Category Archives: Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair

DIY Frozen Henna Bars (updated recipe)

Property of Maicurls – Frozen Henna Bars

I am back with an update version of my frozen henna bars. This recipe consists of some new ingredients and some of the old ingredients in my previous recipe.

If you have not used Henna or ayurvedic herbs before, I highly recommend that you research them first, before applying onto you hair! While they are natural and a healthy addition to incorporate into your hair routine (providing strength, shine and so much more, with henna being a great natural way to add a red/reddish orange undertone to the hair) it is always best to be informed. I have a little breakdown of Henna along with some of the other ingredients I use here.

Before I get asked the infamous question of “will it make my hair red”. The answer is yes and no. It totally depends on the colour of your hair before applying henna. If you have black or dark hair, you will notice a subtle red undertone to the hair which is more noticeable under direct sunlight (not really visible indoors). If you have light brown hair, you will notice a reddish brown undertone to your hair and if you are blond, you definitely will get an orange tint to your hair. For grays and white hair, you will get a golden orange/fiery orange tone to your hair. (Ps. there are a variety of henna “species” which means that the type/location to the plant you can get, you can get a verity of dye intensity).

In case you want to tone down that orange tint (for those with gray/white hair) – naturally – Indigo is the way to go. Indigo is used to give a final black tone to the hair. You can either do a two step process of first apply henna followed by Indigo (most optimal for stubborn grays) or you can do a 50/50 combination of mixing henna and Indigo which will give more of a dark brown tone. Amla helps to provide a slightly brownish tone to henna and hibiscus will give it a kick of red. I personally have never tried Indigo myself but you can inform yourself about it along with an really in-depth look about all the herbs here at hennasooq.com

PSA: It is ALWAYS required to do a strand & skin test to make sure you are not allergic to henna or any other herb you use on your hair. I will also stress the fact that natural pure henna (good henna) only comes in one colour: Reddish orange. There is no natural brown henna, black henna or anything else. If you find that it is either one of two scenarios: it’s a blend of henna along with indigo, amla, hibiscus etc. so it will have other ayurvedic herbs mixed together (which is fine as long as it only contains natural herbs). Or it is unnatural “natural henna” which, can be harmful potentially containing harsh chemicals which, can damage the skin & hair. They can cause allergic reactions, burns and even lead to death in some cases (those that experience an allergic shock) so as I mentioned PLEASE make yourself aware of what you are applying.

Now with all that mentioned, here is my updated recipe. I am keeping it simple and effective.

Ingredients & Tools (Makes five 100 gram bars 3.5 oz.) – 500 grams total 17.6 oz.

1.5 cups Henna
1 1/4 cups Rosewater
1/4 cup Ghassoul/Rhassoul
1/4 cup dried Hibiscus petals
1/4 cup dried Rosebuds/ petals (optional)
1/4 cup Amla
1/4 cup fresh Aloe Vera Juice

Bowls
Sieve
Spatula
Pot
Gloves
Lining (to protect worksurface)
Silicone molds (any container)
Clingfilm
Airtight container

Additional/Optional:

Instead of pure Rosewater you can either do a combination of water & Rosewater or just stick to plain water. The Rosebuds are not a requirement but I love adding Rosebuds for the additional Rose benefits. Hibiscus is the acidic element for dye release (along with the Amla powder which, is also acidic) but you can use Hibiscus tea or any other tea. You can add other ayurvedic herbs to the paste, I’ve just been keeping it simple.

Method:

I add the Rosebuds and Hibiscus petals to the Rosewater which I heat up (I do not boil the water) and allow the petals to seep. I combine and mix all the powders together so that everything is well combined before adding the liquids. I pour the Rosewater through a sieve first and then pour the Aloe Vera Juice to the powders. (Slowly) add the Rosewater to the powders and mix. Once everything is well combined, cover the paste with clingfilm and allow for dye release to start. (Everyone’s henna starts releasing dye depending on the type of henna you have, for me, right before 5 hours is when it starts to kick in for my henna). Transfer the paste into molds, cover each mold with clingfilm and freeze. Once the bars freeze transfer into an airtight container and wrap each bar with clingfilm to preserve them.

