Category Archives: Whipped Butter for Hair

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

How To: Turning an old Twist-out to Braid & Curl Low Manipulation Style

3 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I wanted to share one of the methods I use to remoisturize old hair & how I style my hair in a low manipulation style (when I went camping for 2 nights).

wrap up braid-out

So I was off to a beach camping trip for 2 nights and my hair was a MESS! I had it in a twist out that turned into a messy bun. The curls were tangled, dry and just not in a good way! Since I was camping I knew I didn’t want to do anything “drastic” especially since I would be washing my hair once I got back. I also knew I wanted my hair tucked away since sand and my hair just don’t play nice at all so I figured I would remoisturize, bring back some texture but still keep my hair tucked away.

My remoisturizing method was simple, the L.O.C method (Leave-in/liquid, Oil, Cream/Whipped butter) I also used permrods and that was it. I did not use a comb to get through my hair since I wanted low manipulation and to protect my hair during the trip I used a scarf to keep my hair up and away from my shoulders and presto.

Braid and Perm Rod Set

Braid and curl

Braid and curl after separating

Braid and curl

Products/Tools Used:

DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner (I have two versions on my blog: here and here)
DIY Coffee Infused Almond Oil
DIY Whipped Double Coffee Butter
Perm Rods
Scarf (the next day for styling)
Bobby Pins (to hold my hair in place)

Method:

I parted my hair into sections (roughly 15 – 18 in total), spritzed my hair with my DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner followed by my oil. I then gently, carefully and slowly detangled my hair and get rid of shed hair. I braided my hair but left my ends unbraided. I added a little extra spray leave-in on the ends, smoothed on some whipped butter before wrapping them around the perm rods and then rolling up to my roots.

wrapped up braid out

Once I was done I covered my hair at night (I kept it uncovered right until I went to bed). The following morning I took down the perm rods and using a little oil on my fingertips I undid the braids. Now if you want to have definition then take the braids down carefully to keep the integrity of the curl pattern (since I just wanted a little texture, a little volume and was going to cover my hair it didn’t really matter for me). After I took down the braids I separated my hair a tiny bit and covered my hair with the scarf, leaving a swooped bang at the front (the ends tucked away) and pinned the rest of my hair upwards. Presto: happy moisturized and protected hair ready for camping!

I have a video of the whole process:

P.s. In case you were wondering, here is a peak at the spot where we camped.

What is your go to method to remoisturize “old hair” mid-week/before washing your hair?

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Hair Setting Lotion

6 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I have yet another DIY to share! 😀

DIY Hair Setting Lotion

This baby is my DIY Hair Setting Lotion and before I begin I want to point out that while I consider this a “lotion” the name comes from the fact that it has a lotion-ish consistency. It does not contain the main ingredients included in most normal hair lotions/creams you can buy from the store. What this recipe does contain is Flax Seed Gel (FSG) and Whipped Butter, along with a little natural honey. It is an all natural (no parabens, no chemicals, no alcohol) product that helps enhance your curls, provides you with light hold while at the same time provides moisture and seals in that moisture.

As I have always mentioned in all of my DIY recipes, you do not have to follow my recipe step by step (it is good to experiment for yourself) but just so you have an idea of what I do, I include my: DIY Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel and my DIY Double Coffee Whipped butter. (I will provide you with ingredient alternatives below).

I have used this product in a number of different ways and loved the results of each for example to set a rake & shake (similar to a wash and go), perm rod curls, twist-outs. I like to apply this as a final product after I have moisturized my hair with a leave-in conditioner. I do not follow up with a butter/oil/gel since this basically has it all!

