I was contacted by a company called Regrowzthat produce an all natural scalp homeopathic system to help stimulate hair growth & regrowth.
Regrowz is based on ancient Ayurvedic medicine that includes about 30+ plants and herbal ingredients. The recipe is specifically formulated to prevent, stop and reverse the effects of hereditary hair loss in both men and women. It is designed to help with scalp stimulation in order to help grow and regrow hair and should be focused on the area/s affected with slow/no growth.
Regrowz can either be used for 3 months – 6 months (depending on your personal needs) and has developed to be used for both women and men but both are said to be effective in the same way.
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).
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.
My Wash-n-Go started with my wash day process where I first used the Strengthen Shampoo:
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
1. Cleansing Using about 4-5 pumps of the shampoo after damping my hair with water (I wash my hair in sections) I focused on my roots and scalp first in order to remove product buildup, sweat, dirt etc. Using my finger tips I gently massaged my scalp and worked the shampoo. I also used my scalp massage brush to help lift product buildup and sweat from my scalp. I added another 3 pumps of shampoo onto my roots and scalp before working the shampoo on the length of my hair. It smells divine and had a little bit of slip to help detangle (however, I did not necessarily focus on detangling while using the shampoo that came later). I have always had a hate hate relationship with shampoo because from past experience they have ALWAYS left my hair feeling dry and stripped. However, this shampoo did neither! It lathered up a little bit and left my hair feel clean without stripped of natural oils produced by the scalp. It basically left my scalp and hair feeling clean without that typical “squeaky clean” feeling I have experienced in the past. In terms of shampoos, this definitely has been one of the best I have personally used.
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
2. Conditioning: After shampoo-ing I moved onto their Strengthening Conditioner (Intense Moisture). I struggled getting the conditioner out of the pump because it is really really thick which, is something I had anticipated when I did my initial review of the box (check my previous post). I ended up removing the pump and just squeezed the conditioner out of the container. I worked the conditioner from ends to roots since the ends of our hair is the oldest and driest parts so I focus on that first. I am very heavy handed with conditioner because this is when I really finger detangle and remove shed hair (using my fingers as a comb – I no longer use a comb while washing my hair). This conditioner melted into my hair, despite being really really thick. I had anticipated that it would sit on my hair but I was proven wrong! It basically dissolved. My curls were left detangled, soft, moisturized and clumped together. I absolutely loved how hydrated my hair felt after using the conditioner. I was left with a normal amount of shed hair (for me) as I would on any other wash day. I left the conditioner on with a shower cap for 10 minutes (as per their instructions) and then rinsed it out.
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
3.Moisturizing For the Wash-n-Go process I first moisturized my hair with their Strengthening Butter Creme Leave-in Conditioner. This is the thickest Leave-in Conditioner I have ever applied on my hair! I was actually a little worried that it might just coat my strands because of the thick consistency of the product, especially since I have fine strands. I also wasn’t sure if my curls would be weighed down due to the product just sitting on top of the strands instead of being absorbed but I yet again was proven wrong! My hair literally drank up the Leave-in! It did’t sit on top of my hair, it practically melted into int nor did it leave it feeling greasy in any way. I really put it to the test by applying A LOT of Leave-In. It smells amazing and left my curls moisturized, soft, shiny, hydrated and clumped together. After applying the leave-in is when I go for my wide tooth comb to make sure I have gotten rid of all tangles and shed hair (my comb was free of shed hair at this point).
Photo credit Revlon Realistic USA
4. Defining:To define my Wash-n-Go I used the Strengthening Curling Custard. This is another product that is thick in consistency however, it has more of a cream texture compared to the Leave-In. This product helped to enhance my curls, clumped each strand and also left my hair smelling amazing and looking shiny. It didn’t leave it feeling coated nor did I have a “crunchy” after effect on my curls. I was left with fluffy, frizz free, bouncy hair that had body, movement and definition.
Final Verdict:
Overall, I loved the results of my Wash-n-Go, from cleansing right down to styling. I was impressed with how well my hair absorbed the products without feeling weighed down nor product overloaded. My hair had volume while having little to no frizz (I went to town with my Afro comb because I LOVE lifting my roots to create MORE volume). My curls were defined, soft, shiny and hydrated.
