when I use this conditioner versus others.  Also, I’m a Johnny Come Lately when it comes to using your regular conditioner as a leave in.  I was always from the camp that it’s bad especially with buildup, but it does work.  If you’re not willing to splurge, I still say try using your own conditioner as a leave-in and test the results.

Here’s the product info on Aveda’s website- Brilliant Conditioner

“Unsung Hero Award” goes to…

Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush (wide)

$18

This wasn’t on my original post, but I recently bought it and felt it was deserving of recognition.  You might as well say I’m drinking the Aveda kool-aide now, but yes, I did buy the paddle brush that my stylist used.  I recall during my first visit having second thoughts about her when she whipped out this brush to “comb” through my hair after washing and applying conditioner.  I thought she was another one that didn’t know what to do with my nappy hair, but she explained that it helps close the hair follicle especially since I have color in my hair now.  She went on to explain that the method to use is to brush at the ends first and work your way to the top to prevent yanking on my hair while detangling.  It is cushioned and the bristles are soft plastic so it’s not what you’d typically think when using a brush that looks like this.  The extra perk for me is that it feels good on my scalp (you know how calming a good scalp massage or even scratch…although that sounds extreme…feels?  this totally does the trick).

Here’s the product info on Aveda’s website- Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

“Neither Here Nor There” goes to…

Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo

8.5oz for $15 (other sizes available)

I totally recognize that you can’t just use any shampoo on your hair, but I also feel like you have way more flexibility on shampoo choices than you do with conditioners.  Again, like all of the Aveda products I’ve tried so far, the fragrance is great and it does it’s job.  I’m just not convinced this particular product is worth the splurge over any other good shampoos out there for our hair.  For example, I’m still comfortable using my Kenra moisturizing shampoo as much as this one.  However, if you’re all about natural hair and natural products, then this is a good option.

Here’s the link to Aveda’s product info- Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo

Bonus Track!!!

I’m heading back to Mizz Ethnicita today for my second appointment.  Be on the lookout for another post on my experience coming soon.

Check my categories on the left pane for more…

If you’re new to browsing my blog, I cover a lot of stuff, but the original premise was to chronicle my life with nappy hair.  The nappy hair care category has product trials and stylist trials.  Also, the black stylists and barbers tab has a listing of stylists that I’ve tried or you have shared.  I still haven’t received any barber shop shout outs, so if of you bros or sistas use one that you like, definitely hit me up with the name and location details.