Manetabolism Results & Update 1/29/15

Hey Beauties!!

I wanted to do the recap on my Manetabolism use/results for a few reasons: 1) I never posted about it at the end of my time frame in 2014, 2) I sort of fell off of using it towards the end of 2014, and 3) I've decided to sort of re-dedicate myself and try again.

If you weren't following FFF last year, you can see my original 2014 Hair Growth Challenge post here.

Right before starting supplements in 2014

As a quick recap, here were my goals while using Manetabolism:

• Thicker hair--I know. From the pictures I've shared my hair probably appears thick. IT IS. But it used to be thicker (circa 2.5-3 years ago), and I miss it.
• Stronger Edges/Nape --Not sure what it is lately, but definitely one of my "problem areas." They thrive for a while then break.
• Length! --Yes I have achieved significant growth in the last 2 years (with no supplements) just by taking care of my hair. However (I want more!), the pace of my growth seems to have tapered off a good deal.

In 2015, I have the same goals.

Now, you are probably wondering, "does Manetabolism work?"

• Yes it definitely does. And it did for me. HOWEVER (isn't there always a however?), as good as I was taking care of my hair 95% of the time, most of the time I would go to sleep without a headscarf/bonnet (and no I do not have silk pillow cases). I know I know. I broke a sacred afro-texture hair rule. As a result, despite gaining ~2-2 1/2 inches of growth, my hair was breaking at the same damn time. Ugh. So much for progress right? But I learned the hard way I guess. I'm doing better in 2015 though!!
• I also found myself with THICKER and FULLER hair, which is always a plus!
• I did also find myself skipping days every now and again (just forgetting to take them), I am not sure how or if this affected my results.

Are there side effects?

• I remember when I first started using Manetabolism I got light headed once or twice. It is recommended that you drink a lot of water while using those pills and on those instances I was simply dehydrated. Outside of that, I have experienced no side effects. I have heard some women having breakouts when taking in higher levels of biotin (not just with Manetabolism, any similar product with a lot of biotin), but again I did not experience that.

  More important facts

• Similar to last year, I just got my hair colored and trimmed (1/26/2015)
• Started Supplements January 19, 2015
• Again, I love a sale, so I usually purchase when the company has a discount going which is most holidays. (anywhere from 20-40% off)
• Still drinking a gallon of water a day (not specifically for the supplements, but overall good health)
• Continued Clean Eating

Hair Regimen (A few changes from last year)

• Shampoo once a week, deep condition once a week (due to color, moisture retention is key)
• Limited heat -- I did well with this in 2014. Rarely applied heat (only to straighten every once in a while)
• Again moisture, moisture, moisture-- Every 2-3 days applying moisture and sealing 
• Protective styling--simply because I need a break from her! 
• Consistent edges TLC (JBCO)

More Pictures from 2014 & early 2015:

5/16/14

6/6/14

6/13/14

6/26/14

6/26/14

6/28/14

July 2014 (clean, naked hair)

July 2014

After highlights/straighten/trim 7/2014

8/2014

9/17/14

Blow out before sew in 11/2014

 

Flat twistout on blown out hair 12/2014

Curlformer set 12/31/14

Color/Straighten/Trim 1/16/2015

 

After color/straighten/trim 1/19/15

 Have you used Manetabolism or any other hair growth supplements? Did you see results? Comment Below & Share!




Disclosure of Material Connection: Items in this post were purchased with my own funds. I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Product Review: Dr. Miracle's "Feel It Formula" Tingling Intensive Cleanse and Condition Deep Conditioning Treatment

Price: $1.99/ 1.75 oz from local BSS


Product Description:

A weekly one step treatment to end breakage and dry scalp and help with new growth.
-Enriched formula
-Tingling sensation supports strong growing hair and  healthy scalp
-Strengthens hair while adding brilliant shine and fabulous body
-Treatment continues to work after you stop feeling it
-Thermalceutical Complex wakes up your sleeping hair follicles

How To Use: After shampooing, apply a generous amount to your hair from roots to ends and massage into your scalp. Now enjoy my famous Feel It formula. Use a plastic cap over your hair and sit under a warm dryer for 10-15 minutes or leave on with a plastic cap and no heat for 30-60 minutes depending on the condition of your hair. rinse very thoroughly and towel dry for best results.

Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-32, PPG-1, Trideceth-6, Polyquaternium-10, Dimethicone, Lanolin Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthol, Isopulegol, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Menthoxypropanediol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Diazolidinyl Urea, Lodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Caramel, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool.


My Review:

I purchased two packets (because I have ultra thick hair) from my local BSS to do a thorough deep conditioning treatment in preparation for color I will be getting later this week (yes Lawd!). It has a fairly thick consistency and not as much slip as many other conditioners. I applied it to my hair in sections after a fresh wash on naked hair, making sure to coat the roots and spend a few moments massaging my scalp. I also used a shower comb to ensure that the product was evenly distributed, then clipped away and covered with a shower cap (no heat) for a little over an hour. I must say I really enjoyed the tingling sensation on my scalp--which began almost immediately. I should also mention that I ended up only needing one packet which allowed for a generous application.

After rinsing out, my scalp felt great and moisturized, but my hair still felt a bit dry and looked limp. Usually after I deep condition my hair curls up a lot and is super soft, so I was a bit disappointed with that. With it being more of a protein based conditioner, I decided to follow up with one of my usual moisturizing deep conditioning products to balance things out.

All in all, I would recommend this product more so as a scalp treatment than an overall deep conditioner. I would only use it if following up with my normal moisturizing deep conditioning routine/products.

Have you tried this product? What did you think? Comment Below!

















Disclosure of Material Connection: Items in this post were purchased with my own funds. I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Product Review-Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo

Product: Paul Mitchel Clarifying Shampoo 2

Price: 10.50 at Ulta

Promises: The Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two is specially formulated for oily hair. This clarifying shampoo for oily hair gently cleans out oil and dirt. You can spring clean your hair any time with this lemony fresh deep cleansing shampoo. Work on a rich lather of this clarifying shampoo works on the scalp and rinse it to reveal squeaky clean and shiny hair. You can use this shampoo on a weekly basis to transform limp and lifeless hair into one that is bouncy and full of volume

Ingredients: Chamomile Extract (De-ionized Water/Chamomile Blend), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Derived From Coconut), Sodium Chloride, Cocamide DEA, Awapuhi Extract, Rosemary Extract, Jojoba Oil, Kelp Extract, Henna Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Wheat Germ Oil, Panthenol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Methylparaben, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

I have been using this shampoo for over two years.  This is my favorite clarifying shampoo.   Now when I lived in Michigan I would use this shampoo every time I washed my hair.   I use it every other time now that I am back in Maryland.  I love this shampoo.  It gives my hair the cleanest feeling without it feeling stripped (that squeaky clean feeling).  I feel like when I use this on my hair my conditioners take better and that I've done a "deep" shampoo.  I also use this product on my make up brushes.  It gets all of the left over make up residue.  Sometimes when I use it I realize how my make up brushes are suppose to look because other cleaners just doesn't get all the make-up residue/dirt.

I definitely will repurchase this shampoo again.  It is a staple for me and I have used it continuously for years.  I don't plan to let it go any time soon.

What shampoo do you use to clarify?