I Can’t Go For That
A few of my readers (readers! I have readers!! Yay!!!) have advised me to try Miss Jessie’s products for maximum curl satisfaction. And oh, how I yearn to. I would buy the Baby and the Curly Buttercreme. I would throw in a jar of Curly Pudding just for fun. And I would fly to New York, just to have an appointment with Miko and Titi Branch, sisters with some of the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen.
I would love to get a twist set, too. I mean, look at the photos of all these smiling natural beauties! I’d be honored to be pictured among them. Really, I would if I could. But I can’t. Why, you ask? Because a jar of Baby Buttercreme costs $58 for a 16 oz jar. That’s right, I said $58. Miss Jessie’s products range from $38 to $58. And that’s online, so you still gotta add shipping. To which I say damn, Miss Jessie! What about the hardworking curly girl?
There’s just no way I can afford to pay that much money for some hair goop. Let me correct myself – I can afford it, I just can’t justify it. I’m the kind of girl who gets real salty about dipping into my hard-earned trip-to-Europe fund for nothing.
Playing with my money is like playing with my emotions.
In order for me to shell out that kind of cash, I would need a 100% guarantee that this product works. And from what I’m reading in the forums of Nappturality.com, NaturallyCurly.com, and MyNatural.com, I am not yet convinced. It seems that Miss Jessie’s is real hate-it-or-love-it stuff. I suspect the strong feelings and the price of the products is directly co-related.
I’m a free sample kind of lady. I need to smell and touch a product before I buy sight-unseen. So if any of you have tried Miss Jessie’s, please share your experiences. If you know where I can try it, let me know. I need some convincing. I have a good feeling that I could fall in hair product love here, but I’m wary of such a costly commitment.
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My bad i ment to say blendedbeauty.com
Hello out there! I just happened upon this site this evening. I thought I had found all of the beneficial sites for natural hair discussions. I was pleasantly surprised. Anyway, I saw an ad for Miss Jessie’s products on Motowngirl’s website. I decided to visit the site and learn about the products. Once I saw the pictures I was so excited because I was looking for more options for natural hair styles. I have what many have referred to as coily hair or 4ab but I prefer the LOIS system the best and say I’m sister O (larger than watch springs but smaller than pencil diameter–actually I have a variety of sizes but I think the mid-size predominates).
I too thought the MJ products were too expensive for me because I have very thick hair and didn’t think the products would last long. Besides I use Aubrey’s Organic shampoos and conditioners for dry hair (there are at least 3 different kinds: dry, brittle–Honeysuckle Rose; dry, frizzy–Island Naturals and; dry, damaged–JAY). I switch among the three products. Right now I’m using the dry, damaged line. So far, so good. In fact I think I like JAY the best. I usually condition and rinse every day between shampoos (typically once a week but sometimes once every other week). I use a wide-toothed comb when my hair is wet with the conditioner in it. When I use a leave-in conditioner, I like Qhemet Biologics–particularly the Amla and Olive Oil…but I digress.
The thing I truly appreciate about Miss Jessie’s site is the directions on the hair cut. I totally agree that a good hair cut in addition to proper hair care is key to a great hair style. Since I live in Indianapolis, I will not be traveling out of state just for a hair cut. I considered it though…especially when I thought Ouidad was my answer (www.ouidad.com) to a great cut. However, I think the angle-balance cut looks great and I look forward to trying it. From the descriptions on the respective websites, Ouidad’s carve and slice method seems less precise and sounds more drastic than the angle balance cut (light slicing, soft layering, and face framing angles). I’m going to bring the instructions and a few pictures with me to my upcoming consultation.
To add to another thread of discussion, I also agree that you have to find what works for you…not only the type of product but how you apply the product. For example, after I use the Qhemet leave in conditioner I rinse my hair in lukewarm water–not to completely remove it but to get rid of the “milky” droplets in my hair. Then I style with my fingers and air dry–year round. You can get some fairly decent advise on product application from http://www.ouidad.com. I would just caution mid to small sized sister O’s not to shake your head ‘No’ to remove excess water….though you can try it to see what happens but I ended up getting massive tangles and couldn’t figure it out for awhile. BTW, Ouidad has a salon in NY and she offers a Softening system which seems like the Silken method just different names. I cannot vouch for it but just offering additional information.
Sorry for the long message. I’m just excited to share my thoughts. Hope someone finds them helpful.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Elaine
Great site… All you ladies have left great info on natural hair care. I went natural about 2 years ago and did so by wearing braids in the lacing style. I do it in the spring summer to keep down on hair drawing up due to heat and just was wearing my hair pressed in fall winter months(what a hassel that was). I’m about to take my braids down and use the curling pudding I purchased about 1 month ago and I’m excited. I also bought the baby buttercream for my daughter(her hair is SUPER tightly curled went wet and BRISLE afro when dry). That buttercream has saved our lives literally!!!!! I’m not even kidding. I wash her hair and style with the buttercream when wet. I brush it through real good and just let it air dry in various ponytails or other little girl styles and it actually looks like I’ve pressed it slightly but it still has a full look if you know what I mean. I give her twist pony tails and they look beautiful. I will never press her hair again! Hopefully the curling pudding will do me good and I can swing that during my off months from the braids. I guess my texture is 4a I guys. My mothers hair is beautiful. I don’t know what happened to mine. I guess that was my fathers doing….. THANKS for all the info. Stay blessed…
I too was turned off by the price of Miss Jessie’s, and much to my likely I found another product that works wonders and priced just right.
