OpenAdoptionMom is currently a full time mom by way of three open independent (non agency) adoptions. Each of her children have various levels of contact with their birth families. Change with the level of that openness is always under way as birth parents have married, welcomed other children they parent, or elected to drop out of touch.

Oh today I did get a real treat!

My order of Oyin products arrived in the mail for my son Carson’s hair. Though we have been using them for awhile I never tire of the great scents and decadent treatments that the Mixtress Jamyla hand prepares for her loyal customers. Woo Wee! You would think the stuff was for my head and not his!

Oyin is in this mom’s opinion, some wonderful all natural hair and skin care, to nourish beautiful afro-locks and smell yummy while doing it. While I keep Carson’s hair what I call, ‘just past a twist’ ( not a buzz, but not a mini fro) I also know that his locks still desperately need to get moisture and conditioning every day, or else.

This shipment was a sweet sampler product pack of Whipped Pudding, Shine & Define, Greg Juice leave in spray, and Honey and Hemp Conditioner. The mixtress even threw in a delicious sample of the Burnt Sugar Hair Pomade, and two sweet little honey candies for me, just in case the good smell from the hair products made me hungry (which they did!)

My personal fave has always been the Whipped Pudding. This shea based, whipped cream smells like a cupcake, goes on even dry hair smooth and non-greasy. I put a dollup in my palm, rub them together to heat it up and liquify, and then rub onto Carson’s little head. This formula is even good for skin, and can be used to treat ashy elbows and knees.

One of the most interesting journeys for me as a white adoptive mom of a black son, has been my learning process about caring for his hair. To begin with I knew nothing, but I had the desire to keep looking to find the best products, and make his hair a proud little crown for his head. I always want him to feel confident about his hair, and know that it is as unique and beautiful as he is.

I have learned that many of the main stream black hair care items, those available most readily in local stores, just do not always do what is needed for all hair types. Traditionally many African Americans make their own, homemade products, and a few have become better known, and marketed to the larger Black community. Finding this niche in the hair care world has been really exciting for me, and discovering Oyin products is a little secret that I now want to share with other transracial adoptive moms.

Go by the Oyin site and try out a few things yourself. Mixtress Jamyla will send you something sweet too!

Photo - © 2008 Deb Donatti