Tag Archives: natural hair care

eBook Review: Curly Halo – Author: Kimberly Elise

Hey Maicurlies,

I am back with my 3rd book review and this time it is an eBook!

The eBook is called “Curly Halo” and the author is the wonderfully talented and beautiful Natural actress Kimberly Elise!

Image Source: Curly Halo (screen shot)

DISCLAIMER: Please note, I want to make it clear that I was contacted by a representative working for Kimberly to see if I would be interested to to review her eBook on my Blog/YouTube Channel and I was pleased to do so.

I have always insisted on openness and honesty on my blog/channel and would never compromise my integrity to provide truthful information whether it is in the form of information sharing, a review, a DIY mix or a product suggestion. That holds true with this review, and having been sent the eBook did not influence my thoughts on it, one way or the other. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own honest opinions. I was not paid or compensated to state anything mentioned in the video and/or my blog post.

“Curly Halo – Your Natural Hair Care Reference Guide & Workbook”

Who are the target readers?: Those that have been natural for a while can benefit from the book thanks to the fact that it includes helpful information that any natural can use along their continued Natural Hair Journey (regardless of how far along they are). It includes hair and scalp care tips which again is why I suggest “long term” naturals can benefit from it. Now for those that are either considering going back natural, those transitioning or those of you that might have recently Big Chopped (BC) I highly suggest Curly Halo for you! It is packed with suggestions, tips and advice to help you along your journey (which can be a little daunting at first, especially if you are threading in unfamiliar water)!

Pages & Chapters: The eBook consists of 80 pages (in total) and has been broken down into 10 chapters.

How to “use” it: Since this is an eBook, I got a link with the eBook and then downloaded the file. It can be read on any software that allows you to read a PDF file. I actually used my eBookshelf (software I downloaded on my Samsung) but it can also be read on a regular PDF reader.

Text: Curly Halo takes you through hair and scalp care right from the start and not only provides information on how one can provide healthy hair and scalp care but also some steps that can be taken in case you come across any hair/scalp issues throughout your journey. It is a really easy read, it is not jam-packed with too much text, includes images and tip boxes and most notably worksheets! The worksheets can be used as interactive pages that you can use for note taking – part of your Natural Hair Journal. (P.s. I highly recommend you get yourself a Hair Journal if you have not already done so)! The language used is very simple which makes it easy to read and digest and does not require you to have a science degree or even any prior knowledge of hair care. I love the simple yet elegant appearance of the eBook as well!

Highlights for me: First and foremost I LOVE the “holistic” approach Kimberly used in the eBook. This of course works really well with DIY hair care so you can be sure that I LOVE this aspect! Thanks to its simplicity it provides readers with easy to do healthy hair/scalp care options while still providing alternative suggestions for those that are not too crazy about taking a more “hands on” approach to their hair/scalp care (not everyone is tickled to death about DIY hair care). Another part of the eBook that I love are the worksheets. As I mentioned, they are interactive and can help guide you to make decisions, take note of experiences/thoughts and keep track of trial & error “experiments”. Having a place where you keep all this information is really important, regardless of whether you have recently returned back natural of have been natural for a while (we can not keep track of everything in our head)!

Where can I buy the eBook?:

Kimberly Elise’s Website: http://www.kimberlyelise.com/ebook/

Would I recommend the eBook?: In closing, YES I really did enjoy reading Curly Halo and do recommend others to pick up a soft copy from Kimberly’s site!

If you have come across the eBook please share your own personal thoughts, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

Book Reviews: The Science of Black Hair & Hair Care Rehab – Author: Audrey Davis-Sivasaothy

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Hello Maicurlies,

Today I am here with something new, two book reviews! I am excited to share my thoughts on these two books written by the talented (and stunningly beautiful) author: Audrey David-Sivasothy. The books are “The Science of Black Hair” and “Hair Care Rehab”.

