Tag Archives: natural hair

Blissfully Basking in Baltimore, Maryland (Travel log 4 – 6)

27th November 2016 – I woke up at 7:00am, finally the day had arrived when I would meet my friend (K). We connected through (Napturallycurly.com) and our friendship grew after bonding over the experience of having lost our pet dogs. We had discussed for ages about how amazing it would be if we ever met and that day was the 27th November!

I made my way to the tiny Amtrack Station in Woodbridge, Virginia by way of taxi. My Taxi driver ended up not only coming from Nigeria but had lived in Germany (I am German/Nigerian) so he very quickly became friendly and handed me his card so I could call him in the evening when I was coming back from my trip. During the drive he gave me all kinds of advice and warned me about pickpockets and “rough” neighborhoods, he actually freaked me out a little but I knew I was going to be in the company of a local so I was ready.

It was really cold and I got to the train station a little early (as always) to make sure I would be on time. There was no where to sit and wait indoors so I braced myself for the 30 minute wait. For whatever reason you don’t find out which track the train will arrive at until it gets there so I decided to stand with the rest of the people. Of course, upon arriving it was announced that the platform was on the other side which, involved going up three floors, crossing a little “connection bridge” and going back down to the ground floor. There were a lot of elderly travelers, people with luggage etc. all of whom needed to use the elevator. I legged it across and made it, sweaty and all (because I of course was wearing a thick coat since I was cold) but anyways I made it!

I quickly texted K to let her know I was on the way, the excitement was building with every passing minute. After a little while I got a message from K asking if my train was going to be on time because she was informed that it would be arriving 1 hour late! This was news to me! Of course I panicked a little because we didn’t really have a lot of time to spend together and a one hour delay would eat away our time. I checked online and asked the ticket man who reassured me we would be on time and there was no delay. About 1.5 hours later I arrived at the station in Baltimore. Super pumped to meet my twin (we have a lot in common so we call each other twins) I looked around but didn’t see her. After a few minutes I spotted her looking around searching for me. HUGE SMILES, girly giggles and OH MY GOODNESS were exchanged along with a huge hug! Happy day the twins met!

K wanted to take me out to brunch first. Now let me explain my LOVE for all things food! I am literally obsessed with eating LOL. K and I both love talking about food, discussing recipes, sharing recipes, sharing what we plan on eating, what we ate etc. So when she told me we were going to one of her favorite spots for brunch I was more than thrilled. We ate at a place called The Blue Moon Cafe. I HIGHLY recommend a visit if you are ever in Baltimore (they have two locations). The food was mouthwatering and the service was great!

K did the honors of ordering for us and we shared everything selected because (US of A I will never get used to your portion sizes) this cafe had EXTREME portions! I am going to let the photos speak for themselves. And yes I did get to eat some crab (in here smothered with eggs and cheese and everything else) and yes, it was absolutely scrumptious! If I manage to get the names of each dish ordered I will update it here * will have to ask K. (Updated: Top Left – Cinnamon Roll (made with delicious biscuit), Top Right: “Sweet Baby Jesus (yes that is the name – this was the amazing crab dish with yummy cheese goodness) and Bottom: “Captain Crunch French Toast” – French toast coated with Captain Crunch Cereal before being cooked).

So after we ate (both of us had leftovers…HUGE I tell you), K then took me to the harbor district. The sun was out and we initially wanted to walk but figured she would end up getting a ticket if we left the car parked so decided against it. It took us ages to find a parking spot, tried a parking garage but the price for just 2 – 3 hours was ridiculous so we drove around looking for a place.

We actually got threatened by an insane man in his car! He thought K had attempted to “steal” his parking spot even though she didn’t notice he was parked a few good meters away (he was far away enough that it didn’t look like he intended to take the spot in he first place). Mad man drove up beside us and yelled like a loon, “Didn’t you see me parked there waiting…yaddayaddayadda”. K attempted to explain that she hadn’t noticed him and asked him POLITELY to remain calm; to which he responded with “Go ahead and park there and see what will happen to your car when you come back”. I was so shocked (and have a big mouth) so I yelled “Excuse me?!? What did you say?!?” He was clear, “you heard me”! Normally if I were at home I would have gone off but I was a visiting tourist and my mother warned me to keep my mouth shut unless I wanted to be an arrested visiting tourist on my first trip the US so I left it at that (with a lot of shock and anger pent up)! We waited for him to drive off before looking for another spot, didn’t want to take the risk!

Anyways after that little incident we found and spot and walked around the harbor which was stunning! K pointed out little spots, places she likes to go to, places we would visit again upon my return, I even picked up some accessories.

