Tag Archives: Moisturizing natural hair

Revlon Realistic Wash-n-Go (Black Seed Oil Product Line)

Wash-N-Go Process

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!

Maicurls

3 Simple DIY Moisturizing Sprays

5 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I have 3 DIY’s!

All of the three differ in ingredients but provide the same end result: moisturized curls/kinks/coils!

So I decided to throw together three recipes in one post/video because I frequently get questions about using different ingredients and writing a post/making a video of a mix with alternative ingredients so this way I hope there is something for everyone.

The main focus of change in the mixes is the use of humectants since they can be a hit or miss for many of us. For those that are unfamiliar with humectants, (putting it simple) they are ingredients and or chemicals that help to attract moisture in the air (e.g. humidity) to the hair. While this sounds awesome, it is important to note that the weather can play a huge role in whether our hair likes the use of them or not. You need to find a balance of “optimal” humidity because if you live in an area with high humidity this can cause the hair strands to swell up since they become over moisturized. This can cause frizz, can make the cuticle of the hair raise which can cause friction and thus cause tangles. On the other hand if you live in an area with low humidity, this can cause the opposite effect. The use of humectants would draw moisturize in the hair outwards and can cause dryness!

If you are unsure of whether or not your hair appreciates humectant based products check the back of your staple products to see if they include any humectants towards the top of the list. Here are examples of different humectants:

Honey, Agave nectar, Aloe Vera Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed silk protein, Fructose, Sodium PCA, Panthenol.

Ingredients/Tools:

Clean & disinfected spray bottle
Spoon
Container
Gloves (optional)

Recipe 1 – Humectant Free

Humectant Free

2 oz Plain Water
1 oz Rose Water
0.5 oz Leave In Conditioner
0.5 oz Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (any Oil)
(Optional) 2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil (any oil)
3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)

Recipe 2 – 1 Humectant

1 Humectant Recipe

2 oz Plain Water
0.5 oz Raw/Organic Honey
0.5 oz Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (any oil)
3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
(Optional) 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (any oil)

Recipe 3 – 2 Humectants

2 Humectants Recipe

2 oz Plain Water
1 oz Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
0.7 oz Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (use any)
0.5 oz Glycerin
3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
(Optional) 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (any oil)

Mixing Instructions:

You basically just have to add all the ingredient together in a bowl and stir really well (using a whisk can help) and then pour into your spray bottle.

Application/Use:

I like to use the spray to remoisturize my hair at night when I want to “reset” a style. E.g. if my hair was in a braid out for a few days and feels a little dry with the curls loosing shape and gaining frizz, I spray my hair with the spray and re-braid for the night. The next morning i take down my hair and voila, a new looking braid out! I choose not to use a styling product again because I feel like the spray helps to “reactivate” the styling/holding product (but this is a personal choice). Make sure to shake the bottle each time really well to ensure all the ingredients are stirred together.

Storage:

You MUST store the mixes in the fridge, regardless of which recipe you choose you have to store it in the fridge (maximum 2 weeks). I suggest making small amounts and remixing since each individual recipe is easy to make, this way you are not wasting anything with the mix going off before being used up.

NOTE: In the examples I used Virgin Coconut Oil; Coconut Oil solidifies in cold temperatures therefore if you use Coconut Oil and notice white lumpy blocks of solidified oil this is normal. My suggestion is to either take the mix out of the fridge beforehand so that the coconut oil melts (if your house is warm enough) otherwise hold the mix (while in the spray bottle) in a cup of warm water for a few minutes so the oils melts.

I have a compilation of benefits of each of the ingredients used in the recipes here.

Thanks!

Maicurls

Caramel Hair Softener – Recipe from: Hair Care Rehab

8 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

I have come back with ANOTHER DIY!!!

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:

Caramel Hair Softener Ingredients

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!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Conditioning Bars with Cleansing Properties

10 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

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

DIY Conditioning Bar With Cleansing Properties

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

Ingredients/Tools:

DIY Conditioning Bar With Cleansing Properties - Ingredients

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

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

Mixing Method:

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

Storage/Setting:

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

Adding Your Mixing Liquid:

Bars in double broiler

Melting bars

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

Application:

Melted Conditioning Bars

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

Ingredient Benefits:

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

Alternative Ingredients:

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

When To Use:

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

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

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY – Moisturizing Dry Brittle Ends (Humectant Free)

DIY: (Recipe) Moisturizing Dry & Brittle Ends

1 Reply

Hello Maicurlies,

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!)