Disclaimer: Please note that I won both the books in an Instagram (IG) Giveaway (thanks to my friend Necey) that was done by Audrey. (Little shout-out to both of you ladies)! Here is Audrey’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/blackhair101/). I was not sent the books for reviews (there were tons of winners btw) I just wanted to share my thoughts on the books. I have based this review SOLELY on my own personal thoughts and opinions (I am not a “book critic” by any stretch of the imagination).

Biographgy of Audrey Davis-Sivasothy (Retrieved from Amazon.com)

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a certified trichologist, lecturer and consultant to the cosmetology industry. A health scientist and member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Sivasothy is also author of the international best-selling book—The Science of Black Hair. This foundational text on black hair care has been used to train cosmetologists all over the world, and is the bestselling and most highly-rated reference textbook on textured hair today.

Sivasothy has been a guest expert on The Dr. Oz Show, and her work has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s World, The Huffington Post, Essence, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, and Hype Hair Magazines.

Amazon.com

“The Science of Black Hair”

The Science of Black Hair – Image Source: Amazon.com

Who are the target readers? : Regardless of how much or little knowledge you might have about black hair, this book is suitable for those that are new to taking care of their own hair, those that are struggling with their hair care or even Hair Professionals (e.g. stylists, hair dresses).

As the name suggests, the book is tailored for those of us with Black hair and under that category, it doesn’t matter whether you are natural, transitioning, relaxed or telaxed, etc., there is so much helpful information in the book that covers all aspects of black hair. The books sets out to help you better understand your hair, how to care for it, how to care for your scalp and how to maintain a healthy hair & scalp routine for the long term. It teaches you how to maintain chemically treated or natural hair to optimal health, helps you regulate optimal product pH balance, helps you grow longer stronger and healthy hair and the most important aspect (in my opinion) is that the book highlights the importance of protein/moisture balance and how to achieve this in order to prevent breakage, retain & grow healthy hair.

Pages & Chapters : There are 13 chapters in the book and it consists of 256 pages (in total including index).

Text: It is a really easy book to read through and follow, you do not need a science degree nor any kind of former understanding about hair/hair care. You basically can learn straight from the book. The pages are spread out and includes images & illustrations (those of you that are really visual learners, you might want to opt for the colour version of the book versus the black & white option).

Highlights for me: Personally, as I mentioned one of the most interesting parts of the book was the focus on protein & moisture balance. It is something that I have commonly mentioned in my blog and videos since the hair is mainly made up of protein and requires moisture to stay balanced. Audrey does a really good job on highlighting the processes in which one can maintain a protein/moisture balance along with explaining why each process is important. Another section in the book that I really enjoyed is the explanation of the LOIS Hair Typing system (aka: L.O.I.S). I find this method a lot more helpful than the commonly known Andre Walker Hair Typing System – where hair is broken down in numbers (1 – 4) and alphabets (a – c). Now I am not the biggest fan of “hair typing” in general, especially in terms of people trying to find out ‘what kind of curl I have’ simply to categorize “manageable and unmanageable hair. I think the Walker system can be used to identify what type of curl you have BUT should be used together with aspects such as density, hair width etc otherwise in my opinion it is pointless. (I have written about both of Density and Width).

Anyways back to the LOIS typing system: it goes a step further than just identifying the “type” of curl one has by basically looking at the structure and characteristics of ones hair by identifying curl pattern, strand size and hair texture. In my opinion understanding those characteristics is A LOT more helpful!

I plan on doing a Video & Blog Post about the LOIS System in a few weeks so please stay tuned for that!

Where Can I purchase the Book? :

The book is available in 4 options (found on Amazon) – please be mindful when ordering to make sure you choose the specific one you want:

Paperback Black & White (that is what I have): https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518428/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Paperback Colour: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/098451841X/ref=tmm_pap_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Hardback Black & White: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518436/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Hardback Colour: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518401/ref=tmm_hrd_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Would I recommend the book? : Absolutly! I highly recommend this book for anyone that has black hair!

