Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Brazilian Smooth Flat Iron Express– $2.99
Anyone who doesn’t have naturally straight hair knows that it could be a real hassle to get your curls and coils really straight with your flat iron*.
Luckily for us, there are products that can cut your straightening time into a fraction of what it usually is-and Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Brazilian Smooth Flat Iron* Express is one of them.
The leave-in balm is an “all in one” product. It is both a heat protectant* and sealant, as well as a pretty decent frizz control.
Although it is a “balm”, it is not at all greasy and is actually water based which means it makes for a good moisturizer.
Admittedly, I walked right past this product because it was not placed in the “Ethnic Haircare” section. However, I had used the Brazilian Smooth shampoo and conditioner from Garnier Fructis and it worked really well on my hair so I thought it would be a good idea to try another product from the line.
I would brush the Brazilian Smooth Flat Iron* Express through dry hair with a paddle brush*, wrap it up into a silk bonnet, and then blast heat on the surface of my bonnet for a few minutes.
After this process, my hair was noticeably relaxed and took less than 20 minutes to straighten which was great compared to my usual 35 minute process.
Not only did this product-as well as the others-keep my hair feeling and looking healthy, but they also saved me money and a trip to the salon.
Got to try them.
Love this article. Extremely helpful and relatable. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi! Just a heads-up, Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel is not 100% aloe. It’s got at least 2 preservatives (which is understandable), but also Triethanolamine which is a toxin. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it effectiveness, but it is not pure Aloe Vera gel.
Hi!
I am glad you mentioned this. From my understanding (and I may be overgeneralizing), the Triethanolamine that Fruit of the Earth uses is cosmetic grade which means that it must contain less than 5% of the chemical.
Contrary to popular belief, it does not form harmful nitrosamines and should only be avoided if it is concentrated, a product contains over 5% of it, or is being ingested.
Other than that, you are correct! It is really a skin and eye irritant-and technically not 100% aloe vera gel lol
Thank you! #aloeVERAflatIRONbalm
I swear by the aloe vera gel
I use it as my daily moisturizer, I mix it with activated charcoal for facial mask, when I had relaxed hair it works great as a gel and also great for first aid(cuts & burns) I love it. ❤❤❤❤❤ I’m also going to try the Africans best herbal oil.
besides the aloe vera gel & garnier line & africa’s beat what retailers can we locate the other products? clay powder & get curls?
None of the products were under 5 dollars