Additional information:

I will mention that I like the henna paste to be thick because when I “melt” them for use, I put the bars in a bowl with a little heated up hibiscus rosewater which, will help to melt down the bars. I prefer not making the bars too runny prior to freezing because frozen henna bars tend to be a little more runny after they have thawed anyways. But that is totally a personal choice, so if you prefer to start off with a runnier paste all you have to do is add more liquid to the recipe.

You can store the bars in the freezer for up to 4 months (some say 6) but I tend to use them up before 2 months and just remake fresh batches. (I use 2 – 3 at a time).

Would love to hear what you think if you give these a try!

Maicurls

Regrowz 100% Natural Homeopathic Scalp and Stimulation and Restoration Serum

SCALP STIMULANT

Image Sourced from: https://regrowz.com

The Regrowz Scalp Stimulant is developed to help open the pores (in areas where you have experienced hair loss) and is the first step to preparing the scalp to receive the Restoration Serum (step 2). The comb attachment acts as a deep exfoliant, cleansing the scalp of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is contained within the natural oil produced by the scalp (sebum). It should be left on the scalp for a 30 minute period before applying the Restoration Serum (without rinsing it).

RESTORATION SERUM

Image sourced from:https://regrowz.com/

Similar to the Scalp Stimulant, the serum should be focused on the scalp itself and massaged for 1 minute and then left on for a minimum of 60 minutes to overnight (by covering the hair with a shower cap/plastic bag in order to avoid staining). It is said to have been effective in 100% of those that have used the serum and clinical studies of those that participated reported a 39.41% reduction in total hair loss with up to 44.90% individual reduction for some.

After 60 minutes – overnight the products needs to be washed out of the hair with shampoo. This system is most effective when used frequently (every other day is best).

I was given a discount code: 10caregrowz46 that can be used upon checkout on Regrows.

I plan on monitoring my progress in my crown and back of head area since my crown seems to grow the slowest and the hair on the back of my neck experiences more tension/friction while wearing my hair down, using a scarf or putting it up in a ponytail. I shall be using Regrowz for 3 months and will do a 1.5 month update as well as after 3 months.

DIY Natural Ayurvedic Cleanser

2 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

I am back with my videos and blog posts (finally). Figured it was time to share what my current hair routines look like since a couple of things have changed since I last recorded a DIY hair post (which has been forever ago).

I will be doing a “mini series” and to start things off I am going to share my DIY Ayurvedic Hair Cleanser.

INGREDIENTS/TOOLS:

0.75oz Shikakai Powder (Review)
1oz Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
16oz Distilled water
(Optional) 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil/any other Essential Oil (if you are pregnant please do not use any Essential Oil).

INGREDIENT ALTERNATIVES:

You can replace the Shikakai with Aritha Powder (review here). Aritha is too “harsh” (cleanses my hair too well) leaving it feeling stripped and “squeaky clean”, which is why I do not use it personally.

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine all the ingredients together in a container and mix, that’s it!

APPLICATION:

I pour the mix over my scalp first and the roots of my hair and then slowly work down. Some of you might want to strain the mix with a cheese cloth however, it is not necessary. Once you rinse out the mix in the shower you should be left with clean, shiny hair.

You can read all about shikakai in this review.

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Henna Spray For Strength

3 Replies

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

DIY Conditioning Bars with Cleansing Properties

10 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

It has been a while (a little over a month) since I last shared a DIY and over the last few weeks I have been asked “when will you share a DIY again”, you request and I shall deliver 😉

DIY Conditioning Bar With Cleansing Properties

My “DIY Conditioning Bar with Cleansing Properties” is a mix that my hair LOVES! As the name indicates it helps to condition my hair while leaving my curls feeling clean (thanks to cleansing properties) but it does not result in dry or stripped clean hair thanks to the conditioning elements!

Ingredients/Tools:

DIY Conditioning Bar With Cleansing Properties - Ingredients

1.1 oz Amla
1.5 oz Shikakai
0.7 oz Water
3 oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter (I got mine from SheaButter Cottage)
0.7 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (optional) – use any Essential Oil you like*
0.2 oz Glycerin (optional)**
Pot & Bowl for double broiler
Spoon
Container
Silicon Moulds & Cling Film (if you choose to make blocks)

Note: *If you are pregnant please do not use any Essential oil. Essential Oil needs to be sufficiently diluted & certain oils have more “strength”. ** If you hair does not like Glycerin skip this ingredient (see Alternative Suggestions for other options).

