Happy Friday!! So y’all know I’m always looking for new products to give me the ultimate twist out definition.  Recently, I have dipped back into one of my old favorites mainly because I often have the tendency to quickly move on to try a new product as soon as I’m done with another one.  It’s the product junkie in me lol.  Anyway, let’s get into it!! So, years ago, I used to use TGIN Twist and Define cream and I loved it so much.  It gives great definition and hold but I wanted to take it a step further.  After I washed and conditioned my hair and applied the LOC method, I added Camille Rose Natural’s Curlmaker.  Then I layered that with the TGIN Twist and Define Cream. I let my hair air dry overnight.  When I untwisted it the next morning,  the definition was phenomenal and I didn’t have any issues with the two mixed products leaving any type of residue.  So that’s it! Short and sweet.  I will be using this combo until I find the next best thing! What are some of your favorite twist out products? Do you use combinations of products or just one? Let me know!
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I am a  big fan of the As I Am product line found at Sally's and like the others from this line, the As I Am Smoothing Gel did not disappoint. The gel has a unique texture from a lot of other gels I've used.  It is really thick, so a little bit goes a long way!  The first time I used it, I deviated from its original purpose and used it for a twist out along with my homemade shea butter whip.  The definition was was really popping!  The twists were very firm but not crunchy.

I then used the smoothing gel, to smooth my hair into an updo that I created.  It worked well, but I find it works even better with water and oil mixed in a spray bottle.  My hair stayed put the entire night, but it was more of a natural looking hold, versus the dry, crispy hold you might experience with some more common gels on the market.  This gel is also good for defining curls of a wash and go.  I used it to define the curls of a side swept dutch braid and puff.

I really like this product and it was only about $6 at Sally's.  My only gripe is that I wish the container was bigger.  Even though a little goes a long way, I'm sure I will go through the 8oz bottle pretty quickly because I have been using it for twists and smoothing.  I know most naturals swear by Eco styler gel, but this gel is a better fit for me.

Product Grade: A-

Being the product junkie that I am, I am always looking for the next best thing.  I want the product that is going to give me twist outs with each strand defined perfectly and that lasts one month, even if I go a few nights without my silk bonnet!  Ok, I am exaggerating lol.  I do look for curl defining creams that are all natural (no sulfates and parabenes) but will still give me the long term hold that I am looking for.

I did not hesitate to try the As I Am Twist Defining Cream, because I am madly  in love with the As I Am co wash.  I purchased this twist defining product from Sally's and let me just say it was a little pricey for my taste (about 20 bucks).  The first time I used it was for a bantu knot out.  My hair was incredibly soft and fluffy, but the curls did not hold like I wanted them to.  By the time I had returned from my night out, my hair looked more like a slightly defined blow out =(.  I was looking for a crisp, individually curled and defined bantu knot out.  (See pics below)

Before I counted this product out completely, I tried it on a flat twist out.  The results were beautiful!!! My hair was as soft as it was with the bantu knot out but my twisted out hair was defined and shiny.  For this reason alone, I would recommend this product if you're looking to achieve a shiny, well-defined twist out with no-crunch. Oh, and I almost forgot, I was able to fix some of the frizzy ends of my flat twist out by simply twirling the frizzy end of my hair around my finger with a very small amount of this product.  That is a definite pro!

 I would not use this product for styles that begin with heat processed hair (Ex.  I did my bantu knot out on hair that had been blown out with the blow dryer.) Using this product on hair that has been stretched with heat seems to make the hair revert back to its kinky or curly state. My next project will be to try it on a regular twist out and possibly a braid out.  Stay Tuned!

Final Product Grade: A-

This product was found in the December curl box and I must say I was a little skeptical to try yet another "curl defining pudding".  I mean, how many curl defining puddings must I be tempted by?! lol.  They all promise to define, condition, elongate and defrizz curls.  When it's all said and done, some of these defining puddings leave my hair hard, frizzy and thirsty! After trying this product, I must say that it made good on its promises. Here's how I styled my hair using the ELASTA QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter Curl Defining Pudding:

1. I washed and conditioned my hair as normal ( using the LOC method, LOC method post is found under tutorials and blog posts section).  

2. Once my hair was washed, detangled and conditioned, I divided my hair into sections and worked small amounts of the product through my hair from root to tip. I started from the back of my head.

3. Part your hair to your liking once you make it to the front of your head and continue to work the product through.  

4. DON'T manipulate your hair any further once you are ready to dry it.

5. Air dry your hair or sit under a hooded dryer.  Once your hair is dry you can pick it from the roots for more volume.  


The results were a well defined, SOFT, elongated curly fro.  I loved it and this will definitely become one of my most used wash and go methods.  
**If you would like to see what I mean when I say "work the product through my hair, check out this YouTube Video below that I did using a different product but the same method**