Ingredients/Tools Used:

Ingredients used

1.3 oz Double Coffee Whipped Butter (use any whipped butter you like)
3 oz Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (you can use regular FSG)
0.2 oz Raw/Natural Honey (optional – for additional moisture)
Emulsifier/Blender
Spatula
Bowl/Container
Clean & disinfected Squeeze bottle

Mixing Method:

Hair Setting Lotion

1. I put my (super fluffy and delicious smelling) double coffee whipped butter in a tall container and pour in the FSG. 2. Using an emulsifier (you can use a blender) I pulse the butter and gel together until it starts to combine, add the honey and continue to pulse till it starts to turn into a lotion-ish consistency (usually no more than 3 – 4 minutes). That is it! Simple 😀

Storage:

You MUST I repeat you MUST store this in the fridge. FSG has a short shelf life on its own and while the honey does help to extend the shelf life, you are combining butter together with a liquid; therefore in order to avoid bacteria from growing too quickly it has to be stored in the fridge. You also only want to make small amounts so that you can use it up quickly and then just remake some more. Again, this will reduce the chances of your product growing mold before it is used up (avoid wasting it).

Ingredient alternatives:

Instead of the Protein FSG I use you can of course use regular FSG. The whipped butter used is completely up to you, whipped Shea butter, mango butter, a combination of butters will work just as well. Honey is an optional ingredient that can either be skipped all together or replaced with glycerin or agave nectar. The addition of this helps to provide the mix with a little extra moisture and again helps to extend the shelf life of the product (just a little nothing major). You could also opt to try and use a store bought gel (however the consistency of the end product will probably be much thicker and more like a DIY hair custard which is great too)!

Benefits:

Provides light hold (none crunchy hold)
Helps enhance curl defintion
Proivdes moisture
Provides shine
Helps seal in moisture

This product has the ability to provide your hair with hold and curl definition while at the same time it provides moisture due to the Flax Seed Benefits such as the Omega fatty acids present in the seeds. Depending on your FSG recipe you might have extra moisturizing elements e.g. I use rose water, and plain water which is great for the hair and scalp. The addition of carrier oils in the gel also helps with providing the hair with sheen and the ability to seal in moisture. The same applies for the whipped butter which helps to soften the hair, smooth the hairs cuticles, provides shine and seals in moisture. If you added Essential oil in the process of your gel/butter making this again helps with the overall health of your hair and scalp. Overall this is one goody in a squeeze bottle!

Here is my “how to” video:

I would love to hear what you think if you try this recipe and if you attempt this with a store bought gel I really would love to hear how it turned out!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Whipped Double Coffee Butter

3 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

The DIY freak is back and this shall be my last whipped butter as part of this “series” for now.

Whipped Double Coffee Butter

Fret not (I can hear you screaming whaaaat), I shall have 2 more tutorials that will be released within the next 2 months that will be strength based thanks to an inspiration from a YouTube viewer (thank you)! I am just taking a break to actually have time to use up the whips I already have.

Anyways back to this whipped butter, I can honestly say that this Double Coffee Butter is my favorite (I have probably said this a few times but I truly love this) 😀

From all the mixes/recipes/concoctions I have made, this one has the highest concentration of coffee… coffee ~~is my friend~~ is my love. My curls seem to thrive on products that include coffee/caffeine so why would I not use use different types of coffee butter along with some coffee infused oil right?

I can go on and on about the benefits of coffee for the hair and skin and I of course already have, you can read all about it here where I introduce my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Butter and here my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil

Ingredients/Tools: (makes 10.3 oz whipped butter)

5.5 oz Coffee Bean Infused Butter (Cocoa/Shea Combination)
3 oz Coffee Butter (I bought mine from SheaButter Cottage)
1.1 oz Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil
0.5 oz Vanilla Bean Infused Almond Oil
0.15 oz Glycerin (optional)
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
Heatproof Bowl
Whisk
Gloves
Airtight Container
Spatula
Piping Bag (optional) – a sandwich bag can do the trick or a spoon/spatula to transfer the whip to your container)

Note: I want to remind you that I live in the desert so normally during the summer I prefer my mix to be a little more firm therefore I use more butter than oil. If you live in colder climates and especially during autumn & winter I suggest that you add more oil that I do (see below).

