I know y'all knew this was coming!

As soon as @bronzegirlwithcurls slid in my DMs with that screenshot to Ulta's website, I've been determined to get my hands on the tgin Curls n' Roses collection. The Curls n' Roses collection was designed to provide all natural hair textures with lightweight definition and volume — with a special focus on fine, low density, and low porosity hair.

Although my hair isn't particularly fine or low density, it is low porosity and I live for amazing curl definition. In this review, I'll be breaking down the details you really want to know:

• Do the Curls n Roses products work?
• What's the difference between the original tgin Moist Collection and Curls n' Roses?
• Is this really a new collection, or is it the same ol' same with a few extra ingredients?
• How do I know which products to use?

Well, that wraps up this review! I hope you found my insights helpful and if you have any questions, you can always drop them here or on my Instagram! Catch y'all in the next one — and be sure to let me know what Curls n' Roses products you decide to try out for yourself!

This post was produced in partnership with tgin. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own! You guys already know that, though.

Of course, EcoStyler will always be there (hey red lid!), but something a lil' more forgiving in terms of moisture and playing well with other products is always a priority.

And that's exactly where my hopes landed with KeraCare's new GELESSENCE collection.

One day, I was scrolling on the 'gram, minding my curly business, and bam! I got served with an ad that hooked me in right away. Four bright jars of gel. Available at Target, too. I had to investigate. The KeraCare GELESSENCE line contains four different gels — a Moisturizing Gel with Jamaican Black Castor Oil (pink), a Strengthening Gel with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (yellow), an Anti-Shedding Gel with Biotin (blue), and a Super Hold Gel (purple).

At my local Target store, I was able to get my hand on the pink Moisturizing Gel and the yellow Strengthening Gel. I was hoping to come across the Super Hold Gel, but perhaps I'll just order that from the KeraCare website down the line.

A few months ago, I went in to Target to re-up on WetLine Xtreme Gel. As I scanned the shelf, I realized that the blazing neon green lid on my beloved 35.28oz jar had been replaced with a much more subtle navy one.

Like the green lid jar, this one claimed to have 24-hour holding power, so I assumed it was just a brand refresh with a new label. I purchased the jar, stashed it (since I still had an open one at home), and didn't think twice.

Within a few weeks, I was receiving DMs curious about whether WetLine was doing what so many other brands have done — pulling the old formula bait and switch. Swapping costly ingredients for cheaper (and sometimes more harmful) ones. A few had even expressed concern about the potential harm of the new formula.

I hadn't cracked the lid on my new jar yet — and I had no plans to until I got to the bottom of things. To find out what's really going on, keep reading!

The Old WetLine Extreme Gel

Product Ingredients

• Water
• Triethanolamine: Strong alkaline substance used as a surfectant, emulsifying agent, and pH adjuster.
• Polyacrilyc Acid: Polymer of acrylic acid, commonly known as carbomer. Used as a binder, film former, and viscosity increasing agent.
• Carbomer: Chemical composed of acrylic acid monomers that acts as a viscosity controlling agent (thickener).
• Glycerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Sodium Polyacrylate: Informally known as "waterlock", it is a water-absorbing polymer that functions as an emulsion stabilizer, hair fixative, film former, skin conditioner, and thickener.
• Parfum (Fragrance)
• Benzyl Alcohol: Fragrance and flavor ingredient that also acts as a preservative. Derived from naturally occurring plants or synthetically prepared, benzyl alcohol is in no way related to drying alcohol. 
• Tetrasodium EDTA: Fragrance and preservative ingredient designed to bind to and inactivate metal ions — helping to maintain clarity, protect fragrance, and prevent rancidity.
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Preservative ingredient known to be a skin allergen.
• Methylisothiazolinone: Widely-used preservative ingredient known to be a skin allergen. Also potentially neurotoxic, but more research is required.
• Panthenol: Vitamin B5, known for quick absorption into hair and providing moisture control.
• Methoxycinnamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine: Hair conditioning agent and UV light absorber.
• Ext. Violet 2: Synthetic colorant.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair's sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness.

