SheaMoisture Amla Oil Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner

Most Helpful Critical Review

Try the full 4-step system.

I have 100% natural, 4C, low-porosity hair that sits just past my shoulders when blown out, flat-ironed, or stretched. I'm absolutely crazy about my hair; I don't let anyone touch it. My spoiled, bougie hair loves real food and tea. I treat it to things like eggs, mayonnaise, avocado, banana, tea, g...elatin, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and rice water. I have to be very careful about the products I put on my hair, or it becomes tangled, matted, and hard to manage. It coils and has a cotton-like texture. Although sensitive, it can withstand braids, beads, and heat styling. This hair type loves scalp massages, needs to be wrapped at night, and benefits from regular trims to maintain equilibrium and growth. About 2.5 years ago, I did a big chop, shaving my head completely bald, and have since rocked a coily TWA (teeny weeny afro). Thanks to black girl magic, my TWA keeps getting longer, thicker, and stronger. I avoid dyes or chemicals, only using commercial products with temporary ingredients that wash out. I'm always looking for ways to enhance my natural hair without permanent chemicals. I rarely use wigs or extensions but am considering box braids with weave extensions. I love being a natural Southern Belle and enjoy protective styles. Lately, I've been exploring products that might help with protection, growth, strength, and length retention. I considered keratin for about a year, studying products like Olaplex (for bond repair), Karseell (collagen), and Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Treatment, which all offer temporary benefits and wash out in about six months. Although I wanted to dye my hair, I opted for hair color wax, even though it can be a bit messy. I'm not brand-loyal; I simply use whatever works for my hair. Since Shea Moisture is a brand I trust, I had no reservations about trying their Amla Oil Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. They sent me a generous 11oz jar, and the gold and green packaging is both appealing and makes the product look high-end. The font is readable, though some small text requires a magnifying glass. Some information, like the "My Story" section, could be left to the website, with jar space reserved for product-specific details. Shea Moisture is crafted by artisans in Africa, priding itself on ethical sourcing, fair wages, and a commitment to no sulfates, phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oil, animal testing, or petrolatum. This Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner contains amla oil, which I'd never tried before. I usually stick to jojoba oil because it's closest to the hair's natural sebum, EVOO for its lightness, and argan oil for shine. The amla oil didn't add any noticeable moisture or shine beyond what I already achieved with these oils. The conditioner has a creamy consistency and a light cocoa/shea butter scent. It's easy to scoop from the jar and apply without mess. This product is part of a four-step system, but I only received the leave-in conditioner. That may explain why I didn't notice a change in my hair, as the system includes a bond repair shampoo, conditioner, masque, and leave-in conditioner. After months of use, I have about a quarter left in the jar. I have been using the Shea Moisture Amla Oil Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner for several months, specifically applying it only after washing my hair. This product is formulated for type 3 and 4 hair and promises to rebuild internal hair strength, fortify, protect, and replenish hair strands. My hair wasn't damaged before I started using it, but it was also not in its optimal healthy state. I hoped to see improvements in strength and reduced breakage over time. However, despite consistent use, I haven't noticed any significant changes. My hair's condition has neither improved nor deteriorated; I continue to experience the same level of breakage and shedding as I did before I started using the product. While I generally prefer leave-in conditioners, as I see little reason to rinse out a conditioner, I still use wash-out options when needed. With this product, I maintained my usual routine, using it with my regular shampoo and wash-out conditioner, then adding jojoba oil after drying my hair, followed by styling it in a protective manner. Since I didn't have access to the full four-step bond repair system, which includes the shampoo, conditioner, masque, and leave-in conditioner, it's possible that my results were affected. I suspect that using the complete system might yield better results and allow me to give a more comprehensive review. For now, I am still seeking a product that will make my hair stronger, reduce tangles and shedding, increase moisture and shine, and help my hair feel thicker and more manageable. I'm open to giving this leave-in conditioner another try alongside the other products in the system to fully evaluate its potential. As it stands, though, I can't honestly say whether this product effectively delivers on its promises, as I didn't observe any noticeable improvements in my hair while using it on its own.