Wash Day "chronicles"

Clarifying Wash Day Items

I realise my blogging has been sporadic... ok it's been baaaad. I am trying to juggle so many things and getting everything done is becoming a dream rather than a reality and the things that are not absolutely essential remain undone, blogging is one of those things and all the ideas, posts and thoughts remain in my head and not on my blog *sigh*

My last Wash Day post has been ages ago but I (obviously) have been washing my hair since then, every week actually and I have been making little changes and reintroducing items that I stopped using for some reason. I thought it would be a good idea to post about the changes so I can see if they make a difference to my hair - for the good or bad.

Only one pre-poo - I put oil in my hair and leave it in overnight and use that as my pre-poo rather than doing one before the shampoo. I use coconut oil overnight, depending on the way my hair feels/looks I decide whether I need to add a conditioner or not and also if I need to use a different oil altogether. This has helped to cut down on time and hasn't caused any problems.
Coconut Oil right after last rinse - Another thing I stopped doing for no reason at all, I don't even know what made me start again but I am glad I did, it really makes a difference.

Essential oils - For some reason, I stopped using EO's during wash days but I added them again a couple of weeks ago (or more, I'm losing days lol) I add them to my tea rinses and also to my conditioner mix. 

Adding oil(s) to my Conditioner Mix - I have started to add oil again, I stopped as I thought it was overkill with the oil as I use oil overnight but I love the way my hair feels after deep conditioning with the oils and my hair is soft and shiny.

Finger detangling only - I didn't mean to omit the comb during my wash day routine, I just forgot to comb my hair out lol, I normally comb the conditioner through my hair when applying in sections and then again just before I rinse it out. Somehow I forgot to detangle on wash day, I only realised that I forgot when I was putting in my leave ins. I didn't notice any added problems caused by the lack of comb. When I forgot again I decided to leave comb detangling out for a while to see how my hair gets on without it.

Allowing my hair to dry more before adding leave ins - I found that doing it this way made a difference to how my hair felt and looked the next day. I used to just remove the excess water but letting my hair dry more has become part of my routine that I will keep. I think adding the coconut oil straight away makes this work so well.

Banding - When I wanted to stretch my hair I reached for my trusty thread and did the African thread technique but it takes soooooo long and I found my ends would keep getting ripped off *gasp* I am sure its my technique that's wrong as I sometimes knot it in a way that tangles up my hair but I bought a couple packs of hairbands and went back to banding, I loved the way my hair looked and can't even remember why I stopped in the first place.... I think maybe it was harsh on my hair or something but for the time being it's going well. I'll keep an eye on the bands to see if and hair gets caught in them.

Sulphate-free Wash Day Items

Sooooooo there it is, wash day changes, additions and omitions (is that even a word?) so far it's working well for me.

Good Friday!!

Today is Good Friday, The day when Jesus died for our sins.

Although I am aware that Jesus came to earth and died and rose again everyday, it really seems to resonate over the Easter period and on Good Friday especially.

I have many battles to face, daily I am faced with my own inner voice taunting, shouting and bringing me down. Then the external voices weigh in and make me stop in my tracks at times.
I am going through a hard time at the moment but know this will pass.
A few months ago I had a down phase and it knocked me for six. I really had to dig deep and claw my way to get out of the tangled chains but I made it and now I feel the dark cloud threatening to engulf me I am trying to do the same thing and pull myself out.

I am using the significance of Good Friday and remembering that every hurt, pain and depressive thought I have was nailed on that cross with my Saviour.
I am comforted to know that He feels my hurts and pains, He knows how I feel and cares.
When He arose, He conquered everything that could keep me bound and set me free, even when it doesn't feel like it, I AM FREE.

Life can be hard at times but I am thankful for life, that I am living, that I want to live. There was a time when I really didn't want to be but I really do want to live and that alone is reason to be thankful.

With all that being said, I hope you all are having a great Easter so far. Here's one of my fave songs that really bring the Easter theme to life, enjoy xxx

Natural Monday- Aloe Rose Water Face Mask

Today my face felt a little irritated. It was like this yesterday too so I decided to give it some love with a face mask.

I knew I wanted to use Rose Water and Aloe Vera Gel for their soothing, refreshing and numerous benefits.

I wanted a little extra boost so reached for my amla and shikakai powders.

