Product Review: Mikalla Total Moisture Boost Leave-In Conditioner!

Pictures by DannySkech

Oh goodness! I can't believe it's already time for me to conclude the Mikalla product review series! A special thank you to all those who have given feedback regarding their experience with Mikalla. Here's to celebrating and promoting local brands... if we don't, how will we ever grow endogenically?

About the Mikalla Total Moisture Boost Leave-In Conditioner:

The Mikalla Total Moisture Boost Leave-In Conditioner is specially formulated to invigorate, moisturize, detangle and protect hair. It is enriched with menthol (helps soothe itchy scalps), shea butter (works as a great sealant & heat protectant) and castor oil (moisturizes and thickens hair while reducing breakage).

My Review:

I loved the mild hint of menthol in the product. I started off with dry hair as I had already washed my hair earlier in the week, so my scalp was still clean. I undid my hair, spritzed it with some water and proceeded to apply the leave in using the L.O.C method, which simply signifies how you should oil and moisturize your hair... (Leave-In, Oil, Cream). This is an excellent way of sealing your tresses as it ensures maximum moisture retention.. and we know that moisture in hair = growth!

 {I applied the Leave-In then followed with Oil & Cream}

 .{.. And simply styled my hair in an easy up do}!

 Verdict:

I always prefer using light (in thickness) leave-in treatments because the L.O.C method calls one to use three different products all at one go. When I used thicker leave-ins in the past, my hair felt weighed down by the amount of product I had applied. The Mikalla Total Moisture Boost Leave-In Conditioner was the perfect consistency. I also noticed how quickly my hair softened after adding the leave-in and before I added oil... it made styling a whole lot easier so I would definitely repurchase this product!

I have had a great time sampling each Mikalla product for the past four weeks! I hope that all four reviews have given insight as to what the Mikalla brand has in store for all {natural, permed and texturized hair}. Hope you try it out and let me know how it goes!

Thank you for reading!

Product Review: Mikalla Honey & Butter Conditioner!

Pictured by DannySkech

 Hey guys! So today's post continues the Mikalla product review series. If you have missed the other product reviews, you can scroll down my page or alternatively, find them here: shampoo and treatment review.

When we were planning how to review these Mikalla products, Dan and I decided to dedicate one Saturday per product so I can truly observe how my hair responds to each product. However, when I reviewed the Mikalla Quadra Oil treatment, I mentioned that I co-washed my hair using the Mikalla Honey & Butter conditioner.  I noticed how soft my hair became immediately I applied this conditioner and I knew that this would no doubt, be my favourite product from the Mikalla range.

About the Mikalla Honey & Butter Conditioner:

The Mikalla Honey & Butter Conditioner is enriched with honey, which is a natural moisturizer and shea butter that has a lot of nutritional benefits such as; moisturizing qualities, acts as a sealant (to lock in moisture in the hair shaft), softens hair and acts as a heat protectant. The Mikalla Honey and Butter Conditioner claims to soften, detangle, moisturize and protect the hair cuticles against heat styling. The conditioner comes in a variety of sizes and with affordable prices; 500ml. (KShs.150), 1ltr. (KShs. 285) and 5ltrs. (KShs.565).

My Review:

I loved the thickness of this product! Plus it smells heavenly!!!!! Other than as a co-wash, I always use conditioner to take down old twists or braids to avoid tangles, which can easily result in lose of hair. The reason why I use conditioner for this process is because it has 'slip', which simply means that the conditioner has a good-kind-of-slippery-essence that makes hair easy to detangle therefore preventing breakage or split ends.

 I started off with old twists that I had on for a week. 

{The BEFORE pic}

As I slowly un-did each twist, the conditioner provided the slip my hair needed in order to loosen the strands and tackle the tangles.

{The AFTER pic}

Once the take -down was complete, I was ready to co-wash my hair.

 Look at that miniscule ball of hair I lost during the takedown!! In the past, I lost so much hair because I never applied conditioner for this process and would end up battling with my tangles especially at the exact point where the braid meets the hair {... you know that point of installation- ladies, I know you get it...}

 Since I had recently treated my hair, I jumped in to the shower for a quick co-wash. I loved the fact that I did not need to add any more conditioner in the shower, as I already had enough product on my hair for the wash.

 Verdict:

I loved how soft and fluffy my hair felt after using this product! Just look at the picture above! In true testament, I was even able to braid myself with so much ease after my drying my hair.... {and not forgetting the fact that I am still practicing the 'no-comb' method}!! I also appreciated the fact that I was able to use this product not only as a detangler to undo my old twist-outs but also as a shampoo. This was definitely my favourite of the Mikalla range so far! I would definitely recommend and re-purchase this product!

Finally, the gift hamper that two lucky winners will win every Sunday for the remaining two weeks! Follow me on Instagram (@threadmuse) to enter!

Thank you for reading!

