This has not been a stellar week for Chicago, weather wise. As I write this I’m looking out at low lying fog, wet streets, and breath-chilling cold. In May. But tomorrow it’s predicted to be in the 60’s or 70’s again. And so it goes. When the weather is this schizophrenic it’s hard to know what to wear, much less what to use on your hair. So I’ve been trying out quite a few products as the weather transitions into a different season. Sof n Free GroHealthy Milk Protein and Olive Oil products are new to my hair arsenal, but are helping me survive the weather’s hissy fits looking frizz free and fly.
Please note: If you’re an ingredient snob or are more into indie brands, this may not be your natural hair bag. I’ll go ahead and issue a ‘cone alert for you. This is a mass market product that uses mass market ingredients, but it’s among the best mass market products I’ve tried recently. If I had to compare Sof n Free GroHealthy Milk Protein and Olive Oil to any existing brand, it’d probably be Cantu – another affordable drugstore brand that does a fine job of catering to the needs of natural hair. But here’s what I prefer about Sof n Free GroHealthy.
It smells amazing.
Like yummy sweet milky dessert. If you don’t like sweetly scented hair products, steer clear. If you enjoy smelling good enough to eat, you will love this stuff.
Sof n Free GroHealthy imparts moisture to the hair with olive oil, milk protein and Sacha Inchi nut oil, which is cold pressed in Peru. I like the Daily Growth Lotion, which costs $4.99 for 8 oz – it’s a creamy, light hairstyling lotion that’s great when your hair is still a bit moist from the shower. The Three Layer Growth Oil is also $4.99, and it reminds me so much of the oil-based products I’d buy at Sally’s when I had relaxed hair – this is the kind of hair oil that would work equally well for relaxed and natural hair. And of course there’s a Deep Conditioning Treatment that comes in a packet for $1.99 – great for travel if you need a deep conditioning product on the go!
I was happy with my hair after using Sof n Free, and if you’re a bella on a budget who does your natural hair shopping at beauty retailers and drugstores, I think this would be a great addition to your regular lineup of products. But you don’t have to take my word for it — five lucky winners will get all five products from the Sofn’free GroHealthy line:
– Really Deep Conditioning Treatment
– Leave-in Treatment
– Daily Growth Lotion,
– Three Layer Growth Oil
– Strengthening Creme
That’s a cute little package valued at $26. All you have to do are two things. 1. pretty please join my Facebook page – click here! and 2. Please leave me a comment telling me what you’d like to see more of on Afrobella. I’m on the cusp of a site relaunch and I want to make sure I’m still focused and giving you bellas more of what you love!
ps: if you’re not on Facebook, it’s cool. You can just leave me a comment! =)
I’ll close these comments on Monday and randomly pick five winners. Good luck!
HI Bella,
Unfortunately I fell off from following your blog, but I’m back now! I must have missed something; weren’t you living in FL before? Did you relo to Chicago? Chi-town is a great city….in the summer! I hope you’re enjoying it there. Maybe I’ll see you at The Taste in July
Ok will comment on FB when I get home tonight. I haven’t seen this in my cvs or beauty supply. I’m a fan of cantu especially their pricing!! So if I don’t win I will see if I can find it in my neighborhood!
Hey Bella!! I follow you on FB, here, AND on Twitter! LOL
I have been following your blog for about two years, and I think your content is excellent and very diverse…I like that, so that’s what I would ask for..more of that..more celebrity interviews (like the one today), more historical hair pictures (like yesterday)…it was all absolutely awesome!
I am posting here, and I will try to remember to post to FB when I get home (FB is blocked at work…boo!)
Thanks Bella!
Salutations Afrobella!
I would like to see more makeup tips, giveaways :), natural hair tips like a different focus (ex. moisture, styles, product reviews, etc.)every week, and manicure features. Also, some youtube features would be fab too!
I <3 your blog! Mwah!
Sonya, Afrobella moved to Chicago since mid May 2009.
I love your product reviews and to see your weekly manicures. I’d be interested see more natural hair inspirations like the 1800s piece you posted earlier. ..and, if you’re up for it, a before and after of products in your hair. I’m always persuaded by pictures, lol.
Hello! I “liked” your facebook page (Evelyn D).
