How to get rid of bad tangles

Due to its curly nature, Afro hair will always have a certain number of tangles. Curly hair will curl around the next hair. But it should not stick to the next hair. Your 4c hair should not have excessive tangles. When you detangle healthy hair, each hair glides around the next hair without snagging it or creating more knots. When the hair cuticle is healthy your curls glide around each other like a perfect waltz. 

What can you do if you suffer from excessive tangling? You can detangle your hair, but before you can finish your whole head it has already begun to tangle again. Do not settle for excessive tangling. You can get rid of bad tangles. This will shorten your shampoo days and style time. 

My number one solution against excessive tangles is to replace your shampoo with a bentonite clay cleanser. You can make your own clay wash or buy one that is already prepared. I have both of these solutions for you. 

Easy Clay cleanser

1/3 cup of Bentonite clay

1/4 cup of Moroccan red clay

3/4 cup of filtered water

1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar

Blend together until your mix is smooth and not runny. 

CLICK HERE TO GROW HAIR FAST!

Natural Hair on a budget

Natural hair care does not have to be expensive. If you are willing to spend a little extra time creating your own cleansers, conditioners, leave ins and growth serums. Here are some awesome all natural, inexpensive and effective recipes. 

This shampoo deep cleanses without making the hair feel stripped. Allow shampoo to sit on scalp for at least 1 minute before rinsing. You can buy liquid black soap or solid black soap. Be sure it is authentic.  

Pour 2 ounces of medium temp water into container. Add all of black soap. Vigorously shake mix until black soap melts.Then add ACV, water and rosemary oil. Shake well. 

Find all of the above ingredients at the grocery store. This makes one application. All ingredients easily mix well together

Low cost leave in conditioner

LIQUID LEAVE IN CONDITIONER OR DETANGLER

All of these ingredients are very softening and detangling. Shake before each use. Use as a detangler or leave in conditioner.

Massage onto scalp 3 times a week. Store unused portion in the fridge. 

Add 3 drops of pure peppermint oil to 2 tbsp of coconut oil.Massage onto scalp and leave 
3 times a week for faster growth

How to be shampoo free!

How to cleanse your hair without using shampoo. 

God created our hair to withstand exposure to the elements. Thus your hair can take being washed frequently, without becoming damaged. Hair, skin and nails are made up of the keratin. We  do not think twice about washing our body daily. Yet the average black woman thinks that washing Afro hair to often, will damage it. Some act as though, Afro hair is so delicate that it cannot withstand much manipulation.

Cleansing the hair does not harm it. Cleansing it with the wrong shampoo or cleanser is what causes damage. Not conditioning well after we cleanse, also causes damage. Not the washing by itself. It is important to cleanse your hair at least twice a week. This will rid the hair of germs, viruses and fungi. Hair grows best on a clean scalp.

NON SHAMPOO OPTIONS Although there are many non-sulfate shampoos on the market. Some people are not fond of shampoo. You do have other choices. Here are some of the natural cleansers I recommend to replace your traditional shampoo.

Clay:
I recommend bentonite clay or red clay. It is best to use them together. But you can also use them separately. If your hair is prone to excessive knots, tangles and dryness. Replacing your shampoo with clay is the way to go. Clay cleanses, conditions and defines your coils in one step. For a DIY clay recipe and full information about clay, go HERE.

Order here!

Hibiscus powder
Hibiscus is a gentle cleanser. If you use gel, grease or heavy oils, this might not cleanse enough for you. Add some spring or distilled water to pure hibiscus powder. Add a little at a time. You want to create a paste. Rinse your hair under warm water for 30 seconds. Apply hibiscus paste to scalp and gently massage. Smooth the paste over each hair strand. Cover with a plastic cap for 10 minutes. Rinse well with med temp water. Continue with deep conditioning. Do not use on blonde or light color hair.  It might change the color.

Soapwarts
This one is great for dandruff and itchy scalp. It is also a gentle cleanser. It is a natural cleanser that suds. But it is not harsh like bar soaps. It has a light earthy smell. Buy it in a powder form. Create a paste with distilled water. Wash hair with it and follow with deep conditioning. Find it at health food stores or HERE.

