Kumarika Herbal Hair Oil for DRY and DAMAGED HAIR: To the RESCUE

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This product has been on my review list like forever, but somehow I never got a chance to write about Kumarika Hair Oil, MY SAVIOUR!

Haha Yes, you read that right, my hair Saviour indeed. Here is something you need to know, for the past 10 or more years, I've used every Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave on available in the Country. 

Tresseme is the only brand that I've not used so far. The rest, tried and tested.

Though 75% of the brands promises soft silky smooth tangle free hair, well, hear me out, none of them work. WHY? Cause they are a broth of chemicals in a bottle, that you put ON your scalp. None of them managed to reduce my hair volume, or to hydrate it. 

You know your hair products are good when the results stay the same until your next wash

After years of testing, I some what found a shampoo that worked well with my hair, no drastic change, but the Dove Nourishing Oil Shampoo did help reduce the dryness and made it manageable. Even the fragrance wasn't over whelming. This was my second time with the brand, and this time the results were good.

Unfortunately at that time the Nourishing Oil conditioner wasn't available in the country, so I had to use the Intensive Repair, and all was good.

Fast forward 8 months later, One not so fine day, I just started losing thick strands of hair. My hair just hung limp, dead, split, and when I comb through, I'd lose at least 10 times more than the usual.

I've never experienced hair fall before this incident, I panicked, tried to stop thinking about it, but then when strands started to come off every time I touch the bottom of my hair, that was my cue.

First things first, completely stopped using shampoo and conditioner, cause they were the only hair products which I used at the time. 

Then all I did was look for a 100%  herbal hair product. Shampoos and conditioners were not even an option, and all I was left was with Hair Oil as an option.

I found the Kumarika Hair Oil, and purchased it right away after reading the ingredients at the back. Anyone born in Sri Lanka or India, most definitely knows the benefits of Coconut, Aloe Vera, Centella and Mukunuwenna  for hair.

But just to be on the safe side, I purchased the smallest bottle available. Been 2 years now, best decision ever.

Read on to find out my hair experience with Kumarika Hair Oil, and to know how I use it on a daily basis.

Product Description

Image Courtesy: www.hemas.com

• Formulated with the Goodness of Natural ingredients and Indigenous herbs
• Prevents dryness, nourishes hair from within, strengthens hair roots
• Aids in Hair GROWTH
• Prevents split ends, Premature graying

Ingredients

Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Gotukola (Centella Asiatica), Mukunuwenna (Altemanthera Sessilis), Amla, Vetiver Root.

Fragrance

A very mild herbal scent, unlike other oils which makes you cringe, tear or make you feel like a granny. 😜😉

My Experience with the Product

I used the product before a shower, and whenever I felt like it, a regular scalp massage with oil is a quite essential tip in Hair care. And this was all I used, no other products or medication. 

After 2 weeks of use, my hair fall completely stopped, and within the next 1 to 2 months, my hair got back its shine, no limp hair, no loose hair hanging by the ends, or major split ends.

After months of using the oil only, I gradually got back to a mild herbal shampoo and conditioner with less silicons in it, which I stopped six months ago.

Now I've got healthy curls, thanks to 3 current products, Kumarika Herbal Hair Oil, African Black Soap and Spa Ceylon Neroli Jasmine Conditioner.  (You can read my review for the latter here)

I can't lie that I've zero frizz, cause you can never be frizz free, its there, just a little.

How I use the product

01. Oil Treatment: Usually 30 mins before a shower, I massage the scalp with the oil, you can also warm the oil a little and apply. The best way to get oil directly on to the scalp is to part your hair in places, and pour directly from the bottle, the nozzle is such that only drops of the oil dispenses.

02. As a Leave On Conditioner: I do the oil treatment once a week, so on other days I take a shower, I use 3 drops of the oil as a leave on/in conditioner. It reduces the frizz, gives a shine, and adds moisture.

