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.
WOW
My curls already soak up half a bottle! That would laast me a week, if that!
Ridiculously priced, can someone give us curly gals a break!
If however I did try a sample and it CONTROLLED my curls ands frizzz, i may gladly dish it out
Bella: Playing with my money is like playing with my emotions.
Nichelle: That’s all I’m sayin…
But seriously, I think the buttercreme is exceptional, but even my love-to-spend-money behind can’t take it. The minute I find something better, I’ll let ya know!
I just bought some Carol’s Daughter stuff and it’s pretty good so far..
i spent 50 bucks and got the hair smoothie, leave in conditioner and a hair balm..
they even through in some free lip gloss.
Didi – I’d be willing to shell out $50 if I was walking away with at least two or three products. Free lip gloss is a bonus, too! If Miss Jessie’s came in different sizes and I could get a 8oz tube or jar for less than $20, I would be all over it. And that would be a great way to encourage me to pony up the additional funds for a larger jar IF it worked for me. But I always get skittish about spending more than $15 on a hair product, especially one that I’ve never tried before. Call me a cheapskate, that’s just how it is!
please do yourself a favor and go to http://www.motowngirl.com, she has done so much research and i believe if you look at her product recom and her hair journal you will be very happy, she saved my hair and my sanity
Miss Jessies did do anything special to my kinky hair. I only liked it when I twisted it with the Purple Creamy Pudding Stuff and then let it dry. I liked that my twist-out was nice, but I didn’t like that went I went to bed and woke up the next day the pattern didn’t hold long. I think it wouldn’t be a great investment, because I haven’t bought anymore since.
Miss Jessie’s didn’t do anything for my hair, and the whole bend-over-in-the-shower instructions were just too much–I gave it away.
I’ve been much happier with Curl Junkie (http://curljunkie.com/), which is much cheaper. So far both the daily and deep conditioners have been great, left my hair quite soft, but I am running through them quickly!
I haven’t tried it, it cost way too much $$. A good line to try is Qhemet Biologics, now that stuff is worth its weight in gold and a plus is that its not expensive
Afrobella, I have tried both the Curly Buttercream & the Curly Pudding. I will say they smell amazing and the packaging is fun but you could just as good a product for A WHOLE LOT LESS. You need to use quite a bit in order to get full coverage. Applying liberally hurts when you’ve spent so much money, cause you want to ration to stretch it out. Personally I prefer the Carol’s Daughter products. While they are still on the pricey side, I at least feel like I get my money’s worth and they’re still less expensive than Miss Jessie’s stuff.
It does cost way too much money, and apparently their stuff is too strong for regular or unprofessional use 🙁 I doubt the curly pudding would do anything for my hair…
Miss Jessies stuff is nothing special. I very much prefer Qhemet, Oyin, and Anita Grant. Oh BTW, great site! I’ve bookmarked this place 😀
I bought one jar and wasted it trying to make my hair look like the hair on the website.
Bought a second jar and then figured out that I have to sit under the dryer forever to make it look like their website. Looks great the first day but go to sleep and it’s no good! It’s a nice product…but WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!!
I do like the Carols Daughter line
It is great. I tried the milk and butter so far. I love the fresh smell and soft texture my hair gets
I have some curly pudding and Curly meringue I’d love to get rid of. Hardly used. The stuff just isn’t worth it.
The products are too heavily scented for the amount you have to use…and my hair was just dry and matted feeling after using them.
Can’t believe I paid that much for that stuff.
Wow! Without even trying or looking at any “results pictures,” I know that product is way too pricey. Homegirls are just taking the mickey!
I tried to Curly Meringue, and still have it. I personally did not like it that much, but I have a friend who swears by it. I mean it smells good, but the one time I truly enjoyed the end product took too long.
I tried the buttercreme and my girlfriend purchased the curly pudding. It was a big waste of my $$$. I ended up giving half of it away. I mixed the rest with some other products I had in my cabinet and couldn’t wait until I finished it. Never again!
Over the past year, I’ve been reading a lot of posts on various websites about the Miss Jessie’s products. Yes, it is indeed a hate-it or love-it product because…1. It’s freakin’ EXPENSIVE and 2. It is NOT FOR ALL AFRO HAIR TEXTURES. You have to already have curls to make curls…..
Listen up, Ladies. This is the SECRET to the Miss Jessie’s Creams:
1. The products were produced to address a specific, previously neglected hair market – those with what some call natural “3c” hair – or hair with a wavy, curly, to pencil-diameter spiral hair pattern(NOT 4a/4b kinky coffee-stirrer diameter, and NOT relaxed hair). The type usually associated with people of “mixed” racial and/or cultural heritage (although many other Afro blood folks CAN have this type of hair as well – i.e. Dominicans, Ethiopians, and some African-Americans). Celebrities like Mya, Chili, Rae Dawn Chong, Gloria Reubens, Holly Robinson Peete, and Alana Davis have this type of hair. IF YOU DO NOT NATURALLY HAVE THIS TYPE OF HAIR, MISS JESSIE’S CURLY PUDDING NOR MERINGUE WILL NOT WORK FOR YOU! IT WAS NOT MADE FOR YOU AND WILL NOT TURN YOUR KINKS TO THE WAVES YOU SEE ON THE WEBSITE WITHOUT A CHEMICAL PROCESS (i.e. TEXTURIZER or “SILKENER”). SAVE YOUR MONEY! **Curly Buttercream may work for 4a/4b hair as a softener ONLY, or as a support for twists…but NOT as a curl/wave maker.
2. That said, I am a HUGE FAN of Miss Jessie’s because it addresses my hair’s needs. Like many folks with hair like this, traditional “Black” products were too heavy and greasy for my curls or focused on the needs of relaxed hair and mainstream “straight hair” products were too drying. So, for 20 years I resorted to mixing creams, gels, serums, and oils at home to prevent my hair from frizzing, poofing, tangling, etc. MISS JESSIE’S CURLY PUDDING eliminates all this mixing and matching for me. Alas, I have an off-the-shelf product that addresses ALL of my styling needs and eliminates the hair product graveyard. IF YOU HAVE THIS TYPE OF “3c” HAIR – I REALLY RECOMMEND MISS JESSIE’S CURLY PUDDING. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS AND COAT YOUR STRANDS SECTION BY SECTION WITH CARE. COVERAGE! COVERAGE! DO NOT EXPECT GOOD RESULTS IF YOU JUST PLOP IT ON YOUR HEAD AND SCRUNCH.
3. And lastly, I’ve tried all of the Miss Jessie’s products. So, here is my review of what works for me.
CURLY PUDDING: The MAGIC PRODUCT. My favorite. Works to define, hold, and prevent frizz from forming on my 3c hair. I use on my WET hair after washing and conditioning. Coating my hair in sections from front to back, then leaving it alone to dry. NO TOUCHING! For next day bed-head, I either put my hair up or touch up the frizzy sides with CURLY MERINGUE or regular gel. Pudding lasts me about 5 weeks. I use it to set my hair 1x-2x a week.
CURLY MERINGUE: My second favorite. I use MERINGUE more or less as a touch up gel for frizzy sides or spot treatment to revitalize curls that frizz after a day or so. I use much more of it when I run out of pudding, but it is not a pudding substitute. I could just as well do without it and use a regular gel to touch-up, although regular gel is not as hydrating as the Meringue. One jar lasts me about 6 months.
CURLY BUTTERCREME/BABY BUTTERCREME: I don’t use this product at all. Bought it once for $58, used it all, but probably will not buy it again. It lasted me for over a year. Although very thick and smoothing, it was way too heavy for my type of hair and did the same thing as a jar of hair grease. I do however think that the product would work wonders for someone with 4a/4b hair who wears twists or who wears their hair in the traditional Angela Davis type afro. It is VERY hydrating, smells wonderful, and distributes better than a grease or oil because it is creamy. BUT – you could probably already find these properties in other products that are much cheaper. A major ingredient in the Buttercremes is Lanolin.
OK – I hope this helps folks make the wisest decision for themselves.
if you have kinkier hair and are looking for definition in your hair these are products to look into, Whipped Cream from http://www.curls.biz it gives you great moisture, defrizzing, and definition, and was made for kinkier curls, another product to try is called Beyond The Zone Noodlehead, this is available at your local Sallys beauty supply.Kinky Curly Curling Custard at http://www.kinky-curly.com and Ouidad Botanical Boost, this product defines curl pattern, softens and conditions. hopefully these can be of some use
Hey Ladies! I am just beginning transition from relaxed to natural. I have 3 months of new growth to contend with and I am looking for some guidance, advice, inspiration, pics, links, basically anything that can inform me on how to treat and create the curl in my new growth. I have not had the big chop yet because I would like to have a few more inches of natural hair. Thanks in advance ladies!
I too was disappointed by the Ms Jeans Currlie buttercreme and pudding. I guess I thought that I could enhance my somewhat wavy hair with these products, but my hair still has a little more nappy than slick! I appreciate the forum though, I’ll be checking as I let my hair grow out. But still debating a texturizer too.
