Twist & Shout featuring OBIA Natural Hair Care

Heyyyyyy!! I know it's been quite a while since the last time you've seen a blog scroll across your screens but I promise I'll be back soon! I've been extremely busy and totally forgot to blog. As you all can see I've updated and posted a new video. This is a detailed Twist Out video for you all. I've gotten A LOT of Q's about my previous video using OBIA Natural Hair Care products so I decided to do another showing you how I do my take down in the morning. I hope you all enjoy. Be sure to let me know what video you would like to see next. I love your suggestions! Comment below and I'll talk to you next time. Smooches!

**To purchase products from this line please visit HERE

Review - Curl Hydration Spray

Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

 

 

OBI Natural Hair Care - Curl Hydration Spray

 

 

Description: Use daily to moisturize your hair and scalp, or to refresh your style. Infused with argan oil, rose oil, and vitamin E

Price: $10 for 8 oz.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Vegetable Glycerin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Rose Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Soybean Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum)

Fragrance: A light scent of flowers

Results: A light mist you can use to refresh your curls daily. Most naturals use water to mist their hair in the mornings to loosen up their curls for re-styling. I, myself, can not use water on my hair or I'll experience extreme shrinkage and frizz which we all tend to avoid. Being a 4C textured diva it's hard to maintain those on a daily basis so using water knowing the outcome is ignorant lol.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love this spray. It is fabolous! All I've found that works for my hair is the Shea Moisture Moisture mist that tends to work with loosening my curls the next morning so I'm able to style my hair accordingly. This is definitely a new contender in my regimen

**So, have you ever tried this spray? If so, what are you thoughts on it! Thanks for reading. Smooches! <3


Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

Review - Curl Enhancing Custard

Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

 

 

OBI Natural Hair Care - Curl Enhancing Custard

 

 

Description: This alcohol-free formula hydrates, elongates, and provides super shine to all types of hair. Does not leave a waxy residue or buildup. Infused with argan oil, grape seed oil, and olive oil.

Price: $15 for 12 oz. jar + shipping costs

Ingredients: Purified water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Xantham Gum, Fragrance.

Fragrance: Grapes

Results: This custard reminds me of Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie with the consistancy of it. The smells are totally different. This custard is more rich and creamy to me. The Smoothie by Shea Moisture is more thick and chunky. I loveeeeeeee this custard just as much as I love the smoothie. They both give sick definition with twist outs and braid outs. Beyond moisturizing, this custard is definitely a keeper for me.

My Thoughts: Above and beyond one of the best I've found that keeps my hair moisturized. My hair stayed moisturized for 5 days straight without minipulating my hair or anything. Just a satin bonnet at night, wake up, fluff, and go! Love it!

**So, have you ever tried this custard? If so, what are you thoughts on it! Thanks for reading. Smooches! <3


Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

Review - Curl Moisture Cream

Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

 

 

OBI Natural Hair Care - Curl Moisture Cream

 

 

 

 

Description: Use to add moisture and hydration to your hair. Infused with argan oil, lavender oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, and burdock root. Promotes hair growth without leaving your hair weighed down.

Price: $10 for 4 oz. jar + shipping costs

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) oil, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Arctium lappa (Burdock Root), Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycine soya (Soybean) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Oil, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum).

Fragrance: A mix of Lavender and Coconut

Results: This cream is extremely light, which I'm not too fond of. As y'all know my hair is the most kinky texture (4C) and it is very very hard to keep my hair moisturized longer than 24 hrs, which is why I use a number of products to build up the moisture so my hair doesn't get dry. I used this for a twist-out and it was actually moisturizing, surprised the heck out of me I can sure tell you that! I wasn't expecting it to be that moisturizing as my hair sucks up everything it's fed lol.

My Thoughts: After using this shampoo bar, I conditioned my hair with my fav. conditioner and followed up with this moisture cream. To my surprise, as light as this cream is it is very moisturizing on my hair. One of the main ingredients my hair absolutely loves is grape seed oil. I like using thicker creams on my hair because I find it to be more benefitial to my hair but I be darn if this made a believer out of me!