Mixing Method:

I first combine the dry ingredients (powders) together and mix them well. I then add the water and stir before adding the butter and remaining ingredients. When I add the butter and oils etc it is done step-by-step (do not pour everything in one go since you want to make sure you are not adding more than you want and to make sure everything is mixed well).

Storage/Setting:

If you are going to use this right after making the mix, then skip this step and move onto “Adding Your Mixing Liquid” (below). If you are making blocks, pour into silicon molds which will be covered with cling film in order for them to set (Once set, I store mine in a sandwich bag for future use).

Adding Your Mixing Liquid:

Bars in double broiler

Melting bars

Depending on your preference you can basically add any liquid of choice (e.g. Flax Seed Water, Tea, Water, Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream). First gently double broil the blocks (do not completely melt them down) you just want them to melt a little since you will be adding warm mixing liquid which will completely melt down the bars. My mixing liquid of choice is Flax Seed Water. I literally let the seeds (2 oz) just reach a gentle rolling boil in plain water (8.8 oz) for no more than 5 minutes on low heat. I immediately sieve the seeds (which I store for reuse) and pour the Flax Seed Water to my semi melted blocks and stir stir stir.

Application:

Melted Conditioning Bars

Once the Flax Seed Water has been added it turns into this lovely consistency and I highly recommend applying on lightly damp hair (best on detangled hair to avoid tangles and to allow for easy application). I cover my hair with a shower cap and scarf for a minimum of 20 – 30 minutes and then rinse it out with a dab of conditioner (the conditioner is optional but I prefer using it to make sure I don’t have any “bits” in my hair).

Ingredient Benefits:

Amla – holds conditioning properties, provides shine, strengthens the hair, helps slow down early on set greying/darkens the hair (subtly), helps keep a clean & healthy Scalp.
Shikakai – helps to cleanse the hair & scalp.
Water – best moisturizing ingredient.
Unrefined Cocoa Butter – helps moisturize the hair, reduces hair loss, reduces breakage & alleviates scalp itching and irritations.
Virgin Coconut Oil – provides shine and strength, penetrates into the hair shaft to strengthen from within, soothes an irritated scalp & helps elimate frizz.
Vitamin E Oil – helps extend homemade products shelf life, rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp & hair.
Peppermint Essential Oil – helps to stimulate blood flow to the scalp which results in hair growth, soothes an irritated scalp, cleanses the scalp & also helps extend the shelf life of homemade products.
Glycerin – a humectant that attracts water in the air (humidity) to the area applied.

Alternative Ingredients:

Unrefined Cocoa Butter – can be replaced with any other butter of choice e.g. Shea Butter, Mango Butter or a combination.
Virgin Coconut Oil – can be replaced with any carrier oil of choice.
Glycerin – can be replaced with Honey or Agave Nectar (if you hair likes Humectants).
Shikakai – can be replaced with Aritha (soap nut) which has even more cleansing abilities.
Water – can be used together with Rose Water e.g 0.35 oz Water & 0.35 oz Rose Water.
Peppermint Essential Oil – you can replace this with any oil of choice or omit it completely.

When To Use:

There is no “time frame” for this, you can use it whenever you like. I do suggest that if your hair is in need of a little TLC and you want to switch between deep conditioning you can use this in place of a Deep Conditioner from time to time.

I would love to hear what you think! If you use this recipe or change a few things please let me know, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

Updated Full Strength Henna Paste and How To Make Henna (Ice) Blocks

7 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I’ve got another DIY and this also sort of ties in with my recent re-addiction to all things henna 😀

I first want to share my updated henna paste (full strength henna) which focuses only on ayurvedic herbs – Henna, Amla and Hibiscus mixed with Green Tea.

This mix is somewhat similar to my “old” henna paste which you can read about (here) except that I now add hibiscus. I have already written about the wonders of hibiscus here p.s. it is awesome for a number of different reasons! Another aspect that is different is that I keep my henna paste “clean” by not adding anything additional e.g. conditioner, coconut milk etc after I see dye release. There is no harm in adding conditioner/coconut milk/oil etc to the paste, they actually help to make your hair feel less dry after you rinse out the henna however, at the moment I am more focused on the ayurvedic benefits which is why I opt not to add anything to the mix.

