It was my first time at Afropunk and nothing could have prepared me for the amounts of free samples that I would receive or the number of products that I would accumulate. I mean, they have a WHOLE "HAIR VILLAGE".  Unfortunately, I did not have the time to visit all of the business stands because I had to switch back and forth to the performances (and it was hot), so I only got like three things.... I know, pitiful; but I thought I would go through the details of those items. LOOK. I WASN'T THERE FOR THE FREE STUFF, ALRIGHT? I should have been lol, but I was trying to secure my spot for Ms. Badu.

Anyways, I got some really great testers to try out; Pantene's new Gold Series Butter Creme and the Curls New Caviar line. 

1. Pantene Gold Series Hydrating Butter-Creme Infused with Argan Oil For Damaged Hair

The hydrating butter creme is infused with Argon oil and melts into wet or dry hair to soften and tame frizz. It claims to provide 72 hours of moisture and claims to be perfect curly and straight styles. 

Styling tips as directed by Pantene:

Start with dry or damp hair after detangling. 

For natural textures: 

• Apply a dime size amount to palm, rub together to emulsify

• Pull through curls to infused moisture and shine

• Apply more as needed to enhance curl definition.

For relaxed hair: (USE ON DRY HAIR) 

• Apply a dime size amount at night before you wrap your hair

• Cocktail with intense hydrating oil for even deeper moisture

I am really excited to try this, but also a bit hesitant because I have been sucked into this "all natural ingredients" wave of hair care products. Even if it isn't natural, I usually prefer to lean towards products specifically made for curly hair and Pantene hasn't always been there for us curlies, from what I remember. Didn't they just recently come out with their "natural hair" tailored products?  However, I will give it a try and update this article with results and my opinions. From what I have read, I think the product will actually be beneficial for my hair. 

For my Curlies who are extremely ingredient conscious, here is the list.  

Ingredients list: 

Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isodecyl Oleate, Sorbitan Stearate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Paraffin, Fragrance, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Decyl Oleate, Triethanolamine, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Methylparaben...

There is more.. I am sure...but it is sulfate and dye free if that matters to you! 

2. Curls Cashmere + Caviar Hair Gelle

The Curls Cashmere + Caviar Collection is for Coily Kinky Curlies who have been looking for a super moisturizing product for their hair. This collection claims to strengthen, restructure and add sheen to the hair.

Why Cashmere? 

"Just like the name implies, cashmere extract leaves hair feeling luxuriously soft and stronger since cashmere proteins support the natural protein found in your hair. Cashmere also emits high wattage shine, stops frizz, gives more bounce and makes tresses more controllable. Cashmere proteins have a restructuring action, which will smooth and revive strands from the inside out. " 

Why Caviar? 

"Caviar is a rich source of vitamin A and Vitamin D along with Omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin A helps to produce healthy sebum, which will prevent your hair from drying out and breaking off. A deficiency in vitamin D may lead to hair loss and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce hair loss. It also has zinc, which is essential to your immune system and strengthens the hair follicles to help prevent certain types of hair loss"

The Key ingredients (according to their website) include: 

Champagne Fruit Extract- The antioxidants in Champagne Fruit Extract are 20 to 50 times more powerful than vitamin C and vitamin E resulting in protection from damage, eliminating free radicals and purifying the hair and scalp. Also known for improving elasticity and manageability.

Aloe Barbadensis- Promote hair growth, relieve dry itchy scalp and encourage deep penetration of the hair products beyond the outer hair shaft. Aloe is a proven staple in natural hair care products for it’s history in effectively moisturizing and maintaining the health of the hair.

Coconut Water- The rich fatty acids of the coconut hydrate and strengthen the hair while protecting from further damage. Moisture molecules are guaranteed to surround the hair and penetrate the cortex for an inside out approach to hair care.

Castor Oil- Promote hair growth, restore lipids and protect their hair with his thick sealing oil. Highly effective in regrowth post breakage.

Anthems Nobilis Flower Extract- Soothing herbal ingredient that promotes hair follicle growth through it’s anti-inflammatory benefits for balanced scalp health

The Caviar Hair Gelle is the styling gel of this collection and it claims to help you achieve the perfect curl with a light hold, added sheen and definition while also strengthening your hair in the process. This product seems to be perfect for twist outs or even wash and goes.

 In fact on the website it claims to achieve the following styles: 

1. Soft wash and go

2. Braid/ Knot with Hair Hewelry Style

3. Twist Out

4. Roller Set

5. Combination Style

6. Blow out & Wand Curls

I only have a tiny bottle but I will try to test it out in both ways.

3. Curls Cashmere + Caviar Hair Silk

The Caviar Hair Silk is the leave in conditioner of this collection and claims to melt like butter on your hair in order to promote easy detangling. The product is suggested to use along with the other products on the line in order to maximize results. My first reaction to the consistency is that it seems pretty thick, but when I rubbed it on my skin to test, it seemed to spread pretty thin. Therefore, personally, I may need more than a dap size amount. 

Both of the curls products smell amazing and claim to add strength and sheen to your curly tresses.