Hi guys, I am back with another brand review. If you are new to this series, welcome! The series is about giving you an overview of all the products I have tried from a brand and how to easily fit them into a routine. I have quite a few on my blog, my popular ones are The Ordinary and Bodyshop.
Today we are focusing on Shea Moisture, the popular US brand that launched over 2 years ago in the UK. They have many product collections that target different hair types and concerns, be sure to check out the help chart I created a few years back to help you decide which collection is best for you. PS I need to update it with the new products they have launched!
Haircare
Shampoos– I have tried Multi-Benefit 10 in 1 shampoo which was really great at softening my hair and adding moisture, this is best for finger detangling as it provides slip. I also like the Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention shampoo. I felt like the benefits were quite similar to the 10 in 1 shampoo as it also left my hair soft and moisturised but didn’t have enough slip for detangling. I also have the Jamaican Black Castor Oil shampoo but I haven’t used that yet.
Routine step- shampoo once or twice a week depending on product build-up and following pre-poo.
Conditioners– I have tried the matching 10 in 1 rinse out conditioner which I think was nice. It was slippery enough to detangle and the scent was great. I also used the Raw Shea Butter Restorative rinse out conditioner and the Deep Treatment Masque. (If you don’t know the difference between a rinse out conditioner and a masque read my previous post here). Both conditioners are okay. They don’t have enough slip to properly detangle although I feel the rinse out conditioner has more slip than the masque. In terms of how they leave the hair, again I feel like it softens and repairs it but I would like more softness. They are still very good conditioners but I have used better. I also prefer the rinse out conditioner over the masque.
Routine step- after shampooing. Apply and cover with a plastic bag or sit under a hooded dryer.
Leave in conditioners/treatment– I have used the 100% virgin coconut oil leave in treatment. My full review is here. Simply put I love this leave in and it works well both on natural hair and extensions. Another great leave from SM is the Jamaican black castor oil leave in conditioner. That conditioner leaves my hair so silky and soft without the need of an oil. I have a full review here. The Jamaican Black Castor Oil edge treatment is one confusing product. They claim it can be used to smooth edges but it doesn’t have any hold. It’s an edge treatment used to grow/repair edges but in the times I have used it consistently I can’t say I noticed any improvements.
Routine step- leave in conditioner as and when needed. Edge Treatment- weekly on edges
Skincare
Did you know shea moisture have skincare products? They have a good amount of products, some of which are available in the UK but I think they are quite difficult to come by. My only SM skincare product is the African black soap clarifying mud face mask. I have had this for a while now. It’s a nice mud mask, not drying or thick as you may expect from a mud mask and it spreads very easily. I like using it mostly in the summer but let’s be honest it’s not real authentic black soap used. They also have a makeup line but to my knowledge that is not available in the UK.
Routine step- 2 to 3 times a week after cleansing. Most suitable for oily skin
So that’s it folks, everything I have tried from Shea Moisture. It is not indicative of the many products SM have but what I have tried suits my hair type and concern. If you have 4c hair that is prone to dryness and breakage like mine then I think these products will work best for you. I did notice the texture/consistency (more fluid and less studs but still good) of the two shampoos I have used changed over time from when I first used them. I know it was probably a year in between uses but I haven’t experienced that with my other shampoos
Shea Moisture hair products are available from Boots & Superdrug. Some of their skincare products are available from MyLuxeBeauty.
Give me a shout if you have tried these products and love or hate them!
Love
Sarah
sarah fynn 