Author Archives: Maicurls

Unknown's avatar

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.

Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA) – Summertime

Leave a reply

Hi Maicurlies,

So I came across a post by Chelsee on Natura Magazine – Healthy Hair section about TWA’s and the summer. There are times when I wish I were courageous enough to just cut off my hair especially come summer (temperatures can reach 45 Degrees Celsius -113 Fahrenheit). Chelsee gives a really short and sweet explanation of what makes TWA’s great and why naturalista’s rocking TWA’s have a lot of fun.

There is also a “how to” video (tips) for co-washing and styling a TWA. 

To read the post click here. 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Spring Issue 2014 – Natura Magazine

Leave a reply

Hi Maicurlies,

This is just going to be a quick post to say the new 2014 Spring Issue of Natura Magaine is out! 

Natura Spring 2014 issue

Natura Spring 2014 issue

There are a few stories in there that I have read/plan on reading for example:

  • Natural Solutions to Stimulate Hair Growth – Page 48
  • Spring Fashion Trends 2014 – Page 100
  • Detox Water Recipes – Page 135

I hope you enjoy the magazine as much as I do. 

Have a nice day! 

Maicurls

Maicurls

Natura Magazine

Leave a reply

Hello Maicurlies!

I am super excited!!! (Doing my I am excited dance right now!)

I have been in touch with stunning Ms. Malia Brown (Editor in Chief) of the beeeaaautiful Natural Magazine & Blog “Natura Magazine” (psst) if you haven’t already checked it out then stop right now and click on the link above (and then come back of course!)           

I guess the best way to explain what Natura is all about is to quote them:     

“Natura Magazine gis an online publication/natural hair blog that celebrates natural hair and healthy lifestyle living. The main purpose of the magazine is to educate readers on natural hair care, healthy lifestyle and living your best life possible through fitness and nutrition. Natura (which is Latin for nature) is distributed quarterly to its subscribers and is in a league of it’s own. The content of the magazine will take its readers on a journey of what it’s like to be natural in America today while breaking down all sterotypes and highlighting the appropriate ways to care for natural hair, various styling techniques and natural hair care and skin products. Readers will also get up close and personal hair moments with their favorite celebrities as well as fitness regimens for various body types and many healthy lifestyle tips from experts themselves in the hair care, skin care, nutrition and health industries.”

Source: Natura Magazine – http://www.naturamagazineusa.com/natura-magazine              

The quote above basically breaks down what the online magazine/blog is all about. You have the actual “E-Magazine” and a blog with a lot of blog posts! I love the concept, content and feel of the entire site and it is FREE! If you subscribe and/or follow them you will always be informed when something new comes up. Did I mention it is FREE?!?!

So first things first. Natura will have a new magazine out on April 30th! See the cover “sneak peak” below. Once it is out I shall be sure to let you know! 

Natura Spring 2014

Of course they have previous issues such as the ones below. Yes, they are “old” issues but you can still read beautiful stories, see inspiring styles and learn a few tricks from the “old” right? (I just linked the magazines to their official magazine page.)

Natura Winter 2013  Fall 2013  Natura March 2013

Like I mentioned, apart from the magazines they also have a blog with a ton of information, stories, pictures, posts etc. and it is not only about Natural Hair! So, what I plan on doing is to highlight stories from their blog that I come across and if the stories/posts/images interest you then all you have to do is click on the links and read the entire posts on their page. (Yes, I am excited LOL).

So expect to see more than just my waffling about my natural hair, skin care and health tips from now on Maicurlies! 🙂

Thank you Ms. Malia!!!

P.S I was not requested, paid or compensated to share this information or any information to come regarding Natura Magazine. I just wanted to share because I enjoy Natura Magazine. 

Maicurls

Maicurls

Shikakai – Ayurvedic all Natural Shampoo (Option 1)

5 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

I hope all is well! 

Today I am coming to you with another Auyvedic product (yes I know) and as the title states, it can be used as a substitute for commercial Shampoo! Shikakai powder (which means “fruit for hair”) is predominantly found in Asia – most noticeably India and is derived from fruit pods of the Acacia Concinna tree. 

In Asia it is a popular alternative to shampoos which can contain harsh chemicals. Many of us natural curlies tend to stay away from shampoos that are not sulfate free due to the fact that shampoo can really dry out our hair. In some cases even sulfate free shampoos can sometimes dry out our hair (not all and not for everyone.)

Shikakai - Hesh

Shikakai – Hesh

The brand of Shikakai I used is Hesh and the box states it:

  • Acts as a natural astringent for hair 
  • Clears dandruff
  • Cleans dirt accumulated on the scalp
  • Conditions the hair
  • Strengthens hair roots
  • Promotes luxuriant growth
  • Acts as a coolant for the scalp

To use Shikakai you do not need any additional ingredients apart from water however, I know some people might add a little oil to the mix. Note: Shikakai only lathers up moderately. 