“Hair Care Rehab”

Hair Care Rehab – Image Source: Amazon.com

Target Readers: The second book “Hair Care Rehab” has a special place in my hearth! While I highly recommend both books, I just ADORE “Hair Care Rehab”! Audrey created another wonderfully written book that is comprehensive while not overwhelming, easy to read, easy to understand and this book caters to ALL hair types. So if you happen to have Caucasian straight hair, African/Black Natural hair, Transitioning hair, Relaxed hair whatever the case might be this is for EVERYONE!

Pages & Chapter: It consists of 277 pages, broken down into 3 Units and is a paperback Black & White book (I have not found a colour version of this book).

Text: Audrey yet again crafted a wonderful guide that takes you through three stages of hair & scalp care that is filled with illustrations, images, easy to read text and helpful informative information that really gives you a great understanding of how to care for your hair all by yourself!

Highlights for me: There are so many parts of the book that I love but if I had to pick I would say that the biggest Unit of the book that helps you determine any potential hair/scalp issues you might be facing is one of my favorite sections of the book. It not only explains the type and cause of the issue but most importantly (in my opinion) it explains how you can overcome the situation and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring, since you have an understanding if its cause! I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t mention the little Do It Yourself (DIY) section that Audrey wrote about! Yes, there is a little section on DIY mixes and you know I LOVE the fact that this has been included! I actually plan on doing one DIY for my Blog and Channel (I spoke with Audrey and she was happy for me to share….Thank You Audrey)!

Where can I purchase the book? :

Hair Care Rehab: https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Care-Rehab-Ultimate-Reconditioning/dp/0984518452/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466322208&sr=1-1&keywords=hair+care+rehab

Would I recommend the book? : I think the question is a little pointless but YES ABSOLUTLY!

So in closing as I said, I recommend both books. You can opt to go for one book first and then the second however regardless of the one you pick I think it is worth a read!

If you know of any other books that you have read and would recommend, please leave me a message below, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY – Moisturizing Dry Brittle Ends (Humectant Free)

Argan Oil For Healthy Hair (& Skin)

1 Reply

Hello Maicurlies,

Today’s post is all about my love for Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa) also known as Liquid Gold.

DSC04570 - Copy

What is Argan Oil:

Argan oil native to Morocco, is an organic product that is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of argan trees. Due to its nourishing and nutritional benefits it was/is an extremely popular ingredient in many cosmetic products and nothing is better than using it in its natural pure form!

Where Can I Get it?:

You can pick argan oil from Pharmacies, some grocery stores, Vitamin Stores and of course Online. (My sister brought me two bottles of Liquid Gold directly from the source). From what my sister told me she picked up the bottle from a local women’s group who work argan tree farms to help supplement their household. When I heard that I loved the oil a little more (thank you sis)!

Here are a few sources online that I would trust:

I have seen a number of hair care manufacturers that produce argan Oil however, I tend to say buy 100% natural pure oil versus something that claims to be argan oil but contains other ingredients as well (always check your labels). 9 times out of 10 a Brand Oil that is labeled with argan Oil but contains other oils usually means you are not really getting your monies worth! Having other oils in the bottle is not necessarily a bad thing but since it usually costs a bit of money to purchase anything with argan Oil on its label you want to know you are getting something out of the product. Many times companies that include a mix of oils also include other ingredients that you might not be aware of e.g. silicons (cones) and perhaps even the dreaded mineral oil/paraffinum liquidum. For some of us, cones are not a “bad” thing either however you need to keep in mind that cons are water insoluble which means, that you will need some kind of cleansing agent (e.g. shampoo) to get rid of them when you wash your hair in order to really remove product build up from products with cones in them. Cones do not penetrate the hair strands and do not contain any independent health benifits for the hair but what they are able to do is to provide shine, the feeling of softness and work as barriers- closing the cutilce of our hair which gives your hair a feeling of softness. It is the barrier effect that can sometimes cause issues for some of us. When it comes to paraffinum liquidum, I need to stress that I always suggest to stay away from products that includes paraffinum liquidum.