As your trini sis who also lives in South Florida (I’ve been reading your blog for 1 week) LOVES IT!
My big chop day was July 8 2006 and since then I’ve been searching for the perfect products. My hair is about 2 inches long streched out. I forked out the cash (after rave reviews from my Brooklyn based friend) for Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme and Curly Pudding. I find that they both make my hair stiff and the Curly Buttercreme is quite greasy. They smell great but not worth the cash. I’ve spent some time on MotownGirl’s site and she has a lot of great suggestions. So far what works for me is a combination of Sebastian Potion #9 ($10-$15), Sunsilk Anti Frizz lotion($5) and Aloe Vera Gel (CVS brand)($3). Gives me enough control without making my hair crisp, crunchy or flaky. I will hold on to my Miss Jessie’s products…who knows they may have different results when my hair is longer.
I grew out my relaxed hair in 2003 to wear it natural- it took forever to find the right products. Now I condition it daily, use a leave-in conditioner, Luster’s Pink Oil Light, and Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. I happen to be one of the few on this site who swear by it! I don’t apply it liberally, as I don’t think you need that much, but I also have curly hair to begin with- it’s great for defining curls that are already there- without any products in my hair, there is very little definition and frizz. So for me, this product is worth every penny and lasts me forever!
I purchased the overpriced Miss Jessie’s products and I wish I could send the curly buttercreme back. That stuff is so heavy and it left my hair tangled and greasy. Save your money….wait on something better.
Hi!
The only product I’ve ever tried was the Curly pudding. When I had a twa, one jar lasted a year, so I thought it was a good investment. My curls looked really cute and defined with it, too, but it took my hair *forever* to dry. When I decided to grow my hair out, the jar a year just won’t cuttin’ it (that and I spilled some in the shower once. I almost cried!) Also, it left my longer hair a dry frizzy mess. *And*, my hair still took forever to dry. So now I’ve got a little less than half a jar just sitting in my closet…
I bought the Curly cream and after one use, I ended up giving it to my Godsister. The advertising made it seem that this product would work on kinkier hair with a slight curl or coil pattern but it doesn’t. It’s greasy, heavily perfumed, and it dries your hair out. I don’t think that it is really healthy for ANY type of hair even if you do have the “3c” hair that the previous poster talked about with the long review post. Carol’s daughter’s INTENSE TUI HAIR SMOOTHIE and HAIR MILK do a better job and is more healthy to put on your hair everyday. For curl hold, try Aloe vera gel.
i’ve tried ms. jessie’s three times (all of those times through a friend, because I still refuse to pay that much for it- ESPECIALLY to do my own hair at home). I liked the pudding somewhat- don’t like the minty tingle, it was a weird burning sensations similar to getting my hair relaxed. The buttercreme was cool- but not sure if I used it right- and if using something right or wrong is a problem, then I’m likely not to try it.
I like the products because the extend the length of your curls as well as how long they last. I generally wash my hair each day (or at least rewet it) because I like a really fresh ‘fro. With that said, this product really doesn’t do it for me because of the amount of product I use (need to use). My hair is just barely to my shoulders when it’s wet, and you need about a lid and a half or two for just a twist set.
I’ve been using Paul Mitchell’s Round trip, but found that his Super Sculpt works quite well for a twist set (and with proper/similar care that the jessie folk reccommend will last for a few days) or air drying simple ‘fro. I use this is conjuction with Let’s Jam for shine (I think this is just my pref, not sure if I actually need to use them both) Also at $8 bucks a bottle (Paul)it’s a great deal for me since I use about a bottle a week if I wear my hair down each day. AND the biggest plus is that there are a few salons in my neighborhood that sell it by the gallon for $50- BUT it’s almost always on sale for half-price!!!
That’s my (very long) two cents….
Tried Miss Jessie’s products. I wasn’t feeling ’em. The curl pudding left my hair wet for most of the day, then crispy the rest of the day (It smells great, however). The hair butter didn’t provide moisture, only coated my hair, leaving it feeling oily.
Tried Carol’s Daughter products, they were a bit heavy for my 4a/b hair type. My hair doesn’t like to feel weighed down.
The three lines that I like the most are:
1. The Jane Carter Solution (www.janecartersolution.com)
Why? I like the fact that the products are effective yet leave the hair light to the touch and not heavy wth product. Also they smell very fresh (citrus smelling).
2. Yahrajah Products from heavenly healing
(http://www.busynest.com/heavenlyhealing/)
Why? Great quality product made with shea butter (and other oils and herbs) that smells good (kind of like honey) and leaves the hair feeling soft and shiny. Plus, it’s hard to beat $10 a bottle. Bottles last up to 3 months at a time- more in some cases.
3. Ojon’s hydrating shampoo and conditioner and restorative hair treatment (www.ojonhaircare.com)
Why? The shampoo is concentrated and goes a long way, the conditioner really conditions, and the hai treatment can be used as an oil for twist outs. You don’t need a lot. The end result is soft and shiny hair that smells good enough to eat, no… really.
I have very kinky, coily, THICK natural hair (just barely past my shoulder blades when pressed) and I considered purchasing the Miss Jessie’s products but wondered if they would work on my hair type. Glad I didn’t spend the money. I usually wear my hair in 2-strand twists that I do myself (takes forever, but worth it) and here’s what I say. 1)Find a shampoo & conditioner that you like. (I prefer Revlon Cream of Nature because I feel that it always leaves my hair soft after washing.) 2) If your hair is REALLY hard to detangle like mine, try putting conditioner on your hair and detangling with a wide-tooth comb BEFORE washing. After each section is detangled, I twist it into thick sections. 3) Shammpoo your hair by section, then rinse. This usually leaves my hair very easy to manage once I am done washing. 4)Blot with a towel, but don’t dry completely. 5) At this point, I am usually prepping my hair to twist again so, I use a liquid leave-in conditioner (i.e. Just for Me, Infusium 23 or similar) that can be sprayed on and I section my hair and secure in big twists again. 6) Then I mix a concoction of Organic Root Stimulator Loc & Twist Gel, Frizz Ease by John Freida (every curly girls best friend) and a little more leave-in conditioner. Mix well, then twist. If I am just wearing twists, I let air dry, If I’m doing a twist-out (which is rare), I sit under the dryer. 7)I finish it with a spray of Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Sheen Spray all over and their Shea Butter cream (applied to scalp only).
I don’t believe good hair products have to cost a fortune, I just think that through trial and error, each person will find what works for them.
That’s my two cents. Good Luck!
Used the pudding I have 3c hair works great I love it …..but it IS expensive and hair was really dry afterward. But for the first to days it looks so good.
Ok ladies I actually went to the salon and be prepared to drop off 350.00 for the silken. And 300.00 for just the shingling method that was done on my friend’s hair. This does not include the cut that is going to be needed. The products work extremely well on the silken but once that grows out then it doesn’t really do all that well. I have everything under my sink from Miss Jessie’s to Carol’s Daughter to Curl Junkie none of them make me want to shout they just keep me content. By the way with Miss Jessie’s shipping use to be free before they went up 10.00 on their pricing.
I would not recommend the miss jessies products. They are expensive and they do not work any better than less expensive products. I use garnier fructis soft curl cream and it works just as good if not better than the curly pudding. As far as the buttercream is concerned it was okay but it contains mineral oil and willl leave an oily build up on your hair. I have kinky 4b hair and I was not looking to turn my hair into wavy, spiral curls just something to keep it moist and maintain my twist outs. I would recommed elasta qp’s mango butter, regular shea butter, and the curl cream all of which can be purchased for under 10 bucks
Im african an d live in sweden and was surfing the net and found miss jessies. Yippee i thought and ordered a jar of curly pudding. Feel really discouraged now after having read all the posts………..Well only time will tell. Will get to yall. By the way read bout the different textures 3c, 4b? Someone fill me in please. Thanx
Fill me in on the different textures too. I want to know what my hair type is.
I found something about hair textures. go to http://www.curls.biz/curlsproductguide.htm#hairtexture.
Im a 4c and proud of it. Any 4c out there who can recommend products i can buy over the net? Is curls, the product any good?
Thanx ladies for all of your advice, just started my natural look, last month. Im paying for someone to keep my short nappy and happy hair looking presentable. Still afraid to wear an afro but will soooooon…..
I know it seems outrageous to pay $40 for a jar of purple hair goo. I was skeptical at first, too … but I have found that Ms. Jessie’s Curly Pudding is the best product I have ever used in my hair. I think the mistake people make is that they use too much product on hair that is not wet enough. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy while applying the product … the water helps to distribute the pudding evenly. I find my hair responds best to the pudding if it is dripping wet. I then sop up the excess water buy scrunching the ends with a cotton T shirt (not a towel). Don’t give up, ladies!!
I am very late with this post however, I felt that I needed to weight in. I have both used Miss Jessie’s hair products and have been to the salon. I would have to say that both were worth the money. I have African type hair with a tight curl patten and it is very dense. I got a twist out and used MJ’s Baby Buttercreme to keep my style. I have been natural for seven years, I have never retained so much length and softness with ANY other product. (I have tried them all) The cost is a factor, however my hair has never looked better. My cut was off the hook! Again the cost is not for the faint at heart. The products are wonderful. The service was outstanding. The price is what it is.