Mixed Chicks htpp://www.mixedchicks.net
Tell em Naoe sent ya….
Hi Dee, I just started using the Aestelance line and really like it. I was wondering what the exact name is for the Aestelance moisturizer you used for curly hair. I have the “Aestalance Hair cream” with the orange design on the front, but thought I could only use it when my hair was straight. I used to use Miss Jessie curly pudding, but find that it dries out my hair too much. Let me know or any one else who has suggestions for Aestelance products that work well with texturized hair. Thanks!
Okay, I’m back. I finally took down my braids and used the curling pudding on my hair. I am really impressed with results. I actually applied it on my hair late last night and sat under dryer. I wrapped it loosely with a silk scarf and slept on it. In morning I loosed the curles with my fingers and it was nice. BUT….the white fuzz stuff is not cute. I think that must come from using too much maybe? I don’t know. Next time I wont use so much to cover each twist. Practice makes perfect. I do like though…
Dee, I plan on allowing Edris, to cut off my locs in the Spring. I just do not want a barber shop cut, will Edris give me a signature cut that will be my own?
I decided to try Miss Jessie’s products after seeing the results on their site. I was a little hesitant at first because I wasn’t sure the techniques would work on my thick, very kinky 4B hair – boy, was I pleasantly surprised!
For twist sets, the Curly Pudding gives me the great amount of hold and gives the curls a bit of weight so they’ll hang downward & not so much out. My hair has never looked so good! Even my dad commented on how quickly my hair seems to be growing since I started using MJ (and it’s rare that he ever notices anything, lol.) I do add a little olive oil to it for a bit more shine.
The Baby Buttercreme smells incredible too… just like any dessert you can think of from your childhood. It’s so moisturizing and it gives my baby niece little ringlets when I comb it through her hair.
Honestly though, I have no reservations about the price of their products. Considering I was spending 200+ to buy hair, get my own hair relaxed, and get it weaved, $25 once a month doesn’t seem so bad, lol. I just wish I had discovered their website when Curves Salon was still open! I really want to try getting a Silkener.
I agree with you. $58 is steep for a product that may or may not work. I actually did some research and discovered that Ms. Jessies now makes 2 oz sizes for all their products. The 2 oz samples cost $9. I tried the curly buttercream last night, and so far so good.
I need some advice. I’ve been using the Miss Jessie’s products for a while in combination with Jane Carter shampoo and conditioner (outstanding) or PhytoSpecific Hydrating line. My natural-kinky hair has reach lengths that are becoming difficult to manage. I am on year three of no-perm.
I had a consultation with Miko a few weeks ago to determine if a silkener would work for my curl pattern. It would. And she quoted me a price of $550!!!!!! I just can’t do it. That is a car payment and a half. I am all for quality and understand sometimes you have to pay, but that is too much for my pockets when it doesn’t include the cut and other styling options.
I just want to loosen the curl to make styling less time consuming and labor intensive. I am used to doing my own hair both relaxed and natural, I worked in a salon as a teenager and picked up tools of the trade so I’m okay with doing a “silkener” myself and going for the Miko “balance” cut method for a lesser expense.
A few days ago I saw a posting that recommended how to duplicate the “silkener” at home, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere. I think it was posted by leeleesmommy! I need some advice about which type of KeraCare conditioner to purchase: humectocreme or reconstructor? I plan to use the PhytoSpecific relaxer. I know that you mix the relaxer and the conditioner and leave on for approximately seven (7) minutes. I just need some specifics about the type of conditioner and how much to mix in the relaxer.
Can someone help a sista out? Let me know what I need to do to loosen it up a bit. Thanks.
Hey Felecia
I am trying desperately to get an appt with Miko. My hair does not sound as long as yours, and I would def be willing to drop 300 or so every 5 months to have style-able hair that does not shrink up to my ears (the back is a little below my shoulders) moments after twisting.
My question is – how hard is it to get an appointment there? No one picks up the phone – there’s always a message and they have not called me back yet and I contacted them Monday. I know they’re popular but I do think you should be able to call a salon if you’re running late, lost etc….
And about doing the silkener at home, I’ve heard it’s the way they apply, not the chemical that makes the difference. They’ve just developed good technique which seems to be key…
Kelechi,
It wasn’t hard. Miko only works on Saturdays. I called on Tuesday and was in the Saturday of the same week for a consultation. The consultation is $75.00 + DC tax. If you make an appointment within 90 days, the $75 is applied to the total costs.
I definitely stuck around for a few minutes to check out her technique. It’s in the timing. It is not like a perm, where you work from front to back, leaving it on. I know that the plan for my hair is to work in sections, apply chemicals to sections and rinse out before moving on to the next section so that each section is evenly “silkened.”
I could definitely get down for $300 but the additional charges are more than I’m comfortable with. I am still tossing it around. I watch a couple of other clients, who spent upwards of $500 but I wasn’t very impressed because most wanted their hair blown straight and styled. So after the application, then there is the cost of the cut and any style that isn’t just fluff and go. I did appreciate the fact that Miko explained what my curl or lack of curl pattern would look like, she was honest and told me not to expect Shirley Temple curls.
