Author Archives: Maicurls

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About Maicurls

I got inspired write a blog due to my passion about my Natural Hair. It took me a while to find my way with my Hair...but I wouldn't change a thing now! I basically got to know my Hair through the help I found online (YouTube, Forums, Blogs etc) and want to "give back" by sharing what I have learnt over the years. My blog mainly consists of information about Natural Hair Care, Do It Yourself recipes and and tips I've learnt from all of you. I also share Skin Care and Health (Exercise) tips.

Curl Kit

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Good Morning Maicurlies,

Set Of Cosmetics On Towel courtesy of photoexplorer www.freedigitalphotos.net

Set Of Cosmetics On Towel courtesy of photoexplorer http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

This is going to be a “for your information” post. I have mentioned before that I signed up with the Natural Hair Blog Directory (NHBD) and lovely Rae from NHBD informed all the bloggers that CurlKit is looking for people to write blog posts. Long story short I sent in a post and signed up with CurlKit. They have an online shop that provides a number of different well known and emerging products and hair tools. They also have membership offers (monthly, 3 months & 6 months) where you are sent 6 – 9 different products e.g pomades and conditioners to natural hair tools. 

After signing up I was provided a code that I can share as a referral and if you purchase products using the code you will get 10% off and I get rewarded with 10% of your purchase. This is where you can get the code: http://curlkitshop.refr.cc/SNDW7S5.

I just wanted to share this with you. In case you do go shopping…happy shopping! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Sulfates…yes, no, maybe?

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Hello Maicurlies,

I came across another interesting article in Natura Magazine and wanted to share it with you. It touches on ingredients found in body washes mainly focuses on Sulfates.

Shower Gel Shampoo - Grant Cochrane - FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Shower Gel Shampoo – Grant Cochrane – FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Sulfates: Should Your Body Wash Be Sulfate Free Too” basically asks whether one should opt for Sulfate free body washes due to the chemical properties of sulfates.

Now, I am not here to bash or cheer for Sulfates…everyone is free to decide what they want to use for their hair, body and health. I do have to say that I personally made a decision a long time ago to avoid sulfates (whenever possible) this not only includes my hair care but also my skin care. If you have been watching my YouTube videos or following my Blog you will notice I have mentioned a few times that I have super sensitive skin and therefore I am quite diligent in watching what I use. Like I said this is a personal choice, sulfates might not affect you in the same way it does me so to each his/her own. I just wanted to share an interesting article.

Disclaimer: I am not a scientist, dermatologist nor a doctor. I do my own personal research, consult with my doctor/dermatologist and base my decisions on what works for me and you should do the same. Please consult a doctor or dermatologist before you make any decisions for yourself!

Happy reading Maicurlies! 

Maicurls

Maicurls

A little Rock and Roll

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Hello Lovely Maicurlies! 


I am going to an AC/DC cover band gig and I am super excited! I love the atmosphere at gigs and ones like this is right up my ally :D! So to show my support I thought a little bit of a “rock” look would be appropriate. I am a big fan of Black and Red so this kind of combo is a big hit for me.

I hope you like it too!

A little Rock and Roll

Twist and Tuck Donut Bun

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Hello Maicurlies,

I figured it was time to do a other styling tutorial seeing as I have been on a DIY and experiment frenzy as of late. This is my Twist and Tuck Donut Bun.

 

Twist and Tuck Donut Bun

                                         Twist and Tuck Donut Bun

I love this bun because it is oh so easy to do, really quick and more importantly it is a protective style. Apart from being a protective style it does not require a lot of manipulation and if you do not make it too tight you can actually just cover your hair at night with a scarf, take down the scarf in the morning , touch up the edges (if you wish) and you are good to go!

I have a video of how I do my Twist and Tuck Donut Bun on YouTube.

I also have an written explanation below of how I achieve this bun:

Products/Tools Used:

  • Plain water spray bottle
  • DIY Creamy Leave-In Conditioner
  • Donut*
  • Ouchless Hair bubble
  • Soft Bristle Brush
  • Stretchy Headband
  • Bobby pin (you might need more than one depending on your hair)

*I modify my Donut which I bought from H&M because I do not like the texture of it as my hair gets stuck it in. To protect my hair I cut off the toe part of a stocking (best to get a fresh stocking for this). I slip the stocking in the gap of the Donut, pull the edges over the Donut, cut off the excess and that is it. (See below)

Modified Donut

Slip the stocking through the gap of the Donut
Cover the Donut with the stocking
Cut of the excess stocking

Tutorial 

I have explained how I achieve this style along with images and text below. 

Finsihed Twist and Tuck Donut Bun
Twist and Tuck Donut Bun With Ribbon

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Aritha– Ayurvedic all Natural Shampoo (Option 2)

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Hi Maicurlies,

As promised, today I will cover part 2 of my all natural Auyvedic shampoo experiments. In my previous review (part 1) I wrote about Shikakai powder and today I will be covering Aritha powder.

