MISS JESSIE JUJU
UPDATE: Ironclad Application 6/30/16
Today was a great test for this gel--LET ME TELL YOU!
I had a photo shoot in the afternoon and decided to do a fresh wash n' go for it. I forgot to bring a comb (fired from life) and left a good amount of the leave-in condish to ensure smooth finger combing whilst styling. I did an abridged version of my usual wash n' go routine where I combed through the crown of my hair instead of sectioning it. I did, however, pay extra attention to the front and sides of my hair. I pulled out and finger curling some of my prominent frizzies that live on my hairline border (step children curls, as some would call them, HA!) I used some paper towel to squeeze out excess product, so I wasn't a dripping mop top. I let it air dry for a good 30 min-45 and decided to take yoga with a friend I haven't seen in awhile! It was hot in there, AND because my hair was still drying, I kept it down. It survived! My curl definition was intact and frizzies were kept at bay! I couldn't believe it. And since it's quick drying and not sticky, the gel felt comfortable on during the class. WIN! And it was perf by the time I arrived on set. I pulled up in a poof, but loved my little coils on the edge that hung on strong during the sweat fest earlier. It was a great discovery to know that I have a gel that survives sweaty classes and will still hold my hair together after. PLUS!
I remember being fascinated by Miss Jessie's website and all their transformation photos--I don't think I ever saw a product that changes hair without chemicals like Curly Pudding did! I immediately needed to find out what and how I could get my hands on it. At the time, I was in a awkward length stage and didn't have anything that would "stretch my kinks into curls." I didn't think is was possible! I made an appt at their salon, and although liked what the pudding did, I was not impressed by the cut. Maybe my eye wasn't as trained, but I really think my hair was uneven. And no matter how I styled it, it definitely felt shorter on one side. I never went in for another cut, BUT I did continue using their products. The merinque and pudding formulas I thought to be great as first day products, and fell apart on the next. Too much product residue for me to leave that stuff on for more than one day.
My view of Miss Jessie's was changed when their tube formulas launched--WHAT?! Custards?! Gels?! FROM MISS JESSIE'S?!?! They were such a cream/pudding brand, that to see them come out with other formulas was a pleasant surprise. They came out with a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, custard, lotions...I had to try. The first was their Coily Custard which I think to be on the sticky side, and offers great definition on the first day of application. Then I tried their Jelly Soft Curls, which is their gel out of the line. I love this product--it's almost (I feel) like a better version of Eco Styler. Lighter perhaps, but with the hold and less goop factor. I also appreciate its light scent that disappears when applied. Here is a closeup of my hair 75% dried--
SO. SHINY! I love how it feels, especially when I apply their Leave-In Condish before--a great detangler that provides slip and moisture for any styler that goes on after. LOVE LOVE LOVE! Second day hair survives, as they're is still curl definition from the day before. I prefer this over their Coily Custard, but I won't dismiss it as a total fail. It's a great GREAT wash n' go product, in that it glides through easily and dries without a cast. Second day hair could be poofy, but waddya gunna do! I look forward to any new products Miss Jessie's comes out with--even if it's not for me, it will still be worth a shot.