Moisturizing Dry & Brittle Ends

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.

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 Curl Refreshing & Activating Spray

13 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I have another really quick DIY spray to share. I think your hair will LOVE it! My hair drinks this up and is super soft afterwards, moisturized, shiny and it actually helps to refresh my curls too!

DIY Moisturizing & Curl Activating Spray

I use this spray in different ways (you can apply this on your scalp and face too btw, who doesn’t love a good 3 in 1 product right)?!

Ingredients:

1 oz plain water (I use bottled water)
0.4 oz Rose Water
0.1 oz Glycerin (optional Ingredient that can be replaced with honey or agave nectar)
0.3 oz Fresh Aloe Vera Juice (you can use store bought)
2 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
1 – 2 drops Essential Oil (optional – I LOVE the scent of rose water so I skip this)

Benefits of each ingredient:

Water – the ingredient of life right? H2o is a naturals best friend as it hydrates the hair, restores lost moisture, provides elasticity to the hair, helps prevent breakage, honestly water should be our closest buddy.

Rose Water (apart from smelling AMAZING) – it is known to help revitalize the quality of your hair due to Its natural moisturizing and nourishing properties. It helps ease scalp irritations or dandruff, it leaves the scalp feeling fresh, is said to help reduce hair loss due to the fact that it helps stimulate hair follicles, provides shine and helps restore the natural pH of the skin and hair.

Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ)* (Fresh or store bought) – promotes hair growth, stop hair loss, treats scalp problems e.g. dry/itchy scalp. It restores moisture to both the hair and scalp, helps simulate hair growth since it contains enzyme that stimulates hair follicles and can help reduce buildup since it has astringent properties.

*If you are using AVJ directly from the plant (completely pure and untreated) it is best to do a skin patch test to see if you are allergic to it first since people can develop an allergic reaction to it.

Vitamin E Oil – a commonly used oil to help extend homemade products shelf life (however only extends products for a little bit). It rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin by nourishing both and is said to help sooth scalp issues such as psoriasis*. The oil helps to condition the hair resulting in healthier and shinier hair.

*Should you suffer from psoriasis it is best to consult a medical professional e.g. a dermatologist or your personal doctor as this is NOT a cure for psoriasis.

Essential Oil (EO) – depending on the EO you use you can get different benefits my suggestion is peppermint, tea tree or rosemary but you can use any EO of choice. (I prefer to skip this because I LOVE the scent of Rose Water).

Moisturizing & Curl Activating Spray

How I use it:

Depending on how my hair is styled, I will either use it to freshen up my curls in the morning, spritz it on an old wash and go or even to remoisturize my hair at night before putting in twists (after sealing with a little oil).

What I love about this is that the mix is really light weight so even if you spray this on “old hair” it will not weigh down your curls, it is super moisturizing thanks to the ingredients and of course it is all natural!

Storage:

The recipe is simple to do so it won’t take you long to remake it. I do suggest making small batches to ensure it stays fresh since there are no preservatives added. I do recommend storing it in the fridge just to make sure it doesn’t go off too quickly and since it is easy to make it won’t take you any time at all!

I would love to hear what you think about this mix!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Boosted Leave-In Conditioner (Spray)

8 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

I am back with another DIY Update! This time it is my Spray Leave-In Conditioner.

This goodness is a modified version of my previous Spray Leave-In Conditioner which you can read about here. Similar to my updated Creamy Leave-In Conditioner I changed the recipe a little due to the fact that I no longer use the conditioner I use to use and the old mix was no longer as effective in moisturizing my hair as it use to be.

This recipe is quite simple, does not include too many steps and like I mentioned is a slight modification from the old one.

Ingredients

6 oz plain water (I use bottled water)
Hibiscus petals (optional) I use about 10 – 12 petals
0.8 oz leave-in conditioner (use any leave-in your hair likes)
2 oz Rose Water
0.1 oz Almond Oil (use any carrier oil your hair likes)
0.1 oz Glycerine (optional)
3 capsules vitamin E oil = roughly 0.15 oz

(Additional ingredients I sometimes use)

I sometimes add 0.8 oz fresh Aloe Vera Juice (from my garden) I didn’t this time.