(I turn to my DIY Henna Gloss Bars on days when I want to henna without the punch that is packed in my full strength henna paste).

Henna Paste

Ingredients/Tools:

Henna 5 oz
Amla 0.7 oz
Hibiscus 1.2 oz
Green Tea 6 oz
Glass Bowl
Spatula
Old material/newspaper to cover the work space

Mixing:

I first combine all the dry ingredients and then add my warm green tea (not boiling hot – I let it cool down first) and stir. I like making my paste quite thick because I don’t like the henna to drip down my face/neck.

After mixing I will cover the paste with Clingfilm and wait for dye release. When I start to see dye release I add a tiny bit of lukewarm tea (no more than 1.5 oz) just so the paste isn’t too thick and will spread easily on my hair. It usually takes my henna no more than 4 hours to see the initial stages of dye release and I like to apply it when I start to see dye release since I leave the henna on overnight and the dye will continue to release while I sleep.

Application:

I always apply henna on damp detangled and cleansed hair, starting at the back working my way to the front. I cover my hair with Clingfilm, a shower cap, sometimes a plastic bag and then a scarf to make sure everything is really nice and warm. ALWAYS USE GLOVES otherwise your palms and nails will get stained! After I have left the henna on overnight I rinse out the henna with water first, follow up with rinses with conditioner and then I apply a Moisturizing Deep Conditioner (DC) once the water runs clear. I leave the DC on for no less than 2 hours and then I am done!

Henna (Ice) Blocks

Frozen Henna (Ice) Blocks

What I now love doing is turning my henna paste into henna (Ice) Blocks. I like making the blocks because:

I mix up quite a bit of henna and store it in my freezer waiting for it to be used. This makes it less time consuming in the long run since everything is ready and just needs to be melted.
Whenever I have henna in my freezer, the red dye is much more intense compared to when I just use my paste after dye release.

Ingredients/Tools:

Henna Paste (recipe above)
Silicone moulds
Spatula
Clingfilm
Sandwich bag
Old material/newspaper to cover the work space

Making the bars:

Henna (Ice) Blocks before freezing them

After making the henna paste I simply pour the paste into silicone molds, cover with Clingfilm and then place them in my freezer. (If you do not have silicone molds you can use ice cube trays but I would keep the moulds and ice cube trays separate from those you use to make normal ice blocks, bake etc. I keep everything I use for my hair separate from other tools in my kitchen).

Clingfilm covered henna (Ice) Blocks

I recommend letting the bars freeze for no less than 12 hours ideally letting them sit in the freezer for longer because the longer you let them sit the more intense the red dye! Once the bars have frozen I cover each bar with Clingfilm and store them in a sandwich bag until they are needed. I have left mine in the freezer for 2 months and still got great dye release and conditioning benefits. (You might get away with more storage time but I have not tried).

Melting the bars:

Melting Frozen Henna (Ice) Blocks

Heatproof bowl
A little water
Spatula
Henna Bars
Green tea (no more than 2 oz)
Gloves
Old Piece of cloth/newspaper to cover the work space

Put a pot on the stove with a little bit of water. Place the bars in the heatproof bowl and put the bowl over the pot. Allow the bars to slowly melt down on low heat for 7 – 10 minutes while stirring. Once the bars have melted I tend to add a little bit of lukewarm tea (no more than 2 oz) just to make sure the paste is neither too thick/thin. I apply & rinse as normal (see above) and that is it!

I have a video of the whole process:

Would love to hear what you think!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Henna Gloss Bars

7 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I am super super excited to share another DIY product and I am happy to say it has been added to my list of favourites!

YUP, I finally worked out a mix for these DIY Henna Gloss Bars that I am really happy with. A while ago I started experimenting and wrote a quick post about it here. In my previous experiments I used too much oil, then too much butter but I finally have a recipe that is right (for my hair).

Here are some pictures of my previous experiments. They look pretty but didn’t feel quite right.