Initially I did wish that the line included some kind of oil since I am used to applying one after moisturizing my hair however, I think that since both the leave-in and the curling custard include oils such as: sweet almond oil, black cumin seed oil, olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil and even Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter, I think for someone with fine hair such as myself the oils included in the products are sufficient. (I don’t know if those with thicker hair strands (coarser) hair would feel the same). I would have liked to see a Deep Conditioner in the product line because my wash day usually includes deep conditioning on a weekly basis. Maybe that will be added at some point.
Other than that, I enjoyed using the line & look forward to trying the other styling product I received when I do a Bantu Knot-out!
Let me know if you have ever tried Revlon Realistic Black Seed Oil and what you thought!
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).
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!)
DIY Caramel Hair Softener from “Hair Care Rehab” – Audrey Davis Sivasothy
I can not take credit for this gorgeous, delicious, luscious looking DIY recipe though, all credit goes to the talented author and Naturalista Audrey Davis Sivasothy and her wonderful book Hair Care Rehab. You can read all about how much I love this book in my review here.
I contacted Audrey to check if it would be alright for me to use her recipe in a “how to” video/blog post and she was happy for me to share, so here it is! And Thank You Audrey!!!
According to the book (and my own personal experience) this recipe will:
Soften & hydrate the hair
Reduce Frizz
Strengthen the hair
Lengthen curls
Improve curl definition
I also found it:
Provides shine
Reduces tangles
Provides bounce
Now before I move on I will reiterate what the book says: you will want to do this on a day when you have “me time”, so I suggest doing this on a “pamper day” when you know you will not be rushed simply because for some of you after application you might want to follow up with shampoo and a quick Deep Condition (more about this further down).
Ingredients/Tools:
2 overripe Bananas (the more ripe they are the better)
4 oz Water
1 oz Lemon Juice (in the original recipe it mentions using 2 oz but I use less*)
2 oz Raw/Natural Honey
4 oz Maple Syrup or Molasses
2 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 oz Plain Flour
Mixing container
Blender
Sieve
Spoon
Pot
*I use less Lemon Juice because it tends to be too acidic for my hair and can dry it out, I suggest for your first attempt using less than 2 oz and then increasing if you so please.
Ratio/Ingredient Alternatives:
Replace Honey with Agave Nectar
Use either Maple Syrup or Molasses
Use any carrier oil you wish in place of the EVOO (e.g. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Almond Oil, Avocado Oil etc)
Use Corn Flour in place of Plain Flour
Baby Banana food in place of real bananas (I always find real bananas work better)
You can use half the ingredients mentioned to make less.
Mixing Instructions:
I first cut the bananas into 2 – 3 pieces and then blend them, you want to make sure they basically turn into banana “mushy juice”. (This is where using overripe bananas come into play because the more ripe they are the easier it will be to get a smooth mix without too many bits). Next I add the water and lemon juice and re-blend. After this I highly suggest using a sieve, this will help further eliminate banana bits (which are so difficult to get out of curly/kinky hair). You then can add the honey, maple syrup, EVOO and stir. The last ingredient is the flour which, should be done in halves and blended in between to make sure it is lump free.
The last step is warming up the mix. You only want to lightly warm it up, NOT boil it! The warming up will only take a few minutes and as soon as this happens you will notice the mixture thickening. Turn off the stove as soon as you notice the thickening otherwise you will be left with a lumpy and thick hard to use mix.
Application:
You must allow the recipe to cool down to room temperature before you apply (please do not burn your fingers or scalp!) I prefer to apply onto damp hair (doesn’t have to be freshly washed) and then cover with a shower cap, plastic bag and scarf for 1.5 hours (you can leave it on for 45 minutes – 1.5 hours no more time is required). I normally only follow up with a conditioner to rinse my hair and then move onto styling without the need to Shampoo or do an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse or a Deep Conditioner.
Of course I have a video of my mixing process:
Things to keep in mind:
This is NOT a temporary relaxer! I have seen a few videos/blog stating that the caramel treatment works as a “mild/temporary relaxer” for the hair….I don’t know how one could come up with that but NO! The recipe provides the hair with so much moisture and nourishment that dry hair (at least my dry hair) basically absorbs all that goodness which ends up making my curls “heavy” (for lack of a better word). This heaviness makes my curls appear longer which I guess is why some people claim it is a “temporary relaxer” but again NO, it just leaves your hair not dry!
If you can know you will not be able to use all the mix in one go either use less of the ingredients, give some away or as a last resort store the remaining in your freezer. Do not leave it in your fridge for more than a few days because it will go moldy!