Here's the recipe if you would like to try it too:

1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel (you can use fresh but I went for packaged to save time)

1 teaspoon Amla Powder

1 teaspoon Shikakai Powder

1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil

4 caps ( approx 3 tablespoons) Rose Water( I wanted a very thin mask not a thick one but would recommend using 1 and 1/2 tablespoons)

3 drops Rosemary EO (optional - please don't use if pregnant and check with GP if you have any medical concerns before using this or any other essential oil)

I placed the items in a bowl, mixed with a brush and applied to my freshly washed face with the same brush.

I loved the consistency and the way the mask instantly made my face feel soothed and calm. As the mask dries it gently tightens but no way feels hard. It's actually a nice feeling.

I left the mask on for 15-20 mins and rinsed of with warm water.

My face really felt happier and the soreness had gone. I applied a little coconut oil to my face and it felt lovely and soft.

Here's a few notes about the ingredients and why I chose them;

The ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Aloe Vera Gel - moisturising, soothing, healing, cooling, anti- inflammatory, nutrient packed.

Amla Powder - Amla, or Indian Gooseberry, is a power packed fruit. I used it for it smoothing, softening, brightening properties.

Shikakai Powder - Made from pods, leaves and bark of the Shikakai tree, this powder is used on the hair and is known as hair fruit but Is also great on the skin, I added it to make use of the cleansing, nourishing, anti-bacterial, brightening,

Vitamin E Oil - soooo many benefits to using this oil the list is long but I added it as it's anti-oxidant, cell renewing, anti-inflammatory, healing, moisturising, penetrating, restorative, soothing, cleansing.

Rose Water - revitalising, soothing, hydrating, softening, nourishing, cooling, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial.

Rosemary EO - cleansing, rejuvenating, antiseptic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory,  stimulates circulation, encouraged cell growth, healing, invigorating. 

If you cannot find the powders or don't wish to use them you can just leave them out or you can substitute them for your fave clay or powder.

Natural Monday - Cinnamon Oil

It's no secret that I LOVE oils, since starting my hhj and getting rid of hair grease I discovered natural oils to use in my hair. I enjoy making different mixes for myself and others according to different needs and preferences.
I have been hearing about cinnamon oil from a few Dominican bloggers and stores. It's a nightmare finding Dominican hair products here (yes I have ranted before lol) so I decided to make my own - of sorts.
The particular oil I heard about contains alcohol and cinnamon oil with other ingredients depending on the brand. I opted to leave out the alcohol.


I used a mix of some of my fave oils - Avocado, Grapeseed and Almond so my finished oil would be bursting with ceramides, omegas etc - but you can use just one oil. Olive oil or Coconut oil are great if you want to give it a try but I as it's chilly here I didn't want to have to melt it every time I wanted to use it.

I normally infuse my oils cold for a few weeks but I wanted to try a warm infusion this time round so I placed my oils in a small pot and gently heated them over a low-to medium heat.
I took some cinnamon sticks, broke them in half and gently crushed them in my hand and added them to the oil. I also added some ground cinnamon.
I left the pot on the hob for 5 mins and gently swirled the mixture, I turned the heat right down and left the mixture simmering for another 5 or so minutes. The oil was a lovely warm brown colour.

I used coffee filters and poured the oil into a sterilised jar and left it to cool down.


The results was lovely but not as fragrant that I thought it would be, I think i'll try to make a cold infused batch to compare.

The Cinammon Oil can be used on the body...... In the hair..... On your cuticles..... In an oil burner...... added into natural products....... In cooking and baking

"Boosted Hair Oil"
The cinnamon oil can be used as is but I wanted to kick it up a notch to use as a hair growth oil.
I poured some of the oil into my dropper bottle and added a few drops of cinnamon essential oil and star anise.
It smells divine!!! I've been using it at night for a week and have been loving it.

Catch Up - Wash Day - Protective Style Prep.

Oh my goodness!! I was looking forward to this wash day in a way!

I missed not washing it while it was hidden away. I decided to give my hair an intensive wash day including a protein treatment as I was planning to plait my hair up for the next PS stint.

Washday; Overnight Pre-Poo

I removed the extensions, undid the cornrow/canerow/cameroes, put my hair in 4 sections and finger detangled.
I sprayed Shea Moisture C&H H&S MM onto my hair and oiled my scalp with my Hairlicious. Next I finally got to use the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist I couldn't wait to try it as I have been hearing so much about it. I found it in my local Hair Shop in it's "import" section. I have been using the 3 minute aussies that are available here but haven't been able to get the ones available elsewhere till now. Firstly I love the scent, the ones here have a 'balm mint' fragrance and although it's ok, I love the purple one so much better.The formula feels more creamy and was lovely on my hair. I smoothed it through my hair using a generous amount and seled with lots of Virgin Coconut Oil. I put rhe 4 sections up into bantu knots, covered with a scarf and left overnight.

