Hair care product...copa
 

Good Morning Sorors and SF.
This weekend I happened to be watching an infomercial on BET. It was for some hair product called Copa...Debbie Allen was the celebrity spokesperson. It is some type of conditioner / straightener. My question is ... has anyone tried it? It just looked a little to go to be true. I happened to be watching it with some friends of mine and one was a victim of the product Rio http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif and she refuses to believe any other hair products advertised in infomercials.

I have seen the infomercial numerous times, but have yet to see anyone that has used it, I am curious also, so please shout out ladies and let us know what you know. And Soror Catwoman can you please give some detail on the Rio product what was/is it supposed to do?
Lastly, has anyone used Organic Root products? It is the 6 month mark and I need to switch what I use in my hair, my hair does not survive on one product too long!

Thanks Yall!

Rio was a product that was out (I think) in the early 90's...promised to straighten your hair with out the harsh chemicals etc. Well it straightened your hair...straight to the floor. People ended up bald and sued the company. My friend said her hair came out in clumps.

Hi, guys!! I posted this message on the Sisterly Forum a moment ago. I thought I'd just copy and past it here:

<< For those of you who are curious about COPA hair products, you may want to take a look at this site: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/cosme...r_products.htm
For any additional information, you may want to go to any search engine (AOL Search, Yahoo, Excite, Hotbot, Netscape, etc.) and type in "COPA hair products" (yes, type the quotation marks, too, in order to pull up that EXACT phrase). That should pull up any further literature you may want to read about. Hope this helps any individuals who are curious about the product.

I actually tried RIO when it first came out. It only turned my dark brown hair black. When I demanded my money back, they tried to make me think I had to wait FOUR whole months before I could put another chemical back in. Please, I started using Just For Me that week, and I didn't lose ONE string of hair.

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No weapon formed against me shall prosper, for I am a child of the Most High God, Who sits upon the Throne of Grace, and rules all Heaven and Earth.

And here's another one:
Hey, folks, here's another one:
http://www.blackhaircare.com/discus/index.html

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No weapon formed against me shall prosper, for I am a child of the Most High God, Who sits upon the Throne of Grace, and rules all Heaven and Earth.

I have been looking at post all day on http://www.blackhaircare.com/ I am trying to see how the ORS system works for others. I am not trying to get long hair quick (you know like get rich quick) I just want healthy hair, and actually I just got my hair cut and colored for my birthday, so I am not looking for length now, just strength Help a sister out. Besides Pink oil, which most women swear by what other products are yall using on your hair? Something without petroleum!

LikeASista thanks for all the info.

Hi Sorors and Sister Friends,

Yes, I have actually seen someone who has used Copa. You see, I had been wearing microbraids for about six months, and I wanted a rest from the braids but I didn't want a perm. So I went to this store in my town that carried only natural products for African-Americans. The owner of the store used the product, and suggested I use it. She said the product was gentle on her hair, but it doesn't actually straighten the hair. It's not like a relaxer or a pressing comb. Like they say, it just slightly releases the curl in your hair so that it is more managable. The thing is, it depends on your hair texture - and you still have to use heat on your hair if you want that "relaxed" look. I chickened out, I didn't use the product, but I did read the box - it says it has a money back gurantee, but what does that mean these days. The lady that worked at the store was very trustworthy, I don't think that she would have tried to sell me something that would take my hair out. She also said the woman who invented the product had grown out her hair to her behind (I saw the before and afters). I would suggest anyone who is interested in Copa to contact a knowledgable salon about the product. If they are professional, they should have some sort of research on the product. I hope this helps!
P.S. After I took out the braids, my hair was to my shoulders, and I cut it off short this past weekend Halle Berry short) so oh-well!

Since I don't watch BET that often, I haven't seen the infomercial for this product. I did hear about the Rio horror stories. I think Rio claimed to straighten your hair as well.

LadyAKA, I know what you mean about switching what you use on your hair. However, I usually stick with Optimum and Infusium products. Of course, I can't forget my Luster's pink oil. I've been using that since childhood. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Lady AKA - you wanted to know some of the products we use...
Well about 2 years ago I started using just Dudley products (oil, conditioner etc) my hair does well with those products. As far as relaxers go I use one that can be purchased at Sally's Beauty Supply it is called Sheenique. I got it one time because it was on sale then the next time I went back to Dark and Lovely...but my hair wouldn't take it...so I used Sheenique again and people are always asking me who does your hair?...what relaxer do you use? etc etc
My hair is about 2 inches past my shoulders and pretty healthy...I only go to the salon to get my ends trimmed...everything else I do. (roller set, straw set, wrap, whatever)

I know you are asking about product that will make your hair healthy, but I have to pass this tidbit along. When my daughter was younger (9-15 months) she had a bald spot on the back of her head that I was so afraid would not grow hair. My mother's beautician suggested that I put caster oil on her scalp. I tried it. It worked. My child's hair is long and very thick now. I saw that beautician the other day and I showed her my daughter's hair and she told me caster oil is one of the best and most inexpensive things you can use on our hair. I had a hard time managing the oil by itself, so I bought some inexpensive hair grease (green) and mixed the caster oil in it. This is good for edges, thinning spots, whatever and I know it works http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif.