Okay, here is my two and 1/2 cents. First let me begin by saying I have hair texture similar to “Joan” from Girlfriend’s, give or take an extra “nap” or two.
Miss Jessie’s products work, however I have found that you have to tailor the products to your benefit. The curly pudding is literally a setting creme. Which is why you apply it to wet hair. Once it is dry (via air or hair dryer your choice) you can moisturize with the buttercreme.
I read the instructions where they request that you literally use a lid full (the size is the equivalent to a large jar of that old school Blue Magic Grease your grandma used to use) of the curly pudding and apply to wet hair. This works,however in my case after I apply the curly pudding, I also apply the buttercreme too, because the curly pudding tends to be drying (like most setting lotions). So by mixing the two you literally have the best of both worlds.
Now the reviewer who said sitting under the dryer to dry the pudding takes a long time, was right. I opt for the air dry method, especially in the summer. I think if you dry your hair under the dry it would probably be wise to use less pudding, and more buttercreme.
Now here is the twist (no pun intended).While I have both cocotions in my hair, I put my hair in two strand twists. They can be big or small depending on how big you want your “curls”. Then I let air dry or I sit under the dryer. After the hair is dry I put a little of butter creme on it and untwist my twists along with a bit of fluffling and voila I got hair like those girls on the website.
Now don’t concerned if your hair texture is not amenable to these products. If you look at the website all textures are represented.
The pricing, ah yes, the money!!! Okay being that I have natural hair, my hair has a tendency to be dry. Consequently, I find myself purchasing a multitude of products to moisturize my hair. So I figure, that if I save my money and use these products a little LESS than stated on the instructions I will get my money’s worth. Also for those of you who go to the salon I KNOW you are spending twice the amount to maintain you do, so it somewhat evens out (okay maybe my math is WHACK, but you know what I am saying).
Give Ms. Jessies a chance, I have found that the way I use it works to my benefit. One word of caution though, try to use the pudding sparingly because one you put it on your hair it dries, and you can NOT comb it until you wet it, I learned this the hard way. This is why I recommend mixing it with the buttercreme to keep it moisturized.
I hope this helps yall.
P.S. LOVE THIS SITE!!!
DITTO. I would love to try these products, but I can’t justify it. No way. It would be nice to be able to get a couple samples, but way too expensive. I’ll stick with my jojoba oil and rose water.
Well everyone, I agree with the price of Miss Jessies product but, I can personally say that I am happy with Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme. My hair texture is 4a/4b so this product works extremely well for my hair. I have been using Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme for 2 years. Please acknowledge that my hair is naturally kinky meaning that I left relaxers alone about 4 years ago. So, Curly Buttercreme works better on kinky hair especially if you twist it and unravel it. Also, the good thing about the Curly Buttercreme is that you can twist your hair with this product and unravel it in 30 minutes to an hour and have that wavy curly look that will last you for about 2 days or you can twist it and unravel it in a few days and it will last you for about a week in a half. By doing this you will recieve a wavy curly kinky look which is very pretty. I have recieved a lot of compliments with this product. Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme keeps my hair so soft and moisturized with out feeling greasy. Miss Jessies Meringe product is mainly for relaxed hair not natural kinky so it will no work the same way. Miss Jessies curly Pudding on the other hand did not work well for me because it does take forever to dry and also, it has a tendency to dry out your hair so you must use the Curly Buttercreme to keep your hair moisturized. So I would say to trying Curly Pudding would be no! I suggest that those that not have tried Miss Jessies Curly Pudding I suggest that you try it for your on opinion. Who knows you may get a better result than others. when you get the product only, use a small amount for each section that you twist because a little will go a long way. The average lady spends up to $100.00 or more a month going back and forth to the beauty shop especially if they have a relaxer so what is $58.00 going to hurt every month in a half to two months? Just a personal opinion. Here are some ideas:
Curly Buttercreme for twist(moisurizer)www.missjessies.com
Knot Today for untangling hair (works wonders!!!! especially when removing braids or daily use)Kinky-curly.com)
Ion hard water shampoo(Sallys)
Ion hard water conditoner(Sallys)
Good Luck on trying the product.
I was thinking about just getting a texturizer or a mild perm. my hair is very cury thick and frizzy. i’ve done it before and it came out beautiful but i’ve natural since may and i cant take it, its beautiful but i cant do it everyday and i cant find something that will moisturize my curls. my pockets already hurt from trying out products.
I love the way the hair comes out for so many women but it is a gradual process!! My best friend decided to book an appointment with them and so she did. For the consultation alone on your hair they charge $75 dollars, aside from the deposit itself. Can you believe this?? All in all, her hair turned out beautiful and it will last 3 months. However, it all came to a price of $375 dollars. MMmm..mmm…I can’t do it. I will post the before and after pics but with those $375 dollars I can put some box braids, two stranded twists or something and then some.
I think the Ms. Jessie’s products are all hype and technique. There is nothing special in the ingredient s of the curly pudding or buttercream to make them worth the price. If I am going to spend that much money on a product it should have organic, cold pressed oils and expensive essential oils, not glycerin, aloe vera gel, beeswax, or mineral oils. Curly is just thick jherri curl activator. Get some Sta-Sof-Fro and call it a day. Curly Buttercream is Moisture Max with beeswax added to thicken it. It’s a shame they charge so much for what really are inexpensive ingredients. Overpriced beauty products get my ire up.
Curly Pudding:
Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera Gel, Carbomer, Tocopherol Acetate, Sweet Almond Oil, Milk Protein, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Pectin, Sweet Orange Oil, Extract, Fragrance, FD&C Red 3, FD&C Blue 1
Curly Buttercream:
Acetylated Lanolin, Bees Wax, Butter (Shea), Butter (Cocoa), Carbomer-940, Castor Oil, Deoinized Water, Dilauratelaneth 15, FD&C Yellow 5, Fragrance, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Animal Protein, Imidazolidinyl, Jojoba Oil, Laneth-15, Mineral Oil, Methylparaben, Milk Protein, Panthenol, Paraffin, PEG-400, PEG-100 Sterate, Peppermint Oil, Petrolatum, Placenta, Propyl Paraben, Triethanolamine, Urea, Vitamin E, Wheat Germ Oil
Bella,
FYI- Miss Jessie’s products are BOGO Free until December 31. So if you are really interested in trying them now would be the time. Thought you might want to know. 🙂
Hi Ladies
I have natural hair I am a 4b/c type. I recently tried Miss Jessie’s and I was debating about going to the salon. I tried the shingling and the fingerstyling with the curly pudding and needless to say I had a bad afro. It did not work. I have bought the meringue and the buttercreme. I tried to use those products and shingling and fingerstyling and had a bad afro. Both times I had to rewet my hair and twist it. Before Ms Jessie’s I used Queen Halen styling gel without alcohol and watered down lottabody and twisted my hair for a lot less money. I am not seeing much of a difference. I will be trying the other products you ladies reccommended. Thanks for the info and hey give Lottabody and Queen Halen styling gel which will cost you about $10 in product and last about 2 months.
I used Miss Jessie’s curly buttercreme on my naturally curly hair and it became fused and dry. Once I washed my hair a tremendous amount came out. Save your money!!!!
Hi Everyone! Thanks for all the info! I am self-confessed product junkie. My hair is a multitude of textures – 3c all the way through 4. I have had my hair natural several times. I am back at it again. The longest I have kept it natural was for three years, I love it when it is natural and moistured and — and I found a great color that is not very drying. I am not sure what products I will use when I “unveil” it again but I will use this information to continue my search for a good product. Also, I need to find someone that can cut it in layers and keep my ends trimmed. Good luck to all!
For me, it’s not a question of if it works. The question is does it work a WHOLE lot better than something less-expensive.
$50 for some mineral oil-based “buttercreme” is outrageous. There is NO justification for the price. Read the ingredient list. You can find something close to identical, in the hood beauty supply. I would feel like a deadbeat, if I charged people that kind of money, for such an inferior list of ingredients. There’s nothing special about the formulation. Nothing. No organic, rare, medicinal ingredients from the Far East, or Africa. No tv commercials, or ads in Vogue/Essence. So, what’s making it $50? I cant give away money, like that.
Qhemet Biologics makes wonderful products, for 4a/4b hair.They’re not cheap, but they’re not ridiculously priced. For $50, you can get a whole regimen.
Again, I don’t know how those ladies can sleep at nite, charging that kind of money for what’s in those jars.
Oh…and it’s $58, not $50 — which is even more insane.
Miss Jessie’s products require some instruction. It’s not something you just buy and slap on. I’ve been going to the salon for 4 years and the head stylist Miko is amazing at teaching her clients about their hair. She actually left Miss Jessie’s and is now setting up shop in the DC area. You can find her through http://findmiko.com/
I have been a Miss Jessie’s client for just over a year and have been using their products (pudding and buttercreme) since then. I also get a silkener. My hair has never looked better. I was never one to get compliments on my hair until I started going there. I’ve been reading this site for a few months and have tried some of the alternative products suggested. For my hair, Sta Sof Fro didn’t work and my hair felt and smelled horribly. I do understand people’s reservations about the price but I’ve found it’s such a relief to have products and a regular service that works for me.