**So, have you ever tried this cream? If so, what are you thoughts on it! Thanks for reading. Smooches! <3


Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

Review - Coconut & Shea Shampoo Bar



Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair


A couple days ago I received the OBI Natural Hair Care line to my door. I heard of this company through someone I follow in the Natural Hair community. I've heard nothing but great things about them. They use natural ingredients and are pH balanced, woohoo! When I noticed those two things I instantly got excited to try these products. Y'all know my hair is the most kinky texture, 4C. It's hard to tame this beastly hair of mine lol. Today, I'll be reviewing one of the 4 products I received. The other 3 will be reviewed throughout the week one by one so make sure you check back for those reviews as well. These products are just...... let me stop. Read the review I have for you below :) I hope yall enjoy!

 

 

Coconut and Shea Shampoo Bar

 

 

Description: This rich moisturizing shampoo will leave your hair soft, conditioned, and hydrated. Shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs damage to hair and scalp, while coconut oil protects hair from heat and chemical damage.

 

Price: $10 + shipping costs

 

Ingredients: Saponified Oils of Coconut, Palm, Castor bean, Safflower; Shea Butter, Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Rosemary Essential Oil, Sorbitol, Soybean protein, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance

 

Fragrance: A mix of Rosemary and Shea Butter

 

Results: This bar is said to lather like almost all shampoo's. I found it did lather. Unlike most shampoo's, it left my hair very suttle and soft. It didn't feel stripped at all which I found to be great! I don't shampoo very often, for that reason.

 

My Thoughts: After using this shampoo bar, I find it to be a winner and now a staple of mine. Throughout my entire journey I've used either the Mane & Tail shampoo or raw Black Soap to shampoo my hair. I don't shampoo often because I hate the stripped feeling you get with shampooing and I also find that shampooing isn't always the best thing to do for moisturizing your hair. This bar does exactly what it says it does, moisturize. I can't stress enough how much you need moisture in your hair and if you're using the wrong shampoo that strips your hair, honey, you need to stop that right now! This is definitely a winner in my book!

 

**So, have you ever tried this shampoo bar? If so, what are you thoughts on it! Thanks for reading. Smooches! <3


Follow OBI Natural Hair Care at:
Official Website: https://www.obinaturalhair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBINaturalHairCare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OBInaturalhair

It's A Twist-Out Affair

Practice Makes Perfect

 

If you've followed me my entire journey, then you know I don't do much to my hair but wash n go's or protective styles. I've never attempted a twist out, braid out, bantu-knot out or anything of that nature. Last week I was feeling really, hmm, curious about this whole ....out thing so I decided to dive in and try it for myself. I had no idea what I was doing. I just did what I thought was right. I wasn't watching any videos of tutorials or anything like that nor was I trying to be a perfectionist at it the first go around. I used my normal moisturizing method after I did my weekly deep conditioning treatment.

I was amazed at how my hair looked afterwards. I was in my zone. Did these twists (that took forever), covered my hair, and hit the sac. I woke up the next morning like "Do I really want to take down my hair?!" I didn't have the time but decided, you know what I'm going to do this. I've made up my mind I want to see the end result! I started to take my hair down bit by bit and it started coming together. The end result I thought was nice. No, the definition isn't sick. Why, you ask?! Well, my hair still is pretty darn short. I'm not really into the definition. I'm more focused on moisturizing. I found that my hair was super moisturized for about a week without me having to put any product in my hair. I didn't even have to re-twist at night. Just wake up the next morning, sprits it with whatever spray I'd like, fluff, and go go go. I was amazed! Now, I know y'all are asking, did you record it? I want a tutorial on how you did it. Yes, I did actually. Is it up yet? No, I need to get around to putting that up but if you stay tuned and patient I'll have it up for you soon enough! :) I'll try this whole Twist-Out method again sometime again in the near future. That is, when my hands don't hurt from having to twist and twist and twist. I hope yall enjoy and be sure to check me out on YouTube. Make sure you subscribe if you haven't. Thanks for reading! Smooches! <3