Black soap
This is an excellent all natural cleanser for the whole body. It softens, cleanses and conditions the hair, amazingly. It is cheap and long lasting. Be sure to buy only authentic black soap. MORE INFO HERE

Teas for hair strengthening and growth

Tea infusions are excellent for strengthening the hair roots, stimulating hair follicles and providing moisture. Create tea infusions from good quality tea leaves, filtered water and good quality essential oils. The longer you steep your tea the stronger the infusion. Choose the tea leaves which address your current hair needs.

Rosemary-Bay leaf hair tea benefits

• Adds strength to the hair base, thus reducing breakage
• Increases hair growth by stimulating better blood flow to the scalp
• Use after braiding to reduce the amount of sheds hairs when you remove braids. 

How to use as a tea rinse

After cleansing and conditioning, pour this hair tea over your hair. Do not rinse out, nor towel dry. With hair still soaking wet apply your leave in conditioner and other style products. This rinse can be used once a week if desired. 

How to use as a braid spray

Gently massage scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. Then spray entire scalp, enough to make it damp. Lightly spray over the length of each braid. Do not soak the hair, unless it is shampoo day.   Repeat these steps every other day, which equals 3 times a week.

CQ Hair Growth & Strengthening Tea

RECIPE

Hibiscus tea (1 tbsp)

Green tea (1 tbsp)

Nettle tea (1 tbsp)

Glycerin (2 tbsp)
12 ounces spring water

Lavender essential oil (1 tsp)

WHO SHOULD USE THIS TEA?
Those wearing braid extensions benefit a great deal from this tea blend. The nettle, hibiscus and green tea add strength to your hair roots. This helps protect your natural hair from the friction of the fake hair swinging back and forth throughout the day. The hibiscus and glycerin feeds the hair moisture, so it does not pop and break. Nettle and lavender are excellent for boosting hair growth. 

LESS SHRINKAGE FOR TWIST OUTS
Use this tea to set your twist outs. Apply to freshly washed hair and seal in with a little grease or castor oil. You will get good definition with less shrinkage than using a creamy product. 

Use this spray as often as you desire.

Store in the fridge when not in use.

Works well when applied to hair cold.

Apple cider vinegar for your hair

Organic apple cider vinegar, aka ACV, is an excellent health and beauty aide. Be sure to purchase organic. ACV is a very important item to always keep in stock.  

1. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium. Potassium is great for preventing hair loss.

2.  It is anti bacteria and anti fungal.It prevents fungus from taking residence on your scalp.  It contains acetic acid, which kills off fungus and bacteria. Scalp fungus is a top cause of hair loss. You may or may not have symptoms. Read more about fungus HERE. 

3.  The low PH of ACV causes the hair cuticle to lay flatter. This enables the hair to retain moisture for longer periods.  When the hair cuticle lays flat your hair will have more vibrancy and shine. 

4. Because ACV makes the hair cuticle lay flatter, you will notice that detangling is a lot easier. You should also notice a reduction in single strand knots. 


5.  When the ACV hits the scalp it stimulate better blood circulation. This increases your hair growth. 

HOW TO BENEFIT FROM ACV

Organic ACV rinse
Mix 1/4 cup of organic ACV with 2 cups of filtered water. This creates a final rinse to use on your hair. On shampoo day after you rinse out your deep conditioner, pour this rinse over your hair.  Use it all and let it sit on hair 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse out with cool water. With soaking wet hair, apply your leave in conditioner.  

Upgrade your shampoo
Add one tablespoon to 1/4 cup of your shampoo. The ACV lowers the PH of the shampoo and helps the shampoo to work better. With this combination you will notice an immediate difference in the vibrancy of your hair and less tangles. 

Anti bacterial growth braid spray
1 tablespoon of organic ACV
7 ounces of water
1 tsp tea tree oil
1 tsp of lavender oil
Use as a braid spray, to keep bacteria from accumulating on your scalp when wearing braids. 

The top 7 leave in conditioners for very dry hair

When your hair is dry, brittle, full of knots you need to stop applying cheap ingredients on it. Give your body good clean products to nourish and heal it and not just cover up issues. It is worth it to pay a few dollars more for better ingredients, than to suffer continued setbacks.  