I like MJ products, but I have only been using them about a month. I have 4c hair. (Truly kinky, nappy, never been accused of having “good” hair! LOL) Anwyay, I use the pudding and the mereingue. The key to the shingling method is to sit under the dryer until hair is really dry. Then, blast teh roots with the blowdryer. It makes me look like the girls in the photos.
I like this style because I can reblast the roots when i get home from the gym and I have that look again.
On a tangential note: do you think Cynthia McKinney was using Miss Jessie when she got in that fight with the policeman??
I have been going to Miss Jessie’s regularly for the last 2 yrs or so for a silkener and using the Buttercreme and Pudding. I love how my hair has grown since going there. I never got so many compliments before. Yes, it is pricey, but I am worth it and I am satisfied with my results. I just hope Miko comes back to NY.
I would like to know any one who has beed to Miss Jessies salon in brooklyn. What are the prices for the different services they provide? Thanks anyone who can provide me that information.
Since Miko is out of state, does anyone know where else I can get a “silkener” or something very similar in NYC?
The Silkerner is a technique. Miko has the term Silkener trademarked, so technically no one else should be offering it. A texturizer is kinda similar.
For the person who was asking about prices, Miss Jessie’s will be closed for a while. I don’t think Miko will be doing hair in New York for a while. Her DC salon should be open soon.
http://findmiko.com/
I went into a restaurant one night and this guy told me I HAD to try Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding, then we asked the cashier for a sample cup (you know, for the salad dressings) and went to his car. He came back with a big glop of purple stuff. I have to say, it smelled great. But I would NEVER pay that much for it. My curls were very well defined, but they were heavy and flat. I can use some clear gel and get the same effect.
I have 4c hair and I hear that Miss Jessies products won’t work on my kind of hair….I want to go in for a consult just to see….Do you know where I can get my kind of hair done in NYC or Philly?
Oh brother…is Miss Jessie’s closed permanently? Does anyone know? This is messed up! I finally find a haircut that works for me (whether it bankrupts me or not, it’s a damn fine haircut) and she’s left town? Right when I need a silkening touch-up? Damn.
Yeah, the products are expensive, but they are perfect for my 3B-3C hair, and I don’t use nearly as much of them as other cheaper products. Curly Pudding for wet styling and Baby Buttercreme (don’t like the minty one) for softening up the ends when styling dry. never done me wrong.
And sorry, but there’s no price to expensive for the best haircut ever. Well…of course there is, but even at their crazed prices, Miss Jessie’s hasn’t reached it yet!
I tried Miss Jessie Curly Pudding and it was the same as hair gel for me. It gave me a rash on my skin and did not hold the curl as I thought it would. I tried to do the shingling, but it came out a huge mess. I went to a salon to get it and actualy paid $50 for the 16oz jar. I used half the jar the first night, trying to figure out how to get my hair to look like the pictures on the website. I have 4A hair and it gets spirally curly when wet, but looks like a bush when dry. I currently use the IC Thick and Shine gel, which makes my curls look great, like a two-strand twist without having to acutally twist my hair. When dried, it does leave my hair hard and unmoveable, but the curls look great and I do not lose any hair when watching it out.
I used the Curly Meringue and the Curly Pudding. The products smell like candy, lollipops or something. It seems like Afrobella wouldn’t like the scent from past reviews of things being too sweet. The curly pudding made my hair kind of dry and stiff. I couldn’t use it all over my head, it was better for edges or resistant areas. I am on a mission to find something better and much cheaper. I do like IC Sparkelites gel and Garnier products. I’m doing my own research and making my own all natural version of a curl pudding. I’ll post the results for you.
I just wanna start off by saying that I went to the Salon when it was still called Curve and I had just come out a a 7 year stint in braids. Blinded by very eurocentric ideals, when Miko suggested I do a Silkener(TM)instead of a traditional perm, I was not hearing it and by the end of the day my hair was straight and long! I am black, but with all the mixtures from both sides of my family–Black, Irish, Native America, and Hispanic–my hair just seems confused and thick. Of course, as I am sure many of you have experienced, my dream perm didn’t last long. As Curve was expensive, I just could maintain going to the salon for all the special steam and deep conditioning treatments. Instead I went to neighborhood salons, with the maintanence of the perm progressively causing the breakage of my hair. It killed me. I had spent so much time in braids for the purpose of growing my hair long and then lost a good amount of length to the perm, only to return to braids out of (at least what I felt was) necesity.
After another year in braids and growing out my hair again I decided to go back to Curve, but this time to try a Silkener. I made a decision to cut off the part of my shaft that was still permed. That was 18 months ago and I have no regrets. I have had a total of 1 Silkener and 2 touch-ups ( 1 every six months, mostly to keep costs down!) and I could not live without Babybutter Creme of Curly pudding in my house. I have learned lots over the years dealing with my own hair (Silkened and pretty much natural ataround the 4-6 month mark after a Silkener) and hope that I can can add to the great advice many other women have already offered on this message board.
*(Before I had a Silkener) my natural hair was basically an afro…I could comb through it wet, with a good amount of elbow grease and conditioner.
*Its take sometime to get use to the Miss Jessie’s products. Once you learn to use them they can work great for you. Unfortunately for those who aren’t willing to go to the salon to learn, you may have to be willing to spend some $$ and chances on the diferent products to see which on works best for you.
*(For me)Curly pudding works best the first 3 months after having a Silkener. For the following 4-6 months I upgrade to Curly Meringue for more hold and curl definition– always using these products when my hair is wet as basically a setting cream…ITS is SOOO important to make sure your hair remains wet while you are styling it because otherwise you won’t achieve the maximum curl definition possible.
*Air drying is possible during the 1-3 month period, with drying time increasing with passing months. By month 4-6 air drying is not even feasible– it takes all day! I never get the same results as I would in the salon by air drying, but with a hard hat dryer (try the one from Babyliss, just google “babhhdric”)you can follow all the steps listed on MissJessies.com and get all the same results.
*Terax conditioner is one of the best conditioner I have ever used and it always leaves my hair feeling soft (after some research I discovered this is due mostly to the fact that Terax moisturizes & alters the Ph balance of your hair instead of just moisturizing (this is what most conditioners do). With the Ph level changed, your hair doesn’t just lose the moisture you have just put in when you wash the conditioner out. I choose to NOT wash out all of the conditioner when I use it. Styling with Terax makes drying go faster, hair softer and more manageable (too much Curly pudding, and especially curly meringue can make you hair hard–which I do not like! The terax works like a charm*)
*Another product women with Natural/Curly hair sould not live without is BBD Strecth (you can google the product name–as far as I know you can only get it online…) It is great as a conditioner, for leave-in treatment, and for styling. It also prevents breakage and doesn’t weigh hair down.
*I always use a spray bottle of water to wet my hair or wet my hair in the shower) before styling
*I always finish of with Baby Butter cream. I am especially gratful for this product in the 4-6 month period and find myself wearing lots of (what I like to call) Pony-afro’s. When my hair is more natural, I use more Babybutter creme, but is moisturizes my hair well and prevents breakage.
Ladies, It will take time and effort to figure out if and what amount of these products you need to use to get the best results… Silkerner’s are not cheap but for me they are totally worth it.
Go to http://www.findmiko.com for more info, and a real Silkener experience.
Your hair is your crowning glory. It is worth it to put the effort, the time, and the money (in whatever amount you see fit) into being happy with it.
Finally, it is easy to get discouraged, but don’t lose hope. In the end, the results could be a great head of hair. I hope this helps!
In order for Miss Jessie’s products to work well with your hair, it really depends on your hair texture and hair health! If your natural hair is thick and somewhat long their in salon methods and products will work wonders on your hair!
I spent tons of money at their salon, and no you don’t see my pic on their website because though I have hair length, my hair is extremely thin in the front, and when a chemical is applied, it looks horrid! I decided to go for it, because, hey, I was going to have thick curly locks! No one was going to be able to see my thinness, I thought. Needless to say my pic was not internet quality, and thus never posted, sh@#, she (the elder sister) did not even bother taking an after picture.
I got the shingling? (the chemical method done), and needless to say, I was quite disappointed. I had to make the best of it though, so I wore my hair in an updue ponytail for many months. I used the curly buttercreme and I had a wave pattern and the curly puff going on, it looked ‘cute’ but it just wasn’t worth the money!
Now going back to what I stated earlier, the reason why this product works for some, and not for other’s depends on hair texture. First and foremost it looks great on Titi and Miko because they are part Japanese, so they already have a certain texture to their hair pre Miss Jessie’s products. I have seen them in person, and yes, they have beautiful hair. They may get the length from the Asian side, and the thickness from the ‘African-American’ side of the family.
