Another Deep Conditioning Trial

I am on the search for a deep conditioning treatment that just makes me go "wow!" The Avocado Deep Condition was nice but I did not really like the effect it had on my curls and it was more complicated than I like. I would do the Avocado Deep Condition on days that I plan to straighten my hair because it seems like it would make the straightening process go a lot smoother.

This weekend I tried a mix that was a lot simpler but before revealing my experiment, I want to try it a few more times to be sure that the first time wasn't a fluke. This deep conditioning experiment left my hair soft and full of sheen. I even got a compliment this weekend: "It looks so healthy." There were two ingredients, it wasn't messy or runny, and it's super affordable.

Stay tuned...

Avocado Deep Condition

When I started to mix the ingredients for the deep condition I realized that I didn’t have everything that the recipe called for so I got creative and improvised. That is why you see that I added aloe vera and olive oil. There is really no reasoning behind choosing those items, it’s just that I know what my hair likes and it likes aloe vera and olive oil.

Mixing with a hand mixer was just dumb. I wasn’t thinking at all. It did not work. However, the blender was perfect! The blender made the consistency of the mix feel just like commercial creamy conditioners.

I rinsed the mix out with cool water and it rinsed out really easy. I did use a cheapie condish to help rinse out any left over residue. I saw a few very small chunks in my hair after rinsing but they magically disappeared after I completed my two strand twists.

My hair feels soft but there is not really a dramatic difference from the times when I use an organic conditioner. I may give this a few more tries over the winter season to see how well this mix really works.

Update to Avocado Deep Conditioner

RAVE!: Kimmaytube Leave-in

I always thought this chick was awesome (because of how she does her research) and now she has gone up another notch for me. This leave in concoction is fabulous!

In Kimmaytube's recipe she uses Kinky-Curly Knot Today but since I did not already have that in my stash I substituted that KC Knot Today for Giovanni Direct leave in. While styling my hair had so much slip and was so easy to manage.

Hours later....

My hair has dried and still feels great! I am impressed. If I (I probably will) continue to use this recipe I wouldn't mind splurging for one of the more expensive leave in conditioners.

At first glance at the amount of each ingredient I didn't think that 1 oz of conditioner would be enough for my hair. But I made the amount indicated anyway and I am so glad that I did not double that recipe because it was exactly enough. I may have had about 2 tsp left after I finished styling my hair. I will admit that I was not fond of the smell but I used Organics Clove & Olive oil to seal and that left me with a scent that I could handle. Another plus....my fingernails feel great (smooth and strong) - I think its the Jojoba oil that contributed to my nails.

This leave in is a definite "keep" for my product line up and regimen. I want to try a wash n go with the leave in, I feel like I may like the results.

Today I Henna!

Last night I mixed my henna with only a strong black tea. I wanted to keep the mix simple. I let it sit overnight and I plan to apply when I get home from work. I think I will only leave it on for about 3 hours. BTW, I am videoing this process :)

So I am nervous about henna this time because a few months ago I dyed my hair blue-black. I am not sure how this will turn out so stay tuned....

Black Tea Rinse Summary

After reading posts and watching vids about black tea rinses and how they help shedding I decided to try the black tea rinses for a month. I shed heavily so I wasn't expecting much of a difference but I was proven wrong. The black tea rinses did not stop my shedding entirely but there was a noticeable decrease in the amount of shed hairs I had at the end of each week that month.

Things I noticed while doing the black tea rinses:
-There was a decrease in the amount of shed hairs I had each week

-No change on my gray hairs (boo), I was hoping they would darken

-I did see a slight reddish tint when the light hit my hair at the right angle

-The smell did not linger

-Applying the rinse with a spray bottle is a lot easier than pouring a bowl of tea over my head

The differences in shedding throughout the month:

Prior to the first black tea rinse I collected my shed hairs using the hair stopper, that helped with week by week comparisons. Week one's shed hairs were half the amount of the shed hairs prior to the initial tea rinse. Week two was about the same as week one's amount. Week three was less than week's one and two but just slightly and week four was about the same as week three.

The black tea rinses did not impact the time or steps in my regimen too much to be frustrating so it may be something that I do often if not weekly. I think that the rinses would be more beneficial for me if done in the winter since I will more than likely stick to the winter being my protective styling season (I'll think about this later).

If you decide to try black tea rinses just remember to do your research.

Black Tea and Shedding

While catching up in my vloggers uploads on YouTube I came across a video from Traycee of K.I.S.S. and she was talking about the benefits of black tea rinses and shedding. Claims are that the caffeine in black tea blocks the DHT hormone that causes shedding. I have always shed a lot so I say "what the hey" might as well give it a try. I will follow up with results...until then here is a little more background on DHT and shedding:

What is DHT?