Washday; Teas and Conditioners

When it came to washing time I decided to change the order of my protein treatment. Instead of putting it on my hair before shampooing, I washed my hair with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo to clarify my hair and then applied the Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner. I left it on for around 20 mins and rinsed with water and followed with a Sage, Peppermint, Rooibus, (unpictured) Rosehip and Hibiscus Tea Rinse.


I deep conditioned with a moisturising mix of Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Moisturising Cream, Avanti Silicon Mix Bambú Nutritive Hair Treatment and Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intensive Mask.
I left on my hair for the rest of the day then rinsed with lukewarm water and followed with an ACV rinse.

Washday; Leave Ins.

I smoothed some Virgin Coconut Oil through my hair and airdried for a while then stretched my roots with my hairdryer using cold air as I didn't have much time and wanted to canerow my hair.

I oiled my scalp with Hairlicious and M&S'd with Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hold & Shine moisture mist, Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Organix Smoothing Liquid Glass Serum. I sectioned off the perimeter of my hair ready for the plaits and camerowed the rest ready for the crochet installation the next day.

Natural Monday - Spiced Banana Hair Conditioning Treatment

Today's Natural item is a mixture I used to give my hair a deep conditioning treatment.

I have been protective styling and really wanted to give my hair a nourishing treat. I normally do a natural pre shampoo(prepoo) treatment on my wash days but this time round I wanted to keep it on longer and after my wash.

There's kerzillions of natural treatments out there but I tend to go with items I have grown to love and each for their own special benefits so thought I'd share this one.
I hope you give it a try and can substitute items for ones you prefer, I will add recommended substitutions too.
My hair is shoulder length at is longest parts but is quite thick so I made the following amount, you can change quantities to suit your hair length and texture.

Ingredients
Juice of 1 Lime - Adds shine, stimulates hair growth, conditioning, softening, strengthening.

1 Banana mashed/pureed and strained - Moisturising, repairing, protecting, strengthening, softening.
1-2 tablespoons Greek Yoghurt (sub; a thick natural yoghurt) - Adds Shine, smooths, conditions.
***I used a Jar of Baby banana and yoghurt food this time round as I don't like the stringy bits and   
      lumps that I get when mashing bananas***
2 teaspoons Cinnamon Powder (use less or omit if you have very sensitive skin as it can be quite
    strong) - hair growth stimulant, aids hair loss
1 Tablespoon of Grapeseed Oil (subs; Rapeseed, Avocado or Olive oil) -absorbant, moisturising,  
    light in odour and texture, nourishing, strengthening, aids hair growth.
   
*** This time round I used my hibiscus infused Rapeseed oil***  (hibiscus is cooling, soothing, aids hair growth, aids hair loss, softens, smooths, shines, thickens)
1 Tablespoon Raw Agave Nectar (substitute with Honey) - Humectant and conditioning.

1 heaped table spoon Coconut Milk Powder (you can use coconut milk but the mixture will be thinner) - nourishing, smoothing, strengthening, prevents hair loss, stimulated hair growth, conditioning.

Put the ingredients into a bowl, stir well and gently heat in microwave or over a low heat on the hob.

Spiced Banana Hair Conditioning Treatment

This mixture is great as is or you can add approx 1 Tablespoon of your fave deep conditioner/masque to it.

Section your hair into 4 and smooth the mixture onto each section from root to tips, you may want to put an old t shirt on as the mixture is quite thin and drippy lol, the banana and agave can also be sticky. I just hopped back in the shower when I had covered my head.

Place a conditioning cap, plastic shower cap, plastic bag, scarf or towel over your hair - I used a conditioning cap and a head scarf.

Leave mixture on hair for at least an hour, I left it on for the whole day and rinsed out at night. If you are short of time you can sit under a dryer for 20 mins or so. Even if you don't want to sit under heat you can use treatment for shorter than an hour but the longer left on the better :)

Rinse treatment out of your hair,
Use a rinse out conditioner to remove any of the yoghurt and the sticky feeling that may be left behind.

As I mentioned before, this is a great pre-poo treatment so feel free to try it out that way too.