Though the product is expensive, I still use their buttercreme, I prefer the peppermint one for it’s smell, and the cool sensation on the scalp. The baby buttercreme makes my stomach queezie,it has a faint, cheap ‘baby powder?’ smell, while the purple guck (I forget the name of it), smells like sweet, cheap grape flavoring reminiscent of artifical flavoring of the 70’s.
I use the buttercreme because it does give my otherwise ‘natural’ hair a cool texture when being placed in a ponytail, i think the moisture it provides does support hair growth. I also use it on my daughters hair because it does give her hair a nice texture, and a moist look. She looks a bit rough without the Miss Jessies buttercreme, but when I apply it (especially when placing her hair in ponypuffs), she get’s a Bohemian look. The edges are softer, and curlier, the pony puffs have nice thick distinct curls.
Once again, the price is terribly high, but a jar can last me for months, as I don’t use it on a daily basis.
Perhaps the sisters will consider making a smaller and less expensive batch. However, from my interactions with the elder sister, (I forgot her name), the compassion for understanding the lack of funds in our pockets does not seem to exist. I mean their first salon was in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn… yes, do or die Bed-Stuy! Though some blocks are tree lined brownstones, Bedford Stuyvesant is notorious for catering to low to mid income African Americans. One would think that having an establishment in such an area, and observing the people in the community would have opened one’s eyes and had them say, hey, let’s make this product a little more affordable for ‘our people’ for ‘all people’? Perhaps they will hire a marketing team who will introduce samples and smaller more affordable jars. It certainly is a waste of money if you purchase the product, and it just doesn’t work for you.
Hopes this helps!
ok #1 all that hype about hair being a certain texture and all is bull, all black people, and yes mixed as well have a certain degree of curl or tightness of curl and not all mixed people have wavy hair, and yes the majority of african americans are mixed but they call us black. miss jessies curley pudding works on all hair types without a chemical how do I know because I’m a licensed cosmotologist and it is comon sense to know that if you use a certain product properly the way it is supposed to be used then you will get results, if you just slap it on like nothing and don’t follow instructions then it is useless and a waste, just like putting on a deep conditioner if you don’t put it on the way you are really suppose to then it won’t do anything for you, or many of you would not be complaining. it is also common sense to know that before you buy a product or trying a product for the first time you should consult a professional first before you use the product yourself that way your hairdresser can walk you through the steps on how to use it properly trust me all these products that you see are not as easy as 123 as you might think, they are a little bit technical. thats all I’m saying.
Tiffany, you sound like a spokesperson for Miss Jessie’s products. Though you may be a licensed cosmotologist, I am sure that you haven’t visited every scalp on the earth (certainly not mine). The texture and quality of the hair does play a factor in it! Know why? Cause I sat in the chair and got it done by a professional… Miko, that is! It came out horribly because of the thinness of my hair, and the curls were not as curly as I wanted them to be because of my hair texture. If you look at the pictures on the website, know two curl patterns are identical, know why? Because of the hair texture! Caucasions and Asian women are getting different curls than the black women. Know why? Because of the hair texture. Though you may be licensed, you certainly sound illiterate because before passing judgement and making your ‘common sense’ postings you would have read: THAT I GOT MY HAIR DONE BY MIKO ORIGINALLY!
BE EZ!
I tried Miss Jessie’s products after browsing their website for hours at a time after being completely mesmerized by the before/after photos of curly-haired women on their website. I went and I purchased a jar of Curly Pudding and went to work on me and my 10yo daughter’s hair. It worked for her and not for me at all lol.In my opinion it was the different hair textures that made the difference. I have coarser, kinkier hair and my daughter has softer, finer allover curls. It did wonders in the shrinkage department for my daughter and held her hair in pretty shiny ringlets all day. Me on the other hand actually had more shrinkage than usual after air drying and it made my hair crunchy(literally). Also, that one jar of pudding was gone in 2 days on my short natural cut and my daughters wild mane of curls. I wouldn’t purchase it again for me but maaaaaaybe for my daughter on a special occasion later on. It did smell wonderful though : )
Why did Miko leave? I don;t think Titi can cut hair? Does any one know the circumstances? Maybe the Miss Jessie’s empire was getting too big for Miko..she does treat her hair styles and cuts like an art form…
well I just found out the answer to my own question – it appears that there is litigation amongst the sisters…WHO KNEW – well I can’t say I am surprised -as a MissJessie client I knew the romance would end soon. 1st Miko takes her hair styling technique as an art form so I know that the over exposure of the MISS JESSIE and CURVE SALON brand was probably not her idea since she is the only one who does the product – I don’t think Titi has a license to do hair – I also heard that the salon now is suppose to open in June – but that might not happen as the trial date is not until October – so ladies, if Curves/Miss Jessie’s is you place of choice you may have to make arrangements – BUT ON THE BETTER NOTE – I think I have found the silkener secret by accident that is – this weekend I planned on doing a two strand twist on my hair so I put some Kera Care conditioner in my hair and never got around to do it – so the next day I decided to put a revlon texturizer in my hair and OH MY GOODNESS – you would have sworn I walked out of Miss jEssie’s salon – so I have found my silkener thank goodness and it appears that it will be a while for anyone to get their hair done …….Good luck to all the regulars out there.
hey adina I got your post, yes, of course curl patterns are not the same sans texture but like I said the degree and tightness… I should have said texture also but I thought I explained that.
sorry that your hair did not come out as you would have liked it, but I use miss jessies products exactly by the book and have no problems at all, and I’m sorry if you at some point thought my recent post was toward you actually it was not it was toward someone named morena who actually made a post before yours SO NO I DID NOT READ YOUR POST and if miko did your hair then maybe she’s not licensed who knows. I
f you knew your hair was thin from the get why did you let them apply a chem in your hair knowing it was going to make the hair look even thinner BECAUSE THATS WHAT CHEMS DO TO YOUR HAIR you know relaxers, texturizers, etc. so whats the point of calling yourself natural if you have chems in your hair that alters the text and curl pattern.
Ok yall the do it yourself at home tutorial make sure you have a detangler shampoo adeep conditioner my fave is sebastian 2+1, a wide tooth comb and a small one, and for the love of god a hood dryer and or a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. After washing the hair don’t towel dry just put curley pudding in your hair and saturate it and shingle it meaning stretch like crazy once your hair is stretched proceed to the hood dryer and stay under for an hour or until dry then after that take olive oil sheen spray and sheen the hair shake the curls out loosen it up and you will see waves, or proceed with the recent procedure but this time two strand twist the hair very tight and hood dry and you will have more elaborated curls or take cold wave rods and proceed, this way you will have bohemian looking curls or box twist there are a number of ways to achieve curl and combat frizz.
Hey Tiffany and Adina
I agree with both post – I have been a customer of Curves for about 5 years and I have tons of friends who want to style their hair after mine and I tell them all the time – you have to know your own hair texture -my hair is naturally has a bit of curl to it and is thick so the product application for me just relaxed the curl a bit. The products all work differently for eveyone -sometimes my hair looks GREAT with curly pudding and some days it looks bad – *(usually when its that time of the month) I am a product junkie so I try all types of products since all products don;t work the same – I say for curly girls and/or natural girls explore with products and give a product at least 3 tries before giving up …
Hopefully for me and others Titi and Miko will put the argument aside and reopen the salon and get back to being business women – I know one thing is I will not be going to the new salon if Miko or a licensed hairstylist is not there – Titi while I LOVE HER she to my knowledge is not licensed to do hair and I would hate to cut a rug in the new spot …LOL
I hear you leelee.
I agree with the postings that say texture is a factor. As a single mom with VERY limited funds, it was hard for me to shell out the money to try MJ, but I did….I found that on my hair, not so dramatic results, but on my biracial daughters’ hair, it is fabulous. The curly pudding is actually a little too much for my younger daughter, she has silkier hair than the older, but the Baby Buttercreme makes her hair look really nice — but I always make sure her hair is wet before I put it on…my oldest daughter has silkier hair in the back, but towards the front, it is more frizzy, fuzzy. The Baby Buttercreme is the only thing that has smoothed her edges down and keeps them down all day without drying it out. I’m glad they’ve come out with smaller jars/less expensive. I would love to buy something cheaper with the same results, but so far nothing…Sta Sof Fro was WAY too greasy for their hair, pink lotion too drying. I’m thinking about trying Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk for my girls…what have others found to be the results with that product? I’d love to hear.
This really helped. I was thinking of buying miss jessie’s products but couldn’t bring myself to spending $50 dollars. I will try Kay-oh’s idea instead.
I actually went to the website findmiko.com. Upon speaking with Miko herself about 20 minutes ago, she informed me that she would not be returning to New York. She indicated that she would now be based out of Washington DC. I am so sorry to hear this as I recently went natural and was really hoping to make an appointment to see her. Unfortunately, she was unable to give me any advice on an alternate salon for curly hair. ~so sad~ She also added that she was never able to train anyone else w/ her techniques so any salons that may pop up are not going to be of the same quality. Miko was extremely pleasant and invited me to visit her new salon in DC.
