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Old 04-01-2008, 12:47 AM   #1
Curlicat
 
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Thumbs up Max Green Alchemy

Last week I tried out the shampoo, conditioner, and both types of gels (styling and sculpting). First off, I adore the scent! It is like a cross between citrus and lavender. Here's what I experienced with each product:

Shampoo: Very rich lather, made my hair a bit too squeaky clean and fluffy when dry, though. My hair seems to do better with oil-based soap shampoos like Aubrey Organics. No worries, though, as I will just use this as a body/face wash.

Conditioner: Pretty good slip and detangling, but when I rinsed it out, it felt like there was some sort of residue (waxy feeling?). Maybe I am just too used to the Aubrey conditioners. I think I will use this as a body lotion, so waste not want not.

Styling Gel: Love it, love it, love it. It comes in a pump dispenser which is handy and distributes nicely. It dried with a little crunch but it scrunched right out and left soft, defined ringlets. It's a keeper.

Sculpting Gel: When I tried the gels, I did the styling gel on one side of my head and the sculpting on the other, just to see how they differed. The sculpting gel definitely has more crunch when dry and is harder to scrunch out than the styling gel, but once scrunched, it is hard for me to tell any difference between the two. My curl pattern/formation looks the same on both sides and neither side has any frizz. Maybe I'll notice a difference after I sleep on it tonight. The sculpting gel comes in a 5.5 fl.oz. tube and is more expensive than the 8.2 fl.oz. bottle of styling gel.

I ordered more of the styling gel tonight because, according to the MGA folks, it is going to increase in price tomorrow (4/1) - this better not be a sales gimmick. Oh well, even if it is, I would have ordered again anyway (just not so soon).

I am really glad that others here recommended MGA!
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Old 04-01-2008, 07:57 AM   #2
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Great reviews! I'm so tempted to get the styling gel....
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Old 04-01-2008, 08:43 AM   #3
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I like the shampoo. My hair does not have a tendancy to get dry so maybe that is it. It felt clean but not stripped and once I did my conditioner it felt great. I will definitely use this to shampoo with when I do shampoo.

I also want the gels - I looked at them when I picked up the shampoo but resisted. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to resist.
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Old 04-01-2008, 10:41 AM   #4
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Thumbs up

I love the shampoo, conditioner and both gels as well. I only use the shampoo and conditioner the odd time - when my scalp is feeling yucky and my hair is going flat. I find it does what a clarifying shampoo does for me, but without the stripped feeling that a clarifying can do.

The gels are amazing - I think they are the best on the market right now. I'll have to check out their website if the sale is going to end.

I'm curious about the texturizing paste .... Has anyone tried that?
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Current Fav's: DM's Miracurl Gelly, Komaza Coconut Pudding, CCSS, Loma's Imply, WSP, Going Ohm's SHP, Darcy Botanicals Curl Jelly, Curls Gel-les'c.
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Old 04-01-2008, 11:24 AM   #5
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Thank you thank you for the reviews! I have been reading about this brand on this site but was undecided on which product to purchase. Very helpful!
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Old 04-01-2008, 12:41 PM   #6
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FrizzBgone ~ You're right about the shampoo being a good clarifier. I will most likely use it again when my hair gets to feeling gunky. I only shampoo twice a week because my hair gets so dry if I do it more often. I probably wouldn't shampoo at all if it weren't for my job. I work 12 hour shifts in the emergency room and there are all kinds of nasties floating around in that environment. After the recent norovirus epidemic, I was coming home imagining poop particles clinging to my hair!

One thing I forgot to mention about the styling gel is that, once my hair is dry, there is absolutely no "producty" feeling about it. Somehow it manages to keep the frizzies at bay without weighing the hair down. I agree, it is probably one of the best gels out there right now!
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Old 04-01-2008, 02:38 PM   #7
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I've been wanting to try the sculpting gel, I've heard nothing but praise about it.