What defines a good quality leave in conditioner or moisturizer?

---Look for products that contain plant extracts, organic butters and oils. You want those listed in the first 7 ingredients. Look for words which are easy to pronounce. Read the label, you do want a few of the ingredients to be certified organic that is a plus. 

ALL LISTED PRODUCTS CAN BE FOUND AT THE BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE, CVS, OR TARGET. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF QHEMET BIOLOGICS, YOU CAN FIND IT AT YOUR LOCAL HEALTHFOOD STORE OR AMAZON.COM 

Great hair begins with great ingredients.

1. Karen's body beautiful sweet ambrosia leave in (thin hair)
First 7 ingredients: Purified water, Jojoba, Avocado and Coconut oils, Vegetable wax, panthenol, Arnica. 

This leave in performs as a styler also. It works great for moderately dry hair. For those who prefer a lotion and not a heavy cream product. Great for thin hair. Nourishing but lightweight.

2. Shea Moisture curl smoothie
First 7 ingredients: Deionized water, shea butter, coconut oil, Macadamia seed oil, mango seed butter,  Avocado, Glycerin.

Full of aloe vera and silk proteins. The smoothie is a popular winner. A thick creamy leave in which a little goes a long way. Great definition and hold, for your twist outs. Great for dry brittle hair and breakage. 

3. Shea Moisture JBCO leave in conditoner
First 7 ingredients: Water, shea butter, coconut oil, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium chloride.

Creamy conditioner and style product. You get hold, definition and strengthening from one product. Awesome for dry hair and breakage. 

4. Shea Moisture style milk
First 7 ingredients: Deionized water, coconut oil, sugar starch, silk protein, essential oil blend, Neem seed oil, Caprylyl Gycol.

Hydrates and protects your hair from breakage. Good for moderately dry hair. Works great to set and condition your twist out styles. 

5. CQ Glorious leave in  (DIY)

6. Qhemet biologics amla heavy cream
First 7 ingredients: Castor oil, Olive oil blend, Distilled Water, Amla extract, Brahmi extract, Aloe Africana, MSM

100% Vegetarian product great for dry brittle hair. Worth the price if  you have very dry hair. Filled with aloe, glycerin, African castor oil, olive oil. This rich cream receives RAVE reviews from the natural community. 

7. Jane Carter curling cream

First 7 ingredients: Water, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Avocado, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Guar Gum.

Great coil definition, firm but soft hold. Awesome shine and great for wash and go hair also. Incredible shine and elongates tight curls.  Works well on extra dry hair and type 4 hair.  YOU MUST TRY THIS ONE!

DIY Scalp PH balancing serum

Slow  hair growth?
Do you have a dry itchy scalp?
Irritated scalp?
Product builds up easily on your scalp?
Currently wearing braids and need a scalp refresher?


This CQR Scalp PH balancing serum will take care of those issues and more.

Use the serum in three different ways:
1. Use twice a month to prevent build up on the scalp
2. Use once a month to help clarify the scalp.
3. Use weekly to keep follicles clear, while wearing braid extensions.

Ingredients:
Fresh aloe vera plant from the grocery store
Jojoba oil
Sesame seed oil
Tea tree oil

Squeeze 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel from the leaf
Add 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil + 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil + 1/8 teaspoon tea tree oil. 

 
 

How to use:
Use this serum on freshly washed hair. After you have rinsed out your deep conditioner, apply CQR scalp serum to your scalp and massage gently. Do not rinse out. Proceed with your leave in conditioner and styling. The tea tree oil can have a strong smell to some people, but once you apply your leave in conditioner, that will mask any scent from the serum.

How it works:
The aloe vera gel is soothing and continues to work at PH balancing the scalp. When the scalp is properly PH balanced, it is less itchy, less irritated and hair grows better. 
Jojoba oil, removes cholesterol and balances your sebum. It moisturizes and nourishes the scalp.
Sesame seed oil: prevents infections of the hair root. Treats hair thinning, relieves scalp irritations, and gets rid of dandruff flakes.
Tea tree oil is antiseptic, anti fungal, anti viral. This oil is helps you be proactive in stopping scalp infections which can lead to hair loss.