 The "New" WetLine Extreme Gel

Product Ingredients (underline indicates a different ingredient from the original formula)

• Water
• Glycerin: See old formula above.
• Carbomer: See old formula above.
• Sodium Hydroxide: Also known as lye — acts as a ph adjuster and buffering agent.
• Polyacrylate-2 Crosspolymer: Polymer designed to provide "superhold" properties.
• Phenoxyethanol: Preservative and fragrance ingredient.
• Parfum (Fragrance)
• Sodium Polyacrylate: See old formula above.
• Tetrasodium EDTA: See old formula above.
• Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: Water-based preservative ingredient. Also known to cause contact allergy issues, and is acutely toxic if inhaled.
• Hydroxycitronellal: Synthetic scent ingredient used to provide fragrance and mask odors. Also a known allergen.
• Panthenol: See old formula above.
• Methoxycinnamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine: See old formula above.
• Ext. Violet 2: See old formula above.
• Aloe Vera Juice: See old formula above.

"...it can take as little as 3–5 drops of sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH from very acidic (2/3) to a more skin, scalp and hair friendly pH of around 5–7. As a buffer, the hydroxide ions work to maintain this pH of 5–7 so that it does not change as you use it or possibly put in some small amounts of contaminants e.g if you scoop your conditioner out a jar, your hand may have water or gel or oil on it which could disrupt the conditioner pH. Sodium hydroxide takes care of that."

Old formula wash and go with tgin leave-in, for reference.

Now, I love me some cleansers and conditioners, but styling products are my JAM! My hair was ready to put these products through the ringer, too! On one head, I've got all the bases covered — low porosity, fifty-leven different textures, disrespectful shrinkage, and an area that is perpetually frizzy, no matter what I do.

So yeah, let's get to it... :::Birdman hand rub:::

Note: This blog post contains affiliate links for Sally Beauty. If you decide to purchase any products mentioned in this blog post from Sally Beauty using my links, I earn a small commission. It costs you nothing, but helps me out a great deal. Sis has a wedding to pay for in 2020! 



Bouncy Cream

Cost
$9.99 - $10.99 for 5.1oz (I find that online, All About Curls tends to be about $1 cheaper than in-store)

Where to Buy
Sally Beauty (online and in store)

Protein Free?
No. Contains hydrolyzed soy protein.

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes, but see this note under the Lo-Lather Cleanser for more details.

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Cetearyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohol and emollient conditioner known for giving products a creamy, thick texture and feel.
• Propylene Glycol: Humectant that improves moisture binding activity which results in silky smooth hair.
• Isodecyl Neopentanoate: Alternative to Cyclomethicone with high spreadability that leaves hair and skin feeling soft and smooth.
• PEG-150/Decyl Alcohol/SMDI Copolymer: Film-forming, viscosity (thickness) controlling agent.
• Polyquaternium-55: Styling agent and hair fixative polymer that provides a smooth, moisturized feel to the hair.

The Good
To be quite honest, I've never really "got" styling creams. I just wrote them off as not for me, because of how wildly my hair textures vary. Not once did I ever stop and consider whether a styling cream could really "do" anything for my hair. My default assumption was that styling creams were meant for looser textures and finer hair.


I.
Was.
Wrong.

I fell madly in love with the Bouncy Cream, so much so that I've already re-upped on another tube. It works unlike anything that I've ever used before — locking my curl pattern into place and creating a smooth canvas for the High Definition Gel to swoop in and seal the deal. It does an amazing job at warding off-frizz, and absolutely is the driving force behind why my wash and go's still look amazing several days later.

I bought another tube of Bouncy Cream before I even came close to running out — that's how good this stuff is.
So umm, Zotos... any chances of the Bouncy Cream coming in salon sizes with a pump? 👀 Asking for a friend (that is me).

