So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day I decided to so a styling video for a “Date Look”. (I think I might potentially do a second styling option – depending on if I will have time to record and edit in time before V-day).
I am keeping it simple (as always) and quick. The style looks quite “chic” a little edgy and works as a protective style as well so overall I like it! I also kept my product use simple too (once again as always).
It is easier to watch a demonstration rather than read how I did the style:
Tip:for those with shorter hair, you can use braiding hair to do this style by adding it to the middle and bottom section, and twisting your hair together with it. I would recommend either doing a loose flat twist with the pompadour section go backwards or just making three sections, add braiding hair to all three and then make two – two strand twists within each sections. (You will need to watch the video so that this is clearer).
Tip:In case you don’t want to redo the style in the morning my suggestion is to take down the bobby pins (it is never a comfortable night with them in and not necessarily a good idea). Use a scarf to cover your hair, paying attention to your edges and side; for a smooth look in the morning and then just re-pin the twists down. You might need to “touch up” your edges with a soft bristle brush but other than that, it should be fine!
So here is my “final look”. Like I said, if I can I will do another styling option too and hopefully have it up before the 14th!
Whether you have a Valentine or not, are celebrating or not, I hope you manage to have a lovely day Maicurlies!
I am back (finally, I know I have been away) with another DIY. This recipe is for the scalp and is helpful for those of us that suffer from an itchy, dry, irritated, flaky scalp especially when rocking a Protective Style (PS).
While rocking a PS, it can become a little difficult to maintain a healthy scalp while still keeping the integrity of the PS and this mix will hopefully make it easier to keep your scalp clean and healthy while attending to scalp issues. You are of course still going to wash your hair/scalp as normal however whenever you experience itchiness, dryness, irritations etc you can reach for this without having to over wash your scalp to try and sooth the issue.
Note:This mix can be used on your scalp even if you hair is not in a PS but this post was intended to focus on maintaining a healthy scalp care during PS mode.
Ingredients/Tools
1 oz Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
0.2 oz Apple Cider Vinegar (natural/organic)
0.5 oz Plain Water
5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (EO)*
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil
Spray Bottle
*If you are pregnant please do not use any EO and always consult with your doctor/dermatologist if you are trying something new.
NOTE: This mix is not for medicinal purposes, it is simply for informational purposes. ALWAYS consult with a professional doctor/dermatologist prior to integrating anything new to your routine!
Ingredient Benefits:
Aloe Vera Juice – a natural humectant that attracts moisture in the air to the area applied (the scalp). It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that helps to reduce dry itchiness on the scalp, stimulates hair growth and is said to help with very mild cases of Alopecia. It balances and conditions both the scalp and roots leaving no traces of “product” build-up, has natural astringent properties to leave you with a clean scalp and aids in moisturizing dry hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar – has natural astringent properties, while diluted (e.g. with water & AVJ) it provides the scalp and hair (roots) with an optimal pH level and is also known for its ability to remove product build up. It helps to not only remove product but also helps to close the pores on the scalp while at the same time closing the cuticle of the hair which provides it with shine.
Peppermint Essential Oil – has astringent properties as well which helps to eliminate product build up and to remove sweat and dirt on the scalp. It helps stimulate blood circulation in the scalp which in turns helps to promote hair growth. The oil is known for combating dry irritated scalps which can help eliminate dandruff. Due to its stimulating properties (it will make your scalp feel fresh and tingly) this can help tackle the issue of itchiness while at the same time cleansing the scalp to eliminate the problem all together.
Vitamin E Oil – in this mix it can help extend the shelf life of the spray (but does not work as a preservative!). The oil is packed with antioxidants that helps to moisturize the scalp, keeps it healthy, less prone to dryness and thus aids in the growth of healthy hair as well. It allows the hair to grow soft, full of shine and suppleness and also can aid in slowing down the onset of premature greying. The oil is known to help generate new skin cells which allows your scalp to remain healthy and thanks to its moisturizing and healing properties this allows for quicker and healthier hair growth.