So there you have it, it smelt sooooooo nice and even after rinsing I could smell it. My hair was very soft.

Natural Monday - Whipped Butters

whooaahh!! Where did January go? I know it's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged, it has been a hectic, busy and lurgie filled couple of weeks I can tell you.

I am trying to find the elusive spare moment to fit in a blog post along with other stuff but it's not happened yet.

Well anyway, Onto today's Natural Monday post and one of my fave items to make, Whipped Butters. The very popular all rounder.

I can't make enough of the stuff here as the family use it all the time and Hubby and eldest request another batch as soon as they see the bottom of the jar coming into sight.
Hubs in particular loves the way the butters sink into his skin and having quite dry skin, he is happy to have found a moisturiser that lasts.

I whipped up a jar on Saturday and that nudged my memory of a couple of requests during blogmas so thought it would be a great item for today's NM

I love the versatility of the butters, they can be used all over the body including the face and also in the hair.

There are thousands of recipes out there and different ways to make them so I will list some tips that I find make the process and the results go smoothly (no pun intended :p )


*Get your jars/ containers ready before you start.
*Have a spray bottle of alcohol handy.
*Sterilise all containers, utensils and surfaces.
*Use a bigger bowl than you think necessary - its aamazing how the ingredients fly lol
*Use organic ingredients where possible.
*Try to use cold pressed, raw and virgin oils.
*Go for ingredients that work for your(or recipient) skin/hair type.
*Cut down on the oil content if you want a firmer butter.
*If using wax, melt first (sounds obvious but hey ho)
*Melt the harder ingredients before adding the softer ones, the heat from them will melt the others   without needing to heat them also, more heat means more chance of loosing benefits.
*Place Butter in the freezer to cook in between whipping.
*You don't have to whip if you don't wish to, just let the ingredients harden in the fridge.
*Add a few drops of Vitamin E oil to help preserve and utilise it's many benefits.
*Add your fave essential oil(s) to boost the butter but be safe and consult doctor if pregnant or have    any medical conditions. Put them into the butter during you last whip.

*If you live in a particularly hot environment, you may want to keep your butter in a fridge. Even if you live in a cooler climate and the butter melts just pop in the fridge to solidify, you can whip again if you like but the solidified butter is still very nice.
*Keep the jar/container away from sunlight.
*It may sound odd but wash up mixing bowls and utensils straight away - hardened butter ingrdients   is a nightmare.


I use many different ingredients in my butters and tend to adjust them for the recipient, time of year and just because lol. Here are some of my fave ingredients to use and why I love them:
* Butters ;
   Shea (Karite) - moisturising, soothing, excellent for number of skin conditions, protects, vitamin A
       source, healing,
                   
   Cocoa - rich, smoothing, scar reducing, moisturising, penetrating, great for many skin conditions,
         softening.
   Mango - healing, soothing, moisturising, softening, vitamin A,C and E source.

* Oils;
   Raw/Virgin Coconut - my all time fave oil. Moisturising, nourishing, brightening, softening, 
        protecting, penetrating, repairing, brightens.
   Avocado - hydrating, nourishing, absorbent, stimulates hair growth, source of vitamin E and B
        healing, soothing, light in smell.
  Grapeseed - light in texture and smell, source of ceramides, absorbent, cleansng, gentle, source of
        beta carotine, vitamin D, C and E, scar reducing, nourishing, stimulates hair growth.
   Jamaican or Haitian Black Castor Oil - love this oil! moisturisng, nourishing, mega hair growth
         stimulant, circulation stimulant, softening, smoothing, soothing, healing,
* Essential Oils - I use soooo many different ones and for different reasons but my top 3 are;
    Lavender - soothing, gentle, bacteria inhibiting, increases hair growth, improves blood circulation,
          healing, 
    Rose - lovely smell, uplifting, bacteria inhibiting, healing,
    rosemary - cleansing, stimulates hair growth(see a pattern here? lol) antiviral, toning, 
           strengthening,

*Misc Ingredients - I love adding different "bitses and pieces" to my butters, you can add your fave stuff but I highly recommend  a little beeswax, honey or glycerine.

I hope this post was helpful and you got some tips and are rearing to make a moisturising Hair and Body Butter, I didn;t want to bore you by "reinventing the wheel" as it were but thought this way, I could share what works for me. Please do let me know if you need any more info and if you make some.


nb, I'll add photos of my jar from Saturday in tomorrow when it's light.