I’ve spent a couple of hundred on various styles, braids, weaves, over the years but never over $350. I’m just torn, honestly and I don’t like being hairstylist dependent on anyone. I also am not that keen on having “assistants” do the work, there were 3 or 4 there who do most of the prep work and other things. I did see Miko doing the cuts, but not the other more things. I’m just trying to determine if its worth it in the long run.
Felecia,
Miko works in DC? All this time I thought the salon was in NY. Please give me the number. I would love to have a consultation with her. Now if she tell me it’s going to cost me $500 to get my hair done I’m going to faint right there in the chair.
LTEEFAW,
Miko Salon address is 1916 9th Street NW, WDC. The phone is 202-667-8888. The website is http://www.findmiko.com.
I was okay with the consultation. But I watched three or four folks walk out of there with $500 tabs. I know that the base price starts at $300 and depending on the curl pattern, density, and length the price can vary.
I enjoyed talking to her. But I just can’t rationalize spending $550 on my hair for a product that I is really a texturizer. I do know that it’s really about the technique and application process, from observation. I’m still on the fence. I think I might try a patch test at home with PhytoSpecific mixed with KeraCare conditioner to see how it will look, then make the decision to go or not to go.
Good luck!
Felecia,
Thanks for the inform. After viewing the before and after pictures.I’m not so sure. Aside from the cut my hair looks just as good as her clients. Seriously!!! I think I’ll wait until me hair growns of a bit and go to Miko for a cut and style only.
Let me know if yor technique works.
I bought two multi-packs during the BOGOF offer at Xmas. The curly pudding doesn’t do much for me. Haven’t tried the meringue. My 4a hair liked the buttercreme a lot. However, I won’t be paying the required price for a jar. I have since been using curl activator gel mixed with oils and a little hair grease – it gives the same consistency product and a very similar level of moistuisation for about a 10th of the cost. They are taking the p*** a bit with prices for quite ordinary ingredients.
I am deciding to go natural. I have never done it before. I have cut my hair short and now I wear a wig. When I went to work my co-workers, asians and mostly whites all said they love my hair. It is not my hair and they love it,(ha ha). I wonder how much they will love my natural hair I work in a healthcare facility and I have seen people with locs. I am tired of trying to force my hair to be a certain way. It is depressing. When it isn’t as straight as europeans, I have the nerve to be upset. Silly me! I don’t care what people think anymore. I can’t wait to be able to go swimming and not feel as though I didn’t get my moneys worth because I just got a relaxer. The white people and asians are making a pretty decent livings off of black women trying there best to conform. I can’t wait for my hair to grow long enough so I can put locs in, so I can laugh silently at work, while people wonder why my hair is natural and mot straight like the wig I used to wear. I am not knockimg the sisters that want their hair to be relaxed. My natural hair used to be down my back but after relaxing it and straigtening it, I have so much breakage. It is no longer the hair it used to be and that upsets me.
I started using Miss Jessie’s back in December and I LOVE IT!!!! My hair is 4A, and the first time I used it it didn’t do much. Then I went to a barber and had him cut all of the perm out of my hair. Then I ordered Carol’s Daughter shampoo and leave-in conditioner, and now my hair looks FABULOUS!!! The longer I use the products, the curlier my hair gets. I can’t wait for it to grow out more so that I can add highlights. All my life I thought I had “bad” hair. I am grateful for Miss Jessie’s, Carol’s Daughter, and ALL of the other companies that are making products for our NATURALLY CURLY HAIR!!! It’s about time!!!
Just to clarify…..I use Carol’s Daughter shampoo and leave-in conditioner, then I apply Miss Jessie’s curl cream. My hair is growing so fast now! I hope to never straighten it again.
I don’t understand what “3c”, “4b” and so on is…Can someone explain?? (Sorry if I missed the previous clarification.) Thanks.
I just went natural for the second time. The first time I got to a point where “I missed my hair” and ended up perming it again. I don’t regret it it at all-I enjoyed my relaxed hair. And even better, when I decided that I was gonna go natural again- I used that opportunity to try all of the short haircuts with relaxed hair that I ever wanted to try. Now I’m sporting a twa.
I recently came across Miss Jessie’s products and immediately fell in love with them from the description. Pricey- absolutely. But I’ve tried the drugstore brands to no avail and was completely open to experimenting with high-end products in hopes of finding “the one”.
My friend and I went halfsies (50/50) on a jar of Buttercream. Her hair is natural also but longer than mine. (She’s been wearing weaves and braids)We did a twist out on her hair, which came out amazing.
As for me, after waking up in the morning with my hair matted to the side of my head, I run my wet fingers through to loosen the kinks, and then rub a dime sized amount of MJ’s Buttercream through twice. It gives it a funky look. So far I love it, I’ll have to see how it holds up when my hair gets longer.
Ingrid,
If you go to naturallycurly.com, you’ll find hair type descriptions. Hope this helps.