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.

Shikakai Powder

Shikakai Powder

My experiments: I tried two different methods

1. Box method – 6 tablespoons of Shikakai 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 it was not concentrated.

Pros- My scalp felt and looked really clean! I had no buildup at all and although I only really concentrated on my scalp the length of my hair also felt clean. I did not get that “squeaky clean” feeling which normally happened when I used shampoo but it definitely removed buildup and oil.  

Con – My hair felt a little more dry afterwards and less “conditioned” and it took a couple of rinses till I felt like I got all the mix off my scalp and hair. I knew I needed a DC after rinsing it out because even while my hair was damp it felt a little dry. Using a “paste” was a little too thick/heavy to be massaged into my scalp.

2. Second Method – I prepped my hair by doing a hot oil treatment for 30 minutes before applying the Shikakai. I used less powder and a lot more water (3 tablespoons Shikakai 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.  No buildup, no squeaky clean feeling and my hair did not feel overly dry. I think because I used more water, less powder and did a hot oil treatment beforehand I was happier with how my hair felt. Nevertheless I did follow up with a DC just for precaution.

Cons – It was a little difficult keep the mix on my scalp since it was very watery (it helps to apply this while in the shower.)  Apart from that I cannot complain. 

*UPDATE: I forgot to mention the scent of Shikakai. It does not have the most pleasant scent. I guess I would describe it as having a strong herbish smell. I really can not point my finger on anything to compare it to but it does have an “earthish-herbish” smell with a hint of spice  (sorry that probably doesn’t help.) After the rinses the scent dissipated a little and with the DC that followed I did not notice it anymore. 

Verdict

Would I buy this again? Yes, but I would use my second method because my hair felt better with that method.

Aritha powder is going to be my next experiment as a natural alternative to commercial shampoo and I will let you know how that goes in (part 2)

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.

Have you tried Shikakai 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

Tresemme Naturals Conditioners (Review)

2 Replies

Good Evening Maicurlies! 

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter 🙂

Before I start I want to point out one thing:

  • I was not paid/compensated or requested to do write this “review”
TRESemme Naturals

TRESemme Naturals Conditioners

Right, now that that’s out of the way let’s get down to business shall we. This will be my first “product review” if you can call it that, so please bear with me (it is long)! I wanted to provide as much information as possible.

I had to change my “go to” conditioner because long story short I noticed an ingredient that was either newly added or I never noticed it in the list before. I will not mention the name of the conditioner but the ingredient is Paraffinium Liquidium!!! (Mineral Oil!) Said conditioner was my staple for a number of reasons. It is paraben, silicone and phenoxyethanol free, contains 98% ingredients of natural origin and has a gentle pH. Aside from that it contains Shea Butter and Olive Oil, detangles my hair and deeply nourishes it.

So Why?? Why?? WHHHY??? I do not get it! You go to the lengths of being all of the above and then have that in there?!?! I was even a fan of the Hair Mask/Deep Conditioner from said company. Ok enough of my rant.

This brings me to my product review of TRESemmé Naturals. This is an old friend from back when I was transitioning and even after I was initially fully natural. I think during my product junkie days I sort of forgot about this conditioner. So I revisited my longtime friend and like it! 

I went over some product reviews to see what other natural-heads had to say before I retried it and of course there are two sides to every coin. There are rave reviews and some who were not too fond of it. Apparently at some point the ingredient list had been changed without warning and this caused quite a stir! Some ladies said that they preferred the “old” conditioner better. For me, I remember being fond of it a few years ago and my hair still responds well to it.

Before you continue reading please note: while the name says TRESemme Naturals it is NOT 100% natural! So ladies/gents please read your ingredient lists and then read it again to familiarize yourself with the product and to know what you are applying all over your hair and scalp.

TRESemmé Naturals Review: 

I tried both the: Vibrantly Smooth Conditioner and the Moisturizing Conditioner over a few weeks to get realistic results. I used both in the same way I used my previous conditioner: to wash/co-wash, as part of my DIY Deep Conditioners (DC) and my DIY Leave-In Conditioners.

Packaging

Both bottles have a clean and simple design with a big green leaf and a description of what each conditioner is supposed to do for your hair at the front. The back of course gives more details. The bottles are quite large (900ml) which is both positive and negative because while you get A LOT of conditioner the bottles are a little “bulky” in case you want to take one with you on vacation. *Read my Curly Travel Tips post to see how I solve this issue when I travel.