For Best Results, use very less oil, and avoid the scalp area

03. Before Bed: Every other day between showers, I apply the oil before bed, but this time not for the scalp or crown, but below the pony tail line, focusing mainly on the ends. But again, don't overdo the oil, a few drops would do.

For easier application for 02 and 03: Store the oil in a small spray bottle and use it as a oil mist.

Price: 245 LKR for 200 ml/ 6.7 fl oz (Around 1.60 US$)

My Overall Rating: 5/5 

This product is available in all leading supermarkets and pharmacies in the Island.

Also available in Australia, Bangladesh, Dubai, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, New Zealand, Pakistan, UK, West Indies and many other countries.

If you liked and used this product, do leave a comment below 

Tried any other Sri Lankan beauty or hair care products? Submit your review on aaqithinks@gmail.com, we will publish it here.❤

Aloe Vera Water Grass Scalp and Hair Care Discovery Set by Spa Ceylon : First Impression Review

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Image Courtesy: lk.spaceylon.com

If you read my previous blog post, and FB and Insta posts, you'd know that Spa Ceylon is my current obsession. If you have not read my First Impression Review for the Neroli Jasmine Hair Conditioner by Spa Ceylon yet, you can read it here.

This Scalp and Hair Care Discovery Set was a Gift by the fiancé, *wink wink*, we were looking for the Neroli Jasmine, but the outlet didn't have the product, and I was told the Aloe Vera is mainly for Hair fall, but it's Aloe Vera, you can never go wrong with that, hence got this.

Package

It's not a very big package, but is cute and handy, easy to carry around, and the products in are a little bigger than the testers. If you wonder what the purpose of this set can be, read till the end. 😸 

Also, the packaging is adorned with the Royal Insignia inspired by the Royal Kandyan Court of Ancient Ceylon. 

Product Description

• Pitha - Best for normal to fine hair
• Paraben free
• Paraffin free
• Alcohol free
• Not tested on animals
• 100% Vegetarian
• Sustainable harvesting
• Supports community fair trade.

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Cleanser 60ml - An extra-gentle cleansing formula with naturally refreshing & fortifying herbs & essential oils. Pure Aloe Vera Hydrates & purifies hair, improving natural scalp balance. Soya, Almond & Natural Vitamins help fortify & strengthen hair. Virgin Coconut, Honey, Green Olive & Sugar Cane help nourish roots & improve natural balance, making hair luxuriously silky soft. 

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Scalp Massage Oil 60ml - A soothing blend of refreshing essential oils & fortifying Ayurveda herbs infused in vitamin rich Virgin Coconut oil. Soya, Almond & Sesame help nourish & treat scalp, strengthening hair roots. Gotukola, Mukunuwenna & Indian Gooseberry help improve hair growth & overall hair health. Hydrating Aloe Vera, Henna & Shikakai help fortify hair & promote natural well-being. 

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Nourishing Balm 70g - A deep penetrating, regenerative treatment with refreshing & fortifying Ayurveda herbs. Organic fresh Aloe Vera soothes, hydrates & promotes natural balance. Virgin Coconut & Palm Fruit help nourish & fortify hair, enhancing overall hair health Wheatgerm & Olive help repair hair damage. Honey & Soya add a rich, silky shine to hair. 

Aloe Vera Watergrass Aromaveda Hair oil Mist 10ml - A fast-absorbent natural shine formula, with refreshing & fortifying Ayurveda herbs & essential oils. Coconut, Sunflower, Olive & Natural Vitamins help nourish, protect, condition & instantly soften hair. Almond, Avocado & Wheatgerm help lock in moisture & eliminate frizziness, adding a healthy luxurious glow. Relaxing Lavender, Cooling Peppermint & uplifting Patchouli work in synergy to Hydrate scalp & pacify the senses. 

Aloe Vera Mint Cleansing Bar 35g - A naturally gentle, refreshing & fragrant formula enriched with nourishing oils & herbal essences. Gently cleanses, softens & protects from dryness.

