I'm not going to make this a long and drawn out post, but there's three things you should know about this tutorial featuring products from Obia Naturals:

1. If I can do this style, you can do this style...because if it ain't a wash and go, I don't know how to do it. And this braid & curl style came out amazing...so therefore, you can do it (and probably with much more success than me).
2. Twist Whip Butter is that JAM!
3. Again, this style is pretty much foolproof - and so is Twist Whip Butter. I broke ALL the rules, and got great results.

Here's everything I used to create this gorgeous braid & curl:

You're here because it's time for part II of the Obia Naturals line review right? Right on! Just in case you missed part I of this review, click here! If you're all caught up to speed, let's keep on!

Oh, and here's the video again just in case you want to watch again (#shamelessployforclicks).



Curl Moisture Cream
Cost
$18 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alchol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Gives conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Also used to keep product ingredients from separating. 
• Grapeseed Oil: Pressed oil from the seeds of grapes, high in Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It is an antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing oil.
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Olive Oil: Olive Oil is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger and its emollient properties prevent hair loss.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
Can I just say that Curl Moisture Cream is life?! I hadn't tried Curl Moisture Cream prior to this review, and honestly, I was slippin'. Curl Moisture Cream is actually Obia's leave-in conditioner, and performs beautifully as such. I always say, if your leave-in conditioner isn't moisturizing, detangling, reducing frizz, adding hydration, and setting the canvas for a great style, then you need a new leave-in. Curl Moisture Cream does that and then some! It pairs beautifully with Twist Whip Butter and Curl Enhancing Custard - leaving no flakes, residue, or goopy weirdness. It's incredibly moisturizing without weighing the hair down or making it feel greasy. It has great slip, is super rich and velvety, and best of all - a little bit goes a long way.

The Bad
Seriously, nothing. Curl Moisture Cream is flawless. I even love the fact that it comes in a jar instead of a bottle with a pump - because you can get every last drop of product out.

The Bottom Line
If your leave-in is leaving much to be desired, definitely give Curl Moisture Cream a try! It's heavier than your traditional leave-in, but lighter than a butter cream. It's a dry-haired naturalista's dream!

Would I Buy it Again?
So....at this point I need to ask. Who got the coupon code, tho? Because ya girl needs to place an order with Obia. #hookmeup #illloveyouforever


Twist Whip Butter
Cost
$18 for 8oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

• Water with Extracts of Aloe Vera, Lavender, and Lemongrass: Provides natural fragrance while balancing pH, smoothing the cuticle layer of the hair, and providing antimicrobial properties for the hair and scalp. 
• Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
• Palm Oil: Oil of the palm fruit full of vitamins A and E, as well as beta carotene which gives it a yellowish-orange color. The high antioxidant content reduces the signs of damage and aging in hair, while moisturizing intensely and improving shine and elasticity. 
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Castor Oil: Thick, highly viscous oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and humectant properties. It is also a great moisture sealant, and promotes hair thickening and growth.
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Gentle surfactant made from non-GMO rapeseed (canola oil), and is one of the mildest detangling ingredients out there. It doesn't cause buildup or irritation to the scalp.

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
New kid on the block alert! Honestly, of all the Obia Naturals products, I was most hesitant to try this one. Like, what does someone like me, a wash and go loyalist, do with twisting butter? Like, how do I use this? HOW SWAY? As it turns out (and you'll see in a video verrrrry soon...like tomorrow soon), Twist Whip Butter is pretty damn much foolproof. I say foolproof because I broke every rule of the twist/braidout/perm rod manual and got epic results. Like seriously, look:


My hair wasn't 100% dry when I took it down. I didn't put oil on my hands during the takedown, and I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to unravel the rods like I did, but by the end result, you can't tell! Quiet as kept, I didn't even protect my hair properly at night, and my braid and curl still lasted for 3+ days. Like, if you don't know how to do your hair, but want it to come out like the girls in the YouTube videos, use Twist Whip Butter. Mega moisture, definition, shine, and softness without a weird tacky feeling, flaking, or product buildup.

The Bad
Umm...did you read the part about how I don't know how to do my hair, but still got amazing results? Yeah, alladat.

The Bottom Line
Get. You. Some. Twist. Whip. Butter. (Just imagine me clapping with each word.)

Would I Buy it Again?
Get. Me. Some. Twist. Whip. Butter. (I really was clapping as I read this back out loud.)