Ratio Alternatives/Ingredient Alternatives:

In my opinion the infused coffee bean and the coffee butter are what makes this a double coffee butter however, should you not have any infused coffee bean butter (recipe) you can replace it with either Shea Butter or a Shea & Cocoa Butter combination (40% Cocoa 60% Shea butter). For a less firm whip particularly in autumn/winter I would suggest using 2 oz – 3 oz carrier oils. Technically you can use any carrier oil you prefer, they do not have to be coffee bean or vanilla bean infused oils however again, to make this a coffee focused butter I would suggest using more coffee bean infused oil (recipe) such as 70% coffee oil 30% vanilla bean oil. Other oil alternatives could be: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Pure Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil etc. Glycerin is an optional ingredient that does not need to be added especially if your hair does not like it. It can either be omitted or even replaced with raw honey.

Method:

Butters and Oils mixed together after 10 minutes in the freezer

Whipped till fluffy!

Once the coffee bean infused butter has been double broiled I add the coffee butter. The warmth from the melted butter will help melt down the coffee butter without the need of additional broiling. I then add 0.8 oz of the Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil and 0.5 oz Vanilla Bean Infused Almond Oil and stir.

I then place it in my freezer for 10 – 15 minutes till it begins to thicken. Once this happens, I scrape the mix together and then begin to whisk. I whisk for a good 3 – 5 minutes and then add the remaining 0.3 oz of Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil, 0.15 oz Glycerin (optional) and 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil. I continue to whisk for at least 3 – 5 minutes.

Depending on the consistency you prefer you can stop here and transfer it to an airtight container but I prefer mine to have a fluffy texture so I place it in my fridge, this time for 10 minutes till it becomes a little hard on the top. I then take it out and whisk for the last 5 – 7 minutes and I am happy with the texture. Using a spatula I scoop the whip into a piping bag (because I like being “extra”) and transfer to my container. (The piping bag really isn’t necessary but it makes the butter look extra pretty and is a nice touch if you are giving it away as a gift).

Uses:

It is not just the inclusion of coffee and coffee butter that makes this an excellent choice for your hair and skin care but also the inclusion of cocoa butter, Shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E oil and glycerin (read about the benefits of these ingredients for the Hair and Skin). I like to use this butter on damp/slightly damp hair after I have moisturized to help seal in moisture for styles likes twists, twist outs, braid outs, Bantu knots, Straw Sets, Perm rod sets, Pin curls, Flexi rod sets… basically everything! Whenever I use Flax Seed Gel(FSG) which is full of nourishing benefits and is all natural, I actually like to seal in the FSG too by applying the butter as my last product. If however you are using a store bought commercial gel, you might find it more beneficial to apply the whip before you apply your gel. When it comes to the skin, I like to apply this after a shower to slightly damp skin to help seal in the moisture. It makes my skin super soft, smooth and lush looking and also helps with faint marks!

I of course had to record my tutorial as well:

I would love to hear from you if you try this delicious whipped butter!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Whipped Coffee Bean Infused Hair & Body Butter

4 Replies

Hello Lovely Maicurlies,

In my last video I demonstrated how I make my Coffee Bean Infused Butter and today I am using that butter to make a whipped butter for the hair and skin.

DIY Whipped Coffee Bean Infused Hair & Body Butter

In case you missed the post on on how I make my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Butter please click here since that is the base of this recipe.

I have previously swooned about my love for all things coffee when it comes to my hair and skin (and yes it is a guilty drink pleasure too) and so this whipped butter is no exception.

Benefits of Coffee for the Hair and Skin.

Hair:

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 trying this with caution. The darkening is nothing drastic or overly evident however there is a potential that you will notice your hair getting a little darker so please keep that in mind.