I would love to see pictures and how tos for natural hair styles. I get bored with afros and twists and it would be nice to see how to style it in any way you want. And more choices that I never know, because I dont know anyone in my personal life with natural hair.
shopgurl101 at gmail dot com
I joined your fb page. I would like to see more hair how to: how to use products; how to do styles. Product recommendations are great and I love them but the specifics of how to use the products would be great. I would also like to see a sections with links to hair care resources. I like your makeup tips and tricks to so you can give us more of that as well. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the relaunch even though I thoroughly enjoy your site now.
I would love to try these products and I love your site!!
I would love to see more product reviews and tutorials on the different ways you style your hair!!
Already joined your FB page, and Twitter, of course :-). I’d like to see more hair accessory reviews (espeically awesome Etsy finds) and I’m in love the with Monday manicure series. Excited for the relaunch!
I would love to see more styles for those of us with locs. I also would love love love it if you would do a post on comfortable professional shoes. I recently started commuting to work and I need a shoe option that is not going to make me want to cut my foot off at the ankle, but can still be worn with a suit. Thank you!
Hi Bella!
I’m still kinda new to your site but I have to say I really like it!
I agree on what some of the other comments had to say on more how-to posts, that would be really helpful.
I’m excited for the relaunch and this giveaway is awesome! Thanks so much!
It’s hard to say what I’d like to see more of because I really enjoy the mix of topics you have on your site. Perhaps more fashion?
I follow you on facebook, twitter, and your blog and I love it all. I would enjoy seeing more how-to’s for hairstyles and more on overall health maybe??
Hi Afrobella…..I joined your FB page..I already love your blog..you really helped me when I was unemployed a year ago…I would like to see some product reviews and hairstyles..always looking for something new to try!
LOL @ ingredient snob…he he he…you were definitely talking about me…I love your blog
Hello,hello! i would love to see more profiles on famous naturals, and definitely some more product reviews, i really love those!
Oh Ms. Bella, how I do adore this blog. When I’m unable to read it for a few days, I’m eager to get back! Hmmm…in regards to new content…I may like to see 1.More fashion finds/stores for PLUS size beauties (ahem, on a budget that is lol). I am a curvy bella. However I LOVE the diversity of the topics about which you write, pls continue!
Yikes! I meant to add this new topic idea as well: 2. Short informative posts about PRE-SLAVERY African/Carribean etc etc history and tales of glory. I love learning about this topic and find it sad that many of us have no idea about the past, present, or future of the continent from which we came. The positivity this knowledge brings to my spirit is remarkable.
just started reading your blog regularly! and also just recently started taking care of my natural hair. i would love to see more skin care product and makeup reviews!
I’d like to see more “how-to” videos. I think you’ve done a great job on the make-up end, especially since yours always looks so fly (and your nails by the way…love the colors you’ve displayed because they give me ideas). But more of how to do different natural hairstyles. Love this site because it’s really an all inclusive place for beauty of all types (hair, make-up, etc.).
I enjoy reading about new products, reviews, and styling techniques.
I love your blog! I would love to see more on skincare. I was one of the lucky teens who had no skin issues, but at thirty adult acne is beginning to set in. Any tips would be great.
Hi Bella,
I have very particular reasons for not being on Facebook so you won’t find a comment from me there. But I am here.
So, I thought it through, and I realize that what I really enjoy are profiles on black women in history–Etta James, Lena Horne—and profiles on more women making history–Measha Brueggergosman. It’s awesome that women who come to you for hair and make-up advise get that little extra history lesson. They may not be seeking it, but it’s there, and it’s presented in a way that ties in with the reasons that they read you anyway. (That’s the kinda writing I love to do and read, and I’m working on mine, but as you already have such dedicated fans, I know that you’d reach a lot of young women.)
Hey! I’d really like to see more information for natural sistas wearing locs. I’d love for you to discuss products that meet our special needs (moisture without buildup), styling techniques, accessories, etc.
I honestly love the product reviews because you always introduce me to products i’ve never heard of!
By the way this post excites me because i have been looking for something as much as i love the cantu shea butter leave-in so since you introduced this as an option i uber excited.
ive been reading afrobella since oct 2009 and i wouldnt change a THING!! i think u always give a lil of this n that. hair reviews, beauty reviews, interviews…**singing** who could ask for anything mooooore!
As a white mom who has 2 biological mixed race children (boy-5, and girl-almost 2) and 2 children adopted from Ethiopia (girl-5 and boy-2), I would LOVE to see LOTS pictures and how-to’s for little girl hair styles (sectioning, twisting, braiding, accessorizing, etc.). I am still learning a lot about hair care, and feel fairly comfortable styling my girl’s hair, but I am always looking for new ideas!