Now I wouldn’t be me if something else didn’t happen…my freaking boot heel broke! Now given it broke when I was in Miami (a new pair of never before worn shoes)! I tried using gorilla glue and even zip tied the heels to let the glue set while in Miami, but oh no it felt like breaking while I was away from my hotel and mid walking around! H&M came to the rescue with a pair of ballerinas LOL.

To finish off our trip we picked up some coffee and headed to the station. I was disappointed that I didn’t get more time with her but K had work the following day, our initial plans didn’t work out, everything sort of was rushed planning and there were no later trains I could catch directly back to Woodbridge. No matter, I shall be visiting her again in a few months and more time shall be spent together!

The trip back was uneventful; I caught my train back to Virginia, my taxi guy was there waiting for me, (I realized I forgot my leftovers in K’s car which broke my heart) and I grabbed some dinner before hitting the sack!

My next trip was to Washington DC which will be covered in my next post!

Maicurls

Mashup Madness in Miami, Florida (Travel log 3 – 6)

My Curly Hair Morning & Night Time Routine

7 Replies

Helloooo Maicurlies,

Morning & Night Routine

Yes she is finally back with an actual tutorial & video! I know I have been terrible and a little Missing In Action on both my Blog and YouTube (if you don’t already follow me on Instagram please do because I tend to post a lot on there) but I have been away, getting back into “regular routine” and working on a few projects so I do apologize.

Today’s post is based on a request; I was asked to share my morning and night routine so share I shall. Now before I get into the post and demonstrate (in the video below) I will point out that my night routine tends to be the same pretty much all the time apart from if I re-braid/re-twist/re-bantu knot my hair. So, for the most part if my hair is down then this is what I do every night and yes the same applies for my mornings too.

Morning Routine Products/Tools

Water, DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner or DIY Creamy Leave-In Conditioner (depending on how dry my hair feels)
Any Carrier Oil
Afro Pick
DIY Edge Regrow & “Tame” Pomade (depending on if I feel like applying it)

Method:

I take my hair down from my modified Pineapple (explained below) and first try and arrange, separate and gently manipulate my hair to arrange it. I then move onto my beloved scalp massage (read about it here). Then depending on how dry my hair is feeling I either use water, Spray Leave-In Conditioner or my Creamy Leave-In Conditioner to re-moisturize my hair. Again depending on my hair I will follow up with any carrier oil within reach to seal in the moisture. The final step is to use my Afro Pick to lift my roots and I am done!

Night Routine Products/Tools:

Satin/Silk Scarf

Method:

Instead of doing the traditional pineapple (a very loose and high ponytail using a hair bubble) I do the modified version where I skip the hair bubble. I lean forward to get my hair gathered together and cover with my scarf. I feel whenever I use a hair bubble it over stretches my hair (I do not need help on that front, the less the stretch the better for me). That is my night routine!

What is your Day and Night routine would love for you to share!

Thanks

Maicurls

Wanderlusting in Woodbridge, Virginia

17 hours, wine, excitement & nerves (Travel Log 1- 6 Flight to the USA)

4 Replies

Before I begin to share everything I saw, ate, drank, experienced and felt in 4 States during my first trip to the United States (over the next 5 posts) I shall start at the beginning.

21st November 2016 12:00 am – woke up after maybe 3 hours of sleep thanks to excitement, nerves and my need to: check my packing list – recheck my packing list, pack – repack, check my passport & ESTA papers – recheck my passport & ESTA papers. So, needless to say I woke up tired and excited with a touch of nervousness, knowing I had 17 hours of travel ahead of me (15.5 hours total flight time with a 1 hour layover at one stop)!

Lack of sleep washed away after my shower, I proceeded to get dressed and ready. I decided on keeping it simple (as I always do) making sure I wouldn’t freeze on the plane (as I always do) by wearing a sweater, jeans, flat boots, a knitted cardigan & donning my less than glamorous twists. I knew I wasn’t about to get off the plane after 17 hours in any kind of normal looking “out” (twist-out, braid-out, bantu knot-out)…think messy clown and that would have been me especially without my satin scarf, so twists it was.

2:00 am – Check-in done, bags checked, hug and kiss to my dad and off I set for my big adventure. Security check dusted without any issues I headed straight to the lounge; thanks to my fancy card giving me access to some free breakfast and WiFi (I somehow always have an appetite). What is a trip without a shot of food and beverage right? And a random stack of face towels…?