Water – need I say more? H2o is a naturals best friend since it is a vital source of moisture for both the scalp and hair!
Additional Options/Ratio Alternatives:
The purpose of this mix is to help keep a clean and healthy scalp therefore it is advisable to use ingredients that have cleansing and moisturizing properties while not clogging up the pores of your scalp. Along with the ingredients above you could also add some Rose Water to this mix e.g 0.2 oz of Rose Water for additional moisturizing elements, soothing effects and a wonderful scent! Tea Tree Essential Oil is an alternative EO that can be used in place of Peppermint.
Mixing Method:
Combine all the ingredients together in your spray bottle and make sure to shake well before applying.
Application:
There are two methods that I highly recommend when applying the mix instead of simply spraying onto your roots/scalp. Either spray some clean ear cleaners (unused!) and run them along your partings. The other option is cotton pads/buds which is my favorite.
Storage:
It is highly recommended to store this mix in the fridge for no more than 1 – 1.5 months maximum but constantly check to make sure there is no nasty fungus growing (you will be able to tell especially if you use a see through spray bottle). Keeping it in the fridge also means that it will have a soothing effect on the scalp and will help close the cuticles of your roots and the pores on your scalp!
I would love to hear what you think! If you use a scalp spray (or try this one) please do let me know, I love hearing from you!
I watched a number of videos on YouTube before I proceeded to make my own wig however, I quickly found out that while some of the stunning & talented women in the videos were able to make their wigs in a “few hours” it took me forever! Literally I split the process over two days (the weekend) and spent about 10 hours in total. This was only after I had initially made 2 failed attempts (two weekend before) with the Freetress Crochet Braiding hair – Bouncy Twist Out (colour 2).
Freetress Crochet Braiding Hair – Bouncy Twist out
Freetress Crochet Braiding Hair – Bouncy Twist out
I initially wanted to make my wig to look the same as the crochet braids on the hair model however, it proved to be a challenge for me. The hair was just so thick it not only looked overly “fake” on my small face but it was overwhelmingly bulky. So in order not to give up I ended up changing the curl pattern of the hair by: moisturizing, detanglng, separating and re-curling with flexi rods and hot water. Once that was done I was able to make Annabelle with a lot more ease!
I have a detailed review about the crochet hair which I purchased online from Tisun Beauty(you can read about here.)
It is a lot easier to explain my wig making process via video which you will find below.
Would love to hear from you, if you have attempted a DIY wig let me know how it went!
Today I am back with an alternative recipe version of a mix I already shared a few weeks ago! I have a post & video about moisturizing dry & brittle ends with a humectant based recipe here and was then requested to do a humectnt free version and here it is!
I have mentioned this a few times in my blog, not everyone’s hair appreciates humectants, it all boils down to hair preference and weather conditions in the area where you live. This recipe works in a similar way to my humectant based mix, just without the addition of ingredients that draw moisture in the air (humidity) to the area applied (the hair).
Ingredients/tools:
1.7oz Plain Full Fat Yogurt
1oz Cocoa Butter
0.5oz Rose Water
0.5oz Plain Water
0.5oz Virgin Coconut Oil
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15oz)
3-5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (Optional) – use any*
Clean and disinfected heatproof container
Pot
Clean and disinfected spoon
Gloves (optional to keep mix sanitized)
*If you are pregnant do not use Essential Oil and always consult your personal physician whenever using something new!
Ingredient alternatives:
You can replace the 0.5oz Rose Water with more 0.5oz Plain Water if you do not have access to Rose Water. Virgin Coconut Oil can be replaced with any other carrier oil e.g. Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil etc Cocoa Butter can be replaced with any other butter e.g. Shea or Mango Butter. Depending on your preference you can either use any Essential Oil of choice or opt not to use any.
