Review of Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk by Lola_B_10021
I have fine-med-coarse strands, tight-loose curls and high-low porosity areas. I got curious, researched and purchased an 8oz bottle of the Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk (whew!) from Target for $9.99. I must've blacked out or something though, because I avoid products that prominently feature silk protein. For reference, Shea Moisture sells 3 hair milk products (re: lotion/styler): the Hibiscus line (rose label), the Yucca & Baobab line (olive) and the Raw Shea line (goldenrod). The Hibiscus curl milk includes silk protein, the Yucca has silk protein and glycerin and the Raw Shea line has glycerin. This is a big deal among some curlies as added protein has been reported to strengthen hair and sometimes over strengthen to point of breakage, and added glycerin has been reported to moisturize (possibly exacerbating frizz/volume) and sometimes over-moisturize or dehydrate hair in certain climates. I've had breakage with silk protein and glycerin, both of which are generally totally unnecessary for me to use and I'm sure both results were my fault.
Anyway, I didn't need a styler or detangler but was experiencing some end-shaft breakage and dryness and thought, 'why not?'. The ingredient list varies on different websites so I thought this product had protein AND glycerin as non-key ingredients; therefore a fortifier plus a humectant to add moisture. But it only has silk protein and high up in the list, if overused it could over-fortify my hair and end up blocking moisture. I used this product maybe 4 times, very liberally on wet and dry hair prior to styling, over a period of 2 weeks. I noticed that the breakage at my ends did stop, pretty cool! Though I couldn't imagine using this more than 1x every few weeks max (unless your hair defied protein), therefore I didn't mind the cost per use. But it slightly flaked after drying (maybe overload?) and also left my hair a bit dry and crunchy. I would try the other 2 lines but I'm aware of Sundial's organic claims being contested and Shea Moisture having NO samples and NO working website and I just don't want more hair stuff.
On my skin it left that 'silicone-like' smoothness with no real moisture or emollience. It does SMELL very lovely though, and I don't even like coconut scents, but fragrophobes and the allergy-prone beware. The BOTTLE is sturdy, great press lid and so far super secure and a nice portable size. The FORMULA is a bit thick requiring quite a bit of shaking to get out but the texture is smooth and lotion-like. I would buy again if in need of a protein intervention as it's easy to find but as a regular leave-in and moisturizer - no! This product is so similar to many others out there, but many people swear by this stuff.