How To: Aloe Vera Moisturizing Spray

How to Make Aloe Vera Juice as a Moisturizing Spray for Natural Hair
What you will need:
1. Fresh Aloe Vera leaf
2. 1/4 to 1/3 cup of lemon juice
3. Sharp knife
4. Spoon
5. Strainer
6. Blender
7. Ice cube tray
8. Water
9. Spray bottle
Directions:
1. Remove all the green by cutting away the top and end of the leaf then the spiny sides but leave the bottom of the leaf to hold in the aloe meat. With a spoon scoop out the aloe meat and discard
all the green.
2. Place all the clear aloe meat into a strainer and rinse with cold water
3. Place the rinsed aloe meat into the blender with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of lemon juice depending on how much Aloe Vera meat you are processing. The lemon keeps it from turning brown.
4. Blend for about 30 to 60 seconds and pour into ice tray. All that is not being frozen must go into the refrigerator until ready to freeze into ice cubes. Note: If you are not freezing the Aloe Vera mixture into ice cubes you must keep the mixture refrigerated. It will only last a week in the refrigerator. After a week discard the mixture and make a new batch. Remember the mixture is very concentrated. If you are going to use the mixture in this concentrated form you would use a very small amount, such as 2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup of mixture to 3 cups of cold water to get the desired affect.
5. Once frozen place only one ice cube into the blender with 3 cups of cold water and blend for about 60 seconds. Pour the juice into a spray bottle and use on your hair as often as you like. Keep refrigerated between uses. The juice is good for 7 days. But if you are like me you will be making about 2 spray bottles of juice a week. The juice will be cold on your hair but cold water is good for natural hair :)

Naturalista | Tricks to staying Moisturized during Winter

Have you noticed it's getting cooler outside? Winter is on it's way to us. Even in the Southern region we are feeling the shift in weather and Mother Nature is making it known. Make sure you and your hair are both ready to battle the cold brittle weather that is to come. Here are some tricks of the trade to use towards these Winter months. The way to growth and health is moisturizing your hair. I can't stress enough how big moisturizing is. It's a task within itself to keep your hair nice and moisturized during the cold weather. I've seen it happen where the cold weather takes over your hairs progress. I, myself, am a victim of the cold break! I had to do a 2nd big chop Summer 2011 due to breakage during the winter and how I couldn't bounce back from it. So, don't make the same dumb mistakes I was making that's for sure lol. Let me be the one to make the mistakes and teach you the correct way of how things should flow. With that being said, let's get into it shall we?

Leave-In Conditioners & It's Values
Treat your hair with a Leave-In Conditioner of your choice. I never used a leave-in conditioner until 2 months from now. I never saw a reason for it, it looked like an added/unnecessary step to me. I never knew that a leave in condition would hydrate and protect your hair from the heat/sun as well as dry weather. It is a great balance of moisture added to your hair. It is very necessary in the winter time, especially since it is getting cooler. Take a look at the one I use.

Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In Conditioner

Although they are just getting their name out there in the curly industry it is a great product to use. For one, the price is amazing! You can find this at your local Wal-Mart in the ethnic section for as little as $5.94. It is awesome for detangling and moisturizing your hair. I have 4b/4c textured hair. As you ladies know that texture is horrendous for detangling. This leave-in does WONDERS for my hair. I absolutely love it! Try it for yourself and let me know what you think :)

Never Leave w/ Wet Hair
Never leave the house with wet hair. With it getting cooler outside you do not, by any circumstance, want to walk out of the house with wet hair. It causes breakage that you wouldn't even believe. I have do this before thinking "Oh I'll just do a co-wash, dry my hair a little, then leave". Oh no, wrong! You want to make sure your hair is moisturized BUT you do not want to leave and walk into the cold air with wet hair. Close to dry is okay but not wet or damp.

Use LOC to Moisturize
Make sure you lock in your moisture using the LOC method. Meaning liquid, oil, cream/butter. You can do something as easily as making a concoction of the 3 in a spritz bottle to tackle everything at once or you can do like myself and do the steps one at a time. By following this method you are ensuring that you are locking in the moisture before heading out into the cold. When I make my concoction I put water, my fav conditioner or leave-in conditioner, and some oil. Give it a shimmy shake and wallah! Something so simple will keep you from having breakage in the end. Be sure to follow these steps. You hair will love you as much as you love your hair :)

Protecting Your Goodies
Not everyone is with the whole "Protective Styling" thing. I'm one that would rather wear my hair out. For those of you who have longer hair you are able to do protective styling with your own hair by doing Two-Strand Twists, Braids, or Bantu Knots. The ladies with the TWA's I suggest going the route of getting Kinky Twists, Senegalese Twists, Box Braids, or Yarn Braids. This way your hair is protected against the harsh cold weather and your hair stays nice and moisturized. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and need the most care to survive or you will experience breakage thus causing you not to retain the length. With that being said, make sure you protect your hair accordingly. Even if this means using a beanie cap or scarfs. I know those come to aid on days that my hair is wet and/or damp and I can't wait any longer, I have to leave. I do not use heat on my hair so air dry it is.