Henna Bar Experiment 1

Henna Bar Experiment 2

NOTE: If you have not used henna before then you want to do your research because while I rave abut how AWESOME it is, there always are pro’s and con’s to everything that need to be considered. I normally use BAQ Henna powder to make a paste and have written about my Henna/Amla DC recipe as well as information about henna. But I recommend that you do more research. A good starting point is Henna For Hair. Once you have done that, come back here 😀

Ingredients – This mix makes 16.2 oz = 6.5 bars

I have quite long hair that is fine but I like to coat my hair with henna so you might need to tweak the ratios depending on the length and density of you hair.

2.8 oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter
0.7 oz Coffee Infused Almond Oil (use any carrier oil)
4.2 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
0.2 oz Glycerine (optional – can be replaced with honey or agave nectar if you wish)
0.15 oz Vitamin E Oil
5.3 oz BAQ Henna
1.4 oz Hibiscus*
2.1 oz Amla*

*These powders can be replaced with other Auyverdic herbs such as Shikakai, Bhrami etc depending on the results you want to get. They are acidic which help with the dye release of the henna.

Mixing Instruction

First melt the Cocoa butter in a double broiler for no more than 5 minutes.
In a glass bowl combine all the powders together and mix well.*
After the butter melts take it off the stove, add the oils together and stir.
Slowly add the melted butter and oils to the powder step by step and stir really well.
Pour the mix into your moulds (I use silicon moulds since the bars are easy to pop out once frozen but you could use ice cube trays).
Cover the henna with cling film to allow the dye release process and freeze them for a minimum of 12 hours.

*Don’t use any metal items when mixing henna. – This is a precaution in case you are not using 100% pure BAQ Henna (which you should be using). If you know you are using 100% pure BAQ henna then you do not have to worry, I use glass and plastic items just to “set an example” but I am sure the henna I get is pure.

Storage

I like to cover each individual bar once it has set with cling film and then place them in a resealable sandwich bag that is dated so I remember when the bars were made.

Covered henna bars

Always store the bars in the freezer otherwise they will start to melt and will slowly loose their properties over time. You can keep the bars in your freezer for weeks, I actually always find that henna stored in the freezer has a stronger dye potency so I leave mine in the freezer for no less than 1 week before I use them. However after a while you might notice that the dye peak has started to drop.

Melting/Application process

This is really about personal preference but I like to use either Coconut Cream or Conditioner (depending on what I’ve got at home) when I double broil the henna bars. Never use direct heat on the bars e.g. do not put them in the microwave or in a pot directly on the heat of a stove! While I make 6 bars I only use 5 bars for a full strength henna treatment and 0.5 – 1.5 bar for a henna gloss. The extra’s are left in the freezer for future use.

Coconut Cream/milk: I use roughly 1/3 cup of coconut cream. I first double broiling the bars and then add the coconut cream, adding a little more (if it is too thick) and apply onto damp cleansed and detangled hair. I prefer my mix to be a little on the thicker side so it won’t run down my neck.

Conditioner: I use 1/2 cup of conditioner (depending on how thick the conditioner is). I first double broil the bars and slowly add the conditioner a step at a time and mix. I apply onto damp cleansed and detangled hair. I prefer my mix to be a little on the thicker side so it won’t run down my neck.

Tea: I use roughly 1/3 cup of green tea (you can use any tea). I first double broiling the bars and then add the tea. I apply onto damp cleansed and detangled hair. I prefer my mix to be a little on the thicker side so it won’t run down my neck.

I tend to leave the mix on my hair for 30 minutes – 1 hour but you can leave it on for more/less time. I cover my hair with a clingfilm, a shower cap, usually a plastic bag as well and then a scarf just to make sure it is nice and toasty warm up there.

*NOTE: ALWAYS do a moisturising Deep Condition (DC) after applying henna on your hair to restore the balance. Henna can make the hair feel dry and brittle therefore the moisturising DC brings back moisture to the hair.

When Do I use them?

I like to use the bars in between the times I use my regular henna paste because it is a little less drying, it is easier to rinse out and to be honest I LOVE making the bars! I still use my normal henna paste (recipe here), I just alternate between the two. I also like to use the bars as a gloss that gives my hair a light colour touch up and due to all the conditioner I use, my hair doesn’t feel as dry afterwards.