Product Review: Mikalla Quadra Oil Hair Protein Treatment!

Pictures by DannySkech

 Hey guys! So today's post is the second in a four-part series reviewing Mikalla products. Over the weekend, I treated my hair using the Mikalla Quadra Oil Hair Protein Treatment which contains four natural oils, that is, olive oil, mint, wheat germ and shea butter. 

When it comes to oils, it is important to make a distinction on the two categories of oils; essential oils and carrier oils. Vegetable oils such as coconut and olive oil are classified as carrier oils used to dilute essential oils while also providing nourishment to your hair or body. Essential oils on the other hand, can be extracted from a wide range of plants (leaves, flowers, seeds). They have a strong scent and are very potent, hence the need to dilute them with carrier oils. The carrier oil, therefore 'carries' the essential oils to your hair or skin. Knowledge of this oil classification may inform you as you create your own homemade oil mix.

About the Mikalla Quadra Oil Hair Protein Treatment:

The Mikalla Quadra Oil Hair Protein Treatment contains a mix of both carrier and essential oils that enrich and nourish your hair. This amalgamation of these oils seeks to treat dry scalps and promote growth (mint), acts as a moisturizer and heat protectant (shea butter), infuse vitamins A, B, D, E and acts as a hair emollient (wheatgerm) and offers antibacterial qualities, acts as a natural conditioner and promotes growth (olive oil). 

My Review:

I am one of those people who love smelling products (even though scents may not contribute to the value of the product... think coconut oil....), so the first thing I did was to smell the product, which has a refreshing scent courtesy of the mint. The treatment comes in a variety of sizes and with affordable prices; 150g. (KShs. 110), 250g. (KShs. 225), 400g. (KShs. 350) and 1kg. (KShs. 785).

I started off by washing my hair with the Mikalla Honey & Butter Conditioner (this product will be in my next review) because I only shampoo my hair once a month. Hold up, that does not mean I only wash my hair once a month. Let me explain... Shampoos are naturally made to cleanse your scalp to be squeaky clean and may end up stripping off the sebum your scalp naturally produces. Frequent use of shampoo may result in dry hair meaning brittle strands that cause breakage. I therefore, choose to wash my hair with conditioner commonly referred to as 'co-washing', weekly or every fortnight which is a better option to keep your scalp clean without stripping your natural oils.

I loved the thick consistency of the product. Yessss!

 I applied my treatment in segments, which makes it easier to rinse off later on to avoid tangling. I placed a shower cap over my hair and stayed with the treatment for 45 minutes since I did not use a dryer/ steamer (which if I had I had, would have only required me to stay with the treatment for 15 minutes).

 I then did an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse before oiling and styling.

 Verdict:
 My hair was so soft after I rinsed off the treatment and left free of any tangles! The only con was the fact that one of the ingredients included paraffinum liqidum, another term for mineral oil, which prevents healthy ingredients from penetrating the hair shaft, therefore preventing the hair from fully receiving the nutrients from the oils applied. I enjoyed using this product and would definitely recommend it!

Earrings- H&M | Leather Jacket- House of Holland | On my lips {MAC Nightmoth lipliner & MAC Diva lipstick}

Do not forget to check out my Instagram page {@threadmuse} for the weekly giveaway with Mikalla! Thank you for reading!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mikalla Shampoo!

 Hey guys! If you follow me on Instagram, you definitely know that the good folks at Mikalla (from the Alkhemy Group) reached out to me to review their hair product line. This sponsored review will focus on the Mikalla's shampoo, conditioner, treatment and leave-in treatment for the next four weeks.

Before I go into the review, allow me to briefly share my hair story. I chopped my hair on 01. 01. 2013 as a new years resolution (yes, I am one of those...) but also with the aim of transitioning to natural hair. So after the big chop, I didn't do much to my hair for a whole year!! No one told me natural hair needed a whole lot of time and TLC.... talk of complete confusion and frustration! As a result of what I thought was complete disillusionment, in 2014, I had to invest a lot of time researching on natural hair products. So after a few trial and errors (and a lot of wasted money buying wrong products), ladies and gentlemen, I finally managed to develop a healthy regimen all done at the comfort of my home.

Now with all that information at hand, you can somewhat understand why I am particular when it comes to selecting hair products. Today's review will solely focus on the Mikalla shampoo and for every Monday for the next three weeks, I will be reviewing one of their products. There will be a giveaway every Saturday so look out for that!! 

About Mikalla:

The first thing I asked when I met the Mikalla team was the meaning of the name, which is Luhya for 'we have arrived'.  Mikalla is a relatively new product in the market that can be used by women (or men, hello!) with permed, texturized or natural hair. I was particularly happy to hear that they are a local brand which is great seeing as I am all for promoting our own, plus a good chunk of the hair products we buy are imported which doesn't give opportunity for local brands to grow. The Mikalla Cleansing & Conditioning Shampoo has vitamin B5 that strengthens hair while maintaining its moisture, is paraben-free and consists of low sulphate and salt. The shampoo is available in 500ml. (KShs. 150), 1 ltr. (KShs. 200) and 5 ltrs. (KShs. 460). You can buy the Mikalla range of products from these outlets.