Can I just say WOW! So many perspectives! I’m newly natural and I do not want any type of “texturizing chemical” at all in my hair. My hair has grown rapidly, and I am not only amazed and proud, but I am also, bewildered about how to maintain its natural beauty. I have read many of the postings and I have taken notes on recommended products. I reside in the DC Metropolitian area and I am curious about how Miko would care for my hair, knowing I would not be interested in the Silkener. I am also curious about the cost to visit her salon for a simple shape and style -shingling; does anyone know if the cost still falls in the $300-$500 dollar price range?
Stay positive sisters!
In Response to Jay (and anyone else thinking about making an appt with Miko)…I just got my hair done by Miko yesterday and I love it. I have been natural for about 5 years. My hair has been steaddily growing back for the past year after a series of chemo took it all out. I decided to get the silkener and had already decided this prior to my appointment. Miko was extremely nice and professional. She listened to all of my concerns and gave me tips on how to care for my hair. She always asked me what I wanted and we went from there. My hair naturally is a 3c in the back and 4a in the front. The silkener just evened out the textures. I LOVE it! It’s not for everyone but it’s for me.
For the all-naturals….Miko does a great job on natural styling as well. Twist-outs, coil-outs, shingling….it’s all her best quality work. And you won’t be disappointed.
Prices: Her prices are based on a technique you won’t get anywhere else. No one else is authorized to do a silkener..she has trademarked the name and technique. They start at $325.00. Her signature hair cuts (Angle and Balance Method) start at $100.00 and styling starts at $125.00 She is very open about her prices and there are no hidden costs. There may be up-charges depending on the length and thickness of your hair. But she will let you know the total BEFORE she does anything to your hair.
Location: She is in DC on Saturdays only and she books up pretty quick. I was visiting family in Woodbridge VA over the weekend so I called and made an appointment two weeks ago. If you let her (or the receptionist) know that you are traveling, she will accomodate you as best as possible. There were several people there who traveled from NYC and she made sure they were done in time to get back on the bus.
Overall: I paid 475.00 for my services and I would do it again. She said that I only need a silkener every 3 months so the touch-ups (about 325.00) are doable. Only next time I will be living in that area as i am relocating in June. She is a great stylist and she loves what she does…you can see it in her work.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope that helps!
I purchased the Buttercreme and Curly Pudding in December and it was buy one get one free so it didn’t hurt so much. I received my products a week and a half later… OMG I was so excited only to be disappointed with the greasy mess on my head. I smelled like a peppermint candy with vanilla! I gave myself a headache. I did, however, like how it looked when I applied it over gel. Eventually I gave the pudding away and the buttercreme is sitting on my shelf. I will probably use the buttercreme again when I want to smell like a candy cane!
Hi Curly girls! Design Essentials Compositions Foam wrap is excellent for defining curls. Also, it dries fast and is soft. There is no build up and costly prices.
RDG
Hello, I think the negative comments about Miss Jessie’s products, are a reflection of the products not turning your mane into curls. We all know that you can not turn kinks into curls without doing two things, a chemical or twist outs, braid outs and etc. The reason why I am saying all of these things, is because these products are extremely heavy and a lot goes a long way, and if you have to use that much product your hair, usually your hair maybe on kinkier side. If you have a Miss Jessie’s Retailer near you, I would advise you to get an consultation, so you will know how to use the products, or even if the products are right for your hair type. I would not advise you to use the Curly Buttercreme or Baby Buttercreme, everyday it can build up like any other moisturizing products, that are not in a water base form. If you most moisturize everyday, I would advise you to use pure Aloe Vera gel.
This is my comment on MJ products, I love all of their products but yes they are a little bit expensive but woth it to me they also usually make my hair look awesome. The only one I do not care to much about is the Curly pudding; it just elongates my curl and doesn’t look good after I try to set the curls. Otherwise, I have been using MJ’s product for over a year and I love it, it has also grown my hair tremendously..
The Curly Buttercreme is only a mosturizer for me and I think should be only used in the morning time to shape your hair back into place after you have worn your satin cap overnight. I usually dip 1-2 fingers in it and apply it to my hair. Comes out great..
This is my comment on MJ products, I love all of their products but yes they are a little bit expensive but worth it to me. It usually make my hair look awesome. The only one I do not care to much about is the Curly pudding; it just elongates my curl and doesn’t look good after I try to set the curls. Otherwise, I have been using MJ’s product for over a year and I love it, it has also grown my hair tremendously..
The Curly Buttercreme is only a mosturizer for me and I think should be only used in the morning time to shape your hair back into place after you have worn your satin cap overnight. I usually dip 1-2 fingers in it and apply it to my hair. Comes out great..
Okay, so I have just spent the last hour reading through everyone’s comments. I feel like I am back at square one. Yesterday, I did order an 8oz jar of baby buttercreme because they were offering a free value pack with purchase. This way I can tryout all the MJ products and I am not out alot of money. I was cool with the price because of the promotion, but the shipping costs are too much. I definitely recommend purchasing through naturallycurly.com because they offered the same promo and the shipping costs 6 dollars less than on the MJ website. fyi- the offer ends may 12.
I should get my products in a couple days so we will see.
I have fuzzy, soft, cottony textured curls that work well with some gels, but I am severely lacking moisture and I have some breakage in the front and in the crown.
I have used carols daughter many times but I don’t like the way the hair milk smells and the hair honey is a little too heavy. Has anyone tried kiehls creme with silk groom? It is a product on my radar but I haven’t tried it yet. I just want to get my hair out of a ponytail for awhile without having to get a weave or braids.