An enzyme that occurs naturally in your body known as 5 alpha-reductase converts the male hormone testosterone into another hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men with pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the scalp. DHT contributes to a shortening of the growth phase. Hairs become brittle, lighter in color, and fall out at a much faster rate than normal. Studies now show that inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase is the key to preventing hair loss and male pattern balding. Procerin’s active ingredients prevent the chemical reaction that changes testosterone into DHT, and reduce levels of DHT present in the scalp.

What is Black tea?

DHT

Why Block DHT

Also check out the K.I.S.S youtube channel and blog for additional information.

Pre-poo: Honey and Coconut oil

A few months ago I read about a honey and coconut oil pre-poo and I thought that it just sounded yummy. However, that was in the winter and I wanted to do this pre-poo in the spring. I finally found time to give it a shot.

Using the double boiler method I melted 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of honey together. I didn't let the mixture get too warm because I needed to be able to stick my hand in it to apply to my hair. I applied the mixture just like I would apply a conditioner and let it sit for 30 minutes. Due to the warmer weather I opted to do this without extra heat. I think what I had naturally was good enough

After thirty minutes I shampooed and conditioned as usual.

My thoughts:

If I do this again, I will use less honey. After about 15mins the mixture started to get stiff. However, it was easy to rinse out so it wasn't that big of a deal. My hair smelled really nice after rinsing all the mixture out. I think this would be great for a wash n go with naked hair.

Will I do it again: Maybe.

Scalp Experiment: Moisturizing

All winter because of the dry air if I do not moisturize my body properly or if I use a soap that is too strong my skin will start to feel tight, itchy, and a burning sensation all over. So I started to think....what if my scalp goes through the same thing as my skin?

-When my scalp is itchy I barely have flakes if I have any at all. So I assumed I didn't have a dandruff problem.

-I use the same shampoos and conditioners all year long but only itch during the winter season so I assumed it wasn't an allergic reaction to a product I was using.

-I don't do any weird treatments that would send my hair and scalp into a confused frenzy. And I only switch between two products at a time, just like I do in the summer.

So after days of going through process of elimination....my skin and hair started itching at the same time. A went to get the shea better for my skin, I glanced at the spray bottle of aloe vera....EUREKA! My scalp is just dry and when dry, it itches like my skin. Then I scratch like crazy and it gets sore.

To test my theory I have been moisturizing my scalp every other day with aloe vera....it has been working. To see if it was the aloe vera and not just a change in weather, I skipped a moisturizing session and the itching came back. I am convinced my scalp and skin just hate the cold as much as I do. Why oh why couldn't I figure this out about 3 months ago, LOL.

I also assume that the Castor oil wasn't making much of a difference with the itching because I was applying it to dry scalp - there wasn't any moisture to lock in. So now I oil after washing/co-washing and I have also added a midweek co-wash to my winter regimen. Although winter is near the end when as I make my discovery at least I will be ready for the next winter season.

Sources:

Prevent Itchy Scalp in the Winter

Scalp Itching

Soothe a Dry, Itchy Scalp

Curing Dry, Itchy Scalp in Natural Black Hair

Roller Setting

I decided that since I had a little extra time with the holiday weekend to attempt my first roller set. I read on one of those hair blogs/websites that when roller setting 4abc hair, it was impossible to get smooth curls. That is my problem with the internet..you have people that have never touched your hair telling you what it can and can not do. I have had my hair long enough to know what is possible and what's not. I am here to declare that smoothness can be achieve through roller setting on 4abc hair!

Supplies:

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel

Sweet Almond oil

Spray Bottle with water/conditioner mix (for detangling)

Elastic Hair Bands

Annie Magnetic Hair Roller

Duck Bill Clips

Rat Tail Comb

Hair Brush (yep you read right)

Home Clips

Shea Butter/Coconut Oil Mix

Hair Dryer

I did my roller set on clean conditioned hair. First, I separated my hair into three sections with a column going down the middle. The column is where I started rolling. Using my rat tail comb I made smaller sections and used the hair clip to hold the rest of my hair back. For each section I detangled very well, applied Aloe Vera, and then sweet almond oil. (Note: Sweet almond oil was used because I like the shine that it gives my hair).

I used the hair brush to evenly distribute the gel and oil and also to smooth before rolling. If you detangle properly the brush will move through your length easily. I did not roll my hair straight down. I came in at an angle to encourage smoother roots. I used elastic bands for the curls within the interior of my hair but only rollers for the edges. I didn't want a lot of tension on my edges and I didn't want the indention from the band to show.

