So if you guys are frequent readers of the blog, you’ll remember that I did a review of the Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream not that long ago, and frankly, I didn’t like it. But the other day, I got a comment on that post that I wanted to address openly and separately, because this is NOT the way you share information online. Exhibit A:
The Comment.
No wonder you don’t like it! You used almost half the jar on two applications. You will have a coating on your hair if you use so much! Even if your hair is thick, as you say, you are your own worst enemy on the use of this product and are preventing people who may like it to not try it. You just need to get help with your hair. I use this product and I love it, the Curly Curl product. I love it. I use a shea butter leave in conditioner with it because it thins the Curly Curl product and helps give it sheen. Unless you are thoroughly familiar with a product and know how to use it, I would refrain from giving damaging information to others about it. That’s not very sister-like. I don’t work for this product and actually find that it’s the best product for my naturally curly (not kinky) hair.
Now, let me break my response down.
No wonder you don’t like it! You used almost half the jar on two applications. You will have a coating on your hair if you use so much!
This would be a valid point, except I used the product more than two times…no where in my video did I say I used it twice. I said a “few” times, which to me, is three to five times. Also, I usually apply my products in two HUGE sections on my hair, then do another glob for the back/bottom of my hair. However, if a product didn’t work for me this way, I go to the “long” way of applying it, which is sectioning. Now, this way uses up a lot more product, but sometimes, it turns out working. A 6oz jar of product really isn’t that much if you section. I have admitted PLENTY of times on my blog to being heavy handed, yet I have found a TON of products that work great on my hair. What would make this product so special that it needs to be handled so delicately? Oh yea, I hate it. That’s right.
Even if your hair is thick, as you say, you are your own worst enemy on the use of this product and are preventing people who may like it to not try it.
How can I be my “own worst enemy” if I use a product how I normally use all of my other products? You don’t need a PhD in Product Application to use things on your natural hair. It’s not rocket science. This product just did not work for ME. In addition to the coating I felt, it felt dry going on my hair (even adding a tiny bit), had no slip, and was greasy. What does that have to do with how much I used? Furthermore, I also tell people ALL THE TIME to not take my reviews as gospel. They are MY opinion and describe how something worked for ME. If the ingredients sound good to them and the texture seems like something they would like, by all means, they are free to try it. I’m not chaining people down in my basement to keep them from buying this stuff. At the same time, I also tell people not to run out of their homes like groupies at the All Star game to purchase something I rave about, because I know it might not work for them and I HATE it when people listen to me and waste their money. Seriously, I hate it. I always encourage the people who read my blog and watch my vids to pay attention to ingredients, how I describe my hair, and draw their OWN conclusion before buying a product. I am not a guru, I am not a deity. I’m a chick who likes hair. I’m not keeping anyone from doing a damn thing.
You just need to get help with your hair.
I’m sorry, I don’t want to toot my own horn, but have you seen my hair? It’s doing just fine, thanks. And it’s doing even better without this product. Next.
I use this product and I love it, the Curly Curl product. I love it.
Good for you, I’m happy that it works for YOU.
I use a shea butter leave in conditioner with it because it thins the Curly Curl product and helps give it sheen.
Well this is funny, because people give me shit all the time if I pair a product with something else and don’t use it alone, because they ask how I know if the product in review truly works. Oh well, can’t please everyone.
Unless you are thoroughly familiar with a product and know how to use it, I would refrain from giving damaging information to others about it. That’s not very sister-like.
Again, product application is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. Chile, did you go to school to use this product? I didn’t say anything damaging, I said that I DID NOT LIKE IT and it did NOT WORK FOR ME. Since when are people not allowed to say they don’t like things?? Are you the thought police? Is this 1984? Are you a Republican??????? Furthermore, I am nobody’s sister, except my brother’s. So do NOT come on my blog talking about “sis this” and “sis that.” Take that someplace else. Like a family reunion.
I don’t work for this product and actually find that it’s the best product for my naturally curly (not kinky) hair.
You don’t work for them? Then why are you going so hard for them? You should be happy – my review will keep people from buying up your precious Curly Cream and you can have all you want. And oh, so you have curly, not kinky hair? Okay, so we already have completely different hair, so why are you comparing your experience to mine? Again, congrats on loving the product.
In conclusion, I don’t want people to be scared about asking about my reviews and addressing my critiques. I take constructive criticism just fine. But if I say I don’t like something, I’m not trying to demonize it. Trust me, the company won’t go bankrupt because of one bad review. They will live to see another day. It’s just not that serious.
Until next time pals…*Drops mic, hops off soapbox, does a shot with my pals*
xoxo
questfortheperfectcurl.com 
You are hilarious! I love your response. I just think people should stop being so uptight about natural hair. I mean if you straighten it you’re not embracing it. Our hair is some of the most flexible hair. We should be able to do what we want to it and use what products work for us as individuals. Way to tell her! I know you don’t have to be told this but continue to do YOU!