The Bad
Nothing, nothing, and more nothing. Not a single thing wrong with the Bouncy Cream — except that it doesn't come in salon sizes yet (I'm gonna just put that into the atmosphere). 🙏🏽

Left: DevaCurl. Right: All About Curls

The Bottom Line | DevaCurl Comparison
On the surface, I understand why some people gravitate toward the DevaCurl Styling Cream. It feels nice and silky, and goes on the hair smoothly. But that's honestly where the comparison to the Bouncy Cream ends. The DevaCurl Styling Cream did nothing to my hair except make it feel weird and coated.

I know some of you guys will say that I should try the Supercream for better results, but at this point, I'd rather just stick with what I know works — for a fraction of the price. Plus, I firmly believe that Zotos got Bouncy Cream right on the first try... and if it ain't broke, you shouldn't have to fix it (with a second iteration of the same product).


High Definition Gel

Cost
$9.99 - $10.99 for 15oz (I find that online, All About Curls tends to be about $1 cheaper than in-store)

Where to Buy
Sally Beauty (online and in store)

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

Active Ingredients

• Water
• Propylene Glycol: Humectant that improves moisture binding activity which results in silky smooth hair.
• Acrylates Copolymer: Light film forming hair fixative.
• Aminomethy Propanol: A small molecular weight buffering agent and pH adjuster.
• Glycerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil used to help reduce the surface tension of ingredients, while helping ingredients mix that normally would not.
• Carbomer: Chemical composed of acrylic acid monomers that acts as a viscosity controlling agent (thickener).

Boosting Foam

Cost
$9.99 - $10.99 for 6.7oz (I find that online, All About Curls tends to be about $1 cheaper than in-store)

Where to Buy
Sally Beauty (online and in store)

Protein Free?
Yes!

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

Active Ingredients

• Water
• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil used to help reduce the surface tension of ingredients, while helping ingredients mix that normally would not.
• Polyquaternium-46: Polymeric quaternary ammonium salt used as an antistatic agent and hair fixative (for hold).
• VP/VA Copolymer: Polymer used as a film forming fixative (to create a cast and hold).
• Lycium Barbarium Fruit Extract: Aka goji berry extract. Works as an anti-oxidant and softening agent.
• Willowbark Extract: Extract containing salicin, known to have soothing properties for the skin.
• Black Currant Fruit Extract: Rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which is a fatty acid that promotes healthy growth of skin and hair. Nourishes scalp and skin while helping to regulate conditions like eczema and psoriasis that cause flaking.

The Good, the Bad, and the Bottom Line
To be quite honest, I don't have a whole lot to say about the Boosting Foam. I used it for one wash and go, paired with the Soft Definition Gel. It wasn't a bad combination — it just wasn't my Bouncy Cream x High Definition jam, ya know?

The Boosting Foam didn't dry out my hair, or flake. But at the same time, it didn't give me the ping pang pow I was looking for. It's not a bad product, just not my fave, ya know?

I'm curious to see how the Boosting Foam would work on a rod set, so I'll eventually circle back around to update you guys on that. If you have any experience with the Boosting Foam, share with me in the comments below!


Soft Definition Gel

Cost
$9.99 - $10.99 for 15oz (I find that online, All About Curls tends to be about $1 cheaper than in-store)

Where to Buy
Sally Beauty (online and in store)

Protein Free?
No. Contains hydrolyzed keratin.

Curly Girl Friendly?
Yes!

Active Ingredients

• Water
• VP/VA Copolymer: Polymer used as a film forming fixative (to create a cast and hold).
• Triethanolamine: Buffering agent and pH adjuster that assists in emulsion (assisting in the mixture of oil and water ingredients).
• Hydrolyzed Keratin: Protein that keeps hair strong and pliable. Helps to replace the amino acid cysteine (the main amino acid lost in hair handling and chemical processing). When keratin or any protein is hydrolyzed, the molecules are broken down and small enough to go beyond the cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft — strengthening all three layers of the hair.
• Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin: Cationic (positively charged) conditioning agent derived from keratin that adds gloss and shine while providing a silky soft feeling.
• Benzophenone-4: UVB and UVA protectant that filters and blocks out harmful UV rays.
• Oleth-20: Compound used to help reduce surface tension of formulas and get ingredients to dissolve in liquids that normally would not. Oleth-20 helps ingredients better penetrate the hair as well. 

