Category Archives: Essential Oil

Whipped Hair & Body Butter (no Shea Butter & Coconut Oil)

Ingredients/Tools:

3oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter
2.5oz Mango Butter
2.5oz Coffee Butter
4oz Coffee infused Grapeseed Oil
3oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
0.1oz Glycerin (optional)
3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (0.15oz)
5 drops Chocolate Fragrance (optional)
Double Broiler
Spoon
Weighing scale
Containers
Gloves (optional)

(P.s I purchased all my butters from SheaButter Cottage – an awesome company that not only provides superb products but also gives back to local village women in Ghana with every purchase made!)

Ingredient Alternatives:

The EVOO and Grapeseed Oil can be replaced with any other carrier oil of choice. You can replace the butters as well, I suggest using at least one hard butter (if you live in warm climate). The Essential Oil can either be replaced with an oil of choice or omitted altogether. Keep in mind that EO’s MUST be diluted otherwise it can cause skin/scalp irritations and if you are pregnant please refrain from using any EO.

Mixing Process:

You want to first double broil the Cocoa Butter on low/medium heat for no more than 5 minutes. Once the butter melts (don’t melt all the way) remove it from the heat and add the mango & coffee butter along with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and stir. Place the bowl in the fridge for 15 – 20 minutes. Whip the mix and then add the remaining ingredients. I like to replace the bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes before I do a final whip till I get it to the consistency I like.

Benefits:

Unrefined Cocoa Butter: is an extremely popular natural ingredient that is used to help increase the hairs manageability and moisture. The butter is known to help reduce hair loss and breakage. Due to its highly moisturizing properties it can alleviate scalp itching and irritation which in turn can eliminate dandruff. Since it is a fat, it can be used to replenish lost oils due to chemical processes such as perms and dye. It is known to effectively strengthen hair, tame frizzy and flyaway hair.

Mango Butter: Mango butter contains high levels of antioxidants and beneficial vitamins A, C, and E. It is a highly moisturizing butter which is able to restore flexibility, effectively treat dry and itchy scalps and therefore aid in the growth of hair (due to a healthy scalp.) Because of its high content of fatty acids it is believed that it might actually be more moisturizing that Cocoa and Shea butter (I cannot attest to that as I have never used it before.)

Coffee Butter: caffeine helps with hair growth stimulation and it helps reduce shedding. The natural butter helps with sealing in moisture, provides shine, makes the hair soft and (p.s is incredible for the skin)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: can be used to help seal in moisture, aid hair manageability but can be a little “heavy” (especially for those with fine hair) therefore it is best to use it lightly so it does not weigh your hair down.

Grapeseed Oil: Another example of an oil that is easily absorbed into the hair and scalp without weighing down the hair or clogging up pores due to the fact that it is an extremely “light” oil. Although it is a “light” oil it gives hair a sheen so those with fine hair can use it without worrying about having greasy hair. It is known to help heal alopecia areata as well dry and itchy scalps therefore helping fight dandruff. It is great and sealing in moisture and retaining the natural moisture in our hair.

Vegetable Glycerin: Vegetable Glycerin is a humectant since it attracts water in the air (humidity) and directs it to the area applied (the hair.) Due to its oily nature it can also be used as a sealant and “trap in” moisture however should be used sparingly and should be diluted since it is thick and sticky. Vegetable Glycerin is better served when used in humid climate since it attracts that moisture however, if used when there is a lack of humidity in the air it can do the opposite (extract moisture from the hair to the air.)

Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E is a commonly used oil to help extend homemade products shelf life (however only extends products for a little bit.) This oil rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin by nourishing both.

Peppermint Oil: Helps to stimulate blood flow to the scalp which results in hair growth as the root of the hair is being nourished.

Chocolate Fragrance: the scent of course!

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Edge Regrowth & “Tame” Pomade/Balm

13 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

I want to share my DIY Edge Regrowth & “Tame” Pomade/Balm. I put the tame in quotation marks just because I am not the biggest fan of people thinking they NEED/HAVE to have their edges “laid”. Personally I do not mind a little frizz but will admit there are times when I want a more “polished” look. If I want my edges “laid” I want to do so with a product that I know is not harming my delicate, fragile and super sensitive edges. So apart from using Flax Seed Gel (if I happen to have it on hand) then this is my “go to”.

One of the the other reasons why I love this product is because it is a 2 in 1 mix. The most important aspect is that the ingredients used in the mix helps to grow healthy edges, takes care of your edges, is all natural and at the same time can help flyaways/edges (while not being damaging or containing chemicals & alcohols). It does not have a super hard hold but will definitely help with flyaways.