If you store it in your freezer, I suggest gently double broiling in a heat proof glass bowl over water since it will become really thick and almost impossible to manipulate onto your hair once it has been frozen.
Some of you might feel the need to follow up with shampoo afterwards or perhaps an ACV rinse. If you use shampoo then you might consider doing a quick 10 minute deep condition just to make sure your hair doesn’t feel stripped because of the shampoo.
If you are allergic to ANY of the ingredients please DO NOT USE THEM! There are always alternative ingredients, such as those mentioned above or other recipes you can use without risking your health.
If any of the ingredients are new to your routine, please do a patch test before you apply it all over your hair, to avoid any unforeseen allergic reactions.
I would love to hear what you think if you give this a try, or if you already have used the Caramel Hair Softener please let me know what you thought!
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.
Today I have something that I hope will help save you some money and perhaps even turn some of your least favorite conditioners (that you have stashed away collecting dust) into favorable ones!
Whether you returned natural just a few months ago or have been natural for a while, finding “staple” or favorite products (e.g. conditioners) are one of things we want to achieve. It can become a little difficult to find products that work for our hair without some trial and error, which can be quite frustrating.
We tend to look for conditioners that:
Provides moisture (if we are not seeking a protein conditioner)
Has sufficient slip to ease detangling
Smooths the hair
Softens the hair
Provides shine
Provides elasticity
In this particular DIY example I used TRESemmé Naturals but you can use any of the conditioners in your shelf. Note: some might not mix all that well with the gel but since it is not going to be left in your hair and will be rinsed out that shouldn’t be a problem.
The crux of this whole thing is to add Flaxseed Gel (FSG) to your conditioner of choice and that pretty much is it!
Why add Flaxseed Gel:
Apart from the fact that adding Flaxseed gel will help provide slip to the conditioner here are some of the other benefits:
Rich source of vitamin E. Vitamin E.
Provides moisture to the hair.
Provides nourishment to the hair thanks to the Omega – 3 fatty acids.
Helps reduce breakage and split ends.
Helps slowdown the process of premature gray hair.
It helps reduce shed hair.
Helps fight scalp irritations and dandruff.
Ingredients:(I get 2 uses from this recipe)
8 Oz Conditioner (if you have shorter/thicker hair you might need to use less or more conditioner).
8 Oz Plain Water
2 Oz Flaxseeds (I like my gel to be thick since that provides slip).
(Optional) 5 – 7 drops Essential Oil (EO)*
Pot
Sieve
Clean and disinfected container
Spoon/Spatula
Gloves (to be extra sure you don’t contaminate the product)
*Essential Oils should be used with caution and only requires a few drops. If you are pregnant please do not use any!
Method:
I add the flaxseeds to the water (before it boils) and allow it to slowly come to a boil on low heat for 10 minutes while continuously stirring. Once I have the gel at a consistency I am happy with I immediately sieve the seeds (keep the seeds for reuse in a ziplock bag in the freezer and quickly pour water in the pot). I add the gel to my conditioner, mix really well then add the EO stir again, fini!
Storage:
If you have any remaining conditioner and plan to use it the following week I do suggest storing it in the fridge however, I have left mine in an airtight container in my bathroom to be used the following week without anything nasty growing in the container. I am always “extra” and use a clean, disinfect and dry spoon whenever I scoop out any hand prepared products just to make sure no bacteria, dirt etc comes in contact and grows anything funky so I suggest you doing the same (don’t dip your fingers in the container unless you use it all up in one go).
Ratio/Ingredient Alternatives:
If you are using a thin/runny conditioner and want to really thicken it use 3 Oz flaxseeds.
You can add some Rose Water to this by replacing half of the water e.g. 4 Oz Plain Water & 4 Oz Rose Water.
You can add a Humectant (if your hair likes them) e.g. Honey/Agave Nectar/Glycerine or Aloe Vera Juice (0.5 Oz).
You can also use a combination of Fenukgreek Seeds together with the flaxseeds e.g. 1 Oz Fenugreek 1 Oz Flaxseeds.
P.S. You can also add some FSG to your shampoo! Use 1 tablespoon of FSG to your shampoo in a bowl & stir. It will provide slip but also help to reduce the amount of stripping from the shampoo.
I really would love to hear if you try this DIY and what your results were!
Maicurls 