Copa has a website: www.copahair.com. I'm anxious to try it. I'm so tired of relaxers, I don't know what to do!

Hello again
I have recently purchased and used 2 applications of Copa with mixed results. I have smoother grain of hair and figured "oh great Copa will take just like that" NOT. Although everyones hair is different, I strongly suggest that those interested don't expect miracles to happen LOL and I think it would be better used on hair gone "au naturale". I relax and press my hair, however--since using COPA I haven't relaxed my hair in um--about 6 months and when I press my hair it takes very well and looks like a fresh relaxer EXCEPT--more flowing and not stiff. Could it be Copa or a good press I'm not sure???

Hey Lady AKA,
I've been using Organic Root Stiumlator products for about a year now and really does work wonders on my hair. My favorite products and those I especially recommend are the carrot oil and the Hair Mayonaise. Since using these products my hair is healthier, managable and doesnt break off.
Good Luck I hope you enjoy your experience with them as I have.

YES YES!! HAIR MAYONNAISE IS A GOD-SEND!!!

AuLait & interested_cinna I have yet to purchase any of the products but thanks for the info ... I am looking into the hair care market for the new year so that I can start with new products; hopefully things that work on my hair :-)

Thanks!!

Your welcome. Good luck!

Hello ladies,

I love talking about hair products! Let's see, I've used the Organic Root Stimulator products, mainly the carrot oil. It worked very well. It is kinda expensive (I know it's like $6-7 but I'm a broke college student http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif), so right now I'm using the Motions moisturizing cream. It also works well. Smells really good too http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif If you're looking for a GREAT, blow-dry lotion, try TCB HeatSense. I LOVE that stuff! It's wonderful! I don't know about anyone else, but I've tried other products to put in my hair before blowdrying, only to find that my hair was still kinda dry afterwards. HeatSense is the bomb! It leaves my hair full of moisture and it's nice and shiny.
As far as perms, I use Dark & Lovely (my friend puts it in cuz I am not that skilled http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif). I also use the Dark & Lovely shampoo. I love that stuff too! I've used Pantene as well which was really good too (even though it's not really for us, I thought it worked well).
With the Copa products, just say no! My soror bought it and did a patch test in the back of her hair. Thank God she did cuz it turned her hair blonde! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif So beware of that stuff. Do a patch test before using it.
But that's all the stuff I'm using now. Can anyone suggest a good oil sheen to use? Thanks!

ZChi

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A Radiant Lady of
Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.
http://www.umich.edu/~zchi

ZChi,
Her hair turned BLONDE?! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif
Wow, that is serious.

I was thinking about COPA also because I want to ease away from the perm thing. Thanks for sharing that... Why is it that these "natural, herbal" alternatives to relaxers are the products that give people more problems than results?

THIS COMES COMPLIMENTS OF SONGSTRESS21...-------------------------------------------------- WANAKEE HAIR PRODUCTS:------------------------------
Has anyone tried them. She has some good hair care tips but I would like to hear from someone who has acutally used her products. Her website is www.wanakee.com

I haven't used any of her products (they're too expensive for a college student), but I'm a member of Your Hair Care Plus.com , and I've heard testimony from women who have used her products. From what I gather, the only items worth the high price is the hairline cream, and the serum (or cream?) for your ends. For the most part, her tips, not the products will make you hair more manageable, and healthy.

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"I am not yet the author of my life; I am still it's unenlightened protagonist"
---Unknown

I used Wanakee wayyyyy back in 1995-96, and at that time I was not using a relaxer. It made my hair softer, I had less breakage and split ends, and overall my hair appearance looked better.

I don't know if the formula has changed since then.

I belong to about 3 online hair clubs/chats and what we discovered is that it does nothing for the hair. You ccan try it but it's not very good.

***** WARNING WARNING WARNING*****
I tried COPA. It does not act as a relaxer. It just loosens the curl in our hair, but the hair can be blown straight. My hair in the beginning appeared to be more healthy and manageable as well as a considerable amount of new growth. I used the product for 3 months. However, when I stopped using it my hair began to break off and fall out. I eventually had to have it cut to the newgrowth that was not treated with COPA. After some investigation, I was told by the better business bureau that COPA is a copy cat of RIO and that they were both harmful to customers.