Does anyone else know of a alternate place where one could get their curls nurtured w/o harsh chemicals? I don’t think I can make a trip to DC on a regular basis. I have purchased and used both the curly pudding and baby butter. I like them both but I was hoping to use them in between having professional TLC for my curls. Anyone? Thanks so much.
I discovered Miss Jessie’s site in March and started using it in April. I’m working to get the look that I want and try new techniques all the time to achieve it. I’m not going to give up on my natural do. The curly pudding that I purchased, at a local retailer was $38 and $40 something with tax. Recently, while searching Miss Jessie’s site again I notice that there is other sizes available for $7-$9/2oz and $22-$32/8oz depending on the product. I bought the 2oz in early May and am just about out now. If the product is used sparingly you can get great result—it’s a water to product ratio, with more weight on the water portion. Thank you all for the positive information. Go natural, stay beautiful.
I tried the Miss Jessie’s curly pudding for my hair (I have curls when wet, dries to afro with slight curl when conditioned). I also tried it on my daughter, who has curly hair. I loved the smell, but found that the product flakes each time I use it, no matter how little I use. I haven’t read that in any other posts and wondered if anyone else had the same experience. My hair and my daughter’s hair both had nice curls, althought they were VERY dry as well as flaky. I was not happy ($38 price), and e-mailed the salon, which suggested that I use less. Overall, I didn’t find that the results justified the price.
Curious about the curly pudding, I was happy to find out they had smaller sizes until I discovered the cheapest shipping is $10. Dee Nice, I’ve read postings on another site where someone flaked, so you’re not alone.
I went TWA January and have been trying a lot of different products for definition with softness. My current combo is Paul Mitchell’s Foarming Pommade for definition after a wash. Interestingly, I found a cheapy product that works well for daily use on dry hair: Yaky Hair & Scalp Wave Moisturizer.
My daughter is biracial and has 3b/3c hair. I just ordered some trial sizes of the curly pudding and baby buttercream so we haven’t tried them yet. I ordered them through naturallycurly.com. Their shipping is a little cheaper-I think I paid $6. I would recommend the Devachan Salon in New York for haircuts. My daughter just had hers cut in Cleveland by someone trained in that salon. She did a very good job. You can go to http://www.devachansalon.com for more information. The specialize in curly hair.
Wow, what a great board. I like all of you are so disappointed to hear about the lawsuit between these two sisters. I recently took out my locks oer a period of two days fying to get my first silkener. I spoke to Miko and was also inited to DC but the cost is already so high I really don’t know if I could pull it off. Does anyone know anyone else who can do the same process in NYC? I’m really scared of getting a texturizer somewhere else and screwing up my hair. I wish Miko could give a little break on the price, I mean $425 for a silkener and I don’t even think that covers the haircut. I really rspect her work and I’m sure she’s great, but I think she charges way too much for the average person to afford. Maybe if a bunch of us who wanted to go banded together she would give us a discount.
Help!!!! I’m late in getting the revelation that it’s good to be nappy. After years of abuse to my naturally soft hair, I am now thinning disproportionately in the top of my head and I get bombarded daily by would be hair doctors who insist that a weave is best. My hair is dry and needs a trim after having years of weaves but even if I am thin at the top, I am determined to go natural and do away with the harsh chemicals. Can anyone suggest a good way to break into a natural look in a way that is healthy and beautiful…products, cuts, etc…?Any help you can provide would be much appreciated, Love—Sista in Distress!!!
I have medium length (when wet), natural, beautiful spiral curls. I do get light brown and blond highlights about every six months.
I’ve been natural for about 8 years and have tried almost every product under the sun (including Miss Jessie’s, which I find to be very drying). It has cost me hundreds of dollars to do so. I have found that what works for most natural hair wearers usually doesn’t work for me because my hair is so fine and fragil.
This is a short list of tried and true products that I can’t live without: Potion 9 by Sebastian (leave-in conditioner), Foaming Pomade (a small amount after applying the potion 9)(finishing product), Rusk Curlsilk Texture Control Glaze (for second day styling, Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense (shampoo and conditioner)It’s a new product which works miracles in softening and detangling my hair. Praise the Lord!!!! If it works for me, most other curlies probably won’t like it, but worth a try.
****Make sure it says Breakage Defense: regular Relaxed and Natural left my hair very dry and matted***
Here’s my routine (which has taken much pain and anguish to perfect)
I wash and condition my hair (every 3 days) with the breakage defense products. I comb it out while it is slick with conditioner. That is the only time I use a comb, EVER, on my hair. I don’t towel dry it. I tie it in a knot while I’m in the shower and it’s still soaking wet. When I get out, I squeeze dry it.
Next, I section my hair, starting with the nape and apply the potion 9 (usually about for sections) finishing in the front.
After this, I squeeze a small drop of foaming pomade in my hands and rub liberally until it “foams.” This one handful is smoothed all over my head. A little goes a very long way. I sometimes use another bit on the ends and places where I can feel a difference.
I let my hair air dry until I go to bed. Note: I wash/wet my hair in the evenings when I’m not going anywhere, and style in the mornings.
Just before climbing in the sack, I put it in a high ponytail.
The next morning, I take the ponytail down and gently pull my hair into the shape I want. Then, I use the curlsilk to define/fluff up the ends. **I use this rather than water and I use as little as I can so that it doesn’t get overly wet.
I let it air dry, again, while I get dressed. Since it isn’t all that wet, it doesn’t take long.
When it dries, I have beautiful spiral curls! I usually run my hands over it so that it isn’t stiff. I like touchable hair.
Every night, I either wash or condition my hair. As all of you know, natural hair loves moisture. 🙂
Whew! Sounds like a lot, but once I got the hang of it, it’s not so time-consuming.
One other note: when I’m at the beach, I slather my hair with sunblock (lotion, not spray). It is a good way to protect it from sun and salt.
Now, I need you curlies to expand my product arsenal! If you have hair like mine, what works for you?
Pardon my errors: “fragil” should be “fragile.”
“…about for sections” should be “…four…”
Hey Ladies,
I have 3/C hair. I am dominican. I was going to try miss jessies until I tried the fingerstyling method (found on miss jessies website)at home with a 6 dollar bottle of African Pride Instant Oil Moisturising Hair Lotion and my hair turned out like the one in the photo, go to missjessies.com and down load the how to PDF and experimnet with other products if the price is bothering you.
P.S. Mineral Oil is very bad for your hair.
Hey all,
I have used all of the Miss Jessies products and would like to share my experience. the curly pudding is for a finer texture hair.( jada, Mya, Chili) Get my drift! the Curly meringue however is great on my not so fine hair. Don’t get me wrong I am not dry and brittle but I am like a 3b or so and it curls me up and leaves me shiny. I also use a moisturizing lotion and pro-line comb thru but I dont comb it through! I love my curls….they just start popping out of no where when I use the meringue. try it its great! get teh bottle for 22 dollars it worht it and will last for a minute!
After reading everyone’s commit on Miss Jessie products I decided to wait to purchase her products. Besides, they are to expensive any way. I am going to try Carol’s Daughters products first. To commit on my heair texture, I have rely kinky hair thar that get dry and brittle very fast. I have ben natural for five years know. As a result of being natuaral I have developed nutrual curls in 3/4 of my hair. Unfortunatly, I want natural curls all over and I would like to wear it without my hair getting excessively dry and brittle. I need some procuts that will soften my hair and that will allow me to enhance the curl that I already have.(p.s remebr I have kinky hair). Can someone give me any advice.
thanks, kc
Hey, I have really thck 4a/b/c hair. Just got the pudding today and tried it for a twist out. Already noticing that it looks shinier, and I haven’t put anything else in it yet, though imight add a little avocado oil n themorning. I haven’t had any of the problems people have been complaining about, and I’m starting to worry!!! It might make a difference that I detangle my hair beforehand. Also, I made sure to use very little of the product. My hair is about 2.5 inches
Also, wanted to add two things:
1) I got the pudding for 24 dollars at ricky’s in nyc (union square). It’s the eight ounce jar. So the price really wasn’t an issue. They also have small bottles for 7 dollars.
2) Maybe they changed the ingredients recently, but I can’t see how anyone could compare this to stuff from the “hood” beauty supply store…for the record, I’m lookng at the bottle right now, and there is no mineral oil…there are silk amino acids, aloe leaf extract, avocado oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, and macadamia seed oil.
I compared my bottle of miss jessie’s pudding to an ingredient list someone else posted, and it just doesn’t match up at all…
I have used a number of products. I thought p.mitchell foaming pomade made my hair flake, potion 9 just didn’t do it for me. I really like aestelance, but I can only get it at my salon, which is inconveniently located in the meatpacking district in ny. It is also 24 dollars, so I figured the pudding could be worth a try. What seems to work best for me for styling is some knd of moisturizing creme mixed with or followed by a little bit(really a little bit) of avocado oil. I’ve figured out that muhc less really works.
I go to Edris Salon, in the meatpacking district for haircuts. Its 200 for edris to cut your hair, but she is the real deal(the cut also includes a really thorough wash and deep conditioning with oils)! There are no gimmicks…she gives everone theperfect haircut for their face and hair. She does runway styling.