Essential Oil (any oil of choice) – I like the rose scent so I skip the essential oil.

Mixing Instructions

I first add the hibiscus petals to the water and let it sit while I add the other ingredients. In the mean time I pour the leave-in conditioner, rose water, almond oil, glycerine and vitamin E oil in my container. I then pour the hibiscus water through a sieve to catch the petals and then whisk. I pour the mix into a spray bottle and shake it before every use.

Substitute Ingredients

Honey or agave nectar – instead of the glycerine (or skip this all together)
Any carrier oil of choice – instead of the almond oil
Arrowroot – can be added to the mix to give a little extra slip

Side Note:

This mix might be a little too light for those with coarser or thicker hair due to the fact that the ingredients I use are quite light weight. In case you do have thicker or coarser hair than I, you can either increase the amount of leave-in used, add a heavier carrier oil such as castor oil and/or double the amount of oil used in the mix.

When I use it/How I store it:

I like to use this mix when I want to lightly re-moisturize my hair or when I want to dampen my hair without getting it soaking wet before styling/restyling. The Leave-In is left out with the rest of my products (without needing to store it in the fridge). I have never had an issue with the mix going off or going rancid before I use it up, however, you can store it in the fridge just in case.

Do you use a spray leave-in? Do you make your own or use a store bought one? I would love to hear from you.

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Boosted Leave-In Conditioner (Creamy)

9 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

(Side Note: I have been having issues with my WordPress…trying to figure out how to fix it but hopefully you will see this new post without any issues!)

So back to the topic, my DIY Boosted Leave-In Conditioner.

DIY Boosted Leave-In Conditioner (Creamy)

Some of you who might have been following me for a while will know that I have a DIY Leave-In Conditioner mix already and might be wondering why another recipe Mai? Well, two reasons: 1. In the old mix I used a conditioner as the base of the recipe but I no longer use that conditioner and 2. my hair wasn’t responding as well as to the old mix as it use to. When that happens my hair is telling me “change the product mix Mai!” Since I do not use too many store brought products I do not have a stash of different leave-ins I can rotate I listen to my hair and rework the recipes instead.:D

I will put a link at the bottom of the post directing you to my old recipe, just so you can see what all I have changed. There are some subtle changes in the new recipe and a few ingredients that I add or omit depending on my mood at the time of mixing.

DIY Boosted Leave-In Conditioner (Creamy)

Ingredients

2.6 oz plain water (I use bottled water)
A couple petals of dried hibiscus (completely optional) – I use about 7
8 oz leave-in conditioner (use any moisturizing leave-in your hair likes)
2 oz Rose Water
0.1 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
0.2 oz Coffee Infused Almond Oil (use any carrier oil)
3 capsules Vitamin E Oil = roughly 0.15 oz
0.1 oz Glycerine

(Additional ingredients I sometimes use)

0.5 oz fresh home made Aloe Vera Juice to the water I use. When I add AVJ I increase the amount of leave-in my 2 oz.
Glycerine – I add glycerine if the leave-in being used doesn’t contain it already but mine did.
Essential Oil (any oil of choice) – I like the rose scent so I skip the essential oil.

Mixing Instructions

I first add the hibiscus petals to the water and let it sit while I add the other ingredients. First I add the leave-in conditioner with the rose water, virgin coconut oil, coffee infused almond oil and vitamin E oil. I then pour the hibiscus water through a sieve to catch the petals and then whisk. When I use glycerine I add it along with the leave-in and other ingredients. After whisking I transfer the mix into my containers.

Ingredient Alternatives

In case some of the ingredients I use do not play well with your hair they can be replaced by basically anything e.g. castor oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or any other carrier oil in place of/along with the coffee infused almond oil I use. If glycerine is not your favourite you can use honey or agave nectar as a humectant. (The leave-in I was using in the video had Glycerine in it so there was no need to add any more.)

My next update will be a Spray Leave-In 😀

I would love to hear if you add any particular ingredients to a store bought leave-in to “boost” its properties!

(Previous Creamy Leave-In Conditioner Mix)

Thanks

Maicurls