This might be a stretch, but does anyone out there know of a good hair salon for Afro-American curly hair in the midwest?
I live in Omaha, Nebraska but I am willing to travel up to 3 hours in any direction. A shot in the dark, I know but I don’t know until I ask.
be peaceful everyone! happy mother’s day to all the mommas…
I am in the process of going nature and have been researching the different products on the market. In the past, I have used the Sebastian Potion 9 and Sebastian Wet products when I just wanted to wash my hair and go. This worked fine with a perm but I don’t know how it will work on my hair without a perm. An acquaintance of mine has gone natural and she uses the Garnier Fructis line of products for curls and her hair looks great. It looks well moisturized and the curls are well formed. However, she has a different texture of hair than I do so I wanted to research and try other products. In my research I also came across the website for Miss Jessie’s along with several other products including the product Mixed Chicks. I was disappointed to find out the sisters had closed their shop. Then I came across this website. At first I thought all the information would be from 2006 since that is the date of the first posting. However, much to my surprise and delight, people are still making comments. I was even more excited to find out that one of the sisters had opened a shop in DC since I live in Virginia. To top this off I just came back from NY three weeks ago in which I ran across this woman on the street whose hair was natural and looked great. So I struck up a conversation with her and she told my that she used the Miss Jessie’s products and told me where to find the products – a place called Ricky’s. Of course I go there and go crazy. I got the curly pudding and the conditioner from the Mixed Chicks ($15) product line. (I also got a curly pudding for my mom who is going natural also.) I have taken turns trying out the Garnier Fructis and Miss Jessie’s on small sections of my hair. Sections that have no perm (the hair at the back of the neck area) and a small section that still have a lot of perm. Both products worked well on the hair that has no perm but neither product worked well on the hair that still has perm. I had a Friday off so I decided to wash my hair and try the Mixed Chicks leave in conditioner. I was pleased with it for the most part. The hair at the crown was a little drier than I like but the waves formed nicely. Well, I was still curious about the curly pudding because I wanted to achieve that curl look that is on the website, and that I have seen other women with on the street and in magazines, etc. So I decided to make an appointment with Miko. I was really interested in getting this angled cut that is talked about so much on the website. And of course I wanted to know if she would be able to do something different that would make the curly pudding work on my hair even with the perm. I got an appointment the same week I called. I prepped for the appointment just like they instructed. I knew from other comments posted on this website that the cost would be over $300 for silkener but I didn’t want a silkener so I thought the price would be a little less, around $175 or so. Boy was I wrong! After wetting my hair and putting me under the drier to see how much my hair would shrink, Miko inspected my hair and asked me what I type of service I wanted. So I told her a cut and style, no silkener. That’s when she told me it would cost $350. So I am sitting there thinking – ok make up your mind quick – are you willing to pay $350 for a cut and style? Curiosity got the best of me and I told her to go ahead. Much to my disappoint, the product did not work in my hair. She said I still have too much perm in my hair. In case you are wondering, my hair is below my shoulders. So she ended up setting my hair on flexi rods and putting me under the drier. At first I was really, really disappointed and disgusted with my decision to pay so much money to get my hair done in the first place. I waited to post my thoughts on my experience because I did not want my disappointment to color my comments. It has been a week since I had my hair done. I asked Miko how much would it cost to get my hair done again for the three month follow up and she stated the same – $350. Well, I am glad that I did go through with the experience. At least I know for myself first hand what type of work she does. I got to see the results of some her other clients while I was there. However, I am disappoint that I was so caught up in the moment that I did not think to wait until more perm had grown out of my hair. But in this whole research process, I did learn one thing and that is that there are less expensive products on the market that do and will work on my hair just as well, if not better, with and without the perm. Also, there are probably plenty of people in the metro DC area that can do the angle cut just as well for way less money. As a matter of fact, Sophisticate’s Black Hair magazine features natural styles (outside of their normal natural hair feature) in their June/July issue and they actually show a couple of styles from a salon located in Maryland. I also realized that, even with the wash and go style, I may have to continue to use a deep conditioner and set under the drier before putting in the leave in conditioner, so my hair will look moisturized and not so dry. I end this story feeling at peace and excited to continue my journey of going natural.
If you are thinking about getting a silkener, please don’t be afraid of all the negative ideas of those who say you are no longer natural. Yes, in the true sense of the word “natural”, you are not natural with a silkener.
But, for me, I decided to get a silkener after 8 years of being “natural” because I wanted curl definition and for my hair to be more manageable. I have 4a/4b hair with at least 80-85 percent shrinkage. Stretched out my hair is well below my shoulders, but “naturally” shrunken it is only 2 1/2 to 3 inches and if i wanted to style my hair in 2-strand twists I would need to detangle my hair for at least 5-6 hours because it is so tight, and then spend 4-5 hours twisting and twisting it out, only to wear it out for 7- 10 days. With my work schedule I just don’t have an entire day to work on my hair every other week. So, most days I would wear an afro puff. And honestly I just got tired of wearing my hair the same ol’ way, and knowing that unless my hair changes, this is what I will be doing the rest of my life.
