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

Style File | Healthy Hair Chronicles

My hair story is a complicated one. I began my natural/healthy hair journey almost two years ago. You see, I have naturally curly hair but I've always worn it straight. I mean ALWAYS, for as long as I can remember, I've always straightened my hair (more on that later). The only time I would wear it curly was during the summer months because I mean, what's the point of getting blowout in August?! 

Ever since I ditched my blow-dryer and embraced my curls, I've seen a huge improvement in my hair's health. Along the way, I've also discovered a new found love of coconut oil. Go on any natural hair website and you will find countless articles dedicated to the wonders of coconut oil.  I like to use it as a hair mask, prior to washing my hair. I section my hair (usually three sections on either side of my head), I then apply it generously as I finger detangle each section. I leave it on for at least 30 minutes, I've read of bloggers leaving it on overnight. Once I wash it out and style my hair, I'm left with soft, bouncy curls - I love it! It is definitely one of my holy grail products, oh and it's not just for hair. I also use it as:

- moisturizer - I use on damp skin to lock in moisture, the result... silky, smooth skin

- lip balm - dry lips be gone

- dry hands/cuticles - rub some on your dry cuticles/hands - voila

- makeup remover - perfect for stubborn eye makeup

Check out more uses for coconut oil here.

To get the full benefits, make sure you use organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil. You can get virgin coconut oil in Whole Foods, I like the Trader Joe's brand (under $10.00). Another favorite the Spectrum brand coconut oil (also under $10.00), found in Whole Foods, on amazon, and in other health food stores.

ox, B