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

Summer beauty fixes - how to fix sun damaged hair

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

During the summer months, our hair goes through so much. The hazy, hot & humid weather AND the aftermath of "swimmer's hair". You know how hard, dry & brittle your hair feels after a day at the beach or pool. Ever since going natural, I've made it my business to really take care of my hair, that includes deep conditioning on a weekly basis (one of my favorite DIY recipes).

The key to healthy hair during the summer time is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Regular deep-conditioning treatments are the foundation & lifeline for curly hair (any hair really, especially if you use heat). Also cutting back on your use of heat tools (blow dryer, curling/straightening irons) - the high temps are a surfier way to say your hair of any moisture it has.

Here are a few of my favorite deep conditioners, each one serves a purpose. Find you purpose & you will find your deep treatment.

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