Curl Enhancing Custard
Cost
$15 for 12oz

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Olive Oil: Olive Oil is rich in high levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is good for hair growth. Both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E are good for moisturizing, protecting and nourishing hair. Olive oil makes hair grow stronger and its emollient properties prevent hair loss.
• Grapeseed Oil: Pressed oil from the seeds of grapes, high in Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It is an antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing oil.
• Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and contains omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids that provide nutrition for hair. It also contains Linoleic and oleic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize hair. Helps repair damaged follicles, imparts shine, and prevents frizz and rough ends.
• Carbomer: A gel-like thickener.
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Emollient moisturizing protein, also adds some strength to hair.

Protein Free?
No.

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

The Good
:::clears throat:::

Love,
Ever since the first moment I spoke your name, 
From then on I knew, 
That by you, 
Being in my life, 
Things were destined to chaaaaaaaange
'Cause Love.....

Sorry, I had to go a lil' Musiq Soulchild circa Y2K on y'all... cuz umm.... the love affair with Curl Enhancing Custard is real. It's been real. It's always gon' be real. We got that real love, that dark skinned Aunt Viv love, that Jada and that Will love... See? You know a product is amazing when the only way you can talk about it is through song lyrics. I just feel like Curl Enhancing Custard gets me. Like Obia, did you formulate this just for me, or nah?

I'm a gel kinda girl, and a heavy one at that. I like thick, jelly gells. Preferably with carbomer (I find that to be the one unifying ingredient in all gels that give me plump curls). Curl Enhancing Custard is thick, (but not as thick as Eco Styler) and elongates the curls as you apply the product. But when those curls are dry, it's a thing of beauty. Shiny, juicy, plump curls that last for days... and lately, I can't get those kinds of results with Eco Styler (leading me to my huge revelation in the video...you did watch, right?) I mean, I could go on and on about Curl Enhancing Custard if you let me. But I won't. So let me just sum it up in a few words (pardon the language):

Curl Enhancing Custard is the shit.

The Bad
Other than the fact that the jar doesn't come in lifetime supply size, I can't think of a single thing wrong with it. I mean, are you really prepared to argue with results like these?


The Bottom Line
I refer you to the picture above. 'Nuff said.

Would I Buy it Again?
Listen, Linda. I don't even need a coupon code for this one. I'm ordering. Regardless. Just like I have for the past what, three years? Cuz baby you my everything, you all I ever wanted...

Click here to read my original review of Curl Enhancing Custard
Why is Curl Enhancing Custard better than EcoStyler? Read here.
Christina's Choice 2015: Best of the Best Curl Definers (before my Eco Styler revelation)

Thank you guys for checking out my review of Obia Naturals! I have one more special treat just in store - a full tutorial (haha) on how I achieved my braid and curl results with Curl Hydration Spray and Twist Whip Butter! Check for that tomorrow (seriously, it's going live in time for Resurrection Sunday!)

I'm no stranger to Obia Naturals.

Really, I'm not.

Since my transitioning days, I've gone on to write or include Obia's products in a number of my blog posts and articles. Click here to see what I'm talking about.

Even though I'm no stranger to their products, I'm an avid supporter of re-visiting and re-reviewing products from time to time. Especially after your hair changes. That's why when Obia launched their re-branded line of products, I was inspired to connect with them and see how their products would fare with my been-through-hell-and-back curls.

Of course, because it's 2016 and I'm fancy, there's a video for those of you guys that like product chit-chat. But for all the super juicy details, read on!



Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar
Cost
$10 for 4oz bar

Where to Buy
www.obianaturals.com or Amazon

Active Ingredients

• Saponified Oils: When it comes to soaps and shampoo bars, the term "saponified" is always not too far away. Saponification involves sodium hydroxide aka lye - but it's not gonna relax your hair! Learn more about the science behind saponification here. This soap bar contains saponified oils of coconut, castor, palm, and safflower. Collectively they moisturize, treat dry and thinning hair, soothe itchy scalp, and improve elasticity in the hair.
• Shea Butter: Emollient fat from the nut of the East or West African shea nut tree used to moisturize and soften hair.
• Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Rosemary Essential Oil: Concentrated oil great for stimulating blood circulation on the scalp, promoting nourishment and growth. Also has antibacterial properties, and can help relieve dry, flaky, and irritated scalp.

Protein Free?

During the month of February, I was all about that #NaturalHairBLACKOUT life (tbh, I still am). So many of you have left encouraging words, pledged support, or let me know that you already #buyblack. Man, I gotta tell you... this ish is heartwarming. I had a conversation recently with a friend about how Black commerce is developing, and I gotta say -- I'm LOVING how Black businesses are investing in developing practical things that we need, like personal care and laundry products.

When I first came up with the idea for the #NaturalHairBlackout, I almost backed out. How was I gonna replace my beloved Eco Styler? How would I get along without random product junkie sprees at Sally's and Ulta, for products that I'd likely return anyway? On a more serious note, how would I effectively care for my color-treated curls?