How to Use

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Cleanser - Apply on wet scalp & hair. Gently massage & wash off. 

For total care: Follow with SPA CEYLON Aloe Vera Watergrass Hair Conditioner & SPA CEYLON Aloe Vera Watergrass Hair Oil Mist.

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Scalp Massage Oil - 

Daily Care: Apply lightly on hair. Massage & leave on.
Soothing Massage: Warm in SPA CEYLON Oil Warmer, apply directly on scalp & massage. 

For Total Care: Leave overnight & wash off. 

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Nourishing Balm - Shampoo & lightly dry hair. 
Apply directly to scalp & gently massage into hair, working extra on hair ends. Leave for 15 min. Wash off. Use twice weekly.

Aloe Vera Watergrass Aromaveda Hair Oil Mist - Spray on lightly to dry hair. Gently massage into hair, working extra on hair ends. Leave on. 

Aloe Vera Mint Cleansing Bar - At bath time, massage all over hands & body. Wash off.

Ingredients

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Cleanser - Aloe Vera, Honey, Olive, Sea Salt, Lavender, Soya Bean, Almond, Natural Sugar, Peppermint, Patchouli, Natural Vitamin E. 

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Scalp Massage Oil - Coconut, Soya Bean, Almond, Sesame, Lavender, Peppermint, Patchouli, Aloe Vera, Gotukola, Mukunuwenna, Indian Gooseberry, Indian Henna, Shikakae, Natural Vitamin E 

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Oil Mist - Soya Bean, Coconut, Sunflower, Olive, Aloe Vera, Lavender, Almond, Avocado, Wheatgerm, Peppermint, Patchouli, Natural Vitamin E.

Aloe Vera Water Grass Aromaveda Hair Nourishing Balm - Aloe Vera, Honey, Soya Bean, Olive, Coconut, Wheatgerm, Lavender, Peppermint, Patchouli, Natural Vitamin E.

Aloe Vera Mint Cleansing Bar - Soya Bean, Aloe Vera, Wheatgerm, Honey, Peppermint, Sea Salt Luffa, Natural Vitamin E.

Fragrance

Honestly, I love the Neroli Jasmine over this, it's very feminine, and yes, calms the senses. Aloe Vera on the other hand, smells very herbal and slightly spicy. Like an aftershave. A very manly fragrance. A fragrance that can be tolerated though. But like the description says, it does uplift your mood.

What I think about it

I didn't see myself using the Cleansing Bar, so I gave it away. I've used only the Oil Mist till now, and it is really good, though it is 10 ml, when you spray, only a little dispenses, so it could last a while, and the size of the bottle makes it travel friendly, just spritz some when you want to.

I usually use 3 drops of oil after a shower as a leave on, and this is no different, which is why I love it. 

Even if you decide to buy the bigger size, you could always refill this cute bottle with it. I personally feel that the idea of a mist is much easier, less messy.

I'm yet to use the the remaining 3, Cleanser, Balm and  Scalp Massager and pretty sure I will love them too. Spa Ceylon is one brand that did not disappoint me or my hair. 

(Reminds me of this time I purchased a local "Herbal" face pack, which apparently has Venivel, but did smell like hair gel, and gave me pimples that literally scarred me for while) 

If I'm to purchase the bigger sizes of these, I'd probably buy the Hair Nourishing Balm, the Neroli Jasmine of course, cause that is the best for my hair type. 

I've been looking for a Chemical Free Treatment / Deep Nourishing Mask for over a year now, and buying online is just not worth it.  Shea Moisture was my first choice, but 30$ with shipping, NOPE! Not now.....

Price: 2200 for a set of 5 pcs (Close to 15 US $)

Why would I purchase this? 

I'm pretty sure this has been on your mind from the beginning, the purpose of buying this, but here is the catch, this serves as a Novelty Gift, Sample Pack or simply a Guest indulgence set. 