I'll probably order some from honeyfig.com, once their website is fixed for international customers. There've been some problems trying to check out.
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Old 04-01-2008, 02:48 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetseven View Post
I've been wanting to try the sculpting gel, I've heard nothing but praise about it.

I'll probably order some from honeyfig.com, once their website is fixed for international customers. There've been some problems trying to check out.
Sorta guano - that site has a great price on Dreamsack pillowcases - is that right - $35 for a pair???
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Back to shampooing every 3rd day with sulphate free shampoos. I have discovered the routine is as important as the products!
http://public.fotki.com/xcptnl/
PW: hair

One good reason to only maintain a small circle of friends is that three out of four murders are committed by people who know the victim. ~George Carlin~
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Old 04-01-2008, 07:20 PM   #9
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xcptnl ~ Thanks for the tip on the silk pillowcases! They are indeed $35 for a pair at Honey Fig. I have been wanting to get some and that seems like an excellent price.
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Old 04-01-2008, 09:08 PM   #10
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I wonder if SO would notice if I had a different pillowcase than him??!!!
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Central Massachusetts
Fine/thin 3a
Back to shampooing every 3rd day with sulphate free shampoos. I have discovered the routine is as important as the products!
http://public.fotki.com/xcptnl/
PW: hair

One good reason to only maintain a small circle of friends is that three out of four murders are committed by people who know the victim. ~George Carlin~
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Old 04-02-2008, 11:00 AM   #11
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If you don't mind white silk pillowcase, this is the place to get them: http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/en...=clothing.html Best price and very good quality. The best I've purchased yet, I also have some of their silk scarves. Love this place.
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Old 04-02-2008, 01:44 PM   #12
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Hi! So, where can I get this gel because I need it, I want it, I've got to have it !!!!!
Then, as hubby says, I'll try it for a day or 2, then decide it's not working, and go shopping for something else. But you never know, this could be my HG!!!!
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Old 04-02-2008, 01:46 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krispy View Post
Hi! So, where can I get this gel because I need it, I want it, I've got to have it !!!!!
Then, as hubby says, I'll try it for a day or 2, then decide it's not working, and go shopping for something else. But you never know, this could be my HG!!!!
The only place I have seen it is Whole Foods. I am not sure if other 'natural' type stores would carry it or like Vitamin World.
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Central Massachusetts
Fine/thin 3a
Back to shampooing every 3rd day with sulphate free shampoos. I have discovered the routine is as important as the products!
http://public.fotki.com/xcptnl/
PW: hair

One good reason to only maintain a small circle of friends is that three out of four murders are committed by people who know the victim. ~George Carlin~
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Old 04-02-2008, 05:46 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xcptnl View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by krispy View Post
Hi! So, where can I get this gel because I need it, I want it, I've got to have it !!!!!
Then, as hubby says, I'll try it for a day or 2, then decide it's not working, and go shopping for something else. But you never know, this could be my HG!!!!
The only place I have seen it is Whole Foods. I am not sure if other 'natural' type stores would carry it or like Vitamin World.
Or you may order directly from Max G A if there are no stores in your area. Max G A Store Locater
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Old 04-02-2008, 08:18 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sable View Post
If you don't mind white silk pillowcase, this is the place to get them: http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/en...=clothing.html Best price and very good quality. The best I've purchased yet, I also have some of their silk scarves. Love this place.
I actually want white! Thanks so much!
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Central Massachusetts
Fine/thin 3a
Back to shampooing every 3rd day with sulphate free shampoos. I have discovered the routine is as important as the products!
http://public.fotki.com/xcptnl/
PW: hair

One good reason to only maintain a small circle of friends is that three out of four murders are committed by people who know the victim. ~George Carlin~
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Old 04-03-2008, 06:11 AM   #16
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Default Residue/waxy feeling

Hi Curlicat

Thank you for trying our MGA products.

I wanted to highlight your comment about having a residue or waxy feeling in your hair. This is a common occurrence when you have been using styling products that contain silicone based ingredients.