Skin:

The caffeine helps reduce puffy and dark circles under the eye.
Tightens the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow.
Its anti-inflammatory properties is said to reduces redness in the skin and inflammation.
Known to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Fights free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Apart from the benefits of coffee, the recipe is really simple to throw together and quick to make plus it smells great too! I have written (several times) about the benefits of each individual ingredient used in this particular recipe because I tend to integrate ingredients I know my hair likes over and over. So for a breakdown of each individual ingredient please read these links Hair and Skin benefits.

Products/Tools used:

6 oz DIY Coffee Bean Infused Butter
0.4 oz DIY Vanilla Infused Almond Oil
0.6 oz DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil
2 capsules Vitamin E oil
0.2 oz Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
Essential Oil (optional 3 – 5 drops max)
Heatproof bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Gloves
Airtight Container
Piping bag to transfer the whip to the container (not necessary)

Note: You can use any carrier oil you wish, I just like to reinforce the coffee with a little coffee infused oil. Glycerin is an optional ingredient that can be used (it is a humectant and not everyone’s hair plays well with it). You can also replace the glycerin with raw honey if your hair prefers that.

I live in really warm weather practically 365 days a year therefore I prefer my butter mix to be more butter focused however, if you want a less firm mix (particularly in winter) then you can add more oil e.g. I suggest using a total of 2 oz for 6 oz of butter. Keep in mind the more oil you use the more runny it will be particularly in the warm summer months

Method:

Infused Coffee Bean Butter with carrier oils after being in the freezer for 15 minutes

Melted Butter with carrier oils after 15 minutes in the freezer

I add the carrier oils to the melted infused butter, stir everything together and then place it in my freezer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes I mix everything together with a spatula, the butter will be harder on the top and softer underneath. I whisk for a good 3 – 5 minutes and then I add the Vitamin E Oil and Glycerin (Essential Oil if you choose to add it) and then place it in my fridge for 5 minutes.

This helps to thicken the whip a little and will help make it fluffier since I re-whip again. After 5 minutes in the fridge I whip for at least 5 minutes and that is it. I like using my spatula to get the whip out of the bowl and then a piping bag to transfer it because I like being “extra” but that is not necessary.

I as always have a video on my channel:

I hope you enjoy the recipe & video, please let me know what you think!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Protein Whipped Deep Conditioner Butter

5 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

Here we go, another whipped butter recipe however, this one is a little different to the others.

DIY Protein Whipped Deep Conditioner Butter

I sort of came up with the mix because I decided to try and make my own whipped butter Deep Conditioner (DC). After a few experiments I came up with a combination that I loved and more importantly that my hair loved so I had to share.

In this recipe I use a combination of protein, a little bit of moisturizing ingredients (just a tiny bit) and butter, so the end result is a protein packed whipped DC butter! This butter DC works similarly to a regular Protein DC except that the addition of the whipped butter really makes my hair feel wonderful after rinsing it out. My curls pop, my hair shines and I do not get that stiff crunchy feeling you can sometimes get from regular protein DC’s. It also helps with shedding, breakage and strength. I will admit that I do not apply this as often as I do my regular Fortifying Protein Deep Conditioner because I love my butters and I am not a fan of washing it away (I am greedy like that)!

Having said that, if your hair is protein sensitive then you might want to thread carefully (if at all). All hair requires a little protein, yes even though with protein sensitive hair, but you will want to modify the ingredients I use and also spread out when you apply the product so your hair doesn’t end up being overloaded with protein. (Alternative suggestions are below).

Ingredients/Tools Used:

2 oz Whipped Butter (I used my DIY Whipped Shea Butter but you can use any whipped butter of choice).
2 oz Deep Conditioner (I prefer using a Moisturizing DC since I add protein in this recipe).
0.6 oz Lightly warmed up Rose Water – (can be replaced it with plain water).
0.1 oz Gelatin (protein).
1 Egg Yolk – protein (use the egg whites for breakfast or a face mask).
Spatula
Gloves
Bowl (for mixing)
Whisk
Container

Mixing:

I first re-whip my whipped Shea Butter just to make everything super fluffy. I then add in the DC and whisk again. I lightly warm up the Rose Water or plain water if you are not using Rose Water (it should just be warm not boiling). I sprinkle the Gelatin over the water and then stir to let it dissolve (set aside). I then add 1 egg yolk to the mix (I skip the egg whites because I always end up with bits of cooked egg in my hair if I add egg whites). Once the gelatin has dissolved I add the gelatin/rose water to the butter whip for the last time and then transfer to my bowl.