If you have foreign friends or relatives coming over to your place, for a stay, this set ensures that they feel home and hotel in one place.Just leave these products in the guest bathroom. (Spa Ceylon also has Bath and Body Care Sets, check out their Discovery Sets here)

This is also a great gift for a loved one, just pair it up with a pillow mist or a few balms, and you've given them the most luxurious gift ON A BUDGET. (No, seriously, for 3k or 5k, you can buy a handful)

One more reason to buy this, if you want to buy all their products, but you can't at once, just buy one of these discovery sets, you have your own cute set of samples, if one of these works best and you love it, you can go ahead and buy that particular product, or just keep buying these cute sets if you like. 

Update March 2017

I used the Cleanser and Scalp Massage Oil, and know what I think about them? Check out the quick review below

Hair Cleanser: My very first thought while I carried this to the bath was that I might need a conditioner, cause usually cleansers just help in keeping your scalp squeaky clean, and doesn't make a huge difference on your hair, especially if it is dry hair.

I was hoping that this cleanser would do the same. It lathers up a little, not as much as other shampoos, but enough to clean the scalp, and less lather is usually good. 

The smell on the other hand, is most definitely a wake me up, but also refreshing. And I was slightly worried that a 60 ml bottle wouldn't last long, but I've been using enough for over 2 months, and I've got 3/4th of the bottle to go. 

The after result is the most amazing, because I used it only on my scalp, and NOT on my hair like I would with other shampoos, and I was hoping to use my Neroli Jasmine conditioner after washing it off. There was no need for the conditioner, the cleanser did the job.

So, not only did it clean my scalp and lift my spirits, it also did condition my hair. And the best part was that I didn't use any hair product, oil or a leave on, before or after the bath.

Scalp Massage Oil: There is nothing extra ordinary about this product, but it wouldn't make a big difference to me cause I do a scalp massage with a herbal oil once a week anyway. But the biggest plus was the fragrance, just pour in your scalp, and massage with a spider massager, HEAVEN at Home!

My only disappointment with the Oil was the dispensing part, It would've been much easier to dispense and less messier if it had the inner lid with the tiny hole (I have no idea what it's called, but the one most commonly found in oil bottles).

But other than that, it IS good 👌

Didn't get the time to try the Nourishing Balm yet, will do soon, and update once I'm done with it, something says that I'm going to love it the most. 😉

Is it Worth it? Y.E.S

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

Note

I've had many hair related issues from my early teens, so I never grew it out till I was like 15. And it is now that my hair is having like the best time of it's life.

We live in a world where having curls means you should be embarrassed, and feel like the odd one out, and I've honestly gone though all the phases, and put my hair through so much trouble, from heat damage to chemical damage.

But after finding the right products, and learning how to properly care for curly hair, I am no longer shy or embarrassed to embrace what I was born with. My curls together make my crown.

And among the many products, Spa Ceylon range of hair products have definitely done the best, my curls are more defined and no more dry, flaky itchy scalp, or annoyingly creepy nits.


Sometimes you don't need dozens of products for a healthy hair or skin, just a few, but the best is more than enough, and it is money well spent.

Tried any other Spa Ceylon products? Submit your review on aaqithinks@gmail.com, will publish it on the blog. 😻

Neroli Jasmine Hair Conditioner by Spa Ceylon Luxury Ayurveda FOR DRY HAIR: First Impression Review

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Image Courtesy: lk.spaceylon.com

SPA CEYLON, the best find of 2017! 

So, for those of you who doesn't know me that much, I am a organic lover, and the kind who wants to go green, chemical free, save the planet and of course myself. 😁

For the past 6 months I went No-Poo and No Conditioner mainly because Sri Lanka didn't have sulphate free shampoo or silicone free conditioner. (Well, I did find a conditioner that was SULPHATE FREE, but dude, that is not the point about conditioners????!!)

Every now and then I did cleanse using the African Black Soap which I got down from some African country, it was fair trade, and totally worth it. Diluted Apple cider vinegar did work as a conditioner, but no one said it was hassle free.