THANKS!
I love your site just the way it is! But I guess I would like to see more beauty products for bellas on a budget.
I would love to see more reviews for skin care products that really work for african american women. Many national brands seem to be making products specifically for us but I would like to know if those products show results in our skin. Keep up the good work. This is a fabulous site!
These product seem interesting. I don’t think half the things I see on your site exists here in Canada… I’d like to see more posts dedicated to naturals.. especially tightly cotton/cloud like textures.
Hello Miss Bella.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that uses the word “stellar”.
I’d like to see more blog posts on DIY natural skin care routines. I heard eggs are a great facial mask. Also on detangling 4b hair, how to take care of natural hair with less time,how to prevent less shrinkage, how to keep our hair oober soft,product testing is my favorite I like to get an idea/review of a product,and lastly it would be cool if you could take a poll on how the general public view girls with natural hair. I’d be curious to find out.
Lol sorry I had tons of ideas I’m sure you’ve already covered lotta of them, I’m sort of new to afrobella and natural hair.
I probably won’t win I’m still living in the stone ages and facebook hasn’t be discovered yet. Ahaha take care miss bella
^_^ ! :3 ! :O
I love your writing I am sure that I can detect an undercurrent of humour and happiness – a Friday Feature may be good to look at skincare/beautyproducts from around the world looking at the larger companies such as simple.co.uk (uk company) to smaller organisations Essential Organic Living.com (Aus company)as well as the best DIY treamnets fro budget bellas. Whatever you do I think it will be great.
Love your blog. We’re kinda in a similar boat hair wise. I moved to MI from Phoenix about 6 months ago just in time for end of summer and on to winter. I really liked your Island Remedy posts.
I really like your blog
It has been almost a year since I went back to natural (perm has left too much damages on my hair :-0). I don’t think your blog requires any major changes. I like your reviews on beauty products but most of them are not available where I live (Canada). However, I would like to know more of the possible hairstyles that you can do with your natural hair.
Hello Afrobella!
I would LOVE more makeup tips, more cosmetics in general!
I love your blog afrobella!
I’m pretty new to your site but since I’ve found it I cant get enough lol
fellow trinidadian here
I would lovefor you to give us more hair & makeup reviews, tips.
hey bella i like ur face book. I have no reccomendations for your upgraded blog, keep doin you and encouraging us. I started reading your blog back when Mo’nique and her cast members from ‘Fat Chance’ did a nude photo shoot. You were one of the few blogs that had positive comments on those photos; i’ve been loving ur blog ever since.
I LOVE your blog. I started reading it in 2009 when I was looking for makeup tips. It inspired me to start transitioning, and I’m now 9 months in! Don’t change a thing!
Afrobella- you rock! Love the product reviews and the stories about your family. Looking forward to more info about style trends for natural hair and reading about all the famous people you meet. Absolutely one of the best blogs in cyberspace.
Cool blog! I joined your FB page. Please enter me in your giveaway contest.
Thanks!
Hi Afrobella!
I’m with LMichelle – I follow you everywhere, LOL & I absolutely love your blog!
I’m definitely a bella on a budget so this looks great! 
I love how you post on everything! It’s great to see variety in a black beauty blog because black women are truly women of variety. from make up, to current events, to hair, to things we want & things that make us squeal. you are a REAL black woman & reading your blog makes me feel like we’re sitting in the same room! I love it. So as long as you’re keeping it real for us Bellas, I (we) will be reading
I’m not using FB but I really love the site. I guess the only thing I’d like to see are more reader profiles. Otherwise, great job!
I shamfully admit I’m new to following your blog- what I see so far is GREAT! I’ve recently started a Twitter acct-and I follow you there ( FB is blocked at work)… Im not familiar with these products, Ive never seen them but I have used teh Cantu products and am very interested in trying this brand..
I am only writing to make you know what a awesome discovery my girl gained checking your blog. She even learned many things, with the inclusion of what it’s like to have a wonderful giving character to let many people very easily fully grasp chosen complicated subject matter. You undoubtedly exceeded people’s expectations. Many thanks for rendering the helpful, dependable, explanatory and in addition easy tips about that topic to Tanya.
There’s definately a great deal to find out about this topic. I like all of the points you’ve made.