DIY Protein Whipped Deep Conditioner Butter

Application:

I apply the mix onto freshly washed (damp/wet) hair, cover with clingfilm, a shower cap and usually a scarf to keep my head nice and warm. The warmth helps to open the cuticles and allows the nourishing benefits to really seep into the hair. After 30 – 45 minutes I rinse out the DC with cold water. If you use warm water you run the risk of cooking the egg yolk in your hair and if you used the whole egg then the risk is even higher thanks to the egg white (cooked egg in your hair is difficult to get out)! I then reluctantly apply a moisturizing DC. I say reluctantly because my hair always feels awesome but doing a moisturizing DC helps to restore the balance of moisture/protein.

Storage:

It is not recommended to keep this DC for later use due to the combination of the butter, liquid and egg yolk. If you have any extra then I would suggest storing it in your freezer (if you must I would just splatter all the DC onto your hair). If you have made the mix ahead of time do not keep it for any longer than a few days in your fridge (it MUST be kept in your fridge if you have to make it ahead of time) trust me, any longer and you will regret opening the container! If it has been stored in the fridge or freezer the butter will become hard so you will need to take it out at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before you plan to apply it.

Ingredient Modifications/Alternatives:

If you have protein sensitive I would be cautious about how you use this mix (if you opt to do so) and how often you use it. Too much protein can cause protein overload for anyone but those with protein sensitive hair are more susceptible to it. I recommend you

Make sure you use a moisturizing DC instead of a Protein DC.
Use either the egg yolk or the gelatin powder (not both).
Add more moisturizing ingredients e.g. glycerin/honey/aloe Vera juice.
Leave the DC on for no more than 30 minutes and only apply it a couple of times a year.
Follow up with a Moisturizing DC for no less than 1 hour.

I hope you enjoy the tutorial and the mix, would love to get some feedback if any of you try it!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Whipped Moisturizing Conditioning Butter

7 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I have the second recipe for my Whipped Butter “series”.

DIY Whipped Moisturizing Conditioning Butter

This Whipped Moisturizing Conditioning Butter is quite simply wonderful for the hair! The recipe is quick to make and literally can be done with 2 ingredients (I use an extra ingredient to make it super moisturizing but this is optional).

Why is this a Moisturizing Conditioning Whipped Butter?

I have been asked if whipped butter (on its own) is moisturizing for the hair and in my opinion it isn’t really “moisturizing” because I find that in order for a product to be truly moisturizing it should have proper moisturizing ingredients – basically it should have water included in some way. Water, at least for my hair, is the beginning and end of moisture. Regular whipped butter (on its own) doesn’t usually include water (especially if it is homemade) unless you have also added preservatives to keep it from going rancid and growing bacteria. I find regular whipped butter to be excellent at sealing, providing shine, making the hair soft, but not necessarily a moisturizing product in itself. For example, I would not abandon using leave-in conditioner in place of regular whipped butter.

So the combination of the moisturizing leave-in with the whipped butter makes this a moisturizing conditioning butter! To make sure you are using a moisturizing leave-in look at the back of your product to see if water is listed within the top three ingredients (if it is the very first ingredient even better).

