Product Review: Straight Request Next Level Conditioner

Two words: "Loving it"  The Straight Request Next Level  Conditioner has been awesome for hydration and softness.  Outside of the trigger pump applicator being defective, the conditioner has worked well on my clients with relaxed hair using medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.  

According to its description, it is a stabilizing Amino Acid Strengthen Conditioner.  It is not a heavy protein so even after 30 minutes, my clients' hair were still soft and manageable.  

The brochure says that it is safe to use the same day as chemicals; however, I have not used it in that capacity.  I have used it on my locs.  It seemed to suds up on my locs, and then calm down after the heat processes it.  This conditioner is designed for natural and relaxed hair.

I was looking for the "Next Level" up from the KeraCare Humecto Conditioner, and Straight Request delivers me the "Next Level" in conditioning for softness and moisture.  No other conditioner is needed behind this one.  So far, it's a keeper!

Importance: Shampoo or Conditioner?

Apparently, some will agree to disagree on this one . . .  but here's my take:

If you hair is virgin/natural with no permanent color, no relaxer, no soft curl, no heat damage, no curly perm, absolutely no chemicals, then conditioner is NOT needed.  God gave you everything in those hair strands that needed to be in those hair strands.  The hair should NOT tangle when it is soaking wet regardless of the hair type.  Leave-in conditioners and styling lotions are all that is needed besides a clarifying shampoo and a moisture shampoo.  I actually learned this while working at the nursing home.  The elderly who had no chemicals received roller sets.  Their curls lasted longer with a shampoo service only.  Why?  The conditioners would make the hair too soft to hold a curl for the two weeks that was needed for some.  There is such a thing as too soft.

Now, for you naturals who color-treat your hair or flat iron your curls straight, then yes, conditioning will repair any damage from chemicals, color, or mechanical tools.  Now, wasn't that simple?

Speaking of arguments . . .  in regards to Sisterlocks, I had a "Sista" to tell me that she knew someone who was doing Sisterlocks for $200.00; I told this "Sista" that I paid $750.00 for my Sisterlocks; then a caucasian lady interrupts us to inform us of her $10.00 clipper cut from Great Clips . . .  talking about perspective . . .

Can you overcondition hair?

Yes, you can. If your hair is too soft, then it will not hold a curl. So finer hair may need a conditioning shampoo and then skip the conditioning step all together. The shampoo should leave it detangled enough.

Also, we all know that too much protein will dry out the hair and make it prone to break.

Pictured is NuExpressions Humective moisturizing conditioner. It does a great job with coating the hair for thermal styling, but it seems to have a drying effect if left on for too long. After 20 minutes, it really needs to be rinsed out. Many conditioners that have protein boosts in them really do need less dryer time. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the jar.