She’s afro-caribbean; her staff isn’t. She and her staff, however, can cut and style any head of hair that walks in;that is her mandate for anyone working in the salon. The last time I went, a white guy with pin straight blond hair styled my hair after edris cut it, and I still have not been able to match how well he did it!
They don’t force unnecessary treatments, and keep it really simple. There is a huge effort to perfect the natural state of everyone’s hair. The place is truly diverse in the staff and clientele. I can’t rave about her enough!
Verdict: the pudding is OK. Not great, but not bad either. The other stuff I use (aestelance hair moisturizer) is a lot better, for the same price. I think I’ll try mixing the pudding with hair oil, to see if that makes a difference
I just found out about Miss Jessies products and I am going to try them and I am going to try Carols Daughters products as well. I have been natural for 7 years and I have worn mainly braids and a few weaves. Compared to what I spend on hair because I braid my own hair the prices are comparable. I want the best for my hair and if I have to keep spending the same amount for natural hair than I will. However, I am writing down all of these other less expensive products. Thanks for posting all of these natural hair tips.
I don’t know what you ladies are talking about. I have 4a and have been using missjessies products for two years. I wash my hair, comb it through with the conditioner, then rinse. After that I apply the curly pudding, no problems. My hair looks beautiful. . . the kinky curls that I had when my hair was wet, stay in place. My hair only flakes after 3 – 4 days, then I re-wash. NO BIG DEAL. Did you expect it to be permanent??? Get over yourselves and stop giving those ladies a hard time for having a great product that is expensive.
Hello Ladies,
I visited this website and many others before I called to make my appointment at Miss Jessie’s. After reading all the postive and negative reviews about Miss Jessie’s services, prices and products, I must say that it truly pays to “see for yourself!”
The “perm” was no longer my friend. I think the older I got the more resistant my hair became to getting a touch-up every 4-6 weeks. I was in a no win situation! My hair would not grow and if it did grow it broke off once it reached a certain length. So, I spent the past 1.5 years wearing sewn-in weaves and giving my hair a break from the everyday. I would take out my weave every month to 2 months for a new one ($100 a pop, not including the premium human hair)! After 1.5 years my hair had grown tremendously. I have naturally kinky hair with a super tight curl pattern, and yes my hair is also very dry. So, once my hair is washed and air dried I have maximum shrinkage! I did my research and decided the “Silkener” was the best option for me and my hair type! I made an appointment with Miko, travelled to DC and got the “Silkener” in July 2007, and I am very please with the results and manageability of my hair!
I recently went on vacation and was able to wash my hair daily after a trip to the beach. No breakage or damage! I would wash, condition, apply curly pudding or meringue and air dry! I was good to go. If I did not need a wash, I wet it a little bit with a spray bottle in the am and applied some butter cream. With the Silkener there is some shrinkage, but its doable! Miko said that the “Silkener is intended to loosen up your natural curl and give your hair a softer texture”, which is exactly what it does. I received a lot of compliments! My trip to the Caribbean would not have been the same without the Silkener!
Now, that I am back home, I wash my hair once a week! I notice that the cleaner the hair the nicer the curl. I usually flat twist the front, and apply the curly pudding and cornrow the back. Do not take out the cornrows until hair is fully dry! Take it out before and you will have frizzy curls! This works nicely for me!
I must admit that her products and services are on the expensive side; however, the bottom line is: “Good things aren’t CHEAP, and CHEAP things aren’t good.”
One other thing! I got my first silkener in July 2007 and I dont think I would be due for another one until Dec 2007. If travelling from NY to DC you can get a round trip bus ticket for $35 from numerous bus companies. Thats if you dont mind the 4hour bus ride! Miko will get you out in time to catch bus back home. I did it all in one day!
Dee. They must have changed the formula because i am looking at an old jar of curly pudding from under my sink (almost 2 years old) and it has the same content as what jax indicated. I love this site and all the recs given. I may elect to try it again IF the ingred. are differnt. I did like how it held my hair spirals(i have a mix of several textures 4a,3c and another that i’m not sure how to rate)in my hair but i think i used to much product (it was crunchy) and i let it air dry so it did take a long time to dry and i live in the Arizona(110 degrees plus in the summer) I guess the bigest issue for me is…the hair may look good, but is it healthy under all that product? (i.e old label content and condition of hair ends, elasticity, etc) I don’t have a hair license but in my past i’ve been in salons and seen hair that looked healthy until all the hair tracks were removed and you could see the naked truth (broken off hair varying in length that a client won’t let the stylist cut because the patron is holding on to that “length” although you can see right thru it. based on the before and after pics, descriptions, and PRICE i would assume jessie client get a good cut and conditon. This may not be the case with at home application of the product. As stated earlier i am no hair care professional (infact i will be trying some of the products i’ve seen on this site. i like experimenting and you do have to find what combinations work best for YOUR OWN hair and the look you want to achieve…RETURNING TO TOPIC). But maybe some of the variance in quality experience with the product(myself included), regardless of hair texture, has to do with the health of the hair (i.e. regular deep condiioning, cliped ends,etc). Although i am now reformed ;o] i was guilty of this in the past and i can say from my experience (more than 10 years natural) healthy hair responds differntly to products. So that MY two cents;o)Reminding all AFROBELLA bloggers the only “good hair” is healthy hair.
I’ve been using Miss Jessie’s products since cutting my hair and going natural again about 3 years ago. I use the pudding after washing and deep conditioning, under the dryer. I spray leave-conditioner on sections of hair, comb the curly pudding through and twist. I have thick hair that is probably a 4b or C but responds well to products. Once finished I sit under the dryer, and then put the twists up and let them finish drying (overnight or more). I had buttercreme to the ends and when I’m ready to take them down, add more to the twists, then pull them out with the blowdryer. It takes about 5 minutes. I then untwist and have a nice curls for 2-3 days. Then I usually wear my hair in two-strand twists. The Curly pudding adds weight and they hang very nicely. I absolutely LOVE the Baby Buttercreme. I think it lasts long enough to make it no pricier than other products and it smells heavenly. I’m using Carol’s Daughter’s products now, but I don’t like the smell of their Butter or Loc Creme, so I will be ordering more Baby Buttercreme. I don’t use Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding each time I wash, but it’s a good alternative and I get lots of complments when I do the set!
LADIES HELP!!! I just did the BIG CHOP(more like shave),i had really badly permed hair, so i had to shave my head to the scalp in order to try to go natural.i can feel some fuzz starting to grow,its only been 5 days.So my question is should i be putting something on my scalp or just wait for some real hair to come in? And any good hair grow advice? I want to try miss jessies but any product advice will do. PLEASE HELP.
ladys i to a system that can touch up the silkner
3476837922 jeanene
http://www.onetalentsource.com/portfolio/953/
sorry
my e-mail
jeanenebarrett@aol.com
by the way getting in touch with he owners of former cms.jessies…. will keep in touch
god bless
Qhemet Biologics has natural oils: no petroleum, mineral oil or anything like that. As a matter of fact, all of their products are currentlly sold out b/c they are having a hard time meeting the high demand.
Hey guys try beautyblend. Works for me…
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!!
Afrobella don’t even waste your time…I mean I’m all for uplifting my black sista’s but not only are Miss Jessie’s products expensive it doesn’t work. I can admit I’ve been on the website and was in awe at all of my beautiful black sister’s before and after photo’s and I couldn’t wait to go home and try this myself. I went to Ricky’s and spend about $150.00 dollars on the Curly Pudding, Rapid Recovery, Curly Buttercreme, Stetch Silkening Creme and the Creme De La Curl Shampoo. Followed the instructions for the Twist Out 101 and needless to say when I awoke this morning I had no curls whatsoever. My hair was a mess…. I haven’t had a perm in a year and I cut off all my perm hair. So can someone tell me what went wrong???????
I’ve used just about all the Miss Jessie’s products. My hair is standard issue African American (if there is such a thing). I’ve been wearing it in it’s natural texture for at least the past five years. Would attach a photo if I knew how. The stuff works, but like it’s been noted here, you really have to “work it”. Remember “Rio” promising us all hair like Lisa Bonet – well you’ll have it the first day. The next day you’ll have to glob on more Buttercream to make sure your hair doesn’t frizz. I’m sure w/a little work you can formulate the same thing in your kitchen.
I found someone in LA who mixes custom conditioner for my hair – less expensive with better results. Her name is Gwen Staples.
I have 4b/4c hair and i love Miss Jessie’s products but I can’t afford them. I have found that Fantasia IC Gel with Sparkle Lites is a really good alternative to the Curly Pudding and the first four ingredients are identical. For this reason I no longer purchase the curly pudding b/c I can get the fantasia gel for less than $6 and have even found it for 3.99. I use it the same way I would the curly pudding, putting it on just washed and still wet hair, letting it air dry and then going over it with a moisturizer.
