So, You Want an Alternative to Miss Jessie’s Products

In my post, Naturally Kinky, I raved about Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme as well as some of my favorite all natural hair products by Cornrows & Co. Based on emails and questions, it seems a lot of people either want to know if the quality of Miss Jessie’s products justify dishing out $60 for a jar of hair cream or if there are other alternatives available. 

Most of you know that I have a love hate relationship with my hair. Mainly because it’s difficult to manage my extremely coarse and very thick mane. When a friend turned me onto Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme, I was elated. It proved to be a good product for me. It’s a great moisturizer for dry hair, making it very soft and pliable, but note that it is not a natural product. 

I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews on Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding, and I have to agree with those who say the product only works well on hair types 3A through 3C, and possibly 4A. It does not work for my 4B hair type nor does it make my hair easy to handle. Most people can achieve the same results by simply using the Buttercreme alone. 

When I was contacted by the owner of Kinky-Curly, Shelley Davis, I was exited at the possibility of having more manageable hair. In fact, the website states to give Kinky-Curly’s products a try before considering a texturizer, silkener, or relaxer. Davis then sent me a full size sample of her Curly Custard and Knot Today conditioner. 

Initially, I had some problems using the products. I had been using Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme almost everyday so I had a lot of oil build up which did not go away after two washes, and since Kinky-Curly Curling Custard is an aloe based product, it does not work well if there is an oily residue present. I then used Federic Fekkai’s Apple Vinegar rinse to rid my hair of any oils, but to my surprise the Curling Custard sat on my hair and left behind white flakes.

After I emailed Shelley, I discovered that I needed to use a clarifying shampoo, which meant I was unable to use Cornrows & Co.’s Coconut Shampoo (love it) since it contains coconut oil or their Orange conditioner which contains macadamia and jojoba oils. I’m a true product junkie; therefore, I didn’t have to go out to buy shampoo since I have a ton of different shampoos readily available. I was determined to try anything to make the product work. Eventually, I found the winning combination when I used Aveda’s Sap Moss shampoo. Now, let me say that you don’t have to use an expensive clarifying shampoo, Shelley suggested using Prell from the local drugstore. In the future, maybe Shelley will consider adding a shampoo to her line that will best compliment her products. In addition, Shelley is really good at giving advice and helpful tips so don’t hesitate to contact her with questions. Before I forget, using a towel will make your hair frizzy. Use your hands to squeeze out excess water.  

Once I was able to find the right shampoo, I was amazed at the results. I applied the Knot Today herbal conditioner and vanilla scented Curling Custard, that made my hair very easy to comb out. It made my hair sleek as if I had used a gel, and actually laid my thick mane down and reduced shrinkage, making my hair easy to brush into a ponytail, which I’m unable to do with the Baby Buttercreme because my hair literally shrinks out of the palm of my hands while brushing it. I also love the way the Curling Custard slicks down my hairline without having to use a scarf. It’s a good moisturizer that does not leave behind a greasy residue.

I love the two products because they make my hair a whole lot easier to deal with. Even though I didn’t get the curls I wanted, this product is on my favorite things list. If I want curls I can achieve them by wrapping my hair around my finger as I’m applying the custard or using a rat tooth comb. I know you’re probably thinking that any product will work using those methods, but not necessarily; I’ve tried others and the Curling Custard gives the best results. The curls are much more defined.   

It’s definitely a cheaper, all natural alternative to Miss Jessie’s products, and well worth a try. The 16 oz. Curling Custard costs $25 and the 8 oz. bottle of Knot Today sells for $12. The ingredients (horsetail, chamomile, etc) are far superior and better for your hair. Be sure to check out Afrobella’s review since she had the opportunity to try the entire line.  

Thanks, Miss Jessie

I was sitting down this morning, nursing Mademoiselle, and going through emails when I heard someone ring my door bell. “Who is it?” I yelled. “UPS,” the voice answered back. I put the baby down on the sofa and headed towards the door. To my surprise, the delivery woman was holding a box from Miss Jessie with my Curly Buttercreme tucked safely inside. I ran upstairs and immediately applied the creme to my thirsty hair. Yeah! I’m so happy because my hair has been suffering from extreme dryness. I was trying my best to hold on to the small amount of Baby Buttercreme I had left by applying it to my edges and a tiny amount to my hair every two days. On the other days, I would use either water or Island Lite, which I also only had a small amount of. Why did I allow my products to get so low? Well, I’m a major procrastinator, and I hate paying the $10 shipping fee. It is the fundamental idea of paying shipping for creme that already costs $58. The shipping should be FREE! It really bugs me. So, when that 2 for 1 deal rolled around I jumped at the opportunity to replenish since I was getting something free. My hair is happy again! Thanks, Miss Jessie

I should inform you that this is not an all natural hair creme. The complete review of this product is located in the hair category.  