Products/Tools:

DIY Whipped Moisturizing Conditioning Butter

1 oz Whipped Shea Butter (you can use any whipped butter, I used my DIY Whipped Butter)
0.7 oz Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner (you might need to experiment with different leave-ins)
0.2 oz Glycerin (Optional for additional moisture)
Whisk
Bowl
Gloves
Airtight container

When & how do I like to use this mix?:

I consider this an ‘all in one’ product. It has moisturizing properties, the ability to seal in moisture and at the same time also helps to give a little definition. I normally apply the butter mid-week on hair that was already properly moisturized and sealed after it was washed. I use it to help restyle my hair, giving back curl definition on styles like a twist-out, braid-out, Bantu knot-out, pin curls etc. I usually lightly spritz my hair with water and then follow up with the mix and move onto setting my hair. If my hair is feeling uber dry I will use my DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner or my DIY Moisturizing and Curl Activating Spray. I do not follow up with an oil since the whipped butter already contains oil.

Storage/Shelf life:

I make small batches of this since I do not use preservatives. The combo of the leave-in and butter can result in bacteria/mould growth if it is left for weeks and weeks before being used up or properly stored. I have kept my mix for 4 weeks without any issues (by week 4 I had used everything up) but I strongly recommend making small batches especially when you are first trying out the recipe because not all leave-ins will mix well with your chosen whipped butter. You can store it in your fridge to help extend its shelf life for a little longer, just keep in mind the cold temperatures in the fridge will make the mix a little hard so take it out at least 30 minutes before you want to use it.

I have a video demo of how I make my Whipped Moisturizing Conditioning Butter:

Ingredient benefits:

Shea Butter: Shea butter acts as an excellent sealant and is known to help “trap in” moisture and moisturizing products applied to hair. Shea butter is actually considered to have some moisturizing properties and is therefore wonderful for the scalp as well as the hair. Shea Butter provides nourishment to dry or damaged hair from the roots to tips and is said to help repair and protect against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also has a smoothing effect that helps provide shine to the hair.

Water Based Leave-In: Water based leave-ins are a vital part of proving our naturally dry hair with moisture and should be part of our moisturizing routine. Leave-ins help to continue to condition the hair over the days they are left on and therefore help to prolong moisture in the hair while at the same time keeping the hair soft and supple. Leave-ins help to refresh styles, revitalizes our curls and help to smooth the hair cuticle, leaving us with shiny hair.

Glycerin: Vegetable Glycerin is a humectant that 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 however should be used sparingly and should be diluted since it is thick and sticky. Vegetable Glycerin is better served when used in moderately humid climate, if used where there is a lack of humidity in the air it can do the opposite, extract moisture from the hair to the air. At the same time too much humidity in the air can cause frizz. (Not all naturals like to use glycerin so this is a head to head preference).

I would love to hear what you think about this mix, especially if you try it out!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Whipped Shea Butter (for skin and hair)

8 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

It has been a while, buuut I hope this will make up for the delay. I decided to do another “series” similar to how I did my previous Oil infusion series. This time it will be about whipped butter! I absolutely love whipped butter and was asked if I have any other recipes I could share, apart from my DIY Cocoa, Shea, Mango Butter. You know I do and I am happy to share. 🙂

All the butter recipes to come have all been used and loved by yours truly. So none of them have just been picked at random from the Internet. I used the mixes on both my hair and skin, did some trial and error and will be sharing the ones I love the most.

Ok without further ado to start off the series I will be sharing my whipped Shea Butter:

Ingredients/Tools

Main:

5.5 oz. Unrefined Shea Butter (I got mine from SheaButter Cottage – an awesome shop with a wonderful owner!)
0.4 oz. DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil*
0.4 oz. DIY Vanilla Bean Infused Almond Oil*

Optional:

5 Drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz.)

Heatproof Bowl
Gloves (to avoid contamination, you should also sterilize all your equipment)
Spatula
Electric Whisk

*You can use any carrier oil of choice it does not have to be the two I use.