Hair Regimen Fall 2012

Wash Routine
Wash hair (as needed) w/ Mane & Tail shampoo or my black soap shampoo concoction
Deep Condition using Beautiful Textures Deep Conditioner
Co-wash (as needed) between washes w/ TRESemme Moisture Rich Conditioner or Pantene Pro'V Naturals Conditioner and detangle

Morning Routine
Co-wash (as needed) using TRESemme Moisture Rich Conditioner or Pantene Pro'V Naturals Conditioner & detangle
Use Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In Conditioner & detangle
Distribute Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Put EVOO on scalp (if needed)
Use Beautiful Textures butter or my shea butter mix as sealant for moisture & style to desire

Nighttime Routine
Massage scalp w/ EVOO or Grapeseed Oil as needed throughout the week
Massage in Beautiful Textures Leave-In Conditioner for added moisture
Detangle hair
Cover hair w/ satin bonnet & sleep :)

**Note I do not braid or twist my hair at night because my hands and wrist won't allow me to do so for as long as it takes to do. This regimen works just fine for me. Enjoy!

Know your Carrier Oils

Another type of oil for hair is called carrier oils. The oils are called carrier oils because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils are also known as base oil or vegetable oil they are usually derived from seeds or nuts. Carrier oils are best used as natural and unadulterated as possible. Cold pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils. Carrier oils are very important in hair care; they are great moisturizers, strengtheners and very nourishing for hair.

List of Carrier Oils and Their Benefits To Hair

Jojoba Oil – The debate is whether jojoba is the king of the carrier oils. Many scalp related problems are caused by a hardened build-up of sebum that clogs the hair follicles and may cause some types of scaling. If this hardened build-up is not removed, it can eventually obstruct the hair follicle’s ability to function properly, jojoba rapidly penetrates down to the scalp and hair shaft, and readily loosens and dissolves this hardened build-up. The scalp and hair follicles are left clean and free to continue their normal function. Jojoba is great for all hair types and has an ability to inhibit excess activity of the sebaceous glands making it the perfect choice for people with oily scalps that still need conditioning. Likewise it can be used for dry hair as it helps to moisturize your hair properly.

Olive Oil – Only olive oil that is labelled “extra virgin” guarantees that the oil has been cold pressed from freshly harvested olives and does not contain chemicals. Extra virgin olive oil that is green in color is of higher quality than golden-yellow oil. Olive oil helps in preventing as well as curing hair loss as it prevents the production of the hormone DTH which causes the hair follicle shaft to decrease. Regular application of olive oil to hair prevents the production of DTH hormones on the scalp, thus getting rid of the problem of hair loss. For relaxed/permed hair ladies excessive chemical use can cause hair damage, olive oil contains antioxidants that promotes a healthy hair and scalp. Olive oil strengthens and smooths hair cuticles.

Coconut Oil - Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats Vitamin-E and Vitamin K and minerals such as Iron. Coconut oil is considered one of the best natural nutrition for hair and is in contention with olive and jojoba oils as the king of the carrier oils. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair and it softens the hair and conditions the scalp.

Castor Oil – is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean. Castor oil is a colorless to very pale yellow liquid with mild or no odor or taste. It is rich in ricinoleic acid and can be used to treat skin conditions such as fungal infections. It nourishes hair and prevents the scalp from drying by retaining moisture. Castor oil added to hair care products helps to seal moisture, softens, and visibly thickens hair. Castor oil can also be used by itself on the hair to seal in moisture.

Vitamin E Oil - Proper circulation leads to thriving hair follicles which leads to hair growth. Vitamin E contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp. When added to homemade products, Vitamin E extends their shelf life. This oil rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin.

Avocado Oil- is extracted from the king of the ‘hair’ fruits avocado. It is full of vitamins that your hair needs like vitamins A, E, D and potassium. If you want a super deep conditioner treatment without having to buy a commercial preparation, you can add avocado oil to the other carrier oils and you will definitely feel and see the difference.

The Caramel Treatment – A Natural Hair Softener

The caramel treatment is a product in the E’tae product line. Boasting an all natural line up of ingredients from honey, bananas to olive oil, this product delivers in its ability to seriously soften and hydrate the driest and roughest hair textures. It helps people who relax their hair to ‘stretch’ their relaxer for longer peri...ods and helps people with natural hair by softening its texture for easier detangling and manageability.