And last weekend, just out of boredom, I googled Silicone free conditioner in Sri Lanka, I wasn't even expecting a positive result, but imagine my reaction when Spa Ceylon pops up?! I KNOW RIGHT! 

And until then I never knew Spa Ceylon had Hair Care products, so after a through search, found this ideal for my hair type, and purchased it the very next day! And the even best part, ITS ORGANIC AND PARABEN, PARAFFIN, SILICONE, SULPHATE & ALCOHOL FREEEEEEE!

READ ON to find out what my first impressions are on using this product. 😃

Product Description

A total-care conditioner enriched with naturally re-hydrant herbs & fragrant calming essential oils to promote overall hair health. Organic fresh Aloe Vera soothes & hydrates. Virgin Coconut, Palm Fruit & Wheatgerm help nourish, strengthen & restore natural balance. Honey & Soya add a luxurious, silky shine to hair. Calming Neroli Blossom, Uplifting Orange & refreshing Bergamot work in synergy with balancing Jasmine to soothe scalp & calm the senses.

• Paraben free
• Paraffin free
• Alcohol free
• Sulphate free
• 100% Vegetarian
• Silicone free
• Not tested on animals
• Sustainable Harvesting
• Supports community fair trade

How to Use

After shampoo, apply generously on wet hair, gently massage & comb through to ends. 
Leave for 2 min & wash off. 
For Total Care: Use after SPA CEYLON Neroli Jasmine Hair Cleanser & follow with SPA CEYLON Neroli Jasmine Hair Oil Mist.
(I love how instead of FOR BEST RESULTS they've used the term FOR TOTAL CARE)

Ingredients

Aqua, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Cetyl Alcohol (from Palm), Mel (Honey), Palmitamidopropyltrimonium choloride (from Palm), Olive Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Wheatgerm Oil, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E from Soya),  Fragrance, Orange Peel Oil, Neroli Flower Oil, Bergamot Oil, Jasmine Flower extract, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone. 

P.S. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone are preservatives that are usually sold and used as a mixture (trade name: Kathon CG). 

They are part of the ketone family, a group of organic compounds, and the –one at the end of their name can be confused with the –one found in the names of some silicones. 

These preservatives are water soluble.

Fragrance

For most of you who doesn't know, Neroli is aka Orange Blossom, when combined with Jasmine, it simply reminds me of Orange Cream Biscuits or Some luxurious After Shave.

It's like a perfume, with Neroli being the Top note and Jasmine the base, it's amazing how the various fragrances pop out at times. Sometimes it's the smell of Coconut, or Bergamot, or it's Jasmine.

Texture

Very thick, which makes the dispensing quite hard, but hey, you can always take the lid off.

Application

You require only a little cause it's thick, and unlike other conditioners, doesn't have that fake silky feel. It feels the same as it would when you apply oil instead. 

After

After Half Drying: My hair didn't feel light as usual, it felt like it was weighed down by water, loads of it, and that is good. 

After my hair was completely Dry:  Still the same, soft, hydrated and very less no frizz. (There is never zero frizz)

After 2 days: To test how long the results last, I didn't wash my hair for 2 days, and I was very impressed, even after  2 days, still hydrated, soft, less frizz, less volume and defined curls.

My Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

Price: 1950 LKR for 250ml / 8.45 FL Oz (roughly around 13.15 US $)

Is it worth the price? It is tad bit expensive for a conditioner, but considering its properties, the end results and that it is readily available, I'd say the price is not bad.

But not everyone will be able to purchase it. Maybe their target customers are mostly foreigners.

I plan on using it only once a week, so for me, it will last longer. 😉

Even after 1 week, I'm still in love, and till I find another that could beat this in price and quality, this will be my favorite and go to conditioner.

💖

Tried any other Spa Ceylon products? Submit your review on aaqithinks@gmail.com, will publish it on the blog. 😻