Additional Information:

Note: I live in the dessert and it is ALWAYS hot so I tend to prefer my Shea Butter whip a little on the firm side which is why I use more Shea Butter compared to Carrier Oil. If you live in moderate/cold weather you will probably want to use more Oil e.g. 2 – 3 oz. This will allow your butter to be light and soft. However, please keep in mind, the Oil is what makes the butter soft, and if your house is warm, there is a slight possibility that you butter might become too soft (if you increase the Oil amount). The opposite applies if you follow my recipe and you live in cooler climates or have a cold house. The whip might become too firm for you, so it really is a trail and error thing until you find the optimum ratio balance.

I use Essential Oil and vitamin E Oil for the nourishing benefits (read about them here) as well as the fact that they help extend the shelf life of the whip. The shelf life of your mix will depend on the experiry dates of your Raw Shea Butter and Carrier oil. E.g. if your Shea has a 1 year lifespan as well as your Oil then your butter should be good for at least 1 year (as long as you do not add water, dirt or contaminate the mix. If one of your ingredients has a shorter lifespan than the other, you will want to keep an eye out just to make sure it doesn’t start to look/smell funny.

Process:

I first lightly melt down the Shea Butter in a double broiler. To double broil, I put a pot with water on the stove and bring it to a light boil and then place a heatproof bowl with the Shea over the pot. You do not need a lot of water, just enough to create steam under the heatproof bowl. I double broil on low heat for no more than 7 minutes. I do not completly melt it down while on the stove because the warmth from the melted butter will melt the rest.
I then add the Carrier Oils to the melted butter, stir and place it in my freezer for 10 – 15 minutes.
After it has become thick (you want it to be thick not firm) I scrape the Butter to the middle of the bowl with a spatula and then begin to whip. I use a whisk to whip the butter on a low setting at first and then move onto a higher setting later. Always scarping the sides to make sure all the butter is whipped.
After a few minutes of whisking I add the Essential Oil and Vitamin E Oil to the whip and continue till I get the consistency I am happy with.
I then transfer the butter into an airtight container. I am of course “extra” and use a piping bag to transfer the butter but a spoon/spatula will do and that is it!

I have a video of my mixing process:

I hope you like the start of my new series!

Thanks

Maicurls

Protective Style & Castor Oil Week 6 Update

5 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Week 6

So I have come to the end of my Protective Style and Castor Oil Challenge and have to admit I am a little sad. Figured B&W pictures would show “sadness” but to be honest I just love the look of B&W photos!

Anyways, I will have a separate overview of the challenge as a whole, along with a video shortly but I just wanted to share how my last week went in this post.

For a recap of my previous weeks check below:

How did my last week go?

Not to sound like a broken record but it went well. I did two protective styles over six days and of course also massaged my Castor Oil Mix on my scalp, hairline and ends four times in the week. My two styles were as always super simple. For the first three days I did a really quick & loose pinned back up-do using only bobby pins. On the last three days I did a roll and tuck with 3 two-strand twists & accessorized the style with my DIY Floral hairband.

What Did I do?

I did my wash day routine on Sunday, moisturized and sealed before twisting my hair at night.

Day 1 – After taking down the twists in the morning I massaged my Castor Oil Mix on my scalp, hairline, ends and did one of the simplest styles since starting the challenge for the next 3 days.

Literally all I did was very loosely take my hair back fold it over and pin it down. The style was so loose that you could see a little frizz I call this being “carefree” ( it doesn’t bother me but I could be done the style with a little of my DIY Flaxseed gel for a “neater” look.)

Day 3 – I reapplied the Castor Oil mix to my scalp, hairline and ends at night.
Day 4 – In the morning I moisturized my hair with my DIY Creamy Leave-In Conditioner and sealed with my whipped butter mix then put my hair into a rolled back up-do accessorized with a DIY floral headband. (I had my DIY shell earrings on that day and it get a beach feeling when I wear them) 😀

I left two sections on the sides and one at the front to make two-strand twists. The rest of my hair was pulled back and rolled up. I pinned my hair at the top instead of under (by my neck). I took the twists to the back to give my hair a little texture and pinned the twist at the top as well.