Similar to Shikakai, Aritha predominetly comes from Asia – mainly in India and is derived from a fruit. It is most commonly known as soapnut or Sapindus Trifoliatus.

In Asia Aritha is popular alternative to commercial shampoo due to the fact that it does not contain unnatural elements and harsh chemicals.

Aritha - Hesh

                                     Aritha – Hesh

The brand of Aritha I used is Hesh  and apart from being a natural shampoo, Aritha has a number of different uses. For one it can be used for the skin:

  • Cleanses the pores
  • Helps the skin breath better
  • Improves the texture of skin (with frequent use)

I have used it for my skin and it did a really good job of cleaning, clearing up my pores as well as helping fight my oily T-zone. I would suggest this for those who have oily skin as apposed to dry skin because it can cause more dryness.

According to the box, it is also said to be an effective agent to wash silk, wool clothes, silver and gold ornaments and utensils. I did not try this personally

Now for the shampoo part. The box says it:

  • Completely cleans the hair
  • Works an efficient natural shampoo
  • Best for extremely oily (dirty) hair
  • Gives the hair natural gloss and bounce
  • Cleans dirt accumulated on the scalp

To use Aritha you do not need any additional ingredients apart from water however, I know some people might add a little oil to the mix. Note: Aritha will have a moderate lather (it lathers more than Shikakai). BTW it has a fruit/spice smell to it…I do not particularly mind it but those with a sensitive sense of smell will pick up on its scent!  

Box application instructions:

1. Take required quantity of powder, add a little water and mix to make a thick past. 2. Gently massage (scalp) using your fingertips. 3. Wait for 2 – 5 minute and 4. wash thoroughly with water.

Aritha Powder

                                             Aritha Powder

My experiments: I tried two different methods

1. Box method – 5 tablespoons of Aritha and 8 tablespoons of water. It made a really thick paste and I applied it to my damp scalp as instructed. I carefully and slowly massaged my scalp for a few minutes while in the shower, left it on for 5 minutes and then rinsed it off with lukewarm water. While I was rinsing it off I would glide my hands down the length of my hair so that there would be some contact but I did not concentrate on the length of my hair.

Pros- My scalp felt really really clean. I had no buildup what so ever and even though it  had limited contact with the length of my hair it still felt really clean. 

Con – My hair felt drrrryyyyy afterwards! It took a couple of rinses till I felt like I got all the mix off my scalp and hair. The mix did what it was suppose to (cleaned my hair and scalp) but maybe a little too effectively in terms of stripping my hair of its natural oils. I needed an intesne moisturizing DC afterwards.

2. Second Method – Due to my previous experience (really dry hair) I prepped by doing a hot oil treatment for 30 minutes before applying the Aritha. I used less powder and a lot more water (3 tablespoons Aritha and 3/4 cup of water). I put the mixture in an old (clean) squeeze container and liberally squirted the mixture over my scalp. (Do not get it in your eyes it will burn and feel uncomfortable!) Since it was a lot more liquid-based, the mixture ran down my hair as well. I gently massaged just my scalp and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.

Pros – Again my scalp felt and looked really clean as did the length of my hair.  

Cons – My hair still felt dry afterwards even though I “prepoo’d” for 30 minutes. Also because it was very watery the mix did run down my hair a couple of times while I was massaging my scalp. 

Verdict

Would I buy this again? Yes BUT only to use for my face not to use it on my hair. I prefer Shikakai as a natural shampoo because it did not leave my hair as dry but did a good job of cleaning my hair. I can not say this is a “bad” product because it did what it supposed to do (cleans the scalp) and also dried the length of my hair from the limited contact it had. I think perhaps those with more product build up or an oily scalp might find this a little less harsh? I just know that I would use it again for my face but not my scalp. 

P.S. I was not asked/paid or compensated to mention the company or brand. The product was bought with my own money and the review was based on my own personal experience. This review was based on my own personal experiences and should you choose to use Aritha I would suggest you do your research and then do a patch test before applying the product on your scalp to see if you are allergic to it or not. 

Have you tried Aritha as a shampoo? If so, what did you think? If not, do you use any other Auyvedic powder as a natural shampoo? Let me know! 

Maicurls

Maicurls

Eating Healthy On A Budget

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Hi Maicurlies,

So I feel like I have neglected the “health” side of my blog a little simply because I have been doing a set workout program and schedule. 

I do have a few tips that I have come across and will be writing about them shortly but to get us started I came across a really nice article on Natura Magazine that I think might be helpful for some.

It is about incorporating healthy eating while working with a budget.

photo credit: StockMonkeys.com via photopin cc

photo credit: StockMonkeys.com via photopin cc

“How to Eat Healthy on a budget“. I think we all can do with a little saving for raining days right and seeing as a lot of the times if we eat out getting sometime quick usually involves fast food which is easy to access, cheap but not really health conscious. There are other alternatives and the short and sweet article highlights a few tips that can easily be incorporated into our lives while still ensuring that we are not spending tooo much! 