If you've been a reader around these parts for a while, then you already know I'm a huge fan of changing regimens seasonally. Every few months, the environment presents a different set of challenges for curly hair. During the spring and summer there's humidity, increased sun exposure, dry (hot) air, and more.

In fall and winter, we're up against moisture loss from cold air (it sucks all of that hard-earned hydration right from our strands... just trifilin'). Wrestling with sweaters, jackets, and scarves that snag our ends and cause strands to snap. Trying to fight back against dryness from blaring car, office, and home heaters.

Without intervention, these stressors create the perfect storm that can lead to breakage, extra frizz, split ends, stalled growth, and of course, dry, dull curls.

So how do you fight back?

With a fall and winter ready regimen focused on moisturizing and sealing from root to end, every step of the way. Around this time last year, I added Pydana Collection products to my cold weather arsenal. After seeing how soft, shiny, and moisturized Pydana Collection kept my hair last year, I knew without a doubt that they'd be back in my regimen rotation for fall and winter 2019.

If you're tired of putting in allllladis work on wash day, only to have hair that dries out faster than a chicken breast in the oven, you've come to the right place. Here's your five-step plan to fight back against harsh fall and winter conditions, and take your natural hair from dry and dull to moisturized, soft, and full of life:



Step 1: Cleanse (with Shampoo)
I know, I know. Sudsing up your strands with shampoo seems counterproductive to the goal of keeping dry, curly hair moisturized. But here's the thing. One of the major culprits of dry, crunchy-feeling hair is actually product buildup. The moisture and softness we so desperately crave (especially during fall and winter) is often held hostage by dirt, oil, gel, butter, and other gunk that's stuck to our strands.

The truth is, the rest of these steps for keeping dry curly hair moisturized and sealed won't even matter until you get on board with this one. If you're not shampooing at all (exclusively co-washing), I strongly recommend working a shampoo like the Pydana Collection Gentle Cleanse Shampoo into your regimen at least once a month, until you feel comfortable doing it more frequently.

Step 2: Deep Condition (with Heat)
🗣️Hey low porosity girls — this tip is especially important for you! If you expect to rock moisturized natural hair in fall and winter (not just shiny looking, but actually moisturized and sealed), then you absolutely cannot skip this step. The science says it all — your deep conditioner works better when it's warm. 

In these colder months, I'm reaching for the Pydana Collection Avocado & Babassu Deep Moisture Treatment. Combining this ultra-moisturizing deep conditioner with heat ensures that every single drop of babassu, avocado, and aloe vera goodness deeply penetrates into dry hair.

There are a number of ways to ensure your deep conditioner is warm enough to work wonders, but hands down, one of the best ways to do it is with a Thermal cap from Pydana Collection.

Y'all, listen.


I've said it before, and I'll say it again, louder for the people in the back: Pydana has the BEST microwavable deep conditioning cap, PERIODT. I've had my Okoye print Thermal Cap for a year now, and even with regular use, it has shown absolutely NO signs of wear and tear. The stunning print hasn't faded or turned. The elastic band hasn't given out at all. The inner contents and lining have not burned. Best of all, it maintains warmth for 30 minutes, easily.

Y'all, I've used caps by another brand 👀, and they fell apart with a lot less use. So listen to me when I say that the Pydana Collection Thermal Cap is 137% QUALITY craftswomanship all the way around.

Here's the bottom line: if you want to freely multitask around the house while ensuring that your hair gets the moisture it needs, Pydana Collection is the way to go. Trust me.