Edge control and tame pomade/balm

I will point out that you will only need a little dab of this at a time since a little goes a LOOOONNG way, so you won’t have to remix again for a while. Those with fine hair (e.g. yours truly) will literally only need to glide their fingertip over the product and it will suffice. P.S you can actually use a tiny amount of this on the ends of your hair too to help keep your twists from unraveling & to seal in moisture on your ends too! (So I guess it is a 3 in one product!)

If you are wondering why is it a pomade/balm, basically you can select how you want the mix to set and depending on which of the two options you go for, you end up with either a pomade or a balm! Personally I prefer using it as a pomade because it is easier to get out of the container, quickly melts upon contact with your skin and you don’t have to store it in the fridge. It will not go off if it’s not in the fridge because I do not mix liquids (e.g. water, aloe vera juice etc) with the oils and butters. The shelf life should be 6 months to 1 year but it will really depend on the shelf life of the oils and butters you use. I have been using my mix for 2 months now and it is still going strong even though it is not stored in the fridge.

Ingredients I use: (I use a 3oz container)

0.9oz. Unrefined Shea Butter
0.5oz. Unrefined Mango Butter (you can use any other semi-soft butter)
0.7oz. Virgin Coconut Oil
0.4oz. Coffee Bean infused Almond Oil (can be replaced with any carrier oil)
4 Vitamin E Capsules (roughly 0.2oz.)
0.15oz. Castor Oil
4 drop Citronella Essential Oil (Optional – you can use any Essential Oil of choice, Peppermint is a good choice to simulate growth).

Ingredient details

Shea Butter – acts as an excellent sealant to help “trap in” moisture and moisturizing products applied to hair. Shea butter is highly moisturizing for the hair on its own as well and has the same affects for the scalp. It provides nourishment to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips; repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. Due to its moisturizing properties it gives hair a natural shine and has smoothing effect. (“lays” the hair and helps with growth)
Mango Butter – contains high levels of antioxidants and beneficial vitamins A, C, and E. It is a highly moisturizing butter which is able to restore flexibility, effectively treat dry and itchy scalps and therefore is said to aid the growth of hair. Because of its high content of fatty acids it is believed that it might actually be more moisturizing that Cocoa and even Shea butter! (“lays” your hair and helps with growth).
Virgin Coconut Oil – provides shine and strength to the hair, has conditioning properties and even helps promote a healthy scalp which can result in healthy hair growth. It does not make the hair feel greasy and since it is penetrates into the hair shaft, the oil strengthens from within. Aids in sealing in moisture and works well to stop frizz as well. (“lays” your hair and helps with growth).
Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil – reduces hair shedding and said to reduce excessive hair loss because of the antioxidants present in caffeine. Increases hair growth since caffeine promotes blood circulation in the scalp which promotes growth and is known to darken the hair and slowdown the early onset of grey hairs with frequent and consistent use*. (helps with growth).
Vitamin E Oil – commonly used oil to help extend homemade products shelf life (however only for a little bit.) This oil rejuvenates and offers protection to the scalp because of its nourishing properties which can lead to hair growth. (helps with growth).
Castor Oil (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) – considered as a humectant that also happens to hold anti-fungal properties. It helps thicken and grow the hair while working as an excellent sealant. Due to its thick and sticky nature a little goes a long way (which is why I use so little of it). (helps with growth).

Mixing Instructions:

Melt down the butters in a double broiler (no more than 5 minutes required) then take it off the heat.
Add the Virgin Coconut Oil to the melted butter (the warmth from the butters will melt the oil).
Add the remaning ingredients: coffee infused almond oil, Vitamin E oil, castor oil & essential oil.
Mix everything really well and pour into your container

Letting it set/results:

Edge Regrowth and Tame mix before it sets

Pomade: To make it a pomade just let the mix set at room temperature overnight. Depending on how warm/cold your house is, the mix can become a little more runny or slightly thicker but it will not become extremely firm or liquid.

Edge Regrowth and Tame Pomade

Balm: To make a balm you will want to let it set in the fridge for a few hours (minimum 4 hours – best overnight). In order for it to remain a balm you might have to restore it in the fridge after use, however, depending on how warm/cold you house is it can retain a slightly soft “balmy” consistency outside of the fridge after you have let it set.

Edge Regrowth and Tame Balm

DO NOT CARRY THIS PRODUCT IN YOUR BAG, IN YOUR CAR, POCKET ETC BECAUSE IT WILL MELT AND CAN SPILL OUT THE CONTAINER!

NOTE: I am neither a doctor, a dermatologist or a medical professional. This recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a medical remedy to hair loss, skin disorders or be used as a replacement for anything provided to you by a professional!

How to use:

All you need to do is glide your finger over the product (lightly) and then rub the product on your fingertips to warm it up. Lightly and gently apply it to your edges with your fingertips and then either brush back your edges or tie down a scarf.

I would really love to hear if you try this or make your own edge regrowth and tame product!

Maicurls

DIY Scalp Scrub

2 Replies

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

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.

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