As I told you, dear readers, last week Shoppers had a sale on a number of products, including Herbal Essences. So, I did do a little shopping and picked up some Herbal Essences Body Envy Weightless Volumizing Gel fused with white nectarine and pink coral flower. Sounds nice, but I my expectations were low. On Saturday morning, I traisped back over and purchased VO5’s Hot Protein moisturizing intensive creme treatment — at regular price. I was not impressed.

Saturday evening, I decided to try out both products. I washed with my black soap mixture (liquid black soap, water, oil and baking soda), then I put in the hot protein treatment. I heated it in hot tap water and applied it throughout my hair. I wasn’t sure about the amount of product that would be in the packet, because I have a lot of hair. It covered all of it with no problems.

After the mayo treatment, I was wondering which one — DIY or store bought — would do a better job. I left the treatment in for about 15 minutes as the Hubby and I watched Say Yes to the Dress. As instructed, I rinsed with warm water. It was getting late and I was getting lazy, so I didn’t do a deep condition. I know, I  know! Protein can be drying. I conditioned with my Blended Beauty Curl Quenching conditioner — my fall back when I’m just too danged tired to deep condition. I left that in for about 20 minutes and rinsed.

I moisturized, sealed and pulled out my Herbal Essences gel. I hadn’t read any reviews about this product, so I didn’t know what to expect. Maybe crunchy hair. Maybe a head full of flakes and residue. Maybe frizz… only the Lord knew, but I was gonna find out. I applied as normal — maybe I was a little heavy handed on the left side of my head. The gel smelled awesome. It’s clear and light —  lighter than my Ampro Pro-Styl Clear gel.

On to styling! It took forever to twist my hair. I think this was a combination of tiredness (I’m still recovering, y’all) and my hair getting longer. Hubby watched two episodes of Remington Steele before I finished up. I tied my hair with my head tie and went to sleep. The next morning, I un-twisted for church and what did I find?

Soft, manageable, fluffy curls! Yay! This one was a success, folks — at least the gel was. I don’t think that the protein really did anything to my hair. I didn’t feel the difference that I felt when I used the mayo treatment. I guess for people who are protein-sensitive, the VO5 would work well. For me, I think I can handle more protein, mayo is back in the mix for Friday. The gel gave me hold, no tackiness, a bit of residue on the left side — the same side I was heavy-handed on — but aside from that, it came out wicked. Here are some pictures from Sunday afternoon:

Today is day four and the hair is still in good shape. It’s shrunken a bit, but the curls are still defined and I’m not fighting frizz. As part of Hairlista’s Healthy Ends Challenge, I’m moisturizing and sealing every day, so maybe that’s helping. I will definitely keep my eye out for sales on Herbal Essences gels, but VO5 will stay at the drugstore.