Now that February is almost over, I can confidently say that I've been able to compile a list of proven, effective swaps. That's right, I figured out how to abandon holy grail cult favorites for natural hair, and support Black owned business.

And guess what? My curls are thriving.

Let's dive in.

Cleansing
Holy Grail: DevaCurl No Poo
Black-Owned Swap(s): Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner, The Mane Choice Soft As Can Be 3-in-1 Revitalize & Refresh Conditioner

The 411: Both Be Clean and Soft As Can Be have three functions - they can be used as co-washes, leave-in conditioners, and detanglers. They both have amazing slip, cleanse phenomenally, and leave the hair soft and hydrated. Read the reviews here:
Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner 
The Mane Choice Review

These also happen to be the best cleansers IMO...just saying.

Holy Grail: Creme of Nature Moisture & Shine Shampoo
Deep Conditioning & Treatments
Holy Grail: DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Black-Owned Swap(s): Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner, Shea Moisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega 3, 6, 9 Rescue & RepairHair Masque
The 411: This was huge for me guys. Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask might not mean much to you, but for me, it was BAE. Super thick and creamy, with slip, protein, and buttery smooth realness, it was hard for me to let the pink jar of awesomeness go for a month. But in it's place, I discovered that Shea Moisture did not disappoint. I know, I know - we hashed out the Shea Moisture/Bain Capital situation a few months back. But since they still purport to be majority family owned (and Black owned), I gave them a pass. To replace DevaCurl's Heaven In Hair (a cult favorite among CG followers), I've discovered that Obia Naturals is a cost effective swap. It's pH balanced, botanically enriched, super moisturizing, and of course, Black owned.
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask Review
Obia Naturals Babassu Oil Deep Conditioner Review

Holy Grail: ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
Black-Owned Swap(s): Soultanicals Afrotastic Curl Elastic, Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner
The 411: if you have color treated hair, or hair that craves protein in general, a strengthening treatment is a must. One of the reasons I wanted to back out of the #NaturalHairBLACKOUT initially was because I needed my ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. Without it, my curls would go limp. Luckily, I've discovered that Soultanicals Afrotastic Curl Elastic and Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner  both contain the necessary ingredients to strengthen, repair, correct porosity, and restore elasticity in the hair.
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Deep Conditioners
Mielle Organics Review


Moisturizing
Holy Grail: Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner, Carol's Daughter Original Hair Milk Leave-In Moisturizer
Black-Owned Swap(s): TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner, Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip

The 411: Both TGIN Green Tea and Mango Dip provide extreme slip, hydration, and moisture to hair of all types. They help calm frizz and set the foundation for long-lasting, soft styles. Every healthy hair regimen needs a good leave-in conditioner, and these two definitely hit the mark!
TGIN Review
Soultanicals Mango Dip Detangling Slip Demo
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Leave-In Conditioners

Holy Grail: Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Black-Owned Swap(s): Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk, Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme
The 411: Folks love Cantu for three reasons: it's affordable, readily available, and it works. I absolutely cannot knock that. But in the spirit of supporting Black owned brands, I present Mielle Organics Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk and Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme. Mielle Organics is the more expensive of the two, but I love how intensely moisturizing it is. Plus, you can find it at select Sally Beauty stores nationwide (although you might have to fight somebody to get it, lol). Eden's Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme is available on an even more widespread basis, and much more affordable. Both provide intense moisture, softness, and medium hold.
Mielle Organics Review
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Moisturizers

Styling
Holy Grail: Lotta Body Styling Foam/Setting Lotion
Black-Owned Swap(s): CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
The 411: For rod sets. Curlformers, and other styles that work best with a styling foam or setting lotion, Lottabody is typically the go-to. It's lightweight, movable, and doesn't flake or dry out the hair. The great news here is that my Black owned swap, CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly does the same, and more. Check out how I used it for a super cute, bouncy Curlformer set here:
CURLS Blueberry Bliss Review


Holy Grail: Eco Styler Gel
Black-Owned Swap(s): Obia Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard
The 411: The other reason I almost backed out of the #NaturalHairBLACKOUT? EcoStyler. Say what you will, but EcoStyler is bae. I even butchered dedicated a song to it. I wasn't quite ready to let it go for February, but I did. Guess what? Obia Naturals is the plug! I've always loved Curl Enhancing Custard, but it wasn't until I couldn't use Eco Styler that I realized how much I actually love and appreciate Curl Enhancing Custard. Multi day curl poppage!!!
Obia Naturals Review - updated review coming soon!
Christina's Choice 2015 - Best Curl Definers

Holy Grail: Amla Legend Treasured Temple Edge Tamer