After I was all rolled up, which took about 45min-1hr(keep in mind this was my first time), I sat under the dryer until dry. If the hair is not completely dry, you will experience some reversion and frizziness, so be sure to do this on a day that you can sit for as long as needed. After removing roller wrap your hair until you are ready to take it down. I used the shea butter/coconut oil mix to apply to my curls prior to wrapping. This was an attempt to decrease frizzes.

I strongly believe that the trick to the roller set is to use a water based product that you know will give your hair some slickness and almost weigh it down. Since it's water based the weigh down will not matter because the product evaporates.

Trying Henna for the First Time

This is my first time trying Henna. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Here's my step by step process.

First:

I read recipe after recipe trying to determine how I wanted to mix my henna. After reading about the drying effects of lemon and ACV I didn't want to go that route. I also read a few blogs and posts about unfavorable results (but not too many) when mixed with oil-since I read that more than once I didn't want to do that either. The only thing I read about that didn't come with complaints was mixing with yogurt.

My Mix:

1 package of Jamila Henna

1 1/4 Cup of yogurt

A few shakes of Cinnamon (I couldn't take the smell).

I let that sit on the counter overnight.

Second:

I washed my hair using a clarifying shampoo, detangled in the shower using conditioner, and then towel dried my hair.

Third:

While wearing gloves, I applied Henna to damp hair.

Fourth:
Let the Henna sit on my hair for 3 hours.

Fifth:
Rinsed under plain water until the color of the water was just lightly tinted, then with Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner until the water from my hair was coming out clear. I didn't use gloves with this step fortunately I did not have any staining on my skin or hands.

Sixth:

Applied deep conditioner and sat under the dryer for 30min.

1/2 Jar of LeKair Cholesterol

5 drops of rosemary oil

5 drops of peppermint oil

1/4 cup of Olive Oil

1 tbs of Honey

Seventh:

Rinsed again, this time with cold water.

Now I am noticing the softness and the color. I was surprised to see so much color since I only left it on for 3 hours. However, I did have in some commercial color that I did a few months ago.

Last step:

Styled my hair!

This was truly an all day process.

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Oil Rinse

I stumbled upon the Oil Rinse technique one day while searching for ways to moisturize my hair.

How To Do An Oil Rinse

*If you’re suffering from dry, brittle hair, you may want to do an oil rinse. Oil rinses are great treatments for natural hair and can help soften follicles and promote hair growth.* Click the link above for more info.

I had no idea what to expect but it turns out that I really like it. It was so simple and not as messy as I assume it will be. I'm going to just put in some two strand twist and call it a day. Now this was truly super simple!

While styling:
My hair felt super soft

Detangling was a breeze

I didn't have to use any other products

I noticed that my curls were really defined.

Next time I will focus more on my ends but overall I really like this treatment.

(I would post pics but my batteries are dead)

*update, I did take a pic with my Blackberry, it's not the best quality but it's better than nothing

Style File: Twisted Back

This week I my classes started back so I didn't want to be bothered with my hair every night. My nights are needed for schoolwork, Bible study, and rest. Oh and some quality time with the Hubby.

This is the style I rocked for the week and its variations throughout the week:

To start off the week I twisted my hair all the way down and just opened up the twists that were loose in the ponytail.

Then, I went old school and used a sock to create my "twist out bun." I didn't bother to comb or straighten out my waves, I like how the bun had some texture. I got a lot of compliments on this look. One of the bun pics looks kinds frizzy/messy...I did smooth out the look before I walked out the house.

Finally, I had to, of course rock a puff at least once during the week. We had some rain and I love wearing my fro or puff with it humid out.

I have to give credit to PrettyDimples01 who inspired this style with her youtube video: Hair Show hairdo

Baking Soda & Conditioner Treatment

I originally found this treatment on Naturally Obsessed

Immediately after administering this treatment to my hair it felt soft-that is while it was wet. As time progressed my hair started to resemble the feeling of coat thread, real hard and stringy. I had to do a super deep conditioning to get my hair back to it original state. I have read reviews of this treatment working for some but I realize this is not for me and my tresses. Trial and error is the name of the game.

Baking Soda Treatment

1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
1 Full Cup of Conditioner
1 Cap Full of EVOO

Directions:
Apply to rinsed damp hair. Do NOT shampoo first-baking soda is a natural cleanser. Once hair is saturated, cover with a plastic bag and cover with a warm towel. Leave on for an hour. Rinse with lukewarm water and co-wash gently.

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(¸.•´ (¸.• tia¸.•*´¨)