My Review:

So I did a wash and go with the Mikalla shampoo last weekend. 

 I undid my two strand flat twists and finger detangled.

The Mikalla shampoo really lathers well, so a little goes a long way.

 The shampoo softened my hair and you can clearly see my curl definition.

 I then rinsed my hair. Yo, that shrinkage is REAL!

 I then applied the Mikalla Total Moisture Boost Leave-In Treatment (I will review this too in the coming weeks) and my homemade oil mix as I styled my hair.

Below: Earrings- Woolworths | Jumper- Toi Market

 Verdict: 

I only blow dry my hair once a year when I go for a trim so I loved how refreshing my scalp felt after using this shampoo. I am also trying a no-comb experiment to try retain length by only finger detangling, so I was excited to discover how easy it was to style my hair after rinsing out the shampoo. The only con was the fact that one of the ingredients included sulphur, which I am not very keen on. All in all, I liked the product!

Finally, the gift hamper that one lucky winner will win every Saturday for the next four weeks! Follow me on Instagram (@threadmuse) to enter! Have a blessed Thursday guys!

Kenya Fashion Awards: ThreadMuse Nominated!

Picture by DannySkech

Hey guys, so today I just wanted to share some exciting news. I got nominated for the Best Fashion Blog category at the Kenya Fashion Awards! I won't even try to be modest, this is definitely a BIG deal. 

Those who have followed me from the beginning (yes, 2011.. gosh has it really been that long?) definitely know how much my blog has evolved and equally, how I have personally developed. The blog initially started out with fashion as its sole focus but slowly started incorporating other elements that I love such as DIY, food, travel and interviews with local artisans (Oh by the way, look out for a new video next week!) etc. Sometimes I just read my old posts and just laugh at how silly and young I was (maybe still am?). It simply lifts me up, seeing how far I have come.

I know so many people really do not understand the whole point of a blog, but truth be told, my blog aims to serve as an avenue to showcase Kenyan and African lifestyle, as a source of inspiration and as my creative outlet. So just by the fact that someone was impressed by my content and decided to nominate me is such a big deal. 

Anyway, I can go on babbling about how super excited I am but let me leave it at that. My fellow nominees are also super talented and I wish them all the best!

So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my beloved readers for the immense support throughout the years! Let's bring this award home!

How to Vote:

1. Log on to  Kenya Fashion Awards or go straight to the Nominees page and scroll to the bottom.

2. Now you have to register (it only takes you 3 minutes to register) and click the activation link that is sent to your email address once you have completed the registration.

3. Please vote for ThreadMuse for Best Fashion Blogger!

Thank you for reading!

Print on Print: Stripes & Floral!

Hello darlings! Todays post features the outfit I wore for the first Blogger Styling challenge were we featured the Print on Print trend. I love wearing mixed prints and there are so many ways of wearing this trend as seen in the challenge post. This challenge was an exciting way to bring all these beautiful bloggers together and inspire people from our different style perspectives. Thank you for reading & have a lovely Wednesday! 

Pictures by PikchaGUY

Earrings- Town Hawker | Necklace- Kung'ara | Top & Skirt- Toi Market | Slingback Heels - Backyard Shoes | Bag- Tony | Lips- MAC Ruby Woo | Makeup by Wacuka Thimba

Natural Hair Sisters: Anniversary Meet-Up Party!

Hey guys, so I am thinking of doing a post on natural hair but before that, let me share a few pics I took during a natural hair meet up I attended the Saturday before last. So I cut my hair on the 1st of January 2013 and I cut it really SHORT. Truth be told, I really didn't have any plans for it other than wanting to grow my hair naturally. I had never struggled with maintaining my permed hair but I think I just wanted a change that was clearly long overdue.

So I was invited to join this group that is full of loving and encouraging women who give advise, share experiences, do product reviews etc. The group recently met to celebrate its one year anniversary in a retro 1960- themed party, which was an opportunity for natural hair product vendors to sell their wares and most importantly, for the women to meet and celebrate each others hair journey. Just a few pictures from the event....

 Marylene & friends

 Otenge were readily available with their fabulous African accessories

 The lovely ladies {Wachu, Josephine, Ess & Nyasuba} who started the group and made all this happen!

 Chepkoech Mangira & I

 Beautiful sisters: Sherry & Wanji

 Nepurko, Amina and I

 I definitely bought some AJANI Homemade products that I am absolutely in love with! 

 The lovely Kavinya. Look at those curls!!

 Natural hair products sold at the event by Ciku Beauty. Yes I buy ALL my US products from them at very good prices!