Day 5 – At night I took my hair down, massaged my scalp, hairline and ends with the Castor Oil Mix and pineappled to sleep.
Day 6 – Redid the style and at night I repeated the night method of day 5.
Day 7 – Was supposed to wash my hair but got caught up with house work

Castor Oil Challenge:

As mentioned, I used the castor blend 4 times during the week. My hair felt a little limp by day 7 because I might have used a little too much whipped butter after re-moisturizing but I was still left with smooth, moisturized, shiny and soft hair.

So that was my first attempt at 6 weeks of protective styling and castor oil massages. Like I mentioned I will have a recap post of my final results along with a video explaining my experiences and plans but I can tell you now I enjoyed the whole challenge and it shall be repeated!

Thanks

Maicurls

Protective Style & Castor Oil Week 5 Update

8 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

First I want to apologize for being late with this post I once again got caught up with work and personal stuff but I am here with an update!

Protective Style Challenge Week 5

There is just one week left of my Protective Style and Castor Oil challenge and I can proudly say that I am glad I did it and look forward to incorporating more protective styles into my routine from now on.

For a recap of my previous weeks click below:

How did my fifth week go?

Similar to the previous weeks, everything followed together really well. I had my hair tucked away for 6 days of the week, used my Castor Oil Mix 4 times and then washed my hair. I noticed that I tend to do a really quick style at the start of the week and then try to do a little more for the second part (probably because I subconsciously want a little more “oomph” on the weekend). I will admit that when I took my twists down on the first day I really really wanted to rock a twist-out…the definition was AMAZING but I was strong.

The first style I did was a SUPER quick and simple tuck and pin and then finished with a big puff bun with a deep side-bang (I really liked this one)!

What Did I do?

I did my wash day routine on Sunday which included a new and improved Protein Deep Condition (DC) followed by my Moisturizing DC. (The Protein DC involved egg yolks, hibiscus tea, gelatin, coffee infused oil and a little conditioner. I will eventually have a write-up and how to video). I moisturized my hair with my creamy leave-in conditioner, lightly sealed with a tiny bit of oil and then added some of my whipped butter before putting my hair into 12 twists.
Day 1 – After taking the twists down I massaged my Castor Oil Mix on my scalp, hairline, ends and randomly pinned my hair back. There was no real strategy to the method I lightly rolled my hair at the front, tucked it and used bobby pins to hold it in place. For the hair at the back I loosely rolled my hair under and then pinned it (repeating this every morning gave me slight variations in the look).

Loose pin and tuck

Loose pin and tuck right

Loose pin and tuck back

Loose pin and tuck left

Day 3 – I reapplied my Castor Oil mix to my scalp, hairline and ends.
Day 4 – I moisturized my hair with my DIY Creamy Leave-In Conditioner and sealed with Almond Oil. I then put my hair into a big puff bun with a side-bang.

Puff bun with deep side-bang front

Puff bun with deep side-bang right

Puff bun with deep side-bang left

Side-Bang of Puff bun

Puff bun with deep side-bang back

Day 5 – I took down my hair at night, massaged my scalp, hairline and ends with my Castor Oil Mix then pineappled for the night.
Day 6 – I repeated what I did the night before.
Day 7 – Wash day routine and then got my hair ready for the final week.

Castor Oil Challenge:

I still am amazed at the fact that although I have fine hair, I can still get away with using a thick oil like castor without ending up with greasy limp hair. Since I thoroughly enjoyed incorporating my whipped butter into my routine last week I used it again and yes this addition is a winner! I ended the week with hair that wasn’t thirsty, dull or knotty. I will say that I started the week with hair that felt different…stronger, I think my hair was in need of a really strong Protein DC. I will just end this with: I was working with hair that retained moisture, had less tangles and less frizz = happy Mai.

So digging this challenge experience and experiment!

On the last home stretch!

Maicurls