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Showing posts with label coconut oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coconut oil. Show all posts

Friday, March 16, 2012

K.I.S.S. and Hot Oil Treatments

K.I.S.S. = Keeping It Simple Sexy

That is what I am doing folks, I am keeping my routine, regimen, and product use simple. It is so easy to get caught up in wanting to try this or that on my locs but I have Sisterlocks and the beauty of Sisterlocks is that they really don't need much. Actually, using too much on these locs can be detremental ie build up, unraveling and slippage. My locs are maturing and I really thought that by now I would start to use a phlethra of conditioners, moisture sprays, and oils. But oil is the only thing that I have added to my simple regimen. (However, I will use a leave in conditioning spray once I color) I had a hot oil treatment last weekend and it was great. My hair feels conditioned, looks shiny, and is stronger.

Hot Oil Treatments are highly recommended for people with dry and/or damaged hair. They are beneficial because the oils can infuse your hair with keratin leaving it strong, and moisturized. It is so easy to create your own treatment. I plan on using the following oils  for future treatments

Coconut Oil - Even though this oil may not be good for everyday use in Sisterlocks (it can build up and be harder to wash out) it is awesome for a Hot Oil Treatments. It penetrates the hair shaft so it is ultra moisturizing. Also, because of it's anti fungal/antibacterial properties, it is great for people having dandruff and other scalp issues.

Olive Oil - This oil is very nourishing, a great moisturizer for dry hair and scalp but is also very heavy. It strengthens and increases elasticity of the hair shaft.

Jojoba Oil - Is a lighter oil but still gives your hair a nice shine. It mimics the natural oils that we produce (sebum), and helps to distribute that oil so it can help some balance their oil production. This oil is good for people with oily hair.



How to do a homemade treatment: You can do your treatment before or after you wash.

1. Decide which oil/oils you would like to use.
2. Measure out 1/4 to 1/2 cup oil (depending on length of hair) and, if you desire, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils
3. Heat your oil in microwave or pan till warm, you do not want it to be hot BE CAREFUL
4. Add your warm oil to you locs by massaging your scalp and rubbing the oil from root to tip
5. Cover your locs with a plastic cap and either wrap it in a warm towel 30 min, or sit under the dryer for 15min
6. Rinse well with warm water and do a final few minutes with cool water for even more shine


Regimen and products:

Even though I like having a simple routine my only problem is the best shampoo for my locks, so far, has sulfates.  I have tried several natural organic shampoos and either they leave a residue or my ends loosen up. I also noticed that my locs were not as condensed and tight as I like them to be. Now, maybe it's just a coincidence and my hair was just going through a phase but as soon as I stopped using my natural shampoos, and went back to Suave and Dawn, my hair tightened right up. When I am fully locked I may revisit my natural shampoos or look or an even better one.



Shampoo every 2 weeks: At home Suave Daily Clarifying  :  At the salon Gabrel's Lemon Fluff

Hot Oil Treatment: will be every 6 weeks using coconut oil

Spritz- Just water or Seabreeze mix

NOW
Hair is tight and mostly sealed
31 Months




BEFORE
Example of  my ends looking loose and puffy




Side note : Recovering from Post partum Shedding YEAH!!!




Stay Blessed!


Saturday, November 26, 2011

LOC Method

I am always looking for great tips in taking care of my daughter's hair. There are a plethora of sites, and blogs but one of my favorites is Beads Braids and Beyond. I am so happy to have learned the LOC method, while talking to other Moms on there. The LOC method is using a liquid, then an oil and then a cream when applying moisture to hair. I guess I use to use the LCO method for years because I was told that using an oil last will seal moisture in. But this new method helps to retain moisture longer, and leaves her hair shin and soft.


My LOVE


Liquid- I spray her hair with our homemade spritz (aloe juice, leave in cond., distilled water, and a couple drops of tea tree oil)
Oil- Extra virgin Coconut oil
Cream - Shea Moisture Curling Smoothie

This combination has worked wonders on her hair, that I am prepping for Sisterlocks ;)

Stay Blessed!!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Shea Butter Whip

Recently, I made a Shea Butter whip to use on my daughter's hair and our skin.

I have used it for a week and I love what it has done for my daughter's hair . My daughter's hair is moisturized and looks shiny.  My skin feels silky smooth and I love the benefits of using Shea butter on me.The only adjustment I will make is to use  a stronger smelling EO that is still highly beneficial for hair and safe to use on my LO. ( I am not in love with the scent)

What you need:

  • 6 TBSP Shea Butter
  • 1 TBSP Coconut Oil**
  • 1 tsp Jojoba (ho HO ba) oil 
  • 1 tsp Grapeseed oil
  • 1/2 TBSP Aloe Gel
  • 1 TBSP Veg. Glycerin, 
  • 1/4 tsp Honey/ or 10 drop of Tea Tree oil   
  • 10 Lavender Essential oil
  •  Storage container that can also be used as your mixing bowl
  • large bowl to hold hot water
  • spatula
  • mixer
  • spoon



1) Place Shea butter in your storage container and put that container in the bowl of hot water. Melt Shea butter (leave some chunks)






2) Add all carrier oils, aloe gel and veg. glycerin.  Mix these ingredients with a hand mixer for 5-7 min.





3) Put mixture in freezer 5-10min till hard.



4) Mix again and using a spatula insure that you get anything stuck in the bottom rim of your container. Blend for about 5 min.


5) Add your EO and preservative (honey or Tea Tree Oil)





 6) Continue to blend 3-5 min or until you get the consistency that you prefer. 


(1 week later)



Shea Butter Whip in Action

I rarely use this style because it causes too much stress on her hair but this was Big D's Birthday.


Here are some great resources for the benefits of Shea butter and Coconut oil.

**In the recipe above I used my own homemade coconut oil and I will share the method my Mother taught me at another time.

I have to add that even though I like making this whip, I will continue to make it for my daughter's hair, I really miss pampering myself with buying hair products (silly I know) so  I am going to continue to enjoy  the natural product line, FUZE for my skin.  I love love it and the Vanilla Butter smells sooo good. Big D definitely prefers it.

Stay Blessed!!!

TWI