Step 3: LCO
When temperatures drop, your best bet for keeping hair moisturized and sealed is with the LCO method. Because cold air literally sucks the moisture out of your hair, layering in products is the absolute key to fighting off dry hair and achieving style longevity. My cold weather LCO combo of choice is the Pydana Collection Moisture LOC Kit, featuring the Avocado Herbal Silk Leave-In Conditioner, Marula & Cupuacu 3-in-1 Intensive Moisturizer, and Luscious Locks Hair Oil. Each product contains key ingredients that penetrate, nourish, moisturize, and seal each strand.

They're also free from from silicones, drying alcohols, shea butter, and coconut oil. That last one is super important during fall and winter. I love me some coconut oil, but when the oil in the jar turns solid, I put it away. Why? Because if it gets hard in the jar due to the cold air, just imagine what it'll do on your hair!

In the video, you'll see me apply the Pydana Collection Moisture LOC Kit products in the following order, after ensuring my hair is soaking wet with warm water:


Avocado Herbal Silk Leave-In: Packed with avocado oil, aloe vera juice, and vitamin B5, this leave-in conditioner helps to maintain the hair's internal moisture by providing it with water and other vital nutrients to absorb. It also aids in moisture retention by smoothing the hair and smoothing the cuticle layer.

Marula & Cupuacu 3-in-1 Intensive Moisturizer: Rich in cupuacu, marula, olive, and rice bran oils, this cream provides the hair intense moisture and nourishment. Packed with ingredients designed to combat moisture loss and help seal the cuticle layer, the Marula & Cupuacu 3-in-1 helps to form a protective, yet penetrable layer that maintains moisture and softness long after wash day ends.

Luscious Locks Hair Oil: This lightweight, yet effective blend of nutrient-rich oils is where sealing all that moisture into the hair happens. Sealing is what prevents the rapid evaporation of water from the hair that can leave it feeling dry. Not to mention, it provides additional softness, shine, and protection from friction against your clothing.

Step 4: Let it Set
In warmer weather, I'm more inclined to apply my leave-ins and such in the shower to dripping wet hair, style, and air dry. But when it's a smooth 60 degrees and freezing (no judgment please), nobody has time for that. And here's where the biggest game-changer for moisturizing and sealing goes down: let it set.


I know, I'm not the first person ever to suggest letting your leave-in and cream soak in before styling. But there's an added twist — go ahead and heat your Pydana Collection Thermal Cap back up. That's right — we're going to use a little more gentle heat to soak that ultra-moisturizing goodness directly into our strands. Low porosity naturals, you're going to love this!

In the video above, I leave the Pydana Collection Thermal Cap on my hair for another 15-20 minutes, then go right into styling. The benefits are twofold — one, the penetration of product ensures that my hair remains moisturized and sealed for longer. Two, it significantly cuts down on drying time — regardless of whether I choose to air dry or sit under a dryer.

Step 5: Style & Protect
When it comes to maintaining moisture and fighting off dry hair, your style of choice is important. Many naturals go into protective styling mode for the cold months, and you can totally ride that wave if you choose. I prefer to rock my wash and go's year-round, so I choose to embrace step 4, add my gel of choice, and get on with it.

I use a bit of Luscious Locks Hair Oil to fluff my hair, gently stretch with a blow dryer, and band the front half of my curls. Since I usually style and set my hair at night, I sleep on it stretched, and wake up the next morning ready to go — with soft, moisturized, and shiny curls that pop!


However you style your hair during fall and winter, keep these important tips in mind:

• Always sleep with a satin scarf and/or pillowcase (I use both)
• Every 3 days or so, re-apply a few drops of Luscious Locks Hair Oil to the ends of your hair to help prevent snagging and splitting on clothes
• Be gentle (and patient) with your hair
• Avoid styles that pull your edges too tight
• Ease up on products with coconut oil high on the ingredient list for now

And that's it! In five easy steps, you can take your natural hair from dry and dull to moisturized, sealed, and poppin' all season long! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them down below!

Note: This post is sponsored by Pydana Collection.