I hope you find it helpful!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Scalp Scrub

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Good Morning Maicurlies,

I wanted to share another DIY mix with you. I am sure you are wondering when does she stop mixing?! NEVER 😀

In all serenity I LOVE mixing my products. I have had both the bad and good store bought products and I can not lie not ALL of my DIY mixes have been a success however at least I can blame myself for that. I prefer tailoring products and adding ingredients I know are good for me, work for me and will not harm me or my body.

Anyways back to the topic which is a scalp scrub.

photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

               photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a scrub and different ways in which you can make one. The skin on our scalp is no different to the skin on the rest of our body. It can become dry, flaky, overloaded with product, irritated, itchy and so on. Scrubs can help to:

  • Remove dead cells
  • Relieve an itchy or irritated scalp
  • Relieve flaking/dandruff
  • Help to remove build up on the scalp
  • Clear up clogged pores
  • Relieve scalp acne, scalp pimples and white heads
  • Provide moisture and oils to a dry scalp

My particular scalp includes ingredients that helps to exfoliate, remove buildup, moisturize, conditions my roots and scalp as well as relax and increase blood flow to my scalp. I have a video on YouTube of my DIY Scalp Scrub.

Scalp Scrub

                          My DIY Scalp Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 8 Teaspoons of Raw Sugarcane (brown) Sugar*
  • 10 Tablespoons of Pure Honey
  • 2 teaspoons of Amla Powder (optional)
  • 2.5 teaspoons of Almond Oil
  • 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)

*I blend the brown sugar before making the scrub just for a few pulses because I have a sensitive scalp and do not want to scratch it with rough sugar granules. Even if you do not have a sensitive scalp I suggest first lightly blending the sugar because the scrub will not only be gentler on your scalp but also on your roots!

Ingredient Explanation:

– Sugarcane (brown) Sugar – Acts as the exfoliant to help remove dead skin and buildup (you can use regular white sugar if you can not find brown sugar).

– Honey – Used to moisturize the scalp and roots due to its humectant properties. It also has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help heal up scalp irritations a little quicker. (You can use molasses if you are allergic to honey.) 

– Amla – Helps to condition dry scalps and roots, restores the p.H balance and also works as a good anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. (This is an optional ingredient.) 

– Almond Oil – Helps to restore any lost natural oils produced by the scalp. (You can use any oil – I  suggest using any light oil of choice)

– Peppermint Essential Oil (EO) – Helps to simulate blood flow to the scalp which helps to promote hair growth due to the increase in oxygen from the blood flow. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is an excellent soothing EO. (You can use any EO of choice)
NOTE: Essential oils are potent therefor need to be diluted and if you are pregnant I would refrain from using any EO

Mixing

I first blend the 8 teaspoons of sugar just a few pulses and put it in a bowl. I add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix everything really well and then transfer it into a container.

I would recommend using a scrub no more than once every 2 weeks. The longer you leave the scrub standing the more the sugar will dissolve so you might need to remake this recipe before you use it up (depending on how much you use when you scrub).

TIP: This scrub can of course also be used for your body.  If you feel like you will not be able to use all of it for your scalp before the sugars dissolves use it for your body! 

Do you use a scrub for your scalp if so what do you use? If you try my recipe please let me know if you enjoyed it or not I would love to hear from you.

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Bubbly Brunch

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A Champagne brunch with the girls can be oh so much fun! Why not kick it up a notch by going all decked out with elegance yet with a flair of simplicity. A simple black jumpsuit with the right black heels accented with gold, brought together with the correct accessories can add just that touch for a fun afternoon bubbly brunch!

Have a bubble-filled day!
Maicurls

Maicurls

Featured on The Natural Hair Blog Directory

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Hello Maicurlies!

May - The Natural Hair Blog Directory

I hope everyone is having a fantastic start to the weekend!

Once again a lovely Natural Head (Ms. Rae) who’s feature story was actually covered on my blog (you can read it here) was kind enough to post my own Natural Hair Journey as well as my venture into the world of Blogging and Vlogging on The Natural Hair Blog Directory (NHBD). I am a member of NHBD and I first want to say that the feature is not only done beautifully but also has an air of professionalism to it (so pretty)! My feature story can be read here. 

I love the NHBD because it allows Blogger/Vloggers and other natural heads (including those contemplating going back natural) to get to know one another, mingle and exchange stories/experiences/advice! 

I am really honored that I was able to get a feature on the Blog because of the actual concept of NHBD… bringing people who love Natural Hair together! I have mentioned the Blog in a previous post (Get Listed on Natural Hair Blog Directory), so in case you are a Blogger/Vlogger or you know a Blog or Vlog that has not signed up with NHBD then go ahead get it registered! If you are looking for inspiration, interesting reads or simply connecting with people then again the Blog is the place to visit because there are a number (over 100) Naturalista’s listed on there with a vast array of information. 

Thank you for the beautiful coverage Rae!  

Maicurls

Maicurls