I would LOOOOOVE to hear if you try this out and if you come up with your own recipes! If you use a pre-made Henna bar please let me know what you think about that, I love hearing from you all!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Ayurvedic Hair Mask – Amla Shikakai Rose

8 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I want to share a DIY Hair Mask (Masque) with you. I actually started using this as a alternative to a Clay Mask (Masque) since I can’t seem to get the Clay here locally so I will probably buy some at some point to try experiment with and write about.

But for now this is my baby!

DIY Ayurvedic Hair Mask (Amla Shikakai Rose)

I LOVE using this mix on my hair for several reasons:

Its strengthening property
Conditioning ability
The sheen provided by the mask
Light cleansing property
Detoxifying ability (due to its cleansing property)
Darkening ability (I like my hair in a brown/red tone thanks to henna and amla)
Curl popping power (my curls come back to life after this mask)

Now what is in this wonder mask I hear you asking right? Well the recipe is simple and as always is built around ingredients I use regularly on my hair. You should be able to find most of these in your grocery store (perhaps the “ethnic” section), your local Indian store or if all else fails you can find them all Online. Butters-n-Bars is a good place to check, as is Sheabutter Cottage and if you find a good reliable source Amazon is another alternative. I am able to find all the ingredients used locally.

(NOTE: I was not paid, compensated or requested to mention any company names these are just suggestions of places where you can purchase some of the ingredients. I bought my products locally and paid for them with my own money).

Ingredients:

3.5 oz Amla powder (I use the Hesh Brand)
0.5 oz Shikakai (I use the Hesh Brand)
0.2 oz Amla Infused Coconut Oil (can be replaced with regular coconut oil or any other carrier oil)
0.1 oz Glycerine (Optional)
2.5 oz Rose Water
5.5 oz Plain Water (I use bottled Water)

Additional Ingredients/Replacements

Honey/Agave Nectar – In place of the Glycerine
Essential Oils (EO’s) – you can use any Essential Oil you like. I am currently always in the mood of Rose water so I am not adding any EO’s to mine.
Cassia – in place of the Amla you can replace it with Cassia which will not darken your hair. It has conditioning properties just like Amla as well as strengthening abilities.
Other Ayurvedic Herbs – you can actually replace the Shikakai with any other herb such as Aritha, Brahmi, Neem just to mention a few.

Mixing Instructions:

I first combine the Ayurvedic Herbs together in a bowl and mix. Stir it carefully because they powders are really light and will fly around everywhere. Next I add the Oil, Glycerine and Rose water and stir again. The final step is adding the water. I like to add the water a little at a time and mix. You might want to add more/less water depending on how thick/thin you want the mask, I like mine to be a little thicker than pancake batter.

Application

1. I first dampen my hair with a spray bottle, I like my hair to be damp but not sopping wet. 2. I apply the mask liberally all over my hair starting at the ends and make my way to my roots. (Do not comb or manipulate your hair once it is applied because otherwise you are asking for breakage!) 3. I wrap my hair around my head and cover with a shower cap and usually some material too to keep my head warm and leave it on for 30 – 60 minutes. 4. I rinse out the mask and *co-wash my hair.

* For some the Amla might be a little acidic and therefore can leave your hair feeling a little rough and therefore a simple co-wash might not sufficient. If that is the case do a moisturising Deep Condition afterwards.

Application process

1. I first spritz my hair with water

2. Liberally apply the mask

3. I wrap my hair down and then will cover with cling-film and then material

4. I rinse out the mask, co-wash and then style (I really don’t like my hair wet…so mousey!)

5. After my hair airdries I get them popping curls! (Wash and Go)

Storage

I make a lot of this mask and use it all up because I like to coat my hair with it and my hair is a little long. You might need more/less depending on your hair length/density however if you have any leftovers you can cover and store it in the freezer just make sure to put a date on it to remember when it was made.

I would love to hear what you think if you try this mask/masque. I would also love to hear about your Clay Hair Masks so I can have a recipe list to follow when I try it 😀

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Neem Infused Coconut Oil (Recipe 5)

21 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

This is my second to last Infused Oil (I promise)

Infusing Neem Leaves

I already wrote about Neem and the benefits of Neem Infused Oil over here. To summarize:

It contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
Eases skin irritations, rashes, itchiness and is said to help ease eczema (I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist therefore always check with a professional).
Reduces the appearance of light burns and scars
Helps reduce hair shedding & breakage
Known to help slow down premature graying & the appearance of grey hairs
Naturally and gradually darkens the hair
Provides the hair with shine & luster
Promotes hair growth.

