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The best thing about braids as a protective style is the low maintenance hair care. Pretty much as long as you keep your scalp moisturized and tie your braids down to prevent fluff…you are good to go. However, the one problematic thing for me, whether my hair is in box braids or a weave, is that itchy feeling you get when your braids are in and your scalp needs some relief. You know what I’m talking about: the feeling that makes you pat your head in public and that you are using a rat tail tooth comb in private to find temporary relief. This feeling can come from a number of reasons. Believe it or not, some people are allergic to synthetic hair. If that’s not you, then it can be because of product buildup, dandruff, or just needing to clean your scalp.
Source: Danielle James / Madame Noire
Well, no more embarrassing itching in public, thanks to Shea Moisture’s Green Coconut And Activated Charcoal Purifying And Hydrating Build Up Blaster ($8.62. Ulta.com). This product might look small, but it packs a mighty punch of relief. I started using it about a month after I got my braids. I was starting to do the “pat pat” thing in public and even though I was using Curls Blueberry Mint Tea Scalp Treatment ($11.79, Target.com) which seemed to be keeping my hair moisturized, but not preventing buildup.
Shea Moisture gifted me this product when they sent me their new Green Coconut and Activated Charcoal line. I wasn’t sure at first, because it just seemed as if it was all the current “buzz” words in haircare: coconut and charcoal. It seems as if EVERYONE has a charcoal line out and while I’m aware of the purifying benefits, I was concerned it might strip my hair. Admittedly, I wasn’t a big fan of the shampoo and the conditioner (it was just neutral with my hair…nothing for the better or worse)…but THIS little 4.5 oz product is the holy grail.
Source: Danielle James / Madame Noire
When it arrives, the product is separated, so you see the activated charcoal at the bottom. You have to shake it up well before every use. Even though the product once shaken up, takes on a black/gray coloring, it comes out clear on your scalp. The product boasts the activated charcoal, white tea and lemon, and green coconut. The charcoal is to remove build up, the coconut is to provide moisture and the white tea and lemon help nourish your scalp. For my 4B/4C hair…it did all three for my scalp, I was pleasantly surprised. I also love the packaging, the nozzle makes it easy to get in between your braids and directly onto your scalp and even under your braids.
Source: Danielle James / Madame Noire
I used the product about twice a week and then noticed that I didn’t need to use anything else. My scalp felt clean and the itching was gone. It also felt hydrating, which was a pleasant surprise. For taking out my braids, I placed the product directly where my braids ended and my grow out was beginning (I’ll admit, I kept these in wayyyy too long!). I noticed that it helped loosen my buildup. When I removed my braids, I added some more of the Purifying and Hydrating Blast Buildup to help soften and loosen the buildup. Then, I started to comb through it GENTLY. It made a world of difference.
I give this product five out of five stars and recommend it to any natural woman with their hair in braids or a weave.
Have you tried this product? How are you using it? Tell me in the comment section!