After careful research, and going to natural hair stylists who did no better with my hair than I could, I started thinking about the silkener. I finally to the leap and flew to DC from Houston to visit Miko. She is amazing. Everyone that walked out of her salon looked beautiful. I was honestly in shock. Probably 75% of the customers were getting silkeners or touch-ups, and during your first consultation she gives you the option of having more curls or more length. There were two girls who got silkened but their hair still kept the “natural” look. They wanted more curl than length. It took their hair from 4a/4b to 3c, added length and lots of curl definition. They both were very happy with the result, as were the rest of us looking on in adoration. As for me, I took Miko’s suggestion for my hair and went for more length. My hair went from 4a/4b kinks to 3b curls, and now the sides lay on my shoulders and the back is below my shoulders (even with my curls). I also have lots of body. Honestly when I got in my car, I hated myself for not having done this earlier. Now, in the mornings I just dampen my hair and add a dab of buttercreme. And go.
Before, I would get comments on my hair but it would always have something to do with Black Power or have some reference to the Black experience, and now the compliments are more like “you hair is so beautiful” or “I wish my hair was like that”, as opposed to “I wish I was brave enough to do that” or “Are you an activist.” Not that there’s anything wrong with being an activists. It’s just that I never went natural to make a statement, yet I felt like everywhere I went thats what most people saw me as.
Anyway at the end of the day, this is your life, you only live it once, if getting s silkener is going to make your hair look the way you truly envision in looking, go for it. It came to the point where I wanted to get the look I wanted and not the looked everyone else wanted for me whether permed or natural. In the end, its all a style, whether you put grease in it or a silkener. It’s still just hair.
I haven’t had a perm in about a year and I had my permed ends cut off in October 2007. My hair is curly when wet, yet it shrinks really fast and becomes like an afro when dry. I tried the Ms. Jessie curling pudding with the twist method. When taking my hair down, it looked like I had braids and the crinkled look with it. It was a bit heavy and my hair was pretty dry after three days even though I moisturized it. Any suggestions?
Wow- can’t believe this discussion has been going on for almost 2 years and that I just read it all! I love, love, love Miss Jessie’s products. I am not sure what my hair type is and not bought in on the grading scales either but I have different textures- lots of S- patterns and coils.
I stopped getting relaxers a little over a year ago, wore weaves to transition and was still transitioning with my natural up-dos when I received my first set of MJs in April. That night, after dabbing a bit of the products on my roots and getting excited about the results, I immediately cut all the relaxer ends off that I had been holding on to for SL hair. Talk about being inspired (LOL).
Since my big chop, I have spent an indecent amount of $$ on these products. The question of whether it is worth it can only be answered by the individual user. While the ingredients are not particularly costly, we are also paying for the formulation (which requires some skill) and the fact that these sisters have estabished a lucrative niche and captivated and cornered this market. In May, I took a hard look at the collective sum that I had spent and decided to try regular gels and hair products available at mass merchandise and drug stores. We are after all in a nose-dive economy and rising fuel costs are reflected in shipping.
I have found that gels, creams, and some mousse (my cuz’s suggestion) will work in combo with MJ products, e.g. day 2 or 3 after using curly pudding. The trick to using most gels without MJs is to avoid those with alcohol which will have a drying effect and also make sure that your hair is moisturized to prevent crunchy hair. By doing that, you can really make those products last and perhaps justify the price. After all, there are no moisturizers like the buttercreams. I only recently bought more products and have now tried the new silkener cream (not the chemical treatment)- which is my new fave. I also keep a stock bottle of meringue.
Now with respect to the comments on hair texture: people of African descent and others with curly hair all have a curl pattern. It’s what defines your type of hair- be it “curly, kinky or mixed textures.” It might take some work to learn how to style your particular texture if you have recently chosen to be natural. That’s where the use of a good professional stylist, who has had much experience with a multitude of hair textures comes in. But if you have had a relaxer or other chemical treatment in the past, do not expect to apply the same principles that you previously used to style your hair. It’s going to require some re-work and some changes in your habits to “deal” with your hair. And no, I am not a cosmetologist. I do however have the pleasure of being a scientist that specializes in hair and skin biology. My dream is that someday we can all embrace our hair as good hair, give up the old notions that someone else’s is better simply because of genetics and accept each other’s hair choices- whether natural or straight as exactly that- a choice not a political or inferiority statement. My dream is also that we (todos africanos) can make informed hair choices that will not compromise the long-term quality of our hair and scalp but provide us with good, healthy hair.
Wow- can’t believe this discussion has been going on for almost 2 years and that I just read it all! I love, love, love Miss Jessie’s products. I am not sure what my hair type is and not bought in on the grading scales either but I have different textures- lots of S- patterns and coils.
I stopped getting relaxers a little over a year ago, wore weaves to transition and was still transitioning with my natural up-dos when I received my first set of MJs in April. That night, after dabbing a bit of the products on my roots and getting excited about the results, I immediately cut all the relaxer ends off that I had been holding on to for SL hair. Talk about being inspired (LOL).
Since my big chop, I have spent an indecent amount of $$ on these products. The question of whether it is worth it can only be answered by the individual user. While the ingredients are not particularly costly, we are also paying for the formulation (which requires some skill) and the fact that these sisters have estabished a lucrative niche and captivated and cornered this market. In May, I took a hard look at the collective sum that I had spent and decided to try regular gels and hair products available at mass merchandise and drug stores. We are after all in a nose-dive economy and rising fuel costs are reflected in shipping.