Argan Oil

Benefits of Argan Oil For Hair:

Argan oil is known to make the hair soft, smooth and shiny. Thanks to the antioxidants and essential fatty acids present in the oil It also has the ability to condition the hair, reduce frizz and improve the overall health of the hair. The oil is not only ideal to lock in moisture (apply after you have moisturized your hair) but since it is able to penetrate the hair strands to its core, it is able to provide the hair with nourishing properties from the inside out. Those with a dry, itchy or irritated scalp can benefit from using argan oil since it is known to help sooth the scalp. This is also beneficial for those that suffer from dandruff as it is easily absorbed into the scalps pores, providing moisturizing elements to the skin (scalp) and boost new skin cell growth.

Benefits of Argan Oil For Skin:

The oil is packed with vitamin A & vitamin E which are known for their healing abilities along with a high fatty acid content. It also has anti-oxidants properties, filled with Omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid all of which help with inflammation and moisturizing the skin. The vitamin E in the oil helps to boost the regeneration of new skin cells which helps to provide you with a youthful skin that “glows”. Those suffering with acne might benefit from using the oil to help sooth the skin and heal blemishes. Argan oil can be used on your whole body (including your face) and since it is a non-greasy oil it quickly is absorbed into the skin. The application of the oil on your skin can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, light stretch marks, razor burns/bumps and can even be used to help soften dry and cracked heals, dry hands and brittle nails. Those that suffer from dry cracked lips (e.g. yours truly) can apply a drop of oil on your lips to help heal cracks, keep your lips soft, smooth, moisturized and conditioned.

How I Use Argan Oil:

Since the oil is not particularly cheap (and the two I got where gifts from Morocco) I use them sparingly and choose not to experiment with the oil or blend it in with some of my DIY mixes. Instead, I like to use it as a scalp massage oil in the morning or as part of the L.O.C method (liquid/leave-in, Oil, Cream) when I moisturize my hair. (I have details on the L.O.C method here). I am also using it for my skin as well as my super dry lips!

Do you use argan oil? If so, do you use it for your hair and/or skin? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

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: Adding slip to conditioners to make detangling easier.

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Hey Maicurlies,

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!

Making Conditioner with Slip

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)

ingredients 1

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!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Coconut Conditioning Cream

4 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

It is yet again time for a Do It Yourself (DIY) because I of course do not share enough of these normally ;).

DIY Coconut Conditioning Cream

So as the name indicates today I have got a DIY Conditioning Cream recipe and surprise surprise the mix contains…….coconut cream!!! Jokes aside, apart from the Coconut Cream it also contains Flax Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds and two different types of infused carrier oils (coffee bean infused almond oil and coffee bean infused coconut oil) along with some Essential Oil at the end. Another additional ingredient is a moisturizing conditioner with can be added to the mix otherwise should be used after rinsing the mix from your hair (more details about this below). For now, let’s break down the ingredients and their benefits.

Flax Seeds:

Helps with hair growth due to the rich source of vitamin E.
Due to the Vitamin E oil it is said to help slow down premature grey hairs.
Contains Omega-3 fatty acids which helps provide the hair with strength and elasticity.
Helps fight hair loss (excessive shedding).
Can help ease scalp irritations such as dryness and dandruff.
Nourishes the hair roots, shaft, and the scalp.

Fenugreek Seeds (aka Methi):

(Tip: Fenugreek is a popular ingredient in Asian dishes (mainly India) so in case you can’t find the seeds in your local supermarket/grocery store – (the “ethnic” isle) check your local Indian markets you will be able to find them there).

Aids in hair growth thanks to the proteins and nicotinic acid
Provides strength to the hair thanks to lecithin
Provides moisture to the hair
Helps fight dandruff
Soothes an irritated scalp
Conditions the hair

Coconut Cream*:

Helps to sooth scalp irritations
Penetrates the hair strands
Provides the hair with luster & shine
Provides strength to the hair
Enforces hair growth
Reduces hair shedding
Reduces hair breakage
Makes the hair soft
Said to help slow down premature grey hairs

*NOTE: Due to the presence of protein in coconut cream some of you might find that it makes your hair feel hard. It is recommended that if you do not use a moisturizing conditioner as part of the mix that you rinse your hair with a moisturizing conditioner after you rinse your hair.

