**REVIEW** Ion's Crystal Clarifying Treatment

Recently, I wanted to strip the last of "temporary straightening" product from my hair. After going straight (heh heh) for a couple of weeks, I realized how much I love my hair in it's natural state. It's much more versatile. If. for any reason, I want to wear a straighted style, my kinky/coily hair does alright with a flat-iron.

Anyway.

I washed out most of the temp straightening product, but there was just enough left to screw up my curl pattern. I tried doing a rinse with vineagar. That helped a bit, but my ends were still stringy. Then I tried using a little bit of my Castile soap (mixed with some essential oils for the shampooing and a heavy conditioner afterwards). That helped a bit but, as you might know, I had to go easy on the Castile because it leaves the hair feeling straw-like.

Finally, I checked at the local Sally's Beauty Supply. This little packet right here cost me around $2.

That is Ion's Crystal Clarifying Treatment. Sorry that my photo sucks. Here's a better one:

                                                         
The product is made to remove buildup and prep the hair for other treatments. I also see, from looking at stuff online, that some folks use it to lighten up hair that dyed too dark.

I found it interesting that the product is vegan and free of  Sulfate, Gluten, Paraben, Alcohol, Phthalates, and Soy. Here are the ingredients included:

• Sodium Gluconate
• Ascorbic Acid
• Xanthan Gum
• Disodium EDTA
• Glucose
• Citric Acid
• Malic Acid
• Polyquaternium-1
• Allantoin
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

It worked. And it didn't leave my hair feeling as rough as the Castile soap did. Of course, immediately afterwards, I slathered on some more heavy conditioner and sat under a heat cap for about 15 minutes.

Now, I do know that there are clarifying shampoos that are used for similar purposes, but that straightening treatment was not going to go away without a fight! (On the plus side, I suppose that's great for someone who wants to retain the straight look for as long as possible.)

My curls are back, but my hair is still healing - either from the frequent stripping and washing, or from the temporary straightening product. Thank goodness that I've been taking some Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins. Also, I've been using some really wonderful leave-in conditioners and hair milks.

I'm passing info along about this product because it might be useful. I wish I had thought of looking for such a product right from the start.

Peace
--Free