You handled that superbly doll! Some products you’ve mentioned have worked GREAT for me! Others, not so much. BUT I still value your reviews & opinion. Everyone’s hair is different! Keep doing what you do cuz there are folks like myself who appreciate you! Btw…I finally found the Eco Styler Blue & LOVE IT!!!! 😉
I’m all late…
You young girls crack me up! I truly enjoyed reading your well-versed retort! **Applause**
I’ve been on my natural hair journey for 16 months now, and am loving every minute of it. I never had a hatred for my natural hair (I used to love feeling the waves of my new-growth when I had relaxed hair!). I just didn’t know how to bravely transition. I transitioned for six months before I did the big chop, and now I have between seven and eight inches of wonderfulness! It’s a slow-growth process, but I’m guessing that’s due to the fact that I’m 43 years old. It has been a real pleasure regularly following your blog for your fantastic, witty tips and product reviews. Keep up the great work!
Peace and Blessings 🙂
Hey hey now, I’m not that young! 😉 I’m glad you are loving your natural hair, it’s truly fun to play with products and experiment – and I’m almost at 16 months too!! I BC’ed Dec 26, 2009. Thank you for your compliments, I love hair loving comments!
Bravo on the handling of this comment. That was the most concise, intelligent, on point, matter of fact respone you could’ve given. It also made me laugh!
This is thorough and to the point!
keep doing what you do Elle…
Sorry, I meant to say: Our community is rife with evidence of what happens when black people get passes for their behavior BECAUSE they’re black.
This is my first time to your blog. I watched your most recent video (on minimizing tangles for WNGs) and appreciated the advice despite the fact that my hair really IS kinky, lol. Let’s just say it’s a lot more tightly coiled than yours.
Normally I stick to advice from people with textures like mine but sometimes I’m able to adapt others’ advice to my hair. That’s because I know how to analyze and think critically…which are two skills your critic obviously didn’t have.
The other thing I was thinking as I read the critique was this: The phrase “dumbing-down of America” was first coined in the 80s. I work for a university and I see this a LOT: People don’t know the difference between fact and opinion and it’s REALLY scary to see.
One more thing: I’m old enough to remember when “brother” and “sister” meant something; I’m also old enough to know when those terms really apply. Giving people your honest opinion of a product IS being sisterly. Just giving everything an A++ because the creator is black isn’t. Our community is rife with evidence of what happens when black people get passes for their behavior when they’re black. (I’m thinking mainly of hip-hop “artists” but that’s another story.)
Anyway, just wanted to let you know I appreciated the information you provided.
Are you the same LBell from NP? If so, hi! If not, hi anyway! Thank you for your comment. I just didn’t understand their need to be so combative. I also watch product reviews before I purchase products, while I’m using them (for tips), and sometimes I’m just being nosy (lol). When someone doesn’t like a product I love, in my head I say, “Awwww booooo, I love that product!” I might leave a comment saying that I love it, and that stinks it didn’t work for them, and I hope they find something that does, but I certainly am not angry with them!
And I agree with you 100%, I have seen many times on the boards and online that some people want to turn the other cheek because a business is black owned – I don’t see how that is helping anyone….
Yep, that’s me! lol
One of my favorite vloggers hates HE Hello Hydration conditioner. I’ve been using it for years and have never had a problem with it. Another one swears by KCCC. I had a sample but never really figured out how to apply it without it breaking up my coils.
What would I look like getting angry with them for expressing their opinion and experience on THEIR vlog? Stupid, that’s what. Also hypersensitive. This is why I don’t have a blog/vlog…I have no patience, lol.
lord I must have been under a rock to miss this post! Love it Elle. You and Izzy killed that noise in a nice, polite, and sassy way. Some people just don’t know when to cool it and take someones opinion as just that. Wow.
Elle,
This is a wonderful, high quality blog. But please, why engage the foolishness? I’d love to continue reading your blog minus the some of the drama you may find on some of these hair boards. Maybe it is just me, but I saw no point in going down to the commentator’s level and be just as flippant and condescending. Either way, keep up the good work with this blog and I look forward to reading/seeing more of your reviews.
I responded because I don’t like to delete and ignore comments unless they are examples of trolling. This commenter believed she was right, and she had a point, so I felt the need to address her. I write my blog like I do because it’s a place for me to write down my thoughts, drama and all – as long as it pertains to hair. It would be disingenous for me to write my blog as if nothing ever bothers me in the “natural hair community,” because I am “active” in it and periodically observe things that need to be addressed, and the way that people feel they can “speak” to bloggers and YouTubers is one of them. I am not simply regurgitating information. Another commenter made a statement about how my strong personality may not be for everyone, and that’s true. But I’m not going to change how I am in order to make my blog “for everyone.” It’s impossible to please everyone, so I am going to keep being me, condescending and all. If I can’t be myself, my blog is just work, and I would quit. Earlier in the year, I got very frustrated because I felt as if I was always trying to be nice to people who were inappropriate and be PC in my responses when people didn’t deserve it…I’m not going to do it anymore. I’m not trying to be famous in the “natural hair community,” so there is no point.
Wow. Condescending and all. Point taken.