The Verdict: Umberto Blow Dry Lotion Vs. Paul Mitchell SS Relaxing Balm

This week's product review will cover Umberto Blow Dry Lotion vs. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm. These products are recommended for straight hairstyles as a heat protectants and to aid in the drying/straightening process. Both will be rated based on texture, lifespan, cost, durability, effectiveness, the process and final results.

Umberto Blow Dry Lotion
Texture: It is very silky and coats well (good heat protectant)
Durability: Straight hair last for about 2 weeks or longer depending on how often you need to wash your hair.
Lifespan: One bottle can last several months depending on how often you straighten your hair. 1-2 dime size drops based on length and thickness of hair. It coats the hair very well.
Effectiveness: When I first tried Umberto, I was in love, my hair was more manageable during the drying process versus just using Shea butter and curl moisturizer.
Process: I have to part my hair in four parts, then each part must be broken down to at least 4-5 parts to make sure I can detangle thoroughly. 1 hour until completion.
Final Results: Once I use the flat iron, after the hair is dry, it leaves my hair silky smooth and shiny.
Cost: $10, Target

Con: There's a build-up on my hands and brush when I'm done, which could be from applying to hair. Takes about an hour to finish the complete process of drying with this product.
Pro: No build-up on my hair. It doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it oily. My hair is full of body and shine.

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Balm
Texture: It is silky and coats well (good heat protectant)
Durability: Straight hair last for about 2 weeks or longer depending on how often you need to wash your hair.
Lifespan: One bottle can last several months to a year depending on how often you straighten your hair. 1 dime size drop coats the hair very well.
Effectiveness: I was skeptic because I do not like his shampoo but love his other styling aid (Foaming Pommade) but I love it, my hair was even more manageable during the drying process versus Umberto. As soon I apply the small amount to my hair, it is detangled within in seconds. The Denman glides through with ease.
Process: I have to part my hair in four parts, then each part must be broken down to 3 parts but the detangling was quicker. It 2 times faster, spending approx. 7 minutes on each section, instead of 15. My hair did not get caught in the brush as it sometimes did with Humberto.
Final Results: Once I use the flat iron, after the hair is dry, it leaves my hair silky smooth and shiny.
Cost: $16, Ulta or Super Cuts

Con: There's a build-up on my hands but not my brush when I'm done. A little pricey but a lot goes a long way.
Pro: No build-up on my hair. It doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it oily. My hair is full of body and shine. During actually drying or blowout process my hair gets straighter before I even go through it with flat iron.

They both are really good heat protectants and have good & similar results in the end but I will discontinue my use of Umberto and switch totally over to Paul Mitchell.

I will post pictures of the difference later today. You may not be able to tell the difference, lol.

Ciao Naptural Hautees!

Braid Out - Missing Footage of Dry/Wet/Dry

Braid OUT - Dry/Wet/Dry

Product Junkies Anonymous

Hey my fellow PJs (product junkies),

I wanted to do a post that identified my favorite hair products. They aren't all produced with natural hair in mind....hmmm, I say that then I think most Black women are the females who are not rocking their natural hair. Caucasian, Asian, Indian, Lebanese, Latin...you get the idea, aren't walking around saying, "oh I'm natural". That's because most of them always have been, they don't grow usually and their mom slaps a perm or relaxer on their hair; grant it some of them do get perms for curly hair or relaxers for straight hair but they don't make refer to naturalness when they do have either process. So, I said all that to say some of these products may not be specifically for African American hair as they do not make a distinction between our texture and other nations.

SHAMPOO (I will list my review of some No Poos later)

• Redken (all) but my fave is Fresh Curls (Teal colored bottle) - This doesn't dry my hair out, it lathers a lot so a small amount can be used.

CONDITIONERS

• Redken Fresh Curls Conditioner (creamy)


• Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner (great for deep conditioning under dryer hood)
• Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (very thick and creamy --LOVE IT!)

MOISTURIZERS

• Shea Butter (natural, unprocessed - you cannot generally buy this in a store) This usually last me for years. I just ordered another container of Shea butter for $6 - 8oz but there is so much in that small container. I ordered it from http://www.sheaessentials.com/ Great Deal!
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner (I have used twice but I'm going to do a review on my YouTube vlog)** ($12 - Sephora)

HEAT PROTECTANT

• Shea Butter
• Umberto Blow Dry Lotion (you can get this at Target fro $10)
• Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm (Haven't tried yet)** ($16)

STYLING

• Shea Butter ( I know I use this everywhere, lol)
• Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade (LOVE IT! $13-20 depending on bottle size)
• Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade (great for slicking hair back or even twists, their really shiny after using this)

So that's all I use right now. I have those ** by the items I am going to do a review and show on my vlog. Every one's hair is different so things that work for me, possibly will not work for you but at least you see what I utilize for my hair.

P.s. I'll upload the video later of my different styles.

Ciao Naptural Hotties!