So after breakfast was quickly wolfed down off I went to the gate. Nerves started to kick in and then I realized I somehow managed to forget my book (HOW…HOW), no matter there is a book shop in the airport, new book picked up and now off to the gate, book in hand.

While sitting on the plane I looked at my second boarding card and noticed the time of the flight, (goodbye common sense hello nerves)…why does it basically say I will have 0 minutes to catch my second flight when I land??? Read and re-read the boarding card, check and rechecked the time. The couple beside me are discussing their second flight and how they will have 45 minutes for their connection with a tiny bit of nervousness in their voices. I quickly turn to them “Doha is 1 hour behind us right?” He quickly proceeded to check his phone (could have done than myself…again nerves). “I think you might be right”….I hope so otherwise I am doomed before I get there! “Excuse me (to the air-hostess) Doha is 1 hour behind us right?” “Yes, Ma’am”. Relief took over and I smiled like a crazy clown (I don’t know why I keep referring to clowns I have deep seeded for them) to the couple beside me repeating what the was said even though they heard her too.

Let me skip the pesky details of the really dreadful “chicken” sandwich, slight turbulence (I am no good with turbulence at all think white knuckles, holding breath and praying). And let me get to the “good stuff”.

After landing and going through security (which seemed pointless to me since 1.5 hours ago I just did that; better safe than sorry) I make my way to the screen to see where my gate is. Of course, the other end of the airport! I leg it carrying my oh so (not) wonderful HUGE carry on that weighs a ton without anything in it let alone all my extras I carry on a plane. Marching and telling people to please move out the way (politely) I managed to get to my gate and….yes… ANOTHER security check, but this one was the mother load of checks.

Shoes off, scarf off (forgot to mention the scarf before), cardigan off, camera out and switched on, Laptop out and switched on, phone out and switched on, any other electronic items out and switched on. Through that beeping machine (I really do not know what it is called) and then a pat-down. I apparently must have been amusing to watch because two airport staff guys were standing there with fascination as this went on, whispering like two……ok I will let it go… (I was not pleased as you probably can tell)! Security check done and now everything goes back on and of course all gadgets should be switched off before the bags are stowed away on the plane for take-off.

I proceed to give in my boarding card & get “Excuse me Ma’am but you have to go back through security”. If looks could kill, the guy wouldn’t have been able to finish his sentence. “Um what? Go through THAT (pointing at the line and that whole ordeal) AGAIN?” “Yes Ma’am, I am sorry but it says on the screen that you need to go through again”. “WHY?? I just did all that”! He proceeds to move from behind the desk, passport and boarding card in hand without a word. My eyes are burning a hole in the back of his head. Luckily the pat-down lady saw us “Why is she coming back, she went through”. “Are you sure”. “I just checked her, she is fine”. Nothing else from boarding card & passport man other than “Have a good flight Ma’am”. *HUGE EYE ROLL*.

plane

I board my flight and I am seated on an isle seat the middle row for a 14.5 hour flight with no one sitting in the middle seat (happiness)! Now I remembered that I forgot my sunglasses after seeing a girl on the plane taking a Selfie with sunglasses on (HOW…HOW)? No, I did not buy a pair on the plane LOL! Enter again the “chicken” sandwich. At lunch time I am about ready for a bottle of wine but I settle for a glass or two. Now enter turbulence! The mother load of turbulence! Think skeleton knuckles, lip biting and screaming prayers (internally lol). I basically got maybe 3 hours sleep on the flight with endless hours of movie watching thanks to nerves, excitement and being jolted awake by turbulence.

After 14.5 hours of flight time, alcohol, finally something decent enough to eat and strolls up and down the plane I land in Washington Dulles Airport. I stepped outside the airport at 3:00 pm on the 21st November 2016 (yes it was 21st November AGAIN time difference is something else, more about this in my next post). I am greeted by 1 Degrees Celsius (33.8 Fahrenheit) wearing my sweater and cardigan. You best believe my luggage was opened and my thick coat and gloves were brought out. Smiling (again like a crazy clown) I am staring up at a beautiful blue sky, feeling the crisp “freezing” breeze and the excitement of exploration has taken over! First stop Woodbridge, Virginia…

to be continued in part 2.

Maicurls

Bouncy Braid-out On Fine Natural Hair

Products/Tools

DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner
Argan Oil
DIY Flaxseed Gel
Wide-tooth Comb
Orange Perm Rods x 8
Afro Pick

Process

Braid and Curl

I actually (oddly) prefer the results of doing this on wet hair (normally I prefer dry styling) but when I start on wet hair and incorporate the combination of products mentioned above I nearly always (95% of the time) get results I am super pleased with. I start on wet hair that was either co-washed or deep conditioned. While in the shower i detangle, split my hair into 3 and twist each section (left, right and center). My application process is: Leave-In, Oil, Gel. I make a total of 8 braids; 3 left, 3 right and 2 in the center and do not braid all the way down, just a little more than half way before wrapping my hair around the 8 perm rods.