The results of the caramel treatment are not permanent; they last for up to 4 weeks so should be reapplied monthly for continued benefits. Many report ‘loosening’ of hair texture as well as less shrinkage after the treatment but this is likely due to the added weight of the product as well as the increased moisture levels in the hair. For this reason, the caramel treatment is excellent for helping to straightening the natural hair as it takes less heat to get smoother results as well as better moisture retention.

No doubt the product is excellent but due to its perishable nature (no preservatives are used), the price tag for monthly treatments can become quite unappealing. Most of the ingredients in the product can be found in many average kitchens so making your own caramel treatment seems a more attractive approach for those who wish to use it on a regular basis.

By understanding the purpose of each ingredient, you can adjust the recipe every time you make it depending on your hair’s needs.

Honey – An excellent humectant good for moisture
Olive Oil – For lubrication and helps with moisture retention
Bananas – Good for moisture and some protein benefits as well
Molasses (Treacle) – Another excellent humectant with some protein benefits
Water – This is the best natural moisturizer and is used to thin the mixture
Apple Cider Vinegar – For the shine it imparts to the hair
Cornstarch – For thickening purposes
Wheat germ oil – For added strength and lubrication

Suffering from Brittle Hair?!

Brittle hair can result from external factors, such as exposure to harsh chemicals, or from internal causes, such as an illness. These are the primary external factors for those lackluster locks:

•Harsh shampoo
•Shampooing too often
•Hair dye
•Hair perms
•Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs
•Overuse of the blow dryer or curling iron
•Too much exposure to sun and wind
•High mineral content in local water supplies
Hot oil treatments can treat dry brittle hair the use a cream based, deep conditioner 2 times a week will also combat dry hair.

Rinse with cool water as your final rinse to close the cuticle and prevent further damage. Avoid shampoos that are clear in color. These shampoos are referred to as plain shampoos. Plain shampoos contain little to no moisturizer instead use a good moisturizing shampoo that is sulfate free. Deep condition at least 2 times a week. Apply the conditioner to clean, damp hair. Put a shower cap on and sit under the blow dryer. This will open up the cuticle and condition your hair better. Use daily conditioners and even better, use a leave-in conditioner as well.
Purchase a boars hair brushes distribute oils better throughout the hair, down the hair shaft. Cut back on blow drying or use the blow dryer on the cool setting. Keep use of heating products to a minimum if possible. And always use a styling product that specifically protect hair during heat process.

Is your Hair ready for Spring & Summer?

UVA - Ultraviolet A

This is the sun's strong radiation-filled light rays. Ultraviolet A rays have the longest wavelength and they can penetrate into the hair's deepest inner layer, the cortex. The UVA rays disturb the hair cortex's fiber-like cells that gives the hair its strength and elasticity. It can also damage the color pigments that create natural hair color. The UVA rays can also burn the hair cuticle which is the outer hair layer.

The cuticle contains a web of tiny overlapping scales. When the scales are damaged they can not lay flat and will look lifeless, brittle and dry.

UVA rays can also burn and damage unprotected scalp. It is even possible to burn the part of your hair where scalp is unprotected. UVA rays can damage the skin on the scalp in many ways and activate free radicals which accelerates aging. A severe sunburn on the scalp has even been known to cause some cases of hair loss.

UVB - Ultraviolet B

These are invisible rays that also can penetrate deep into the hair's cortex or center damaging the hair fibers. It can also damage the hair cuticle. UVB rays can easily dry out the hair and cause natural and chemical colors to fade.

UVC - Ultraviolet C

These rays are the most damaging but do not reach us because of the ozone layer which currently protects us.

DEEP CONDTIONERS CAN PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM HEAT DAMAGE CAUSE FROM THE SUN. USING HAIR PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN A SPF BETWEEN 8 AND 10 WILL ALSO HELP TO PROTECT YOUR FROM THE RAYS OF THE SUN. PLEASE READ THE BACK OF THE PRODUCT TO MAKE SURE IT CONTAINS (Octyl Methyosycinnamate Octyl Methyoxycinnamate i, ).LEAVE IN CONDITIONERS CAN HELP ALSO BUT DONT LAST AS LONG. AFRICAN SHEA BUTTER IS ALSO A GREAT PRODUCT FOR HAIR SUNBLOCK . 