I had a friend who went literally BALD from using Rio, but last night was the first time I'd seen the infomercial for Copa. The first makeover thing they did was pretty amazing. Or either I'm easily impressed, which is more likely the case. Anyway, after seeing her, I was like, "I gotta have that!" But then the makeovers got worse and worse. Like somebody said in the beginning, Debbie Allen was the spokesperson. Her hair had been treated with Copa, and basically it just looked nappy. "Releasing the curl" didn't seem worth it.

Good evening Sorors and sisterfriends,

Thanks for the info and sharing about Copa, Rio, Wanakee, et al.
I'd seen the Copa infomercials and was tempted to order the product. However, the idea of my hair discoloring or falling out gives me pause.
I just had my relaxer retouch, at a beauty school, no less and it turned out fine. For those who have or are going to beauty schools, pay attention. I learned the hard way about five years ago, when my neck was severely burned.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

First of all, how did you come to the conclusion that the makeovers got worse? Of course in the infomercial everyone is going to get exactly what they want, but I could have sworn the other two women said that they did not want their hair super straight. If that's what they wanted it, then how was the makeover bad? Not everyone wants every nap, kink, and curl burned out of their hair. Some people like the texterized look and that's the whole point of the product. It was created for people to decided just how much kink is removed from the hair instead of having to decided between totally natural or mega-straight. Besides, I remember Debbie saying that she liked the semi-natural (or as you said 'nappy') look.


Secondly, you didn't know what her hair was like before so how can you judge what it looks like now? Her hair was a 3c in the infomercial. If it was a 4a/b before Copa then it made an "improvement". Obviously it 'released' her hair enough because she likes it that way.

If you don't know what I'm talking about with the 3c/4a stuff then go here:
www.naturallycurly.com/Ha...types.html

And to all the people that don't mind looking nappy, here is a site on BP dedicated to nappy hair:
http://www.blackplanet.com/Members/BPNappyHeads

Peace!

What is wrong with being "nappy"??

Poplife, I see you are also aware of Andre's hair system!! It's not the best, but I use it to describe my hair type. I have 4A hair, and you know, I love every "nap" and "kink" God gave me http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif As a matter of fact, I'm Happy2BNappy.. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif

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"I am not yet the author of my life; I am still it's unenlightened protagonist"
---Unknown

[This message has been edited by jali0004 (edited May 15, 2001).]

I often wonder that myself!

Quote:

Poplife, I see you are also aware of Andre's hair system!! It's not the best, but I use it to describe my hair type. I have 4A hair, and you know, I love every "nap" and "kink" God gave me http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif As a matter of fact, I'm Happy2BNappy.. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif

You're right, the system is not the best since most Black Americans have multi-textured hair. I am a 4a as well with a small patch of 3c on the very front part of my head. Be sure to check out check out my BP page (BPNappyHeads).

Peace and Blessings!

Okay, I'm going to ignore the rude overtones and try to clarify. I was under the impression that Copa was supposed to be something like Rio. If you're wearing a natural style (which is NOT what I meant by nappy), then I suppose "releasing the curl" might be helpful to you. However, only a few women on the infomercial ended up with straight hair - who's to say what will happen on an individual basis? It just seemed to me that the results were too varying. I didn't like the way some of their hair looked. If they did, wonderful. But there's no need to rehash this "why-some-black-women-hate-natural-styles" topic, because that's not what it is. All I'm going to say about this is that just as you are entitled to your own opinion, I am entitled to mine. I wasn't attempting to start anything with my post, simply stating my opinion.

Like I said before, the point of Copa was to open up options. It's NOT supposed to be like Rio. Only one woman wanted perfectly straight hair so she was the only woman to leave the cream in long enough to get it. They wanted the results to be varied to demonstrate the versatility of the product.


Leave the product in for a short time = slightly less kink


Leave the product in for a longer time = much less kink


It's not being marketed as a perm so they are not going to show women getting a permed effect.

As far as actually Copa in concerned I wouldn't try it. I really don't see the point. If I wanted a 'gradual curl release' I'd go to my old hairdresser and just ask for a texturizer or buy a kiddie perm and leave it in for a few minutes. We don't have to get all fancy.

soror, i personally have used wanakee products in the past, i say this to tell you to save your money. It is way to expensive for the results that you will get. You would be better off trying over the counter products. I have found that it is sometimes better to mix and match products from different haircare lines. And for LADYAKA, i found that conditioners are the key to healthy hair. I can give you some suggestions if you would like. Thought I'd add my .08 cents.