Price*

Both conditioners are the same price (in my area) and both are affordable (again in my area) so when it comes to price I think you get your monies worth especially as they are large bottles. *Price depends on where you live in the world but from what I have read online it is a seemingly cheap conditioner worldwide.

Consistency & Scent

They are both reasonably thick (not to the point that it is hard to squeeze them out of the bottle) and give me great slip. The color of the conditioners is white, the scent of both are neither strong nor overpowering but they do have a light ‘perfume-ish’ smell.  F.Y.I they both contain (PARFUM) fragrance (ingredient list below) in case this is an issue for you.

Results

TRESemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner

Moisturizing Conditioner

Moisturizing Conditioner: My hair really does feel moisturized after using the conditioner as a co-wash/DC/Leave-In Conditioner. It cleans my hair but does strip it (technically a conditioner should not but there have been cases of this happening). As part of my DIY DC’s I enjoyed the results because it left my hair feeling moisturized and soft. Since it was not developed as a DC I add additional ingredients for more benefits. My hair does not feel or look weighed down when used as a Leave-In nor does it coat my hair. Instead, I get really moisturized curls with a nice sheen, good clumpage, curls that pop and are really shiny. Note: when used as a DIY Leave-In the ratio of the ingredients used can determine if you do/do not get buildup. Therefore make sure to use measured amounts and ration the amounts used.

TRESemme Naturals Vibrantly Smooth Conditioner

Vibrantly Smooth Conditioner

Vibrantly Smooth: My hair feels moisturized, slick (not greasy) and not stripped at all. My hair does not feel or look weighed down instead, it does a good job of clumping my curls, moisturizes my hair and giving it a smooth finish. As part of my DIY DC’s I enjoyed the results because it again left my hair feeling moisturized and soft. Since it was not developed as a DC I add additional ingredients to maximize the results. I noticed the most frizz reduction when I use it as a part of my DIY Leave-In Conditioner. Note: when used as a DIY Leave-In the ratio of the ingredients used will determine if you feel like you have buildup or not. Therefore make sure to use measured amount and ration the amounts used so not to cause buildup or clogged scalp pores.

Ingredients

Green = “good” ingredient/alcohol (some include natural ingredients)

Orange = “average” ingredient/alcohol (some include natural ingredients)

Red = “poor” ingredient/alcohol

Moisturizing Conditioner – Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyrceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Diemthlyamine, Aspartic Acid, Lauroyl Lysine, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol,Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Ethyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Alcohol.

Vibrantly Smooth Conditioner – Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyrceride, Stearamidopropyl Diemthlyamine, Lauroyl Lysine, Aspartic Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Extract, Ethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol,Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance).

NOTE: when looking at ingredient lists sometimes we get confused about the alcohols in them and think all alcohols are “bad” when that is not always the case. Examples of “good” alcohols are fatty alcohols such as: Cetyl Alcohol & Stearyl Alcohol. Benzyl Alcohol is considered more of an “average” alcohol, whereas alcohols such as: Ethyl Alcohol & Isopropyl Alcohol are “poor” alcohols as they can cause the hair to feel dry. Therefore if your product contains “poor” alcohols try to make sure they are at the bottom of the list as this indicates there is a low percentage of it present. (The higher up an ingredient is listed the more prevalent it is in the product.) Also make sure to do patch tests before you apply conditioner all over your head. 

Additional details

  • Silicon Free
  • Hypoallergic
  • No added colour
  • “Makes your hair 10x stronger after just one use” (I cannot attest to this)
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin (*You should do a small patch test first before applying it all over your scalp)
  • Can be used on color treated hair
  • Not tested on animals
  • Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause skin irritation in which case you should flush thoroughly with water

Verdict

In all honesty I really like both products but I would say the Moisturizing Conditioner is my favorite because it does what the label says! It makes my hair feel great, cleans yet still leaves it moisturized and really really soft. I will never have frizz free hair (I am not looking for that It) and the Moisturizing Conditioner seems to give me just that extra moisture.  Also since I am an ingredient fanatic I prefer its ingredient list over the Vibrantly Smooth Conditioner since all of the “poor” ingredients are listed right at the bottom of the list. 

– THE END –

Do you use TRESemmé Naturals? Which one? How do you like it? If you do not like it why? I would love to hear from you!

Maicurls

Maicurls

Easter Sunday with Family and Friends

Leave a reply

I figured why not have three options to choose from this Easter Sunday. Whatever your traditions might be on Easter (be it attending church, a family brunch or spending time together with loved ones over dinner) I hope you have a wonderful Easter Sunday!

