SO I posted a couple of weeks ago that I am taking some time to fall back in love with my hair. This has meant shaping my styles and my routines around my hair’s specific nature. I have watched videos and read blogs in order to get more information on what women are doing with their hair. I’ll write a post on my favorite products soon, but I wanted to share a little bit on my foray into kitchen items.
Growing up my mother used kitchen items in my curly hair. I remember conditioning sessions with olive oil very fondly. I have come up with an arsenal of products that have proven to work very well for my hair. Granted, I have purchased separate bottles for cooking and hair/body. Click the links for additional information from a cool science/natural hair blog.
Unrefined coconut oil: for my texture, this is a little heavy for styling. I use it for pre-wash conditioning (w/ Rosemary, Lavender, and Tea Tree oils) about twice a month. Since I store this in the fridge, I let a couple teaspoons sit at room temperature for a 5 minutes or more. Then, I add a couple drops of each essential oil. I normally braid and tie up my hair in a satin scarf and allow body heat to work some magic. Also, it is amazing for my son’s eczema!
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: along with aloe vera juice, I use this as a rinse after washing/conditioning. I mix a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle, spray on, then rinse out. My scalp is flake-less for longer now that I have started this practice. I also use apple cider vinegar and aloe vera juice when I do a bentonite clay mask on my hair and scalp.
Grapeseed Oil: along with jojoba oil, I use this for a little pamper me hair treatment. The main benefit of this treatment is the aromatherapy. I add Tea Tree oil and other essential oils to a mix of grapeseed and jojoba oils in an oil spray bottle, spray on my hair and scalp, put on a conditioning cap, then a scarf. I do co-wash my hair post treatment. Tea tree oil has a strong scent, but it’s tingle is really relaxing for me (a little does go a long way).
Honey: I use honey in my homemade deep conditioner. I have changed this to use coconut oil and I warm the honey a bit so that the honey:coconut oil ratio is 1:1. I may start to mix in a conditioner product containing protein (formulated to be left in the hair for a longer time).
There are a few other kitchen items that I use, but these are my staples. Coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, honey and grapeseed oil can be purchased together for less than $30. Stored properly, they last for months. Prices for essential oils cover a wide range. I use my essential oils with carrier oils, epsom salt and sugar for body pampering sessions, not just for my hair.