You can find aloe vera leaf at any Mexican or International grocery store. You will find it in the produce section. The aloe is huge. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. I recommend slicing it in 2 to 3 inch squares, putting it into a freezer bag and freezing. It freezes well. This serum calls for fresh aloe leaf, not the aloe vera gel you buy in the store already bottled.

Alternative ways to deep condition with heat, when you have no hooded dryer

For better moisture infusion you should always use heat when you deep condition your hair. The heat makes the hair cuticle open wider, and this enables the deep conditioner to absorb better. Your hair reaps more benefits from your deep conditioner, when you use a heat source. The ideal heat source, is to use a hooded dryer or steamer. 

What does one do if you do not have a hooded dryer or steamer?

Different ways to create heat when you deep condition

4 alternatives to hooded dryers:

BLOW DRYER HOODED ATTACHMENT
Purchase hooded attachment here

If you have a handheld blow dryer, you can purchase a very inexpensive bonnet attachment. Once attached it works just as good as a hooded dryer.The bonnets only attach to certain types of blow dryers so be sure it will fit your blow dryer. These travel really well and are easy to set up.

HEATED CONDITIONER METHOD

1. Put deep conditioner in a bowl.
2. Boil some water in a pot.
3. Remove from heat and sit bowl of conditioner inside hot water.
4. Cover with a top for five minutes. 
5. Quickly apply conditioner onto hair while it is still warm. 
6. Cover hair with a plastic cap, then cover cap with a towel. 
7. Proceed with housework, exercise, errands any activity which generates heat.   
8. Allow warm conditioner to marinate on your hair for 20 minutes, then rinse out with cool water. 

YOU WILL HAVE SOFT, LUSCIOUS HAIR!

SIX STEP BAGGY TREATMENT
1. Apply lots of conditioner to clean hair
2. Cover with a plastic cap.
3. Then cover cap with a hat or scarf.
4. Allow conditioner to sit on hair overnight.
5. Rinse out in morning with cool water.
6. Proceed with other treatments and styling.

HOT TOWEL STEAM METHOD
supplies needed: 
2 small towels 
deep conditioner 
2 plastic conditioning caps
1. Soak two bath cloths in hot water.
2. Shampoo hair.
3. Apply deep conditioner and quickly cover hair with one hot  towel, followed by a plastic conditioning cap.
4. Then apply second hot cloth on top of cap followed by a second conditioning cap. Wrap head in a topsie turby or a bath towel, for 20 minutes. 
5. Rinse out with cool water

OLD FASHION STEAM METHOD
1. Boil water, pour into a big bowl. 
2. Apply deep conditioner but DO NOT cover with a plastic cap. 
3. Using a large bath towel, cover head and make a tent over the bowl. Make an effort to keep all steam inside towel and going on your hair. Sit up as much as you need. Hold hair over steam for 15 minutes. 

Be very careful not to burn yourself with hot water. 

This method is not for the clumsy. 

Each of the above methods help you condition your hair better.

But remember a conditioning cap, hooded dryer or steamer is a good investment for coily hair care.

Making your own deep conditioners and upgrading your flops

For many it is a challenge to find a great staple deep conditioner. Many naturals are also very conscious of the ingredients they apply to their hair. Making your own conditioners are a great way to control what you apply to your hair. Here are some DIY conditioner recipes for all of you do it yourself naturals. All ingredients are natural and can be found in the grocery store. Take it a step further and purchase only organic versions of these ingredients.

REMEMBER TO BE GENEROUS WHEN APPLYING YOUR DEEP CONDITIONERS

Gives your hair shine, elasticity, smoothness and increased growth!

This is the Coily Queens signature conditioner recipe. This conditioner will leave your hair very soft, tangle free and with a natural gloss.

Coconut cream: This is made from the meat of the coconut so you are getting full benefits from the coconut. Coconut penetrates the hair shaft making your hair stronger, so it is less likely to break. It smooths the hair shaft leaving your hair less likely to frizz. Treats your dry scalp issues and fights fungus growth on the scalp.
Honey:  Honey is an emollient, it softens the hair greatly. It is also an humectant this helps the hair retain moisture. Honey is anti bacterial so it keeps infections from forming on the scalp. Honey strengthens the hair follicles and has been known to reawaken dormant hair follicle. Honey is great for stimulating hair growth.
Avocado oil: penetrate the hair shaft and infuses moisture into your hair strands. Lubricates each hair strand improving its  elasticity. This leaves the hair easy to manipulate. The avocado oil also eliminates frizz thus making your style look way better.

