Henna Application #4 (End of 1 Month Challenge!!!)

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Just did my last henna treatment for my 1 month challenge!!  Yay!!  Doing this treatment every weekend was starting to get on my nerves a little because of the time it required. 


For my last treatment, I did it a little different.  Instead of mixing the henna the night before and applying it 12 hours later, I mixed the henna up Thursday night and froze it the following morning until Friday night, when I took it out to thaw and applied Saturday morning.  I then washed my hair and applied the henna and sat under the dryer for 2 hours to speed up the process and get on with my weekend plans.  I also did not do a follow-up deep treatment, but instead loaded my hair with conditioner and went on with my day.

My hair is not dry at all, so I say this last treatment, with all my abbreviations worked quite well. 

As for the entire henna month challenge,  I feel my hair is much more conditioned and maintains moisture much better and longer.  My hair also feels strong and soft, with great sheen and styling my hair is much easier and the frizz factor has been reduced greatly.  I have experienced little to no loosening of my curl pattern, but that is my experience so far!

I love my red tips too and have begun sitting in the sun to help brighten the color.  As I said before, indoors my hair looks black with reddish brown tips due to my previous dye job, but outside the hair has a slight red tint with intense red tips!!

I like the color and will continue these treatments monthly.  Here is a picture of my hair styled in a wash n go right after henna treatment ( on my way to Nordstroms Rack, my hair will not mess with shopping , LOL)

Later that day I styled my hair in doodles using the Curly Like Me method.  The only product in my hair is conditioner.  You can either wear your hair like this and/or take the spirals apart for a coil out!  (Like a super easy straw set)

                  Outside                                                                          Inside

You can achieve this style simply by taking a piece of damp hair with conditioner and twirling it around your finger.

See post here for pics of my hair at the beginning of my 1 month challenge. 

Enjoy!!

DIY Loc Soc

I think I will try this!  See my post here about night routine!

Enjoy!

Dry Skin Brushing

What is Dry Skin Brushing?
    It is using a body brush to over dry skin to remove dead skin cells, etc.  This is done prior to bathing.

What are the benefits?

• Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.

• Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas.
• Dry skin brushing also helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood. Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of cellulite.
• Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified. After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid material in your stools.
• Dry skin brushing helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.
• Dry skin brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
• Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.
• Individuals who sit at a computer screen all day long will particularly take pleasure in the benefits of skin brushing. People who have inactive lifestyles or jobs usually experience stiff and sore necks and shoulders that reach even into their arms and down their spines and into their lower backs. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic energy that permits you to feel energized and invigorated.
• LADIES—Cellulite is toxic. Cellulite is toxic materials that are accumulated in your body’s fat cells as they are unable to be eliminated. So, rather than liposuction surgery, how about utilizing the “dry skin brushing” techniques coupled with an alkaline diet program and a great exercising routine. It will break down the unwelcome toxic body deposits and send them scurrying out of your body through the elimination channels we discussed above.

How to?

1. Use natural bristle brush with a long handle
2. Should perform once daily before your bath/shower
3. Brush skin in long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet and upward.  Don't be afraid to overlap areas of skin
4. Avoid sensitive areas including brooken skin, rashes, etc.
5. After brushing take your bath or shower using alternating water teperatures tu further stimulate your skin and circulation
6. After shower apply your favorite oil
7. Don’t forget to clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.
8. For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, perform skin brushing daily for a minimum of three months

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The Epilator...Hmmmm?

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I don't know about you, but I hate shaving, but like the results.  I don't like the required frequency and skin irritation, but I dislike hair,ugh.  I came across a video about epilators and I'm VERY curious to try it.  It gives you the same results as a wax without the expense overtime and the mess and burn risks of home application.  These epilators aren't cheap though....

Epilation lasts up to 6 weeks!!!  I would be happy with 1-2 weeks, though!

I have never done a wax either, other than my eyebrows, twice.  I usually thread my eyebrows only, but some thread their underarms and bikini line as well.

Many complain that it is very painful at first, like waxing, so I would use a numbing cream like baby gum numbing cream, 30 minutes before using( read this helped somewhere)!  I think I want to try the Emoji Emagine, because it is the most recommended brand and has the most tweezers (72), thus cutting down on time and skin irritation.

Hereare videos about epilation:

Have you ever epilated?  Share

Current Hair Regimen

My current Regimen:

• "Shampoo" 2x a month
• Deep Treatments 2x a month
• Co wash every 3 days to a week ( after workout sessions)
• Style 1-2x a week
• Monthly Henna Treatments

Current Products:

• Ethically Engineered-Black & Tan Soap bar
• Kinky Curly Knot Today or Allafia Leave -in Conditioner
• Castor Oil
• Olive Oil
• Honey
• Flaxseed gel
• Giovanni Setting Lotion
• Aloe Vera Gel/Juice
• Water
• Tresseme Conditioner
• V05 Clarifying Conditioner
• Jamilia BAQ Henna

Several of these ingredients are also apart of my Current Face Regimen too!

I will hopefully start getting Devachan trims every 3-4 months to avoid raggedy ends!

What is your current Regimen?

Clay Washing

Clay washing is good for those who do not use a lot of silicone's and products.  It will not remove a bunch of product build up, however it serves as a hair and scalp detox, like a face mask.

Benefits:

• Conditioner
• Adds shine
• removes impuries from the scalp and hair

So, I was on a vlog and they mention a clay wash they used.  So, I went to website and long story short, the crap was expensive for a small amount and after reading ingredients, decided I could make it myself.

Anyhoo, I will be trying this eventually after I finish my  1 month henna challenge!

 I have anotherquick post about hair mud using bentonite clay, however I have read there are some concerns about its ph level and drying effects on hair, so many recommend Rhassoul Clay instead.  This clay mixes well with water, aloe juice, etc.  So the possibilities are endless.  You can mix with water, tea infusions, extracts, aloe vera juice, honey, oils and any combinations. 

Naptural85 doesn't even have to use conditioners afterwards.  I can't quite wrap my head around using no conditioner though...  I guess you can look at this method as co-washing for those who know the curly girl method....interesting!

The cost of this one bottle, you could get 1lb of this clay and get 10x the amounts of washes.  Anyhoo.  I will be trying this recipe soon!

 Instructions;

• Mix Rhassoul clay with warm water/aloe juice/hydrosol/tea infusion until it become a creamy paste
• Add Essential Oils, Oils and/or Honey ( Optional and Recommended for those with dry hair) 

If you have oily hair, warm water will do!

• Apply to hair and place a plastic cap on hair and let sit for 15 minutes and rinse!

Enjoy!

Keeping it Simple

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HI, my name is Ms. DIY and I'm a recovering product and formulating junkie, sigh!


I have learned a lot in this last year and enjoyed creating and mixing(product + ingredients) my own hair and skin care, but lately I have been wanting to keep it simple.  All these blogs, vlogs, forums etc can get so complicated and drawn out and quite frankly, my life right now can't fit all that stuff in.  I want a simple regimen, not a four step washing session that last hours, fifteen products, formulating and re-formulating, etc.  I can't buy everything someone raves about!!  Don't get me wrong, these resources are a blessing and have helped me so much, but sometimes it can become information/opinion overload.

I have ALL this crap and I just want to get rid of it all and/or use it up so I can move on, LOL! (contemplating selling a box of crap).  I spent a lot of time buying individual ingredients to formulate my own special spritz, curly pudding, leave-in, etc plus buying and experimenting with others products. 

The fact is formulating takes a lot of time, money and resources.  It's truly trial and error when formulating your products.  I bought all this crap and my hair has grown little, due to lack of moisture, proper sealing, and dye damage, inconsistent regimen, ugh.  Most of the products did little for my hair or I didn't like the feel.  I don't know about you, but I have other things to buy, other than hair stuff, I love shoes, clothes and have a personal trainer!!, LoL, I'm just saying!!

The most complicated thing I am currently doing at this time is my 1 month henna challenge, and this weekend is my last treatment, YAY!  But my hair is thanking me for it, though.  See more here about the henna challenge!

Anyhoo...

Here are some things that are quite frankly looked over and instead of buying a whole bunch of products and ingredients, you can get great results witha 1-3 products and simple ingredients that serve multiple functions as long as you have a good base aka moisturizing regimen!

Let's Keep it simple,

Water-

• It is the BEST hair refresher out there, hands down, LOL!  I bought all these ingredients, panthenol, cosmocil, veggie glycerin, Sodium lactate, extracts, etc for a daily refresher recipe and leave-in and my hair likes water, PLAIN water as a refresher followed up with a light oil/moisturizer.  Go Figure.  Just spritz some water or splash ends using your hands, while scrunching to revitalize your curls. 
• Also use it to set makeup, BAM!

Flax seeds:

• Make Flax seed Gel: Just make enough flax seed gel for a week and forget all the store bought ones and making your own with adequate preservation.  No crunch, no drying, and preservative free!  Cheap too! If you want to get fancy use a hydrosol or tea infusion for water phase...
• Grind flax seeds for facial exfoliation see recipe here
• Grind Flax seeds and mix with yogurt, apple sauce, etc for constipation

Castor Oil/Olive oil/Coconut Oil/Shea Butter and Honey [Whatever your favorite oil(s)] 

• Add to favorite conditioner for deep treatment!!
• Use oils to seal your ends and as skin moisturizer/ lip balms
• Remove Makeup
• Use honey for lip/face exfoliation
• Use it to seal your hair, add shine,
• clean your face (OCM Method) 
• make unpetroleum jelly
• remove make up, etc.

Aloe Vera Gel/ Juice

• Use as facial spritz or hair refresher
• Use gel to define curls and hold those edges
• Use as facial moisturizer
• Apply as aftershave w/ tea tree oil
• Use for sunburn and relief from skin irritation

Favorite Leave-In

• Use after shampoo sessions and when styling

Shampoo

• use monthly or 2x a week to thoroughly clean hair and scalp

Conditioner

• use for co washing and cleansing your hair & scalp in between washes
• great for those who workout

Setting Lotion

• Use to hold and smooth those twist outs, bantu-knots, etc styles.  I combine with my favorite leave in for moisture and avoiding the crunch.

See, despite all the hype, you really only need to find a few basic ingredients and products that will help you get the desired results.  Many single items will work just fine, giving you more money in your pocket, more shelf space and reduce waste.  The hair industry is a billion dollar industry based off selling a whole bunch of stuff with very little botanical, etc and/or they charge up the wazoo(sp?) because it's a niche product, that actually cost so little to make.  SMH!

Keep it simple,  All your hair needs is a simple cleanser, leave in, conditioner, sealant and styling lotion for special style sessions! 5-8 items including oils, LOL!

How do you keep it simple? or Are you a product junkie?

Note:  When I first wrote this post, I had 12 different products & ingredients in my regimen( multiple conditioners and leave-ins), not to mention the additives I had like DL Panthenol, Sodium Lactate, etc.  I have simplified it even further to about 5 ingredients; NO PRODUCTS!!!  See here.

DIY Setting Lotion

This isn't really a recipe from scratch so to speak, but a mixture of store bought products to meet all my hair desires, LOL!  Many people have different renditions of this recipe, but this is what I had on deck and made me more comfortable than some of the large un preserved water based recipes called for. 

I have kind of slowed down on creating new recipes and just looking for good products at Whole Foods, etc. 

Anyhoo,  I have been doing my 1 month challenge of  Henna application every week and I have also been experimenting with hair styles( twists, twist outs, wash n gos).  One thing I can say is my hair has been retaining moisture like never before!!  I can easily go 3-4 days without re-applying any product as long as I tie it up and sleep on my satin pillow, but I digress.

Here is a good and most importantly Quick mixture of products that will provide your hair with moisture, hold, smoothing and sealing in moisture without the dry crunch of using setting lotion alone!

Ingredients:

• Knot Today/Allaffia Daily Leave-in Conditioner
• Setting Lotion
• Castor Oil

In a small bowl pour 1 tbsp Castor Oil, 1.5 tbsp Setting Lotion ( I sprayed about 3-5 pumps in the bowl) and then add in the Leave-in conditioner. You can use whatever your favorite leave-in conditioner is and setting lotion.  Stir and apply!

It's really easy and you can make just enough for one application with no worries of preservation, etc!  I don't know the setting lotion I used because I just poured it into a spray bottle over a year ago and decided to use the last of it.  I got it from Sally's though.  Once I use the last of this unknown blue setting lotion, I will be trying the Giovanni setting lotion.

The results of my flat twist out!

I have had so much trouble trying to perfect my twist outs, without all the frizz and I think I just found it!

Enjoy!

Henna One Month Challenge (Application #1)

So, I have decided to give henna applications one more try.  Curlynikki says that the effects of henna usually occur after three to four applications, so for the month of June, I have been doing henna treatments weekly ( wish me luck!). 

I will also be trying different styles each week.  Thestyles I will be trying are wash n go, flat twist out and  mini twist style as a protective style.  I am hoping to do them myself at first, but if I like them and it becomes a hassle and time consuming, I will seek out a professional, lol. 

I will be using BAQ Jamilia and some Jamilia Henna for Hair I bought at my local Indian grocer on Devon Ave( Chicago).  The difference between BAQ Jamilia and Henna for Hair is dye content.  BAQ henna has a higher dye content, unlike henna for hair, but they both give great conditioning results.  Since my hair is naturally dark brown, the red will not really show, unless in direct sunlight, like a red rinse.  There are plenty of different mixes to get different results.  (Henna will not lighten hair, fyi)

Side note: The Jamilia BAQ rinsed out so easily!! 

My mix will be:

200g BAQ Jamilia Henna
1cup Distilled Water
1 Cup Lemon Juice

 I will let mix sit for 12 hours before application for dye release, let henna marinate on my hair for five hours, apply deep treatment for 45 minutes and then de-tangle and twist.

Other henna mixes

See my first Henna/Indigo application here

Hair before June Henna Challenge:

Application #1 (June 4th, 2011)


Hair Before

Hair After

The color does not really show on my unprocessed hair, but on my lightened tips, the color has gone from orange bronze/blonde to reddish brown.  There are still some spots where the processed color did not change.  I guess those spots are really damaged and dye resistant now. 

As for the texture of my hair, it was really soft and shiny.  I'm currently wearing twists, but i will take them down for a twist out and try a wash n go before my second henna application to get a full picture of my hair proggression.

Stay Tuned for my end results

Allow 24 hours for color to oxidize and show true results!!

Enjoy!!

DIY Teeth Whitening...Naturally

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If you love coffee like, me or just like pearly whites, here are some natural ways you can whiten your teeth.   I tried the Baking Soda and toothpatse today, but my mom and I are really interested in the strawberry recipe, just for fun, LoL!  

FYI:  When using these it is important to brush afterwards and rinse so that you aren't leaving the acidic strawberries/baking soda on too long.  This will damage your teeth enamel. 

Others also mention using straight baking soda might irritate your gums due to its texture, so mix it with toothpaste. 

Teeth Whitening Recipes:

Baking Soda - make a paste with water or just sprinkle on toothbrush-  Brush normally and follow-up with regular toothpaste

Baking Soda w/ Toothpaste-  Sprinkle on toothbrush w/toothpase- brush normally

Baking Soda and Ripe Strawberry Pulp-  Take ripe strawberry and mash.  Add baking soda and brush normally.  Follow-up w/ regular tooth paste and floss to remove strawberry seeds. 

Ripe Strawberry Pulp- mash ripe strawberry and apply with toothbrush.  Brush teeth normally with toothpaste after and floss to remove seeds.

I will post additional recipes soon!

Enjoy!!

Curly Hair Night Time Routine.....Second Day Hair

I am unfortunately still on my quest to figure out second day hair.  Currently my hair is too short for pineapple, throwing it over the side of a pillow, etc.  So second day hair for me rarely occurs and I either have to refresh by co-washing AGAIN or just wearing a puff.  I usually end up with a puff. 

Anyhoo, in another one of my random google searches I came across this video!

She uses the Sue Maesta by Ricky. Click here  ( And these are currently 50% off)  I love a great deal!

Here are some alternative I found.

The ORIGINAL LocSoc by Shades of Color. $12  Click Here
     They offer several designs/patterns and can be worn in several different ways.  They were originally created to protect and style loc's, but many have learned it's different benefits! Your purchase will also come with styling options too, I believe and check out their YouTube channel for video instructions.  This is a great small black business, so let's support!  And the shipping costs are great! 

Etsy Seller Virtuous Creations. $9 & up  Click here
     She offers several different styles and other hat options as well.  I'm kinda interested in her turban hats ( scared to commit).  She also has her own website as well here.  This is also another small black business, so let's support!!


Enjoy!

Oily Skin Treatment and Makeup Primer

I loved her energy, but this sounds cool, I will definately try it soon, because I hate shiny face, especially in the summer, ugh!

 Many use the milk of magnesium and monistat together applying one before the other.

Enjoy!