These silicone based ingredients, such as Dimethicone, might make the hair feel wonderfully slippery, but they are tenacious, and often remain in the hair after washing.

We based our line on the exclusion of these ingredients. I would expect the waxy feeling to disappear after a few washes if you avoid using silicone products in between.
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Old 04-03-2008, 09:12 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Curlicat View Post
xcptnl ~ Thanks for the tip on the silk pillowcases! They are indeed $35 for a pair at Honey Fig. I have been wanting to get some and that seems like an excellent price.
I know there was a much cheaper website for silk pillowcases, but this is still a good price.

I just thought I should add that the customer service from Honeyfig is wonderful. They will sometimes send samples, or throw in a freebie. They are very nice to deal with.
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Type: 3a with some 3b / ROUTINE: leave-in, cream, plop, gel, clip & diffuse
Current Fav's: DM's Miracurl Gelly, Komaza Coconut Pudding, CCSS, Loma's Imply, WSP, Going Ohm's SHP, Darcy Botanicals Curl Jelly, Curls Gel-les'c.
Leave-ins: Afro Detangler, KBB Nectar, CJ leave-in, DM's Detangler, Komaza's Califa leave-in.
Fav Gels: Ohm Aloe Gel, Mop Top, Curly Q's Princess Glaze, Loma's Achieve.
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Old 04-03-2008, 09:17 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Curlicat View Post
FrizzBgone ~ You're right about the shampoo being a good clarifier. I will most likely use it again when my hair gets to feeling gunky. I only shampoo twice a week because my hair gets so dry if I do it more often. I probably wouldn't shampoo at all if it weren't for my job. I work 12 hour shifts in the emergency room and there are all kinds of nasties floating around in that environment. After the recent norovirus epidemic, I was coming home imagining poop particles clinging to my hair!

One thing I forgot to mention about the styling gel is that, once my hair is dry, there is absolutely no "producty" feeling about it. Somehow it manages to keep the frizzies at bay without weighing the hair down. I agree, it is probably one of the best gels out there right now!
LOL

Talk about a visual and a half !!! makes me itchy just thinking about it !!!

I don't shampoo very often, but when I do this is a great one to use. I really like this shampoo rather than a clarifier. I don't know that it clarifies the same way that a clarifying shampoo would, but my hair (and scalp) always feels great after I use it.
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Type: 3a with some 3b / ROUTINE: leave-in, cream, plop, gel, clip & diffuse
Current Fav's: DM's Miracurl Gelly, Komaza Coconut Pudding, CCSS, Loma's Imply, WSP, Going Ohm's SHP, Darcy Botanicals Curl Jelly, Curls Gel-les'c.
Leave-ins: Afro Detangler, KBB Nectar, CJ leave-in, DM's Detangler, Komaza's Califa leave-in.
Fav Gels: Ohm Aloe Gel, Mop Top, Curly Q's Princess Glaze, Loma's Achieve.
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Old 04-04-2008, 10:10 PM   #19
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I received my Max A products today.

And of course, I had to try them...

I bought travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, blooming bath, styling gel and sole rescue.

Fragrance is not heavy to me and doesn't linger.

Shampoo - Cleaned nicely, non-stripping.

Conditioner - Nice, not very thick, very spreadable and very moisturizing. I untangled easily with my fingers.

Styling Gel - Waiting for my hair to fully dry. so far so good. Very light, spread easily through my hair. As of now, it looks as if it will cause my hair to shrink a bit more than normal.

Blooming Bath - OK - Not fragrant enough for a bath. Most likely would not repurchase, but if i received it as a gift, I would use it.

Sole Rescue - Felt nice being rubbed into my feet. Rubbed left over into my hands/cuticles and they also feel nice. In the morning I will be able to tell if the sole rescue is moisturizing enough for my feet.

Overall, I am pleased with my purchases. It would be great if they included samples.
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Old 04-04-2008, 10:11 PM   #20
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Has anyone tried the Chap Defense Lip Balm?
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