Mixing:
1.Melt down the cocoa butter by double broiling for 5 – 7 minutes. 2. add the yogurt and stir really well. (If you haven’t fully melted down the butter it will become a bit lumpy with the addition of the yogurt so place the container back in the pot with hot water for a few minutes till it is fully melted. 3. add the water and rose water a little at a time while continuously stirring. 4. add the virgin coconut oil and stir well. 5 add the Vitamin E oil and finally 6. add the essential oil (if using) and stir. I like to place the mix in my fridge in a squeeze container for a few minutes as this allows it to thicken up but this is optional.
Application:
I like to apply this to slightly damp hair that has been detangled. I mainly focus the mix on my ends – at the most going to the mid-length of my hair since the ingredients are a little on the heavy side and can weigh down my curls if I apply it on my length of my hair. However, this can be used on the entire length of your hair (it depends from person to person).
Storage:
I keep it for no longer than 10 days in the fridge, IT MUST BE STORED IN THE FRIDGE. If you know you won’t be able to use it all up then I suggest storing in the freezer if you want it to last for more than 10 days.
Ingredient Benefits:
Plain Full Fat Yogurt – helps provide strength to the hair thanks to the traces of protein. Leaves hair feeling soft and eases detangling. Provides shine while smoothing the hair stands and fighting frizz.
Cocoa Butter – reduces hair loss and breakage. Since it is a fat, it can be used to replenish lost oils. Strengthens the hair, tames frizz and flyaway hair.
Plain Water – the optional moisturizing element for the hair!
Rose Water – revitalizes the quality of the hair due to Its natural moisturizing and nourishing properties. It helps stabilize the natural p.H level of the hair which helps to heal the porosity of the cuticle providing shine and it smells divine!
Virgin Coconut Oil – provides shine and strength, penetrates into the hair shaft strengthening from within. Helps seal in moisture from the other ingredients used in the mix e.g. water & rose water. Helps to fight against frizzy and brittle hair.
Vitamin E Oil – helps to extend the products shelf life (extends not preserves). Rejuvenates the hair strands, fights against frizz, provides shine and helps to slow down premature greying.
Would love to hear what you think, especially if you use this recipe!
I brought my DIY (you know what) back on the blog to share…drum roll please…a DIY Recipe for the hair! (And the crowd goes wild!)
This particular recipe is one that I like to mainly focus on my ends since it does include a few “heavy” ingredients (heavy for my hair) that can potentially weigh my fine hair strands down. If however, you happen to have thick/coarse hair you probably can get away with applying this throughout the length of your hair without it stopping your curls/kinks/coils from being big and fierce!
Ingredients/Tools
Mixing Bowl (dry, clean and disinfected)
1.5 oz Plain Full Fat Yogurt
0.2 oz Raw/Natural Honey or Agave Nectar
0.2 oz (optional) Glycerine or Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
0.5 oz Rose Water
0.2 oz Virgin Olive Oil*
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
**3-5 drops any Essential Oil (I used Citronella)
Spoon (dry, clean and disinfected)
Gloves (to be “extra” but not absolutely necessary)
**Note: Please do not use Essential Oils if you are pregnant of breastfeeding. Always consult with your doctor/dermatologist or a professional. Always make sure not to use too much Essential Oil since this can make the mix extremely “potent” and harsh, potentially causing you skin irritations.
Mixing Instructions:
All you need to do is combine all the ingredients together and mix really well once the Virgin Olive Oil has been added and that is it!
Application:
I prefer applying this on lightly damp detangled hair (the ends) as it makes it easier to distribute versus working on dry hair. I usually put my hair up in a bun and cover with a shower cap for 15-30 minutes then rinse it off with conditioner and cold water. The cold water helps to close the hair’s cuticles which allows for moisture to stay in my hair and since the cuticles are laying flat (closed) it also provides extra shine!
