Be Curly

This morning I was standing in line at my local grocery store and scanning the headlines of the covers of the gossip mags when I happened to strike up a conversation with the lady behind me who had a mountain of curly hair escaping from a scrunchy. My fellow shopper was impeccably dressed except for the scrunchy and frizzy hair that really needed taming to give her the polished look that I am sure she was yearning.

I am curious nosy and I can’t help but look to see what people buy, it fuels my imagination and it does tell a lot about us, don’t you think?  I was not buying rope, masking tape or a sharp knife, I was there for fresh mango's, BTW.

 In her basket I could immediately tell that she was going to war with her hair, there was every kind of de-frizzing product the store had to offer and she probably had more sitting at home. 

Pointing to her arsenal I mentioned the obvious; she rolled her eyes and politely confirmed that she was having coily issues. Always looking for a new client I told her that I am a professional stylist and gave her my card. With this she warmed to me realizing that I was not there to pick up anything more than my fruit, she asked my advice on what I would suggest for her hair. 

I looked at the products and told her blankly that she could do better by using things in her kitchen cabinet and proceeded to tell her about my work as an organic hairstylist and how I make products that are made from food grade items. This chance meeting gave me an idea and today I want to share some of my basic recipe's that I have used over the years in my salon services and perfect for curly hair types.

Start experimenting with small batches so you don’t waste product if you make a mistake.

Deep Moisture Conditioning Mask

Who would have thought that items that taste so good in your mouth would also make the best deep conditioning treatments? 

You’ll notice that these recipes have a lot of similar ingredients because these are what have worked the best for so many coily's thus far. Try them out and see which base product makes your hair feel the softest.

Special reminder: For some coily's, protein can actually dry out your hair. If you find that happening, it might be best for you to try a different treatment or alternate between one of these and another one that doesn’t contain as much protein

Avocado Mask

The recipe:

• 1 avocado
• Extra-virgin olive oil)
• Honey

Avocado is great for deep conditioning. It can also be used for a quick softening, conditioning and moisturizing mask. The use of honey on hair is talked about everywhere. Honey by itself isn’t sufficient enough to provide the conditioning necessary, but when combined with other products it can make your hair feel softer and provide smooth hair. 

The recipe:

• Organic banana flavored baby food
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Honey

Banana is another great kitchen item that can help give you that soft hair you have been wanting. The key to this recipe is getting banana baby food instead of using an actual banana. When using a whole banana, if you do not blend it well enough or strain it, it can leave pieces of banana throughout your hair. You would then have to shampoo and condition your hair several times to get them out and that would defeat the purpose! When you use the baby food it’s already strained and liquefied so it can mix easily as well as still provide you with a great conditioner. Not to mention you have the great scent of banana and honey to accompany you throughout your day!

Cucumber and Egg

The recipe:

• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil

 NO HEAT (including hot water)! The heat can literally cook the egg into your hair and that just spells a smelly disaster.

Cucumber is a naturally refreshing so it’s no wonder that a great treatment would include it. It’s a great finishing touch to a deep conditioning treatment. Eggs are great for a smooth finish.

Fruit Salad Hair Smoothie

The recipe:

• 1/2 banana (I use banana baby food)
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/4 cantaloupe
• 1 tbsp. yogurt or organic base conditioner
• Any oil (use in moderation depending on thickness and dryness.

The fruits in this treatment all work great together to give you soft hair that also will smell just as great. If you are worried about using the banana, substitute the banana baby food so you can be sure to avoid the chunks, learned the hard way when I first started using it in my salon. If you have no fear of the actual banana, be sure to blend it well and strain it before mixing it with the other items. This recipe will make your hair smell fantastic.

Curl Moisturizing Spray

A perfect balance of distilled water and aloe vera gel or juice will keep your curls, coils, or kinks refreshed and ready to take on the day! Add a few drops of essential oil of your choice, remember not to use one that is drying to your hair or scalp if there is an issue, i.e.  Tea tree is drying. Use equal parts aloe and water.

Shea Butter Styling Cream

A mixture of your favorite essential oils, carrier oils, and of course organic shea butter! Whip everything in a bowl with an electric mixer, and allow to solidify over night. Make it as thick or thin as you want, according to your hair type. The more oil used the more action and slip will be created.

Curl Defining-Frizz Fighting Gel

Want to do define your natural texture? Boil and strain flax seeds – they produce their own sticky gel. Add some coconut oil for shine, and you’ve got a curl definer without the crunchiness.

Whipped Coconut Oil Shine For the days when you don’t need the thick shea styling cream, whip coconut oil with a touch of aloe vera gel or juice for shine and softness. Works well if you have fine or thin hair—won’t weigh your curls down either.

I hope this is some help Monique P. from aisle 12