Oils:

I use coffee based oils since it has a whole number of benefits e.g stimulates blood flow therefore growth in the hair, helps keep the scalp clean, provides luster to the hair, provides shine, helps to subtly darken the hair and so much more. I have a lot of details about coffee infused oil here but you can use any oil of choice.

Products/Tools Used:

DIY Coconut Conditioning Cream

2 oz Flaxseeds
2 oz Fenugreek Seeds
8 oz water (used the night before to soak the seeds)
7 oz coconut cream
0.2 oz Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil
0.5 oz Coffee Bean Infused Coconut Oil
7 oz water (to boil the seeds)
– Optional – Essential Oil (after the mix cools)
– Optional – 2 – 3 tablespoons Rinse out conditioner
Pot
Sieve
Bowl/container
Spoon
Gloves (optional to keep things sanitized)
Squeeze bottle (clean and disinfected)
Funnel (to pour the mix into your squeeze bottle)

Method:

Before I begin the recipe I first soak the seeds in 8oz of plain water overnight (you can choose to soak them for less time or skip this all together). Boil the seeds in 7oz of plain water on low heat just until it starts a rolling boil (string the whole time). Pour the liquid through a strainer and reserve the seeds (they can be stored and reused later if kept in the freezer). Rinse out the pot and warm up the coconut cream just till it starts to thicken (no more than 3 – 5 minutes). Add the warm coconut cream to the liquid and stir thoroughly. (If you choose to add conditioner to the mix directly, do so now) then add the oils, stir and pour into the container. Once the mix cools you can add Essential oil (optional).

Instead of adding the conditioner to the mix I like to use it after I have rinsed my hair and the water runs clear. I do this because I am not the biggest fan of the scent of Fenugreek seeds. Some have said that they get a “maple syrup” scent when they use Fenugreek seeds, I get no such smell! To me the seeds have a spice scent that I am not a fan of but that is way I add essential oil (usually peppermint) once the mix cools and then do a final rinse with conditioner.If you use conditioner in the recipe this will give your mix additional slip and that will help detangle the hair even further.

Application/Rinse:

Apply the mix to freshly washed, clean and detangled hair going from the ends to your roots. Use your fingers to gently “finger comb” and distribute the mix, cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse your hair using warm water. If you feel like you need to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner do so after the water runs clear.

You should be left with hair the feels stronger but not dry, shiny but not sticky, basically your hair should be feeling happy!

NOTE: If you have any leftover conditioning cream you can store it in your freezer for future use (I always have some left over). You also can freeze your coconut cream in case you don’t use the rest for cooking – it is delicious in curries btw ;).

I would love to hear if you have ever used Fenugreek seeds before. If you have, please let me know if you get that “maple syrup” scent from your seeds.

Thanks

Maicurls

My contribution work on Global Couture

1 Reply

Hey Maicurlies,

I have been a little off about posting the different articles I have contributed to Global Couture. If you haven’t already visited the site then you really should! It is a wonderful source of information and inspiration!

I just wanted to share some of the previous articles along with the links to them.

: Preparing your Natural Hair for Bleach

: Being Natural With Nay-saying Family Members

: 7 Steps to Help Determine the Right Products for your Natural Hair

: Methods to Cutting your Natural Hair at Home

: Develping a Hair Routine or Chasing Hair Envy

: Taking Care of Natural Hair on a Tight Budget

I would love to hear what you think if you read any of them.

Thanks

Maicurls

Hard Protein/Moisture Balance Treatment

2 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I wanted to share something that has become a “hair saver” (for me). My Hard Protein/Moisture Balancing Treatment.

Hard Protein Treatment

This recipe has become part of my routine however, it is not something I do every week or even every month because as the name suggests it is a HARD protein treatment. Before I delve into the details of what I use, how I mix, how I apply etc. it is important to point out a few things.