My hair loooves the buttercreme (not the baby buttercreme though, it soaked that up way too fast). My batch lasted for almost 6 months and I made sure to buy it during the holidays because they are buy one get one free making the 16 0z jar 30. But I am looking for an adequate replacement but so far no luck, my hair isn’t the same without it but if I find a replacement I’ll be sure to let you know.
I haven’t tried the shampoo because I use DevaCurl No Poo but I do really like the Rapid Recovery Deep conditioning. All in all, I think that Miss Jessie’s is great but is overpriced but until something comparable and cheaper comes along, i’m stuck.
I read most of the reviews and frankly, I love them. I am a licensed hair braider here in FL and used the products on a client with mostly 4a hair. Then I started transitioning and wore my hair in twists. It’s great to use Curly Pudding to help with combing your hair if your hair is thick, kinky and two textures like mine. I am a 4a/4b. Anyway, I do swear by the products as I only get Curly Buttercreme and Curly Pudding. The trick is to use sparingly and you won’t get the dryness of the hair. I learned that mistake the first time I did a twistout with CB. My hair was gooey and icky. Anyway, I am happy with the products thus far and will buy more in bulk soon as I go out of town again. I purchase the 2oz since my hair isn’t always in coils and I use Curls Organic Curl Moisturizer. I don’t recommend the Whipped Cream as it made my hair filmy. Oh yeah, if anyone can recommend a great leave-in/deep condish, that would be great! E-mail me that info!
Cynthia
Can’t believe I just sat here and read 3 years of posts but that goes to show 1) I’m in a state of confusion about what to do with my hair; and 2) I’m not alone in the struggle! Thanks to everyone who made comments I feel like I have 100+ new sisters out there in the world! I’ve worn braids for nearly 10 years. Thank goodness my edges are still thick and I don’t look like Stevie or Susan T. Anyway, you know there is no way, after 10 years, I’m going back to weekly visits to the salon or waking up every morning to curl my hair. I’m going to try the at-home curly-pudding option first and if that doesn’t work, I’m going for the silkener (if I can find Miko). I’m in DC but I’m willing to travel to NYC if she’s back there now. Anyway, I just had to share a post and add my voice to the mix. Cheers!
I have read this post and found it very informative. I also agree with many that it makes your hair dry-well, at least that is what I experienced from using the curly meringue and pudding. I don’t know what my hair numbered texture is and I am not into that, but I do know I have a mixed texture of curly, tight curly–nappy, and wavy. I use Miss Jessie’s for twisting and have not tried shingling. To help combat the dryness or frizzy effect, I use a hair polisher and Organics Olive Oil.
I do not twist my hair every night, I do twist the parts that may not have as much definition as others. I really think it depends on the supporting products you use on your hair. For instance, I use Nexxus hydrotherrape shampoo and conditioner and I love it. It helps with my hair texture as not to tangle and mat. It really moisturize my hair and feels great during a shampoo. Then I use Miss Jessie’s to twist. No, I don’t think its the best product in the world, but I like it. I tried Organics twist cream which twist really great, but it is flaky in the hair after about 3-4 days. I try to wash my hair every 3-4 days because I found that this is what I need now that I am natural.
Hope this helps someone!
I have natural 4c hair that’s so kinky-soft & cottony it won’t hold a ‘fro without parting down the middle. (It’s sort of kinky the first day, then starts straightening out during the following days.) Anyway, because I was growing out my relaxer, I have been wearing two-strand twists for about 4 years now, and it gives me the same look as the photos on Miss Jessie’s website – WITHOUT all the products, etc! My technique for my hair is simple and easy, resulting in over 6 inches of growth. (Just in the last year, I’ve gotten another 2 inches of growth, so my hair thrives on what I do! Here it is: 1)I wash my hair every two weeks.
And I never, EVER wash my hair loose. I always twist it into two-strand twists first.
2) I co-wash my twists or use a light shampoo like Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.
3) Using a thick towel I gently wrap it around my hair for five minutes to soak up the extra water, then I put some coconut oil or olive oil on my hair, and then let it air-dry. (If there are any twists that have come loose at the ends, I re-twist them at this time.)
4)Within a half-hour or less, my hair is dry. I then take out my twists, fluff and go!
In the evenings, I simply re-twist my hair back up into the two-strand twists. Becasue I have so much hair, I don’t do little tiny ones – I do thicker ones, maybe about 15 over my whole head. (Sometimes my boyfriend helps!) In the morning, I un-twist them again and go. If I want more fullness, I dampen my hands a little and run them quickly through my hair. Volia!
It’s important to note that every day my hair stretches out more and more. The first day it’s shorter, but by the end of the week it’s down to mid-back length – NATURALLY! Using No Heat, No Puddings, No Gels, No Chemicals of any sort! And not to seem arrogant – but I’m telling you the living truth – I get compliments on my hair all the time, from everyone: sisters asking my how I got my look, brothas, who shout out, “I Love your hair!”), and most surprisingly, from White Women who have approached me in the downtown business district! They always say, “I love your hair,” and…wait for this one: “I wish I could get my hair to do that.” Ain’t THAT a kicker? White women expressing the desire for kinky hair – I thought I’d NEVER see the day! So, anyway, this is what works for me and I hope it will work for you. But remember, Don’t ever wash it while loose,(twist it or braid it first) never, ever comb it (don’t worry, it will not tangle if you keep it twisted while washing or at night), and never, never use heat on it – our hair is too delicate for that mess. Ladies, free yourselves!
You might want to try Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. You can buy it at Whole Foods I tried it for the first time this past Friday and I love it. The Custard might be a little pricy $30 for a 16oz jar but, a little bit goes a long way, so it will last a long time. They say that it is best to use the Kinky-Curly Shampoo and Knot Out Conditioner which is what I used but, if you want to try it with your own shampoo and conditioner go ahead. Let me know how it worked out.
Qhemet Biologics and Darcy Botanicals have great products! I love their products!
There is one other company called Komaza Care and another called Uncle Funky’s Daughter which I am going to checkout as well. Has anyone used their products?
I used Miss Jessie’s CM and I like the creamy texture and the hold but I don’t like that it has mineral oil in it. I think they could use some better oils in it. It does last a long time though as you only need to use a little and my hair is waist length. I will use it as a wash and go until I finish the jar. I won’t be buying it again but will be looking for another cream without mineral oil.
THOUGHTS ON THE “MISS JESSIE’S” PRODUCTS:
1)The “MISS JESSIE’S” products USE MINERAL OIL
& PETROLATUM (both of which damage both
hair & skin) AS two of the KEY INGREDIENTS
2) Titi & Miko – THE OWNER’S of the “Miss Jessie’s”
product line (AND most of THE CLIENTS they choose
to photograph) — achieve their hair-styles because
they USE what they call ”Silkener”’ (which is simply
a mild relaxer / texturizer & made of CHEMICALS).
3) The same results can be achieved for a fraction of
the cost by going to a store and purchasing / applying
the same dangerous (ex. relaxer / texturizer) as well
as damaging (ex. mineral oil / petrolatum) products.
4) People should save their money (and hair) by avoiding
the cheaply-made / expensively-sold products (such as
the ”Miss Jessie’s” line) that contain worthless and
harmful ingredients such as mineral oil / petrolatum
and / or are “chemically-dependent” to achieve results.
Please give the number to Gwen Staples. She and I are high school class mates. I lost touch with her and would love to contact her for hair advice now that I am all natural. I have since moved to another state and would love to contact her.
Thank You
Perhaps your Christian friend is only thinking of Buddha as an ethical philosopher–I’m a Buddhist, and that’s how I like to think of Buddha. Buddha himself said that he didn’t want anybody believing in his teachings simply out of respect or veneration for him personally. Actually, the persons whom I would compare to Buddha–whom I wholly like and agree with, without for a minute worshipping them–would be: Voltaire, Mark Twain, Epictetus, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, Horace, Albert Camus, Socrates, Marivaux, Chuang-tze, H.D. Thoreau, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Jean de la Fontaine, Jean Baudrillard, Henry (not William) James, Colette, Gertrude Stein, Gore Vidal, Richard Barnfield, Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Love Peacock, Marcel Proust, Ned Rorem, Lucian, Marcus Aurelius, Lucretius, George Meredith, Shakespeare, Alexander Pope, Samuel Johnson, Anatole France, Juvenal, Kurt Vonnegut, Rabelais, Ovid, Virgil, John Milton, Jean de la Bruyère, Molière, Nicolas Boileau, Charles Nelson, Michel de Montaigne, Francis Bacon, Carlo Goldoni, Lao-tze, Don Basile, Nicolò Machiavelli (the playwright more than the political theorist), and last but not least, Emily Post and Judith Martin (Miss Manners). The only thing about Jesus of Nazareth that I like–and I like it very much–Is the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mountain. But, as you might have guessed, I don’t believe in Jesus even a little bit: I agree with him, because we see things just alike.
I am a firm believer in reading the ingredients and hitting the kitchen… if Miss Jessie can do it so can Miss Tosha :)I am able to admit her prices are way too steep for me… if I spend $58 on something i need to be able to eat it or see by it. Become a natural hair chemist…I have.
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