Product Review : Sta-Sof-fro Braid Spray and African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Spray

Hello everybody!

I'm liking this two by two product review thing. I think it gives a nice side by side comparison of similar types of products. As I am in braids, I think it's only fitting to review braid sprays which i've used to moisturise my hair with. One of my secrets to maintaining my braids is an effective braid spray. Half the battle is won when you are ensured that your hair is nice and moisturised whilst tucked away in a protective style. Lets jump into it.

The ultimate test for a braid spray for me is-if after using it and NOT sealing it with oil, my hair remains moisturised\conditioned. If my hair stays moisturised, I have a winner. This is because I do not seal my hair after using a braid spray and it has worked well keeping it moisturised. Bear in mind that this works well for me.

Sta-Sof-Fro Extra Dry Braid Spray

I bought this at Pick 'n Pay for 28 dollars ( about 2.50 US)

You can also get it at Shoprite, Clicks, Woerman Brock, Checkers and just about any hair and beauty shop. I found it cheapest at Pep for 26 bucks!

Product Promise:

Sta-Sof-Fro Extra dry spray- improved conditioning agents (avocado) for added moisture and shine to help eliminate dryness and itchy scalp. UV ingredients included for sun protection.

Directions:

Hair should be conditioned daily. Sta-Sof-Fro Braid Extra Dry Spray for lasting condition. Hold about 20 cm from the head, spray lightly and evenly, ensuring all braids are covered. Massage scalp between braids. Never tug or pull on braids.

Ingredients:

Water, glycerine, parfum (fragrance), PEG 75 lanolin, methylchoroisothiazolinone, methylchloroisotheazolinone, benzophenone-4, potassium cocoyl hydrolysed collagen, chamomilla recrutita (matriaca) flower extract, propylene glycol, alcohol, persia gratissima (avocado oil), amyl cinnamal, benzyl salicylate, citronellol, geraniol, isoeugenol, butylphenylmethylpropional, limonene, linalool.

My thoughts:

This has been a staple in my arsenal since I started getting braids in high school. It always kept my hair nice and moisturised and still does. I also love it for its light and non-greasy formula, which still does an effective job of keeping my tresses soft. This year they changed the formula and added avocado oil, chamomile oil.....alcohol (EEEK).  They also removed the hydrolysed castor oil which the previous formula contained. It now has ingredients for UV protection (yay in-built sunscreen!). This has left it a little bit on the greasy side, but it still works as well as it used to. In fact, im happy that they have added more natural oils to it. NOT HAPPY about the alcohol.

 It has this sweet and light perfumy smell. Almost like the smell of glycerine, but sweet. If you have tasted and smelled glycerine, you'll know what i'm talking about. The scent is not overpowering for me, but I would suggest washing your hair after two weeks to avoid a bit of a musty salony scent. Otherwise I and my hair still love it (even though the formula has changed a bit).

African Pride Olive Miracle Anti-Breakage Formula Braid Sheen Spray

I bought this from Clicks for 35 dollars (3.18 US). Erm a bit pricey as far as braid spray goes..You can also get it from Pick n Pay and some hair and beauty shops.

Product Promise:

African Pride's Olive Miracle formula is rich in extra virgin olive oil for the ultimate in silky smooth deep conditioned hair and a moisture rich healthy scalp. Regular use dramatically reduces breakage, split ends and dryness. Soothes braid tightness and soreness. Relieves itching and dryness. Softens, adds shine, moisturises and conditions. Excellent for locks and twists.

Directions:

Use daily for best results. Spray on scalp and braids as needed.

Ingredients:

Water, propylene glycol, glycerine, PEG 8, oleas auropaea (oilve fruit) oil, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, metha piperitta (peppermint) leaf extract, urtica dioica (nettle) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, articum lappa root extract, betula alba extract, rosa canina, fruit extract,  chrondrus crispus (carrageenan) extract, tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) flower extract, prunus serotina (wild cherry) bark extract, taraxum officinale (dandelion) extract, sambucus nigra, equisetum hiemale extract, echinacea purpurea extract, rumex crispus root extract, echinacea purpura extract, brewers yeast, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, oleth 20, PEG 75 lanolin, silk amino acids, acetamidopropyl trimonium chloride, PEG 12 dimethicone, panthenol, diazodinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben polysorbate 20. 

My thoughts:

As I initially stated, I think it's a bit pricey as far as braid sprays go. I wanted to try something different for my braids so I decided on this. The delicious  ingredients are what impressed me and really drew me to it. I rationalised the purchase by thinking that the consumer is paying for quality ingredients, which makes sense. I used it consistently for about a month.

It has this tropical fruit and watermelon scent, which is characteristic of all the products in their range (i've used their moisturiser and hair oil too). The peppermint and rosemary produce a pleasant tingle on the scalp which will relieve any itching. The qualities I look for in a braid spray are lasting moisture, soft hair and a non-greasy formula at a good price point which justifies the purchase. Unfortunately, I did not get the lasting moisture from it. I added some glycerine, and then about two days later some castor oil to help with the moisture. This helped, but the spray is still too "dry" for my hair. My younger sister who is relaxed, also noted the same results. 

This may work better for you if you are willing to either add some extras to it to help with moisture retention, or mix it with your diy spray mix for some kick. It could also provide lasting moisture if you seal your braids with oil after using it.

What is your favourite moisturiser for braids and twists?