All Natural Aloe Vera Juice Pre-Poo

Ingredients you will need:  

1.Castor oil (use amount suitable for length and thickness of your hair)

2.Aloe vera juice (use amount suitable for length and thickness of your hair)

3.bowl and spoon

4.plastic cap/bag

Ingredients you will need:

In a bowl mix

-½ cup of aloe vera juice or whole leaf aloe vera

-1-2 tablespoons of your favorite oil (wheat germ, olive, safflower, walnut etc)

In a separate Bowl melt

-Food grade coconut oil (1/4 cup)

-Sit the bottle or jar in hot water- do not put in microwave or on the stove!

Remember, everyone's hair has different needs. You may need more or less of this mixture. Or, your hair may not like this at all. None of these will irrevocably change your hair. Thus, you just need to wash out the mixture if your hair doesn't like it.

1. Using your fingers, separate your hair into 4- 8 sections. If your hair is caked with hard product, rinse your hair first. Gently handle the first section. First, smooth the hair in a downward direction. You are just trying to make sure that all the hair is going in one direction. You don't need to completely detangle the hair at this point.

2. Dip your hair in the bowl of aloe vera and oil or cup your hands in the mixture and transfer it to the section onto your hair. Work it through. Get the aloe vera/oil mix into your hair from root to tip. Make sure it is moist throughout the sectioned hair. If your hair is long enough, twist it and wrap it around like a bantu knot. If it is not, try to twist it and move it out the way. Repeat until you have done this to each section.

3. You should have a head full of aloe vera mixed with oil twisted sections. Go back to the first twist you did. Undo it, pour the liquid coconut oil in your hand and work through the section. Re-twist it and repeat on whole head. Place a plastic shower cap on your head for 15-60 minutes. Your moisturizing pre-poo is complete!

Treating Dandruff Naturally

To clear up dandruff you need to counter the cause of the problem: your scalp's acidic pH level. You need to use a Apple Cider Vinegar to restore your scalp's natural alkaline pH level, prepare a cup of apple cider vinegar and pour it on your head while on bath and rinse it with water.

This is a good and easy way to overcome scalp.

First, you use flaxseed oil, then you follow with apple cider vinegar which is great at fighting yeast and bacteria.

I love the addition of the sugar to the oil because it acts as a natural exfoliator for dry flakes, but some women prefer to leave the sugar out.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesIngredients:

• Flaxseed oil (olive oil works if you don't have flaxseed oil)

• Finely granulated white sugar or brown suger

• Apple cider vinegar (preferred) or white wine vinegar

• Hydrogen peroxide

Preparation:

Mix a tablespoon or two of flaxseed oil and a teaspoon of sugar into a bowl. If you don't have liquid flaxseed oil, you can puncture 3-5 flaxseed oil capsules.

Apply the mixture to the scalp and massage in.

Wrap hair up in a hot wet towel and let the flaxseed oils soak in for about 20 minutes. You can also put hair up in a shower cap. Of course if you are short on time, you can skip this 20-minute let-the-oils-soak-in step.

While you're letting the flaxseed work on your dry scalp, mix up 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxid and 2 cups lukewarm water. For best results, put it in a spray bottle.

Get in the shower and rinse out the flaxseed oil from the scalp using a small amount of shampoo. Rinse thoroughly.

Turn off the water and separating your hair into sections, spray the scalp thoroughly with the vinegar/hydrogen peroxide/water mixture. Note: AVOID GETTING MIXTURE IN EYES.

Massage the vinegar into the scalp.

Wrap hair again in a hot wet towel or in a shower cap (less messy). Let the vinegar mixture soak into your scalp for 20 minutes to an hour. (Yes, you can skip the marinating if you are short on time, but do let it sit on your scalp for at least a minute).

Rinse thoroughly.

Henna and it's Benefits

Benefits of Henna as a Conditioning Treatment

As a conditioner, henna strengthens hair and adds shine while making it soft and manageable. If you have really curly hair, you may also find that using henna can loosen curls slightly and may even help to battle frizz. Henna also works as an anti-fungal treatment, and this can be especially helpful if you suffer from things such as dandruff or other scalp-related issues. Henna is also known for leaving a natural-looking red color behind, but if you prefer to not have this happen you could purchase neutralized henna powder. Using a neutralized henna paste will give you all the conditioning benefits, without the red color.

