Healthy Hair Chronicles

We've been having great weather here in NYC and by good weather I mean low to mid 80s and ZERO humidity. So, I've been wearing my hair straight for the last two weeks. Here's the proof :-D

Naturally when it was time to revert to my natural, curly hair, I knew I had to give it some extra TLC. I love to DIY my deep conditioners [read here], this way I get to personalize it to my specific needs [moisture, sheen, protein, etc]. I rummaged through kitchen/cupboard and whipped up this easy recipe.

2 - tbsp of mayo
2 - tbsp of honey [make sure to warm it up, makes it easier to mix]
2 - tbsp extra virgin olive/coconut oil
1 - banana or 4 tbsp of banana baby food puree
2 - tbsp of conditioner/hair mask

I put all the ingredients [minus the condish] in my Nutribullet. Then transferred the mixture to a plastic container and mixed in one of my favorite hair masks Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Treatment Masque and set it aside. I washed my hair & conditioned my hair, then sectioned it into four parts. I applied the mixture evenly, put my hair in a bun and put a plastic shower cap on. Used my Softhood hair dryer attachment on medium for 30 minutes. 

Here is a picture of the mixture

After the 30 minutes, I rinse and condition AGAIN! I know you probably think I'm crazy but don't forget curly hair is dry hair by nature, so you have to keep it moisturized! I digress, after I rinse out my hair I style as usual and viola! I have to tell you not only was my hair soft but my curls were so defined! I love it!

Are you guys into DIY hair treatments?

xx, B

Style File | Hair Talk

I love DIY beauty products because 1) you can customize treatments to your specific needs 2) it saves you money. We should all be deep conditioning our hair, especially if you have naturally curly hair. Curly hair is dry hair, by nature. Ever since going natural almost two years ago, I've been slowly nursing my hair back to health. I deep condition my hair weekly, as a preventative measure. From time to time your hair will feel dry and brittle, easy indicators that a deep conditioning session is needed. Here's a quick and easy DIY recipe, with the ingredients already in your home.

- 2 tbsp of a deep conditioner or hair mask - you can also use regular conditioner

- 2 tbsp of olive oil

- 1 banana

Combine all in a blender, mix until smooth. Wash and section your hair. I find it easier & less messy to apply it in sections. Thoroughly apply to each section from root to tip, put on a shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse and style as usual.

Here I used Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu, growth & strengthen treatment masque. I alternate the base (the deep conditioner) weekly. I also used banana baby food, I find it easier to use. With the baby food, it's already blended and you're not left picking pieces of banana out of your hair (not fun!). If you are out of EVOO or you don't want to use it on your hair, you can use any natural oil you have on hand - coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, etc. 

This is what it looks like when you combine all ingredients.

Here's to healthy hair!

xo, B

Crafty Tuesday!

This week's crafty idea couldn't be easier; get a pair of lacey stockings and just pull it over your pumpkin for a dramatic effect. You can use pins to hold the stocking in place and if you use artificial pumpkins they could last you through the holiday season.

Lacey pumpkin

Happy crafting!

Crafty Tuesday!

Hi guys, long time no post; I've been swamped at work but my blog is always on my mind! I love the fall and I love crafting, why not put them together and have a good time? I found an idea for a Halloween party or you can use it anytime!

WITCH'S BROOM NAME HOLDER

 

I like that this is relatively inexpensive and easy to do, you can even have the kids help you!

Happy crafting!

The braid-y bunch...

I am OBSESSED with braids, I LOVE them, can't get enough of them!! Everywhere you look you see a braid, on the runways, on celebrities, everywhere! I've sported a side braid once or twice myself...

I'm so loving Lauren Conrad's take on this "mini" braid if you will, here is my version...

 This is my goal to be able to do a french braid on my hair...

I've been looking at DIY videos on youtube and practicing; having had sons I haven't had much practice in the hair braiding department lol. I'm definitely going to make up for that because a braid is my go to hair style on those days when I don't have time to wash my hair.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Soak it up!

I remember when I was growing up my Mami would soak her feet in hot water and Epson salt because she said it was good for you. Well she may have been on to something, soaks are said to decrease inflammation, increase circulation and relieve foot stress.  I soak my feet when I'm "breaking in" new shoes, have been wearing heels all week or after a night out. After soaking, my feet do feel less sore and are less swollen. You can take it up a notch and add some marbles or rocks - sliding your feet back and forth for an added massage. You may even add an essential oil to the water for an even more relaxing experience; you can try lavender, eucalyptus or mint.


 
1 - You will need a small tub, bucket (big enough to fit your feet)
2 - Fill it with enough hot water (as hot as you can stand it) to cover your feet
3 - Add Epson salt, marbles/rocks and any essential oils
4 - Relax and soak your footsies for about 30 mins

Happy soaking!