[Nox]

Well, I don't use store bought products for my hair much anymore.

I henna frequently (with real BAQ henna, not that compound stuff in a box). Hands down, this is the best thing I ever could have done for my hair. This is better than any protein treatment I have used, and I can't help but recommend it to every black woman I know. The only thing though is that it does have some relaxing properties, so the curl to my hair was noticeably more unwound, some folks may not like this, and I didn't know until I tried it. But all the benefits I got from it totally outweigh the change of my curl pattern. It was the magic bullet for me because my hair does not break, split, or degrade at the ends, it's amazing!!!

And I also use a "Caramel Treatment" that you can buy pre-made, or you can make it yourself with all with food ingredients. This also relaxes the hair quite a bit (in my experience), albeit more temporary as opposed to henna's more permanent change. Again, I find the benefits greatly outwiegh the less curly texture. Everytime I get done rinsing it off, I feel like I'm in one of those Pantene commercials, just swishing this soft shiny head around.

As for body moisturizers, I make mine during the dry winter months from shea butter, glycerin, aloe vera, and a shot of vodka (preservative). Nothing I've bought in the stores can compete with the results I get from this.

I hear Carol's Daughter stuff is really nice too. I would patronize them, but I am happy with what I have now, and it works for me.