October | 2016 | Maicurls

Hello Maicurlies,

I am back with yet another DIY! Yes you read that right, a DIY Henna Spray!
This one is actually inspired by another Naturalista that has her on stash of DIY Goodies Curly Proverbz. She is GAAAWGEOUS btw! If you haven’t been following her you NEED TO!

So first off, Thank you Curly Proverbz for the inspiration!!!!

I modified her original recipe so it would fit my hair needs and I recommend you alter any ingredients you feel will not benefit your hair to fit your own needs too! (I have alternative suggestions a little lower down).

Henna Spray

Prior to you attempting to use Henna, Amla, Shikakai or any other Ayurvedic, herbs I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you do some research prior to application just so you are well informed about the ingredients & their benefits/disadvantages. I have a henna blog post where I also mention Shikakai and Amla in there since I regularly use them in my hair care.

Even if you know nothing about henna, amla, shikaikai and decide not to research (bad idea btw) PLEASE NOTE:

Ayurvedic, herbs can be drying on the hair therefore it is highly recommended that you thoroughly moisturize prior to/after using the spray.
Do not overdo the applications, it will cause your hair to feel dry and brittle due to the strength the herbs provide to the hair (lack of elasticity = breakage).
You might notice a colour change in your hair e.g. reddish/brown (henna & amla) therefore if you are not looking for this, DO NOT USE this recipe.
Use clothes & a towel you do not mind getting stained while spraying your hair!

Ingredients/Tools Use:

0.1oz Amla
0.1oz Shikakai
0.25oz Henna
4oz Water
4oz Rose Water
0.15oz Argan Oil
2-3 drops Alcohol Free Rose Fragrance
Coffee Filter (or cheese cloth)
Cup
Spoon
Spray Bottle
Gloves (optional)

Optional Ingredients/Ratios:

You can replace the Amla and Shikakai with any other Ayurvedic, herb such as Bhringaraj, Neem, Brahmi etc. In case you do not have Rose Water the amount can be replaced with more plain water. You can add some glycerin to the spray for added moisture (if necessary/desired). The fragrance oil can be replaced with Essential Oil.

Mixing Instructions:

You want to put your herbs into a coffee filter or cheese cloth and let it soak in boiled water. I add rose water (without boiling it) and let the herbs sit overnight. The following morning I take out the herbs, add the oil and fragrance oil, pour into my spray bottle and presto!

Application:

My two ways of application is: 1. after deep conditioning my hair (prior to moisturizing) I will spray the henna onto my hair and proceed with moisturizing and styling. 2. On occasion if I feel like I need to provide strength to my hair mid-week, I first spray a little henna onto my hair and then remoisturize. You can also do this as a rinse, without leaving the henna on your hair (which is what I do).

Storage:

You must store the mix in your fridge (otherwise you plan on growing nasty mold!)

Thanks!

Maicurls

Hello Maicurlies,

Liquid Gold

It has been a hot minute however, I hope you will forgive me with this new DIY mix that is for the SKIN!!! Yes I finally am back with a skin DIY. Ok fine, this can also be used on your scalp (which is part of your skin) and your hair as well but we will be focusing on the skin for this.

Ingredients/Tools Used:

0.5 oz Argan Oil
0.3 oz Grapeseed Oil
0.5 oz Fresh Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ)
0.2 oz Glycerin
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil
3 – 5 drops Alcohol Free Rose Fragrance (optional)
Bowl
Glass Container (with a dropper)
Spoon
Gloves (optional)

Ingredient alternatives:

Should you not have either Argan or Grapeseed oil, either one can be replaced with any lightweight oil (e.g. almond oil, jojoba oil etc). Store bought AVJ can be used in place of fresh Aloe Vera Juice. Should you not want to use glycerin, you can replace it with rose water.

Mixing:

All you have to do is put all the ingredients together in your bowl, stir and pour into your container!

Application:

I like to apply this after I have jumped out the shower without completly drying my skin. The mix helps to trap in moisture (water droplets) while adding moisture. It leaves me with soft, supple, moisturized, glowing and awesome smelling skin!

Ingredient benefits:

Argan Oil: is packed with nourishing and hydrating elements, especially for those with sensitive skin. It can help prevent stretch marks by improving the elasticity, has the ability to prevent the skin from getting dry and/or brittle during both the summer and winter months and leaves the you with a feeling of softness and smoothness.

Grapeseed Oil: an extremely light on the skin and therefore does not clog up pores. The oil has great moisturizing properties and can help regenerate new skin cells.

Fresh Aloe Vera Juice: contains nutrients, minerals, amino acids, active enzymes as well as a number of Vitamins. All of this makes it an effective skin conditioner and moisturizer. It helps cure flaky or dry skin as well as skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. AVJ is known to heal blisters, insect bites and itchy skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is an effective acne fighting agent, reduces redness and is commonly used to help soothe sunburns. AVJ helps to restore the natural pH level of the skin and with the presence of antioxidants, it helps to hydrate, firm and combat premature aging.

Glycerin: a natural humectant that draws moisture onto the skin by extracting it out of the air. Apart from its ability to draw in moisture, it is also known to help retain moisture in the skin. This makes Glycerin a great agent in fighting rough, dry, irritated and dull skin. It also makes it an excellent skin plumping product that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging.

Vitamin E Oil: contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, help soothe minor sunburns and if that wasn’t enough, the oil is also known to help fade scares and stretch marks if used consistently and frequently. (Can help extend the shelf life of a product but does not “preserve” any mixes).

Rose Fragrance: Use for the beautiful scent!