Preparing the Hair for a Henna Treatment

Most experts will recommend not washing your hair before you apply the henna. This is because the henna seals in the natural oils. If you choose to oil your hair in preparation for the henna treatment, you should do this the day before. You can use oils you find the home or essential oils. If your hair is excessively oily or if your oil treatment has left too much residue behind, you may want to consider washing the hair before applying the henna. Excessive oil might hinder the henna from working properly.

Applying the Henna Paste

If you purchased henna powder, you'll need to mix it at home to make the paste. Experts recommend using water and honey to mix with the powder to form a paste. Once you're ready, you should pin up your hair and work in layers. The henna paste can be tricky to apply, but thinner layers will make the application a little easier. The henna can be left on overnight, but it's best to check because some pastes can work in as little as 30 minutes. Others need to be left on longer to really work.

Handy Tips

Henna works best with a little humidity and heat, so heating the hair slightly with a hair dryer and covering it with a towel can help the henna penetrate the hair. Be sure to rinse the hair thoroughly and take your time to ensure that all the paste has been rinsed out. Traditional henna also stains, so it's best to use gloves to protect your hands and applying a little petroleum jelly to the hair line to avoid staining the skin.

This might sound weird but it really works:

-Put peanut butter on your hair as if you were perming it-Put a plastic bag over it-Sit under a dryer or sleep in it over night-Wash it out

Your hair will feel very strong and have LESS shedding

 As Hair Moisturizer

 All you have to do is mix equal parts of mayonnaise and peanut butter and apply it to your damp hair. Once done, let it set for 30 minutes and then rinse with water.

10 Things to AVOID putting on your Hair

Most of the commercially available hair care products today use harmful, potentially carcinogenic ingredients. In the interest of good natural health, I list below, what are in my opinion, the 10 worst commonly found product ingredients thngs you can put on your hair (and body). Check the list of ingredients on your hair products. The more of a particular ingredient you have in a product, the closer it is to the top of the list of ingredients on the bottle:

1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Napptural hair reacts very badly to isoalcohol and this ingredient should be avoided at ALL costs. It will dry your hair out and break it off. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and even coma in extreme cases.

2. MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM: The best baby oil is made from almonds. But the oil which being sold as baby oil is 100% mineral oil. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin and hair just like plastic wrap. The skin's natural barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). The skin's ability to release toxins and wastes is impossible through this "plastic wrap," which can promote acne and other disorders. It further hinders normal skin respiration/transpiration by keeping oxygen out. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age. Holding in large a mounts of moisture in the skin can "flood" the biology and may result in immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily. Petrolatum - A petroleum-based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil.

Honestly, this stuff belongs in your engine, not on your hair. Regardless of "Well, my Grandma used vaseline on her hair and it grew ", the bottom line is this stuff is bad. It was bad for Grandma and it is bad for you. Period.

3. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG's are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG's contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): As a "surfactant" or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications.

5. SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES): SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin. Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added it thicken to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated. (SOME OF THE NITROSATING AGENTS ARE: SLS, SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA). Shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with these substances can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrite-contaminated foods.

Mark Fearer in an article, Dangerous Beauty, says, "...in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death." According to the American College of Toxicology states both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties. It is possibly the most dangerous of ad ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate contaminated food." According to the American College of Toxicity report, "SLS stays in the body for up to five days..." Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste,"

Studies show its danger potential to be great when used in personal-care products. Toxicity - A serious problem with these chemicals is that they may be contaminated with NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine), one of the nitrosamines and a potent carcinogen, according to a 1978 FDA report.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may be more drying. Both SLS and SLES can enter the blood stream. They may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing. Contains ether.

6. CHLORINE: According to Doris J. Rapp, M.D., author of Is This your Child's World? exposure to chlorine in tap water, Showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health by contributing to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium diabetes, dizziness, irritation of the eye, mouth, nose throat, lung, skin and stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure and nausea. It is also a possible cause of cancer. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair.

7. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are usual listed on the ingredients label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. . These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children."

8. FD & C Color PIGMENTS: Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home: "Colors that can be used in foods, drug, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic."

9. FRAGRANCE: Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes," (Home Safe Home).

For better health try purchasing unscented products and for fragrance, adding a natural essential oil.

10. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN: These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.