Ingredient Alternatives:
This is a humectant based recipe and some of you might find that humectants and your hair are not friends, it really depends on what your hair likes and the weather in your area. Humectants draws humidity in the air (moisture) to the area applied, if you have the right amount of humidity (neither too much nor too little) this creates additional moisture for dry curls/kinks/coils. If your hair does not like humectants you can limit the amount used e.g. Instead of using both Honey/Agave Nectar AND Glycerine/Aloe Vera Juice you can go for either Honey/Agave Nectar or Glycerine/Aloe Vera Juice.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – can be replaced with any carrier oil of choice however I would suggest using one that is known to penetrate the hair strands e.g Virgin Coconut Oil.
Essential Oil – you can use any Essential Oil of choice or skip this all together (I am not the biggest fan of the smell of yogurt so the Rose water and Essential Oil helps to mask that).
If you have coarse/thick hair and would like to use this on the entire length of your hair then simply double the amounts apart from the Rose Water and Essential Oil. Instead use 0.7 oz Rose Water (so it does not become too runny) and keep the Essential oil at no more than 5-7 drops.
Storage:
I always use what I have made and then place the remaining in my freezer. I simply let it defrost on its own (no heat) during the following application.
P.S. in case some of you would like a humectant free recipe please do let me know I would be happy to create something along those lines.
Every morning (practically every morning) I start my hair routine by doing a Scalp Massage.
Scalp Massages
Benefits of Scalp Massages:
In truth it has become one of my morning rituals. I love everything about scalp massages, the main reasons are:
When you massage your scalp you help stimulate hair growth because you are circulating blood flow to your scalp which helps your hair follicles.
Let’s face it massages feel awesome and are really relaxing. I smile throughout my massage and it just makes me start the day off on the right foot.
It helps to bring volume to your roots (my fine haired ladies will understand what I mean about this!)
It helps to bring your hair down after hours of being up and away for the night, especially if you do the pineapple method. I normally do a modified pineapple (cover my hair with a scarf minus the hair bubble if I haven’t re-twisted, Bantu knotted etc).
Since you are massaging your scalp with oil, it can help sooth a flaky scalp.
*You can substitute pure cold pressed Castor Oil with Jamaican Black Castor oil.
Note: some people have found both or either Castor Oil/Jamaican Black Castor Oil to give them skin allergies so please make sure to do a patch test if you have never used the oil before. Essential oils are quite potent especially ones like Peppermint so please make sure you dilute it in enough carrier oil otherwise you will burn your skin and cause irritations! If you are pregnant please DO NOT use any essential oils and always consult with your doctor/dermatologist if you are trying anything new.
Oil for Scalp Massage
The magic of scalp massages is two fold, on the one hand it is the actual scalp massages and the other is the use of oils. You do not have to use the same exact oils I do but I do highly recommend some form of Castor Oil (if you are not allergic). Here are the benefits of the oils I use:
Castor Oil:
I use 70% Castor Oil
Increase hair growth
Promotes healthy hair due to omega-6 essential fatty acids
Thickens thinning hair
Reduces hair damage
Eliminates dry scalps and hair
Helps reduce scalp irritations due to anti-bacterial and fungal properties
Helps retain moisture in the hair and scalp
Excellent sealing oil
Promotes shiny hair
Boost your hair’s overall health
DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil:
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.
Known to darken the hair and slowdown the early onset of grey hairs (with frequent and consistent use)*
Adds sine and dimension to the hair due to the darkening effect of the oil
*Should you have bleached/blond or dyed hair you do not want to darken, I suggest not trying this oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil:
Peppermint Essential Oil
Soothing effect to the scalp
Helps combat dandruff and lice
Promotes healthy hair growth
Helps relive scalp irritations due to antiseptic properties
Method:
All I do is put a few pumps of the oil blend on my fingertips and massage my scalp in a circular motion. I am very gentle and focus on one spot then move onto a different part of my scalp till I am done. I then move onto refreshing, moisturizing, styling my hair etc.
So in closing if you haven’t intregrated scalp massages into your routine….what are you waiting for???
I would love to hear if you do scalp massages, how often, what oils do you use?
Maicurls 