I have found that gels, creams, and some mousse (my cuz’s suggestion) will work in combo with MJ products, e.g. day 2 or 3 after using curly pudding. The trick to using most gels without MJs is to avoid those with alcohol which will have a drying effect and also make sure that your hair is moisturized to prevent crunchy hair. By doing that, you can really make those products last and perhaps justify the price. After all, there are no moisturizers like the buttercreams. I only recently bought more products and have now tried the new silkener cream (not the chemical treatment)- which is my new fave. I also keep a stock bottle of meringue.
Now with respect to the comments on hair texture: people of African descent and others with curly hair all have a curl pattern. It’s what defines your type of hair- be it “curly, kinky or mixed textures.” It might take some work to learn how to style your particular texture if you have recently chosen to be natural. That’s where the use of a good professional stylist, who has had much experience with a multitude of hair textures comes in. But if you have had a relaxer or other chemical treatment in the past, do not expect to apply the same principles that you previously used to style your hair. It’s going to require some re-work and some changes in your habits to “deal” with your hair. And no, I am not a cosmetologist.
I do however have the pleasure of being a scientist that specializes in hair and skin biology. My dream is that someday we can all embrace our hair as good hair, give up the old notions that someone else’s is better simply because of genetics and accept each other’s hair choices- whether natural or straight as exactly that- a choice not a political or inferiority statement. My dream is also that we (todos africanos) can make informed hair choices that will not compromise the long-term quality of our hair and scalp but provide us with good, healthy hair.
I apologize for the double post. Great site, Afrobella.
I stumbled across this website while I was looking for products for my natural hair. I have been braided or twisted since 2000, so I am all natural. My problem is my hairline is taking such a beating, that before I end up looking like Stevie Wonder, I have to give up my kinky twists. The dermatologist called it “Traction Alopecia” which basically means, I’m twisting my hair right out of my head!! Now that I have this natural, baby fine but nappy head full of hair, I have no idea what to do with it since I MUST remove my twists for a while. When I wash my hair, it shrinks to about an inch off my head, but when I blow it out, I look like Rosanna-Rosanna Danna from Saturday night live!! I take my twists out for the last time this Thursday night. Friday I get the deep condition & chestnut brown hair dye to complement my skin…..after that I’m not sure. Ladies, I need your help. Since I get maximum shrink when my hair is wet, going from wet hair with products will get me a TWA. I need lots of hair with soft curly curls cause I have a big head, and I need to soften my facial features(I have to work to bring out my beauty, it’s just not there otherwise). I have 2 complete hair systems cause I keep reading & buying products. (Serious Product Junkie – SPJ) I’ve probably spent close to $175 in the past month preparing for this Thursday. For all of you that have tried products that may have 4c hair, have you ever tried the products from Curls.biz? If you have, can you tell me what you think PLEASE!! I need your tips & tricks before this Thursday, July 10. BTW, as a SPJ, I also have a complete line of MJ – but I don’t have the new silkener cream yet. MJs products mess with my scalp so I try not to use them too much. I also have Carol’s Daughter – Black Vanilla, Hair Milk, & Mimosa Hair Honey. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
I am one satisfied lady after using Miss Jessie’s products for four months. Using the Butter Creme resulted in hair growth of four inches. This is the way I used it: Dampened hair well, and apply liberally the Butter Creme. Use a wide-tooth comb to comb out. Do this twice twice daily. The product works and it smells good!
Miss Jessie’s products work for the type of hair it was designed for people with 3a-3c hair not the nappy 4 types. I am a 3c and it works great if people with nappy afro hair want it silky you will need a texturizer to make it look that way. What I would suggest is people with 4 type hair just accept their natural hair texture and stop trying to make kinks into curls because that’s just not your hair type sry u guys are not born with hair many of us Creoles have
Well that was a bit of self-patting on the head. But you are only partially correct. While the venture may have started to fill the needs of those consumers, the business has certainly expanded as the owners have recognized additional applications of their products. These sensible moves have kept their business growing. WRT to the “nappy afro hair” you mentioned- you would be surprised and I suspect also disappointed that the actual variation in structure is not that different among ALL curly hair types, regardless of ethnicity. And while you are congratulating yourself on the genetic make-up that you had no say in and are most pleased with, please familiarize yourself with recent DNA analysis on humans from across the globe. The take home message: We are just too much alike genetically to continue fostering such negativity based on what we look like.
I know- this might be just a tad heavy but I can’t let things like this slide. Maybe you meant this just in jest… there are just too many people- type 4s included- that think like this. WRT to the hair products and hair acceptance, EVERYONE has benefited from development of products to enhance their style or give them a different twist (no pun intended. We’re just not there yet on products for everyone. But that’s what makes the journey fun- experimenting with different products, regimens and sharing our experiences.
my baby has type 3c with 3a hair she is 3 years old and mixed race. can i use miss jessies other products in her hair? or just the baby buttercream. and are ojon products good for her hair type? please help!