Naturally Kinky Part 2

Before I go on to tell you about a really great shampoo and conditioner for textured hair, I want to give you some more information about Miss Jessie’s products. I received an email from Nicole, telling me how much she really likes using Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue. The Curly Meringue works well for her, especially for hitting the town at night when she desires a tighter curly look with a glossy shine. It really defines Nicole’s curls. I’ll remind you again that Miss Jessie’s products are on a buy one get one free promotion until the 31st of this month.

Now, when I decided to stop perming my hair eight years ago, I stumbled across a book entitled, Let’s Talk Hair by Pamela Ferrell. In it, she details the history of our “battle with the naps” and self-esteem, selecting the right hair products, and styling tips, among other things. Well, Pamela is also the owner of Cornrows & Company, a salon in Washington, D.C. She also sells a full line of natural haircare products for all hair types. My favorite is the Coconut Shampoo ($10.99) because it leaves my hair soft and more manageable. It also contains coconut oil, which is a great scalp conditioner.  

My favorite conditioner is the Sweet Orange Conditioner ($11.99). I absolutely love the blended smell of lavender, sweet orange, rosemary, and lemon. This wonderful conditioner doubles as a deep conditioner and daily moisturizer. It’s also infused with a power house of good for your hair herbs.

Cornrows & Co.’s Island Citrus Pomade Oil ($17.99) is also a winner and is great for those with press and curls or perms. It doesn’t sit on your scalp, nor does it leave a greasy residue. While this is great for dry hair, I still think Miss Jessie’s Buttercreme is a better moisturizer for extremely dry hair, and again I do not recommend the Buttercreme for press and curls.

Before I go, you should also consider purchasing the Turbo Hair Dryer ($29.95) and nozzle ($11.99). This is the same blow dryer Cornrows & Co.’s stylists use on their clients.  When I bought this hair dryer a few years ago, it was the best decision I ever made. 

Naturally Kinky

Okay now, I’m just talking about my hair, and if you know me well, then nine times out of ten you have heard me complain about just how thick and nappy my hair is. Everytime this subject comes up in a telephone conversation my friend, Carol, laughs as if she’s listening to a really funny stand up comedian at the Comedy Store. The truth is, I’ve always had issues with my hair; from the time I was a young girl to now I suffered from extremely dry coarse hair, completely devoid of shine. Because it was so brittle, my hair was constantly breaking off. My hairdresser used to compare my hair with steel wool. Humph! I was once turned away from a braiding salon because of my naturally kinky hair. “Come back when you get a perm,” she said. What!

As luck would have it, several months ago, I was talking to a childhood friend, Nanora, who suggested I try Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme. She went on to tell me the changes she noticed since using the product and also how it has made life a little easier for another friend, Nicole, who uses the product on her nine-year-old daughter’s thick mane. Sage’s hair is no where near as kinky as mine, but I was willing to give it try. So I asked the girls at Miss Jessie’s a few questions, got online, and purchased the Curly Pudding ($38) and Baby Buttercreme ($58).

Once I received my package in the mail, I washed my hair then applied the product. The results were amazing! I can honestly say that I love the way this product makes my hair feel and look. Whenever I use the Baby Buttercreme I can’t stop staring at my hair; it actually looks soft. It really defines my natural curl pattern and adds a must needed shine to my hair, and it smells good. This creme is the perfect moisturizer for dry coarse hair; however, it’s also great for all types of textured hair. 

The creme is great, but the Curly Pudding didn’t really work for me. It is important to know your curl pattern, since it only works well for certain types. I also discovered that I could get the same results with the Baby Buttercreme. If you’re wearing a press and curl, I strongly advise you not to use this product. Trust me, your hair will look like you stepped outside into the hot humid Mississippi air because the creme contains some water.

The Curly Buttercreme contains peppermint oil which gives it a cooling effect, other then that there is no difference between it and the Baby Buttercreme. If you want a creme for your child then I suggest you use the Baby Buttercreme.

Now, I know you’re thinking about the hefty price tag, but trust me it is well worth the price. Besides, Miss Jessie is running a buy one get one free sale until the end of this month. I most definitely will be placing an order this week.