Well it's nice to see that you care about her. Please look here at tell me what kind of hair she has naturally.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/Hairtypes/hairtypes.html

Right now I can tell you that I wouldn't cut her hair. Many adults find that traumatizing, and I believe young girls are even more sensitive. However if she doesn't want to put the time to maintain her perm then it's better she doesn't have one. But beware...if you cut her perm out it might not be any easier. Natural hair, for one, also takes some maintenance even if it is not as much. Also, if she is not used to her natural hair it will take some time to learn. That can be just as frustrating. I got frustrated many a time and went natural at the age of 17. I bet for a younger girl it will be even more angering. Still, you have to keep stressing proper grooming/haircare habits to her. Explain how important they are. It's vital! She'll thank you later.

Braids are good. If she wanted to try natural it's a good way to grow her hair out until she has a good amount of length. Two strand twists can also be done on her hair.

Have you considered pressing it? She can press and then slowly snip the ends if she wants to grow out the relaxer. Or she can switch to pressing it full time...

To keep a press in for about two weeks just blowdry and flat iron. Then spray a light mist of lottabody on her hair (make it damp) and then wrap and let it set under the dryer until dry. The setting lotion is the key to making it stay. If you decided going with the press, try to press it every two weeks MINIMUM. Heat can be just as damaging as any chemical if abused.

Let`s Talk Hair, by Pamela Ferrell is a good book to pick up. It can give you tips on how to help your sister.

Try to avoid hair products with mineral oil and petroleum. Those aren't good for black hair. Try using shea butter and if you want to get the best stuff...try the Health Hair Butter from Carol's Daughter. Queen Helene's Cholesterol is great too.

Good Luck.

Alright,
I have a hair horror story for you not involving copa, or rio.

My lil sister has the most difficult grade of hair. I can't seem to do anything with it aside from put it in braids. Another problem is that she does not want to put the time and effort into her hair so her hair just breaks off constantly. I have the slightest clue how to help her. I want to cut her relaxer out but then she'll have really short hair and I don't think that is what she wants. She's going to Jr. High soon and I want her to look nice. Anyone got any suggestions. I'll try just about anything to help her

One thing I have learned about hair care (and I've been going to the hair salon since I was old enough to sit in the chair by myself), everybody's hair is different. I personally use Motions and Dudleys relaxers (I have to switch up every couple of months - my hair grows very fast), I alternate between Optimum and Isoplus Shampoo and Conditioner. I shampoo and condition my hair every 2-3 days (It works for me) I simply can not go too long without shampooing my hair. I use motions foaming wrap lotion after I shampoo my hair and let it air dry. I spray it lightly with Isoplus lite spritz and bump it with marcel irons (golden hots if I am traveling). I never ever use any pomades or hair grease. I use Infusium leave in conditioner every night. My shampoo and conditionig routine keeps my scalp healthy. I have thick hair and my avoiding grease keeps my hair bouncy and full of body. For shine, Dudleys oil sheen is wonderful. Instead of using drying gels, try Black and Sassy Creamy Set. If you must use grease on your scalp the only thing I promote is B&B Supergro. Now as for my sister who has that natural wave pattern and has never had a relaxer in her life. All she has to do is shampoo her hair, put wrap lotion on it and blow dry it using a round brush if she wants it bumped or a comb if she wants it relaxer straight. No matter what you use on your hair -- if you use heat to curl your hair -- invest in good irons. I prefer marcels with the Kentucky Maid stove, but golden hots are good too. The highest heat setting shouldn't be anymore than 5 or 6.

Whew -- I told ya'll, I grew up at the hair salon every weekend. Don't get me started on make-up!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

Carol's Daughter
 

Does anyone know of any places/ chains that sell Carol's Daughter's products? :confused: A friend from Brooklyn visited and I had the chance to try some of the Mimosa Hair honey. The results were great and it smells wonderful. I also want to try the Khoret (sp?) oil, but I don't want to purchase it online.

Re: Carol's Daughter
 

Tickledpink,

I know that your local Sally's Beauty Supply will order products that they do not carry in-stock. Give them call and see what's up.

OK, I know this is an old thread, but when it comes to hair, its all good. I currently use Mizani mild relaxer along with Kera Kare hair products and good ole Isoplus oil sheen. My hair is pretty long so can anyone recommend a good spring/summer style besides braids?

a carol's daughter lover
 

tickled pink,
i was like you. my friend from n.y. showed me her carol's daughter hair supply and i fell in love. the khoret hair oil is great and so is their tuili (sp?) hair oil which is great for my microbraids. they also have this shea butter cream for hair that my boyfriend loves because its not think like hair grease and doesnt have that girly smell.
they also have this elixir for dandruff he and i both use... but i could go on and on. i havent gotten to n.y. so i had to buy their stuff online and i've had good experiences both times. the stuff comes in boxes secured with styrofoam and even though the bottles are plastic, the packagers place them in a bubble-wrap bag so that they are not just rolling around in the box.
and the prices online are cheap ($5 for a bottle of khoret)
so good luck.

Thanks HoneyKiss & Bluz!