Usage: Massage the entire amount through out your hair strands and scalp thoroughly. Cover with a plastic cap, sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes. Rinse out with cool water. This conditioner should be used twice a week to see growth and shine results. Use all ingredients no substitutes. 

PURCHASE THE BEST AVOCADO HERE

Raw Honey & Avocado oil

1/3 cup of raw honey + 2 tablespoons of cold pressed avocado oil. This treatment gives you moisture and strength in one application. 

As a deep conditioner: Apply the whole mixture on your hair and scalp, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water to remove the honey. Then rinse with cold water to close your hair cuticle. Rinse under cold water for 2 minutes.
How to use as a hair growth treatment:
Massage the scalp for 5 minutes, then apply the entire mix to your scalp and hair. Do this the night before your shampoo day. Cover with a plastic cap, followed by a knit hat or scarf. Allow mix to sit on hair overnight. The honey will treat any bacteria on the scalp and it will go into your hair roots and stimulate hair growth. Do this twice a week and you will see better hair growth in 40 days.

Mayo & Honey

1/2 cup of mayonaise + 1 tablespoon of honey

Mayo:  Softens your hair greatly. It is not a protein treatment but it does add a little strength to the hair by helping the hairs elasticity.  The mayo will make your natural curls pop like no other conditioner you have every used.
How to use: This is a deep conditioner treatment. Apply all of mix to your hair strands, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water to remove product. Then rinse hair for 2 minutes under cold water to close the hair cuticle. 

For those with oily hair.

1/2 cup of coconut cream concentrate + 1/2 cup of raw honey.

This conditioner is the same as the Coily Queens signature conditioner except the oils have been omitted. This is a half an half conditioner for those with oily hair.
Always use raw pure honey the brown honey is highly processed and will lighten your hair will repeated use. The brown honey will leave your hair soft and still help you to retain moisture but if you do not desire to lighten your hair opt for the raw honey instead. 

Red clay cleanser conditioner

Cleanses and conditions in one step. 

Saves time!

Mix together using plastic or wooden tools in  class or plastic bowl.  First mix 1/2 cup of red clay with 2 tablespoons of water. Mix together until there are no more clumps. Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, mix together well.  Mix in 1/4 cup of coconut cream. Stir until you get a smooth consistency. If your mix is to thick add a little more water. You do not want your clay mix to be watery. Red clay can be messy so you want a thick mix but you want it spreadable. 
Usage:  Apply all of mixture to your hair, cover with a silver conditioning cap for 1 hour or more. Rinse with warm water until all of clay has been removed. Take your time and smooth your fingers through your hair under the water to help remove the clay. Once clay is removed rinse hair under cold water for 2 minutes.

PURCHASE YOUR RED CLAY HERE!!!

Apply a generous amount of the clay conditioner cleanse to your hair. You should use the whole mixture. Your hair will be red from the clay but it does not dye your hair. Apply the clay in sections taking your time, use clips to pin each section up into loose knots.

 If you have excess clay left over apply the mix to your face as a great face masque treatment. If your hair is really long you may have to mix up a second batch. This mix is best prepared right before you use it. You can store any leftover in the fridge, up to 2 weeks.

 

 Cover hair with a silver/gold conditioning cap, let it sit for 1 hour or more. Do not use heat. Rinse out with warm water to remove clay. Then run cold water over your hair for 2 minutes to close the hair cuticle. 

Feel how soft your hair is and how your curls pop!

So your tried a new conditioner only to be less than pleased with its performance. Upgrade a poor conditioner by adding 1 tablespoon of honey to 1/4 cup of conditioner. You can also add 2 tablespoons of clay to 1/2 cup of conditioner. Honey, red clay and bentonite clay are great staples to keep in your hair cabinet. Add them to your stash today!

 

Great value on bentonite and Moroccan red clay here! 

More information on the benefits of cleansing and conditioning with clay here!