This is an extremely hard protein treatment that should only be done once every 2 – 3 months (some might only want to do this 2 times a year).
I have been told that this feels/acts like the 2 step ApHogee Protein Treatment therefore if you have tired that before, keep in mind how often you have used it/how you hair felt afterwards. Do not do both this and ApHogee treatments since they work similarly and you might end up with protein overload!
It is vital to do a Moisturizing Deep Condition (DC) after. VITAL! Your hair will feel hard, brittle and almost straw-like (this is normal) however, it should not feel like that after you have done the Moisturizing DC. Without the moisturizing DC you will not have a protein/moisture balance and that will just result in breakage (not good)!
If your hair does still feel hard after your Moisturizing DC, do another DC again!
Ensure you have fully and properly detangled your hair before you apply the protein mix. Protein makes the hair hard (and this one does so extremely well) and if you haven’t detangled your hair beforehand you will only end up breaking hair in the spots where you have knots as you try to distribute the mix.
Work with freshly washed, clean and damp hair to remove any product buildup which will allow the protein to latch on and penetrate the hair strands (this is when you would detangled your hair).
Once the mix is on your hair DO NOT TOUCH YOUR HAIR!
Leave the mix on for no more than 15 minutes!
Some people like to use a drier/hooded drier after applying the protein to help dry the hair however, since I do not use any form on heat I do not suggest this step in my demonstration. (If you do decide to use heat, please ensure it is not set to high because you can cause damage).
Once the time is up use your shower head/faucet (warm water) to rinse your hair going in a downwards motion. After you let water run over your hair slowly use your finger tips to help ensure all of the protein has been rinsed out (gently). You can use conditioner after you rinse to make sure the protein is out.
ALWAYS DO A MOISTURIZING DC!!!!! (Sorry but I have to stress this part).

Ingredients/Tools Used:

Hard Protein Treatment Ingredients

7 oz Hot Water (I used bottled water)
0.24 oz Gelatine
0.5 oz Pure Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Applicator bottle
Bowl/container (to mix)
Spoon
Essential Oil (optional if you can’t stand the smell of ACV but the ACV smell will go away anyways after you rinse and DC your hair).

Mixing:

Sprinkle the gelatine over the water (while it is still hot) and stir to dissolve the gelatine. Add the ACV, stir again and pour into your applicator bottle. Allow the mix to completely cool down (if you plan to add EO add it after the mix has cooled down).

Application

While you are letting the mix cool wash and detangle your hair so it is free from products, this will allow the protein to attach and absorb into the hair strands easier. Section your hair into parts to make it easier to work with and pour the mix from root to tip, paying particualr attention to the ends since this is where breakge occurs most frequently. Distribute the mix by finger combing/wide tooth comb but be VERY CAREFUL since the protein will make your hair feel hard and can cause breakage if you are rough. (This is why it is important to make sure you have fully detangled your hair prior to application)! After you are done with one section LEAVE THAT PART ALONE, do not touch it anymore and move onto the next. Once you are done allow the mix to sit for no more than 15 minutes. Typically people like to use a drier/hooded drier while waiting for the 15 minutes however, I do not use heat and therefore do not take this step. If you do, please make sure that you do not bake your hair, you will see damage if you do!

After the 15 minutes using your shower head/facet let warm water run over your hair going in a downwards motion (do not use your fingers to manipulate) unitl you feel your have rinsed out the protein. Once you have rinsed with water alone then you can gently use your fingers to run over your hair to make sure it is protein free, you can use a little conditioner to help ensure all the protein is out. Follow up with a Moisturizing DC for no less than 1.5 hours and proceed with your styling. If you feel your hair still feels rough, dry, brittle you need to do another moisturizing DC to restore the protein/moisture balance!

This is my demonstration video:

If you try this mix I would love to hear what you think and if you have used ApHogee before I would love to hear if you think these two work similarly or not.

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Whipped Double Coffee Butter

3 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

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

Whipped Double Coffee Butter

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

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

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

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

Ingredients/Tools: (makes 10.3 oz whipped butter)

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

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

Ratio Alternatives/Ingredient Alternatives:

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

Method:

Butters and Oils mixed together after 10 minutes in the freezer

Whipped till fluffy!

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

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

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

Uses:

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

I of course had to record my tutorial as well: