Thursday, September 22, 2011

Review of Entwine Products - Results Part 2 at OneTrueMedia.com

Review of the following Entwine products:

Indulgently Luxe Exotique Butter-Creme Hydrator

and

The Munipulator Creme Jelle Styler

Visit their website for more information about these product:
http://www.entwinecouture.com

The products were prizes obtained by winning a contest on Facebook which was hosted by:

AFRICAN AMERICAN ART http://www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanArt

and

CURLYCUTIE.COM
http://www.facebook.com/CurlyCuties

WANT TO SPONSOR ME? WANT TO BE FEATURED? WANT ME TO REVIEW YOUR PRODUCTS?

Contact: tiisnaturalhaircare@yahoo.com
Subjectline: "SPONSOR/PRODUCT REVIEW/FEATURE ME"

To maintain integrity, all product reviews are given a thorough and honest review based upon the product claims.

Review of Entwine Products Part 1 at OneTrueMedia.com

Review of the following Entwine products:

Indulgently Luxe Exotique Butter-Creme Hydrator

and

The Munipulator Creme Jelle Styler

Visit their website for more information about these product:
http://www.entwinecouture.com

The products were prizes obtained by winning a contest on Facebook which was hosted by:

AFRICAN AMERICAN ART http://www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanArt

and

CURLYCUTIE.COM
http://www.facebook.com/CurlyCuties

WANT TO SPONSOR ME? WANT TO BE FEATURED? WANT ME TO REVIEW YOUR PRODUCTS?

Contact: tiisnaturalhaircare@yahoo.com
Subjectline: "SPONSOR/PRODUCT REVIEW/FEATURE ME"

To maintain integrity, all product reviews are given a thorough and honest review based upon the product claims.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

BOND Incorporated: Natural & All Feature: Tii

BOND Incorporated: Natural & All Feature: Tii: Hello Naturalistas my name is Tii My natural hair journey began a little something like this... This is my third journey, excluding childh...

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

FDA warning tries to untangle Brazilian Blowout claims

FDA warning tries to untangle Brazilian Blowout claims

CARRIER OILS 101


WHAT ARE CARRIER OILS (CO)?

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts. They are also known as base oil, vegetable oil, or fixed oils to differentiate them from essential oils. Carrier Oils are pressed from the fatty portions (seeds, nuts, kernels) and do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Carrier oils can go rancid over time, but essential oils do not. Instead, essential oils "oxidize" and lose their therapeutic benefits, but they don't go rancid. If you come across a carrier oil that has a strong, bitter aroma, the carrier oil may have gone rancid. If you can, compare the aroma of the oil that you suspect is rancid with an oil that you know is fresh.


BENEFITS OF CARRIER OILS AND OILS TO AVOID IN HAIR CARE

Carrier oils have great benefits for the skin. as they can act as moisturizers, sebum regulators, fatty dirt cleansers, and vehicles for vital ingredients like vitamins into skin layers. They are used for moisturizing the hair and assist to keep a healthy cuticle. Carrier oils are just as necessary for stimulating hair growth and hair loss treatment. The carrier oils give essential fatty acids to the follicles and scalp. They provide essential nutrients and are therapeutic. They will add shine to dry hair and moisturize the scalp to nourish and help prevent dandruff. When looking for COs avoid Mineral Oils and Petroleum Jelly because they can clog pores, prevent the skin from breathing naturally, prevent essential oil absorption, prevent toxins from leaving the body through the natural process of sweating and can be absorbed into the body and block vitamins from properly being utilized.


HOW TO STORE CARRIER OILS

For carrier oils that you will be keeping for a long duration, store them in dark glass bottles with tight fitting tops, and store them in a cool, dark location. Amber or cobalt round bottles are ideal. If you will be using up an oil well before its lifespan, it really doesn't need to be transferred to dark glass. When you purchase carrier oils, the supplier may have packaged it in a plastic bottle. This doesn't mean that the oil is inferior. Unlike with essential oils which should always be stored in glass (essential oils can dissolve the plastic), carrier oils can be stored in plastic. Most carrier oils can be stored in the refrigerator, and this can help prolong the lifespan of the oils. Oils stored in the refrigerator may turn cloudy and will need time to return to room temperature prior to use.


SHELF LIFE FOR CARRIER OILS

Most cold pressed carrier oils typically have a shelf life of between 9 and 15 months, depending on the particular oil in question and how well it is stored. Grapeseed oil has perhaps one of the shortest shelf lives at around 6 to 9 months, with Borage, Carrot and Evening Primrose oil close behind at around 10 to 12 months. However, Coconut and Jojoba oil  will keep for many, many years. But, almond or grapeseed oil only last for a few months. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually. However, this process usually takes up to a year and these products should have been used long before such a long period. This is one very good reason to buy smaller sizes of these products more regularly, rather than the one purchase of a larger size.


SHOPPING FOR CARRIER OILS

Typical vegetable oils sold in grocery stores are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are processed using heat. For the most nourishing, freshest carrier oils, strive to shop with retailers and suppliers that specialize in the sale of aromatherapy or natural skin care ingredients. Your local health food/nutrition store may be a source for carrier oils, but the oils can often be pricier. Watch for dust on the bottles when buying oils locally. That can indicate the oil has been sitting around for awhile. Look for oils that are not blends of two or more oils and that have no additives.

·         Processing Method: Shop for carrier oils that have been cold pressed or cold expeller pressed. This indicates that the oil has been pressed from the fatty portions of the botanical without the use of added heat. The process can still generate heat due to the friction of the method, but cold expeller pressed oils are processed under conditions that keep the heat to a minimum. Oils that simply say expeller pressed have not been processed to maintain low heat levels. When oils are processed without cool conditions, the high temperature degree and duration of the processing method can harm the nutrients in the oil.

·         Price: Carrier oils can vary greatly in price based on several factors: The botanical it's made from, how it was processed, if it's organic, the quantity that you're purchasing, and the source that you're purchasing it from.

·         Organic: Organic carrier oils generally cost more than conventional oils. When purchasing organic carrier oils, verify the oil is certified.

LIST OF COMMONLY USED CARRIER OILS (This is not a complete list of all COs)

·         Aloe Vera Oil - Comes from the Aloe plant. The oil is odorless, rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and is a powerful moisturizer. It’s recommended for treatment of dandruff and scalp-based eczema. It is said to lead to hair growth as a result of circulation stimulation in the scalp.
·         Avocado Oil - this light oil is rich in potassium and vitamins that nourish your hair, such as vitamins D, E, and A. It’s known as a hair growth stimulant too. It is great for chemically treated hair, thin hair, and dry hair. It’s also used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. Please note that it goes rancid fairly fast and is best kept refrigerated.
·         Coconut Oil - A very popular conditioner that also gives shine and acts as a detangler. It’s good for treating dandruff. This oil helps increase hair growth. Coconut oil is heavy and is best suited for those with coarse or curly hair.
·         Grapeseed Oil - A very light oil that is a good moisturizer for most hair types. It is somewhat of an astringent. It’s great choice for thin or fine hair because it is so light.
·         Jojoba Oil - The molecular structure is similar to sebum, which is an oil that naturally occurs in human hair. This makes it a great choice for a moisturizer. Jojoba oil is popular in hot oil treatments. Hair that is very damaged and delicate would benefit from this oil.
·         Olive Oil - This oil is heavy, so it is best for curly or thick hair. It’s great for hair that is damaged and dry. Brings back your hair's elasticity and even helps relieve dryness of the scalp.
·         Sesame Oil - This light oil is good for conditioning. It has even been known to aid in protecting hair from the effects of the sun
·         Sweet Almond Oil – Perfect for those of us with sensitive skin. This oil is commonly used in soap, lotions and hair products. It contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E, as well as essential fatty acids (good fats).
·         Castor Oil – Castor oil can be used to treat skin conditions such as fungal infections, softens cuticles and is great as a massage oil. Castor oil added to hair care products helps to seal moisture, soften and thicken hair
·         Vitamin E Oil - Vitamin E is a well known antioxidant and when added to homemade products, helps to preserve them. Vitamin E acts as a rejuvenator and protectant for scalp and skin. Good for hot oil treatments.


There are many other carrier oils that are great for our hair. BUT PLEASE do your research or consult your physician before trying new products. Be sure to read my other post on Essential Oils.


ESSENTIAL OILS 101


WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS (EO)?

An essential oil is a liquid from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils are amber or yellow in color. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. Always dilute your essential oils are often used with a carrier oil.


BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

There are many natural oils with a variety of benefits and nutrients that can be used for black hair care. The beneficial properties can:
- Add shine to hair
- Supply the scalp with nourishing nutrients
- Promote hair growth
- Prevent hair loss
- Control dandruff

Natural hair oils for black hair care can best be used for:

- Sealing in moisture
- Scalp massages
- Protecting the ends of hair
- Hot Oil Treatments
- Hair Growth


HOW TO DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS

Using a 2% essential oil dilution is considered a safe guideline for topical application of essential oils on adults. To easily approximate a 2% dilution, add 12 drops of your chosen essential oil to 1 fl. oz (30ml) of carrier oil.


HOW TO STORE ESSENTIAL OILS

Although essential oils do not become rancid, they can oxidize, deteriorate and lose their beneficial therapeutic properties over time. Not all essential oils diminish in quality as time passes. However, all essential oils will benefit from proper storage and handling. To avoid deterioration and protect the properties of your essential oils, store them in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to keep out deteriorating sunlight. Be leery of purchasing any oils sold in clear glass bottles. Clear glass bottles are not harmful to essential oils, but clear glass does not protect the oils from damaging sunlight. Also, avoid purchasing pure essential oils sold in plastic bottles because the essential oil will eat at the plastic, and the essential oil will become ruined over a short period of time. Essential oils should also be stored in a cool, dark place. Additionally, avoid purchasing essential oils that are stored in bottles that have a rubber dropper in its screw-top cap. Droppers with rubber bulbs should not be kept with the essential oil bottle because the oil can turn the rubber bulb into gum and ruin the essential oil. Most essential oils are sold in bottles that contain an "orifice reducer." An orifice reducer is a small, usually clear insert inside the bottle opening that acts as a dropper. Orifice reducers will not harm essential oils. You simply tip the bottle to dispense the oil drop by drop.


SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

Watch out for words such as “fragrance oil,” “nature identical oil,” or “perfume oil.” These words indicate that what you see is not a pure, single essential oil. Be precautious of suppliers that promote their essential oils as being "therapeutic grade" or "aromatherapy grade." There is no governmental regulating body that grades or certifies essential oils as "therapeutic grade" or "aromatherapy grade." Most vendors selling quality oils, at sizes of 4 oz. or smaller, sell their oils in dark colored glass. Be leery of vendors that sell oils at these sizes in plastic or clear glass containers. When buying essential oils locally, watch for oils that have dust on the top of the bottles or boxes. This is an indication that the oils have been sitting around. As time passes, many oils lose their therapeutic properties, and their aroma diminishes. Remember that organic oils are typically superior to non-organic oils. Also, be cautious about purchasing oils from vendors at street fairs, craft shows, festivals or other limited-time events. Many of these vendors are selling products as a hobby, and unfortunately some vendors at these events may know their customers have no recourse against them after the event is over. This is not to say that there are not highly reputable sellers at such events, but this is a caution for beginners who are not able to reliably judge quality at first.


SHELF LIFE OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Apart from a few exceptions, all steam distilled essential oils have a shelf life of at least 2 years, and even more when stored properly. Tea Tree, Pine and Fir oils are the above exceptions, and typically have a shelf life of around 12 to 18 months due to certain components in their natural chemical composition.
Cold pressed citrus oils have the shortest shelf life of all essential oils. Therefore extra care should be taken to store them safely away from sources of heat. If they were fresh when you purchased them from your supplier, you can expect citrus oils to remain in good condition for 9 to 12 months and even longer when cared for properly.
Due to their chemical makeup, essential oils do not turn rancid like vegetable oils they simply degrade gradually into a state where the therapeutic properties become diminished. Your nose will tell you that something is seriously wrong long before the point when the oils become unsuitable to be added to carriers for use.


LIST OF COMMONLY USED ESSENTIAL OILS (This is not a complete list of all EOs)

·         Lavender - is the first which springs into mind when talking about essential oils for hair growth. It calms the hair and soothes the scalp, so if you have a scalp problem this is the perfect oil to go for.
·         Chamomile - is regarded as the most soothing oil of them all. It contains vitamins and minerals which are essential for a healthy hair, thus managing to treat white flakes, dandruff or scalp cells which have been inflamed.
·         Lemon - is another good treatment for inflamed scalp and dandruff. A treatment with lemon oil will help with under working sebaceous glands which help keep the hair from drying out. But be careful not to over use with this, because too much can also damage the hair.
·         Sage – a strong sage infusion will darken your hair and help reduce hair loss. Use it twice every week for best results which will be seen in a matter of weeks.
·         Bay – will help your hair grow. If you think that your hair is a little dull and would benefit from some extra volume, you can use bay as it is one of the best essential oils for hair loss. Acting as a tonic when added to your shampoo, it will make your hair feel fresh after every wash.
·         Rosemary - helps in stimulating the hair bulbs, which enables the growth of new strains. People who are experiencing premature baldness should start using rosemary in their shampoo or applied to the scalp 30 minutes before washing the hair.
·         Arnica - is used as a rinse to treat early and more developed stages of alopecia, in other words baldness.
·         Basil - is an oil you will want to keep into sight if your hair has started to lose volume. It manages to give back life to hair from the roots up. Massaging basil oil into the scalp is a good practice and should be done every night before sleep or 1 hour before washing your hair.
·         Peppermint - manages to stimulate the blood flow in the scalp. By increasing the amount of blood which circulates under the skin your hair will regenerate faster and regain the energy it lacks in no time.
·         Myrrh - is a good treatment for people with very greasy hair. If used in small quantities it will control the amount of sebum which is produced by the glands in the scalp, thus giving you a cleaner hair for a longer period of time.
·         Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang - is very good against dandruff. Combining the two will allow you to also purify your scalp at the same time


There are many other essential oils that are great for our hair. BUT PLEASE do your research or consult your physician before trying new products. Be sure to read my other post on Carrier Oils.


Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Follow Friday Giveaway Winner

LEAVE-IN CONDITONER FACTS & RECIPES


WHAT IS A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER?

Leave-in conditioner is a hair care product that is applied after a person cleanses their hair, which is left in the hair until the next washing. Leave-in conditioners help calm tangled hair, help control frizz and give a little moisture to dry hair. Most leave in conditioners contain moisturizers, silicones, protein and other strengthening and moisturizing agents.  The products come in various forms including sprays, thick creams, and thin liquids.
Hair stylists often say that moisturizing the hair is just as important as moisturizing the skin. For people who feel their hair is dry, it may be time to investigate a few leave-in conditioners that might resolve this problem.


WHY IS A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER IMPORTANT?

Leave in conditioners enhance conditioning that your hair has already received.  When you condition your hair, you have restored suppleness and elasticity to your hair. When you rinse the conditioner out, you may lose some of the elasticity even though your hair is still conditioned. Using a leave in conditioner will help your hair hold on to the conditioning that it has already received. They will provide additional conditioning and help your hair hold on to moisture.


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER?

  • Increased shine and luster
  • Protection and repair of split-ends and frizziness
  • Sun and photo-damage sunscreen protection
  • Improves moisture content of dull or dry hair
  • Helps repair damaged hair

To improve shine, body, and to add luster to dry or dull hair, use a leave-in conditioner for increased protection and color maintenance. You'll reduce breaking, split-ends and frizziness while repairing and protecting damaged hair.


HOMEMADE RECIPES FOR LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Recipe #1

Ingredients:

1/2 oz jojoba oil
1/2 oz sweet almond oil
1/4 oz vegetable glycerin
10 drops rosemary oil

Instructions:

Combine ingredients into a spray bottle, add water to fill, shake well and spray on wet hair.


Recipe #2

Ingredients:

2 oz of your favorite leave-in conditioner
1 ½ oz of distilled water
1/8 cup of oil (avocado, coconut, or olive oil)
1 tbs of vegetable glycerin

Instructions:

Mix in 8 oz spray bottle. Shake before each use


Recipe #3

Ingredients:

Glycerin
Aloe Vera
Rose water / distilled water
Vitamin E tablets

Instructions:

Take a medium sized bottle and fill 1/3 of bottle with glycerin. Now extract the gel from 5 - 6 Aloe Vera leaves and put it inside the bottle. Cut 2 vitamin E tablets and pour them into the bottle. Now fill the rest of the bottle with rose water or distilled water. Mix it by shaking and then use. You can store this mixture in the refrigerator. Just shake it well before you use it.

Monday, September 5, 2011

SHAMPOO: INGREDIENTS TO AVOID AND HOMADE RECIPES

Shampoo Cleansing Ingredients To Avoid:

Extremely common ingredients
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos)
Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos)

Less common ingredients

Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Thiosulfate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Alkyl Sodium Sulfate
Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
TEA-Dodecylbenzene
Sodium C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate

What about Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is the gentler version of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. A lot has been written about the evils of SLS, and how it is extremely irritating and possibly carcinogenic. So, if you are still using store bought shampoos, this may be an alternative. However, it can still be harsh on your hair.

Going Organic Isn’t Always a Fool-Proof Way to Avoid Chemicals

Organic products do not fall under any regulations so use caution when purchasing these products. Studies have shown that several major cosmetic companies are using floral waters, hydrosols and other organic “infusions” to artificially inflate the “organic” content of products.
When shopping for organic shampoos there are specific ingredients that shouldn’t be on the shampoo label. These are:

·         Grapefruit Seed Extract – Referred to as a “natural” preservative, studies have shown it is anything but. It derives its antimicrobial properties not from grapefruit seed, but from toxic chemicals, primarily benzethonium chloride, and to a lesser extent from triclosan and parabens.
         
·         Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Just because it is derived from coconuts doesn’t make this a natural ingredient. It is a skin sensitizer made of highly processed synthetic chemicals. It is toxic to the immune system and can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
         
·         Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – Anytime you see something that is hydrolyzed there is a hidden source of MSG that is absorbed into your bloodstream when it comes in contact with your skin.
         
·         PEG – Studies have shown that any ingredient that contains PEG in its name can be contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane.


Homemade Shampoo Recipes:

Recipe #1 – Very Simple

Purchase a bottle of Dr. Bronner's olive oil castile soap from any health food store. Variety of scents includes: almond, aloe vera baby-mild, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and rosemary extract and tea tree. Just select the scent that pleases you and/or hair type. Bottle sizes range from a travel-size 4 ounces to a 5-gallon jug. Made from vegetable oils, the coconut oil produces enough suds to please the fans of lather!


Recipe #2: For those who prefer to make your own herbal shampoo

Equipment Needed:

Plastic or glass bottles [8 ounces]
Glass jar [12 ounces or more] OR glass bowl
Tea kettle or saucepan [non-aluminum]
Strainer [stainless steel or bamboo]
Distilled or spring water
Spoon

Ingredients:

7 ounces distilled or spring water
4 Tablespoons liquid castile soap [1 oz.]
5- 6 Tablespoons of herbs [choose at least 2 for your hair type When purchasing herbs, you don't need to get them powdered, just cut. All herbs used for this recipe are dried.]

Note: If using whole flowers such as marigold or red clover, it's a good idea to crush them first. While lavender flowers are small, crushing them invokes even more of their aroma. Apple Cider Vinegar can be added to this recipe (about 2 Tbs)

Instructions:

1.      Boil water.
2.      . Put herbs in strainer.
3.      . Add the liquid castile soap to the bottle that you'll be using for the finished shampoo.
4.      . Pour boiling water over the herbs, squeezing the last bits with the back of a spoon.
5.      . Cover the container and allow the herbs to steep for 10-30 minutes, depending upon   how strong you want the mixture. Make sure none of the leaves have fallen into the herbal water.
6.      . Transfer the herbal mixture into the liquid castile soap and you've got your shampoo.

Recipe #3: It’s a two in one – shampoo & conditioner!

Ingredients:

1c. Dr.Bronner’s Organic Castile Liquid Soap
2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
3/4 Tbs. Tea Tree oil & Vitamin E oil (or just one oil only, etc.)
1/4 c. water
1 (16 oz) spray bottle or other container for application

Instructions:

Combine together and store in a spray bottle. You can also add various fragrances to your desire, such as lavender, eucalyptus, etc. This shampoo will not be as thick as your standard shampoo, but sprays on really well. Rubbing through your hair first works well to activate the suds and then scrubbing into scalp.

Recipe #4: Scalp-Soothing Shampoo

Ingredients:

3 bags chamomile tea
3 bags peppermint tea
1 cup water
2 Tbsp liquid Castile soap
1 tsp light vegetable oil

Instructions:

Bring water to a boil. Steep all six tea bags for 20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Remove tea bags and add liquid soap and vegetable oil to brewed tea and stir until well blended. Massage generously into hair and scalp. Rinse well. Store unused portion in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe #5: Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry or Damaged Hair


Ingredients:

1/4 cup Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel
1 tsp Glycerin
1/4 tsp Light Vegetable Oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Apply liberally to wet hair and let sit a few minutes before rinsing well with cool water. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, and shake before every use.

Friday, September 2, 2011

CONDITIONER V.S. DEEP CONDITIONER (WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?)

CONDITIONERS (Creme rinses): – This is the type you put on after you shampoo and rinse out in 5 minutes or less. They’re also known as detanglers. These types of conditioners just coat the hair. They do not penetrate into the hair to help minimize damage. They do a good job of smoothing hair, making it shiny and helping to remove tangles, but that is all they do. They do not really aid in minimizing damage.

DEEP CONDITIONERS (Hair Food): To repair and heal damaged or dead hair is to deep condition or “feed” your hair. Deep conditioning affects the outer layer of the hair, which is called the cuticle. The cuticle resembles shingles on a roof. They overlap each other, and should lay down flat. When your hair becomes dry and damaged, these shingles will stand up away from the hair shaft. This is what gives hair the dull, frizzy look. Deep conditioning the proper way and with the right products will help to smooth the cuticle, making the shingles lay down again, giving your hair a smoother, shinier, healthier appearance. Also, deep conditioning helps to repair damage from relaxers, coloring, or using heat (hair dryer, flat-iron, etc…).

Other Benefits of Deep Conditioners
·     Using a deep conditioner on a regular basis can help your hair bounce back from dryness and damage.
·     You hair's elasticity will improve because of the emollients and other moisturizing ingredients in the conditioner.
·     Other ingredients in the conditioner will help fill holes of damage that lead to poor porosity.

WHEN YOU SHOULD USE A DEEP CONDITIONER: A deep conditioner should be done at least once a month but can be done as often as once a week if your hair warrants it. For African-American hair, this should definitely be done during the driest part of the year.

HOW TO USE DEEP CONDITIONERS: Deep conditioning is pretty simple. The thing that keeps most people from using a deep hair conditioner regularly is the time. There are a few ways to add deep conditioning into your regimen without taking up a lot of time.

Tips for Deep Conditioning.
·         Make sure you detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb before deep conditioning.
·         Pin your hair up and add a plastic cap to keep your hair in place.
·         Deep condition underneath a hooded dryer for 20 minutes. You need to 20 minutes to allow the hair cuticle to open fully, and to let the conditioner completely penetrate and feed your hair.
·         You can also just leave the conditioner on for about 30 - 45 minutes with the plastic cap and let your own body heat work its magic on your conditioner.
·         Wet a face cloth and heat it up in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, then apply to the top of your hair. Put on your plastic cap and leave on for 15 minutes.
·         A quick and effective way of deep conditioning quickly is to put your plastic cap on while in the shower, then turn up the shower to the hottest you can stand to cause steam. Then bathe, shave, scrub or whatever as the steam helps the conditioner penetrate your hair. When you finish, your hair will have deep conditioned nicely.

DIY RECIPES FOR DEEP CONDITIONERS:

Deep Protein Conditioner

Stops breakage and rejuvenates the hair shaft.

Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 tbsp shea butter
2 tbsp honey
½ banana
1 tbsp aloe vera (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth.
2. Massage mix into sectioned hair, thoroughly soaking hair and scalp.
3. Cover hair with plastic cap or towel and leave on for 10 minutes. For a deeper conditioning, use a heat conditioning cap.
4. *Rinse completely.
5. Shampoo and condition as usual.
6. Store remaining Protein Conditioner in a tightly sealed container and store up to 7 days.


Deep Conditioner

Ingredients:

1 Avocado
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 tablespoon Almond oil
1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
1 banana
Less than 1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Blended all ingredients until everything is smooth and creamy.
2. Massage the mixture into sectioned hair and scalp.
3. Cover hair with plastic cap and/or towel (May sit under a hair dryer for 15 mins.)
4. Leave it in hair for 45 – 60 mins.
5. *Rinse completely.
6. Style as usual.


Deep Conditioner

Ingredients:

1/2 an avocado
pure olive oil
pure honey
organic jojoba oil
1 egg
1 tablespoon of mayo
1 tablespoon of pure coconut water
1 tablespoon of coconut milk
water

Insturctions:

1. Combine all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth.
2. Massage mix into sectioned hair, thoroughly soaking hair and scalp.
3. Cover hair with plastic cap or towel and leave on for 10 minutes. For a deeper conditioning, use a heat conditioning cap.
4. *Rinse completely.
5. Shampoo and condition as usual.
6. Store remaining Protein Conditioner in a tightly sealed container and store up to 7 days.


*Note: For best hair conditioning purposes, use recipes immediately after making without refrigerating first. The reason is, the fats and oil will penetrate your hair follicles better if it is NOT cold. (If using conditioner that has been refrigerated, let sit until at room temperature or heat for 20-30 seconds in microwave) Tip to remember: Warm/Hot opens the hair follicles so that conditioner can penetrate deeper. Cold water closes the hair follicles. So, after you rinse everything out with warm water, rinse again with a blast of very cold water.

You can mix these ingredients and others to suit your hair situation. Add a few drops of your favorite **EO(s). BUT be sure there is a **CO(s) in the recipe before adding EO(s)
**EO = Essential Oil
**CO = Carrier Oil