I let my hair air dry overnight by pinning the braids down with bobby pins and covering with a silk scarf. The following morning I take down the braids with a little oil on my fingertips (any will do), separate sections and fluff the heck out of my hair with an Afro pick. That is it!

Thanks!

Maicurls

DIY Henna Spray For Strength

3 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

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).

Henna Spray

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!)

Thanks!

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

Coffee Rinse for long, stronger, healthier Natural Hair

7 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I have a simple DIY to share!

Coffee RInse

A good old Cup of Joe for the hair! Yes, coffee Maicurlies! You might have noticed that a few of my other recipes (mainly my whipped butters and oils) include coffee and so today I wanted to share a quick and easy recipe that will literally take you 5 minutes to put together!

(P.s. I have previously covered hair rinses in the form of Tea Rinses – Green Tea Rinse & Hibiscus Rinse).

Why a Coffee Rinse?

A lot of commercial products include coffee/caffeine based ingredients because:

It stimulates the roots due to the increase in oxygen and blood circulated to the scalp.
With root stimulation comes hair growth!
It is known to reduce breakage.
Extremely effective in reducing shedding
Caffeine promotes shine to the hair.
Coffee deepens the colour of brown – black hair (not permanent but with frequent use is more visible).
Add’s natural highlights to the hair (not permanent but with frequent use is more visible).
Can potentially mildly darken grey hair (not always visible).

*Any men reading this and perhaps going through very early stages of hair follicle miniaturization caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) you can also try applying coffee to your roots to help slow down the miniaturization of your hair follicles.

A few things to keep in mind:

If you are not looking to darken your hair then stay clear of coffee rinses (blond/bleached/highlights).
If you are not a fan of coffee/allergic or sensitive to caffeine, it is best to stay away from coffee rinses.
Some of you might feel that a rinse with shampoo and/or conditioner might not be sufficient for you after the rinse, therefore a quick Deep Condition should have your hair feeling awesome (do what works for you).
Remember to wear a top you don’t mind getting stained, use a towel you don’t mind getting stained and immidetly rinse your shower/sink after application to avoid stains.
Use a shower cap to contain any dripping.

Ingredients/Tools:

8.8 oz. Plain Water
1 oz. Roasted Coffee Beans – you can lightly grind them to get more coffee essence*
3 drops Peppermint Essential (optional) – or any Essential Oil of choice**
Pot
Spoon
Sieve
Clean & Disinfected Container (e.g. a squeeze bottle/bowl/measuring cup etc)
Gloves (optional)

*Yes you do have to use coffee beans, instant coffee is just not going to cut it!

**If you are pregnant please do not use Essential Oil (you should consult your doctor if it is alright for you use to coffee rinses during pregnancy).

Alternatives:

I use quite a lot of water since I like to make sure my hair is completely soaked in the coffee (you might need more/less depending on your hair density & length). You could potentially add some Rose water to this mix (e.g. 7.7.oz water 1.1 oz rose water). The Essential Oil is optional and can be replaced with any you like or skipped all together, I use peppermint because it s great for the scalp, stimulates blood flow and I love the tingly feeling I get when I use it! Instant coffee will not be of any benefit for your hair so please refrain from using it (if you do not have coffee beans, opt for a tea rinse e.g. the two I mentioned above or Black Tea which is much stronger).

Mixing:

Basically you are brewing a light cup of coffee. You can grind the coffee beans for just a few second (you do not want to make powder because the coffee bits might get stuck in your hair!). Add the beans to the water on the stove and boil for 5 minutes. Note: the longer you boil the stronger and darker the coffee will become. Sieve out the coffee beans and then transfer the coffee to your container. Once it is at room temperature you can add your Essential Oil and you are done!

Process:

I like to start on my roots first and then move onto the length of my hair. I split my hair in two sections while applying and then once done I cover my hair with a shower cap for 20 – 30 minutes. I move onto applying my conditioner (or deep conditioner) if my hair feel dry. I actually just slap on the conditioner over the coffee (because I only have to rinse once) but that is optional. If you plan to use shampoo then rinse with shampoo first and follow up with conditioner/Deep Conditioner.

If you use coffee rinses for you hair, or plan to please do let me know I love hearing from you!

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.