I bought miss jessie’s buttercreme and curly pudding 3 weeks ago at Essentials inside my local mall, and I must admit that the product line didn’t work for me. I found the buttercreme aswell as the curly pudding difficult to comb through the hair as I prepped to set my hair in a twist out. Setting the hair with curly pudding only held up for one day before humidity took over and the buttercreme made my hair feel like I had applied a gel activator to my hair and the peppermint smell was almost unberable, not to mention that the tingling sensation felt like I had vicks vapor rub on my scalp. This product is a rip off! Fortunatwly I have gone back to setting lotion along with using curls by vigorol
Try kinky curly curling custard, they have a website, it is http://www.kinky-curly.com, they have a product that is for all including 4a-4b hair, also ic fantasia gel works also. you can use their same technique that they call shingling and it may work for you, good luck. also I have seen people do the shingling technique with a denman brush.
i recently finished growing out my perm (yesss), but it has left my hair in a very confusing state. the parts closer to my face and are my 3a and longer, the middle is really frizzy and barely has any style, and the bottom layer is shorter b/c the curls are tighter and smaller. so now i hear miko is back in NYC, and i wanted to give the silkener a try…that is, until i found out how expensive it is!!
then i thought that maybe i would just go for an angle/balance cut they talk about on the miss jessies website, and then use the stretch silkening creme myself…what do you ladies think? so i have a few questions…
1)how much does the angle/balance cut cost?
2)has anyone used the stretch silkening creme? how has it worked in comparison to the other miss jessies creme?
i also just tried my first carol’s daughter product…hair butter. so far, i can see it works really well…lookin forward to trying other products.
Amen to Jinardos! For your comment from August 13th.
I was touched and empowered!
My list of products to try is extensive. I’ve been natural since 2000. A type 4 “Z” pattern with 90 %maximum scrinkage. If it wasn’t for twists and braids I wouldn’t have survived. Now I’m tired of extentions and my edges need a break! First on my list to try is Giovanni leave in aloe gel. If any one has any experience with this product please post.
FYI: All Miss Jessie’s products are on sale now through December 31 2008!!!! Buy one Get One!!!!! Stock up now.
Contessa, your comments are really quite ignorant. I have naturally curly hair as well but I see the beauty in all hair textures. I love to see all different hair styles and textures on people and constantly compliment people on the beauty of their hair no matter what texture it is.
Because the real truth is we all have “good hair”. It’s a matter of learning how to manage your own hair texture and finding what works with your hair.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I have spent the last two hours reading all of the comments. Wonderful!!! I have been natural for about 15 months and like some of the other ladies I have sppent a lot of money on products. I have a bunch of Carol’s Daughters stuff, then I tried kinky-curly but I had to wet my hair every morning, that didn’t work for me. I am now using Miss Jessie’s products. I purchased the starter kit last weekend. I used the intensive treatment and left it in overnight, I slept with a plastic cap. I rinsed it the next morning and my hair felt great!!! Really soft and manageable. Then I twisted with the Meringue, left the twist in overnight and the next morning, untwisted and separated( I followed the directions on the Miss Jessie’s website. I love it. For the last four nights I have been twisting with the Curly Buttercream, and misting with water just a little. I feel like Miss Jessie’s may the the product for me but I have learned so much from all of the comments that I am going to to add a few other items to me list. I was permed=bound for almost 30 years and decided that I would become “master of my hair” and stop letting my hair “master me”. It feels wonderful to be able to go to the gym and not have to worry about my hair, but the greatest thing I have done that I would have never done before has been using the sauna!!! Wow, what a great way to relax and relieve stress.
Ok…I have spent the last hour reading the comments. I tried Carol’s Daughter, Love the products but could not get the managebility I craved. My hair is thick (very) and is great when I twos strand twist and let dry overnight. It is also very dry. So i finally spent the money and bought Ms. jessies. I also bought a kiddie texturizer (two little girls on the box…I don’t remeber the name but it is called a kidde texturizer, not a relaxer. I added olive to my hair before applying the texturizer and only left it on for about 5 minutes. I rinsed following the directions on the box with nuetralizing shampoo. Afterwards I washed with Creme of Nature and conditioned using the Miss Jessie’s products. I two strandf twisted with the culry pudding, paying attention to the ends (clipping where needed) and dried under a dryer. I twisted out using the buttercream and I feel as though I walked out of MJ salon! I looks great and I still have my natural look with the manageability I craved. I spent a total of 40.00 bucks (the MJ products are buy one get one during DEC) I know it sounds like al ot but with dryer time, it took like two hours!
I think Ms. Jessie’s products are wonderful. I have tried other brands and am not as satisfied with the less expensive brands. I kow to single ladies or ladies on a serious budget it can seem expensive. What I love about Ms. Jessie’s is it works, whatever the claim is on the bottle I experience just that. There is only one drawback with the curly meringue and it states it will reduce shrinkage, I am not as pleased with it for that reason. The shampoo and conditioner are fabulous. My hair has a natural curl to begin with but is kinky and very dry. I shampoo and condition my hair everyday and mix at least two of their puddings for styling my hair. Ms. Jessie’s offers us several options in styling products unlike other more inexpensive brands. Other brands mainly have one product for curling and that is it. Ms. Jessie has gone far beyond that with the silkener, the stretch cream and the rapid recovery to name a few. They gear their products towards hair types and finished looks. And they share their styling methods online speaking as a former hairstylist I do not know other stylist who do this. Who could ask for more!!