Ingredients/tools:

Spoon
Measuring cups
Container
Sieve

1.5 cups of dried Neem Leaves (you can use powder e.g. 1/4 cup*)
2 cups of Virgin Coconut Oil (you can use any oil of choice)
8 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional – you can use any oil of choice but if you are pregnant do not use any essential oil).

*If you use the powder I would recommend putting it in a coffee filter or cheese cloth to help keep the oil and powder separate.

Mixing Process:

: Adding Neem leaves

: Infusing Neem Leaves in virgin coconut oil

: 2 weeks later

: Sieving out neem leaves

: Adding essential oil

: Neem infused Coconut Oil

I have a video up on my process:

NOTE: I am not a dermatologist nor a doctor. I provide this for informational purposes only so please consult with a professional before you apply anything new to your skin or hair. Should you be taking medication or creams from a medical professional please do not replace that with my DIY recipe – consult your medical professional first! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use do not use them. Do a small patch test on the inside of your arm when trying anything new before applying it all over your hair/skin. Always ensure to dilute the Essential Oils (EO) in a carrier oil as they can cause skin irritations if used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should NOT use any EO.

If you try this please let me know how it turns out. If you make your own Infused Neem Oil I would love to hear from you!

Maicurls

Benefits of Infused Neem Oil

8 Replies

Good Morning Maicurlies,

This is going to be a post all about Neem, Infused Neem Oil to be specific.

Fresh Neem Leaves

As a part of my “Infused Oil Series” I also make Neem Infused Coconut Oil and will have a video & writeup of how to make it shortly. For now I just wanted to point out the reasons why I like the oil and why you might want to try it.

What is Neem?

Like a lot of Ayurvedic plants & hebrs, the Neem tree is located mainly in Asia and is most predominantly popular India. Its leaves, nuts, twigs and barks can be used for Ayurvedic purposes. Pure Neem Oil that is cold pressed from the whole nut is exceptionally rich and full of nourishing properties as well as Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, but the one “negative” aspects of pure Neem Oil is that it has a strong pungent smell. However, if you can stomach the scent, your skin and hair can benefit greatly from its nourishing properties.

I of course use an infused version of the oil since I can not make the cold pressed version at home, so mine is not as strong however, I still get benefits from infusing the leaves (it is also not as “smelly”). Neem Oil and Neem Infused Oil can be used for your hair and skin thanks to its multipurpose properties.

Where can I find Neem?

There are a few websites online that actually sell Neem powder such as Butters n Bars. If you have a local Indian store nearby look out for the Neem Hesh brand locally otherwise check the ethnic section of your super market. If you have Neem trees readily available to you, you can use the leaves and/or make your own powder by blending up dried leaves. If you do blend the leaves it might end up being a little bitty so it is best to put them in a coffee filter or cheese cloth.

If you want to use fresh leaves then you need to use the oil up after production because otherwise you WILL grow bacteria in the container. For infusing – you will need to use either dried Neem leaves or powder.

Infusing Neem Leaves

For the Skin:

Its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties can help ease skin irritations, rashes as well as relieve itchiness (which can affect the face, body and scalp) . It is said to help ease eczema (I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist therefore always check with a professional). It can help reduce the appearance of light burns and scars – if massaged on the skin regularly and frequently.

For the Hair

The oil can help reduce hair shedding and strengthens the hair to help reduce breakage. Neem is also known to help slow down premature graying & the appearance of grey hairs due to the fact that it is known to naturally and gradually darken the hair*. It provides the hair with shine, luster, works as an excellent sealant and helps to promote hair growth.

*You will not end up with jet black hair but it can darken the hair and has a similar effect on light, bleached or blond hair and if that is not something you want then I would suggest not using this oil.

So those are the reasons why I like the oil 🙂

Stay tuned for my how to video and writeup Maicurlies!

Have you used Neem oil or Neem infused oil before? If so how do you use it and what do you think about it? I would love to hear from you.

Maicurls