Easter Sunday with Family and Friends

White skater dress
ustrendy.com

Belted dress
delias.com

Floral dress
$80 – emp-online.it

Missguided high heel shoes
$21 – missguided.co.uk

AX Paris zipper bag
$10 – axparis.com

Gucci fragrance
sephora.com

Naomi Campbell red perfume
$50 – nelly.com

Beauty product
pacsun.com

Tips for Longer and Stronger Nails and Lashes Video

Leave a reply

Hi Maicurlies!

I finally have my video up on YouTube of my tips for longer and stronger nails and lashes!

DSC05314

I had a post up a little while back (I was slow with the video part) which you can read here. So starting officially today (19.4.2014) I will be using Virgin Coconut Oil with Vitamin E Oil for both my nails and lashes (and I decided I will also use it for my super thin brows). I plan on applying and leaving the oil on at night – 3x a week nails (without nail polish on) and every night (if I can remember) for my lashes and brows. 

I plan on monitoring my progress for 1 – 2 months to give it enough time to take effect. I have to say that having a healthy lifestyle would also have a stronger impact on the results. Eating healthy, drinking tons of water, getting enough sleep and doing exercise all play a role too! 

I will do a follow up to let you know if I noticed a difference or not after the 1 – 2 months.

If you do something similar, plan on doing the same or have already used coconut/castor or any other natural ingredient for your nails, lashes, brows please do let me know I would love to hear from you!

Have a lovely Ash Friday Maicurlies! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Ms. Rae – Feature Story on Maicurls

3 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

I know, I know, two posts in one day?! But I was really excited to introduce to you my newest beautiful natural head…Ms. Rae! 

Rae

Rae is an “Old Timer” natural who works in field of Instructional Design, runs (owns) the beautiful blog Love Thy Introvert and if that wasn’t enough she also admins the inspiring blog The Natural Hair Blog Directory . She did me the honor of allowing me to feature her hair journey which can be read here.

In case natural hair interests you (which I am guessing it does!) or perhaps you want to delve into the world of understanding personalities, instructional design, life or Christianity then Love Thy Introvert is the blog for you. I would also recommend that you check out The Natural Hair Blog Directory because the amount of inspiration you can get through all the bloggers and vloggers on there is incredible! 

Thank you for sharing your story with us Rae! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Coconut Cream For Hair

10 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

So I have been experimenting with a number of different things because while I trained myself to stop buying every product I see in a store I am a Do It Yourself (DIY) & natural ingredient junkie and I have a feeling that won’t go away anytime soon!

So what was my latest experiment? Coconut Cream!

I have been using Coconut Milk in all of my DIY Deep Conditioners (DC’s) for nearly a year and I have enjoyed the benefits of Coconut Milk.

Organic Coconut Milk

       Organic Coconut Milk

Coconut Milk

                            Organic Coconut Milk

 Some of the attributes of Coconut Milk:

  • rich in protein and nutrients to strengthen the hair
  • boosts hair growth
  • combats dandruff
  • reduces hair fall
  • reduces the appearance of grey hair
  • softens the hair
  • reduces frizz

* The more frequently you use it the better your results and more long term they will be.

Now for my new love Coconut Cream.

Coconut Cream

             Coconut Cream

Coconut Cream has pretty much the same attributes to Coconut Milk but also has a few additional benefits from my experience:

  • Coconut Cream has a higher fat content and helps prevent excessive hair shed
  • My hair had less tangles during the week I used it
  • Detangling was easier on wash day due to there being less tangles
  • Its consistency is much thicker than the Coconut Milk, this makes it less “drippy” when applied as a DC. 

In order to try and get an idea of which of the two I preferred I experimented using my normal Moisturizing DC and one new mixture using Coconut Milk one week and then Coconut Cream the following week.

First experiment (my normal Moisturizing DC)

  • 1/4 cup Coconut Milk/Coconut Cream
  • 4 tablespoons Pure Honey
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ) with Vitamin E added to it
  • 1 Overripe Banana*
  • 2  tablespoons Conditioner
  • 1 teaspoon Grapeseed Oil

* I like using overripe bananas because they are softer and less likely to results in lumpy and difficult to rinse DC. You can substitute bananas with banana baby food. 

My second experiment

  • 1 cup conditioner
  • 1/3 cup Coconut Milk/Coconut Cream
  • 1/4 cup Amla
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Rosewater
  • 1 teaspoon Grapeseed Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Glycerin 

As I mentioned while my hair responds well to both Coconut Milk and Cream I must say my hair felt soooo good with the Coconut Cream mixes. It was just a bit more bouncy, more defined, and had more shine. So for me, Coconut Cream is a keeper! 

Have you used Coconut Cream? What did you use it for? How was your experience? 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls