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

Vee's top 5 products (Updated)

My last list was created in 2016.. You can see my old list HERE. I still love those items. However 3  have been knocked out of first place.

HERE WE GO!

1. BEST LEAVE IN CONDITIONER 

Camille Rose Curlaide

This has knocked the Shea moisture smoothie out of first place. This thick whipped butter does duo duty as a styler and moisturizer. A little goes a long way and it is long lasting. Black owned makes it even better.

Buy now

2. BEST MSM HAIR GROWTH OIL

Liquid Gold Sulfur oil

Still hands down the best sulfur oil that increases your hair growth.  Pure MSM sulfur infused in the best natural oils you can use on your hair. No cheap fillers!

Buy now!

3. BEST DEEP CONDITIONER 

Mielle Babassu oil mint deep conditioner

This awesome conditioner functions as a protein conditioner as well. The ingredients are good and it is black owned. Give it a try!

Find at CVS, Target and the Beauty supply store.

4. BEST CLEANSER 

Organic Black soap

Replace your shampoo with an all natural product. You will notice softer, curlier hair after the 3rd wash. It cleanses deep without stripping your sebum. You have less tangles and knots. 

Buy here

5. BEST SEALANT

Kuza Indian Hemp grease

Yes it is grease and I think it is fabulous. It gives my hair sheen and helps my flat irons to last longer. Still on my list for when I flat iron ONLY!

Find at CVS or buy HERE 

How to restore moisture to hair, after washing it

STEP TWO FOR  INCREASING YOUR HAIR GROWTH

Washing your curly hair the right way

Many women with natural coiled hair, complain about dry hair. Lots do not want to wash it, because it becomes dry afterwards. That is due to cleansing with the wrong products. Also cleansing the hair in the wrong way.

STEP ONE consists of choosing the right products to cleanse and condition with. READ HERE!

How to cleanse your hair for optimum hydration

The Coily Queens regimen has the only cleansing regimen,  that cleanses and moisturizes effectively.  This is a step by step hydration cleansing technique. Do each step as written, no matter how minor it might seem. Each step is important for hydration. 

HYDRATION CLEANSING 

Before you began put your leave conditioner or moisturizer in the fridge. You want it to be cold. 

1. Allow medium temperature water to run through hair for 1 minute.

2. Apply shampoo to scalp first and cleanse. 

3. Smooth shampoo down the hair shaft. Taking care to always go in a downward motion. 

4. Complete 2 lathers, using less shampoo the 2nd lather.

5. Rinse out shampoo with medium temp water

6. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes.

7. Rinse deep conditioner out, with cool water. Do not towel dry hair. Leave soaking wet. 

8. Apply a pH balancer. 
Choose either:   organic apple cider vinegar          rinse or an aloe vera spritzer

9. Organic ACV rinse:  Mix 1/4 cup of acv with 2 cups of spring water and pour all over hair and scalp. Being sure to cover all strands. Let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Do not towel dry. With hair still soaking wet apply your chilled leave in conditoner to hair. Follow with other products, butters or oils.

10. ALOE spritz: mix 1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel with 1 cup spring or distilled water. Smooth into scalp and hair. USE IT ALL AND LEAVE IT IN!  Immediately apply your chilled leave in conditioner. Follow with the rest of your products, oils and sealants. 

       

Step one to faster hair growth.

The first step to improving hair growth is to wash and condition it more. The Coily Queens regimens requires twice a week cleansing and conditioning. You might ask, is that to much? If your skin was breaking out or not clear. Then someone recommended that you cleanse it better and condition it more. You would not hesitate. Yet the thought of you as a black woman washing your hair twice a week gives you pause.

HAIR GROWS BEST ON A CLEAN SCALP

Fact is, our hair can withstand water, cleansing and conditioning. What hurts it is cleaning it with the wrong products. Afro hair is not some weak fiber that cannot be manipulated with care. Many women think their hair grows slow and contribute it to genetics. When it is most likely growing slow due to clogged hair roots. Daily hair gets: germs, microbes, excess sebum, product buildup and more on it. Just think of what has accumulated on your scalp when you wait two weeks to clean it. Germs, many times, are invisible.

If you were to see your scalp magnified, you would be surprised about all the build up

CLEANSING WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

Stay away from sulfates. Sulfates cause hair loss

Stay away from shampoos which contain a lot of ingredients with long names you cannot pronounce.

Look for non sulfate shampoos with close to natural ingredients. 

Replace your shampoo with bentonite or red clay

Make your own shampoo from black soap

CONDITIONING

Cleansing should involve some type of conditioning.

Choose conditioners with close to natural ingredients as possible for you.

Conditioning helps to restore the pH balance to the hair.

STEP TWO TO FASTER HAIR GROWTH
Hydrating cleansing technique

Applying the Aphogee 2-step protein treatment to your coily hair

BUY APHOGEE 2 STEP HERE

What type of treatment is the Aphogee 2-step treatment?
A high quality hair treatment, that temporarily adheres small particles of animal proteins to each of your hair strands. This instantly gives your hair extra strength against manipulation and fills in the broken spaces on your hair strands. While the protein is on the hair, it is least likely to break from manipulation. This enables you to retain more length. Thus reaching your length goals faster.

Who should use this type of treatment?

• Those with moderate to severe breakage.
• Those with damaged hair strands.
• Thin hair strands and fine hair strands.
• Use before applying hair extensions. This helps to protect the hair while under the fake hair. 
• Those who heat straighten, color or relax their hair. 

What is the difference in a protein treatment and a protein conditioner?
A protein treatment such as the Aphogee 2-step, provides you with superior strength. Most protein conditioners only provide you with mild protection. Protein conditioners are for mild breakage and preventing breakage.

The Aphogee 2-step can be used once every 4 to 6 weeks.

This treatment is temporary and it wears off daily. 

Always deep condition after this treatment. 

The product recommends using their shampoo and balancing moisturizer.
However, I found those products to be lack luster and not enough moisture for Afro curly hair

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

1. Aphogee 2-step protein treatment
2. A clarifying or deep cleansing shampoo
3. A moisturizing deep conditioner
4. Hair clips
5. Pure honey
6. An applicator bottle with nozzle
7. A hooded dryer
8. 1 large towel
9. 1 small towel in a bowl of warm water

PHASE TWO:  THE SHAMPOO 

1. Allow medium temp water to run over hair for 30 seconds.
2. Thoroughly shampoo hair with a clarifying or deep cleansing non sulfate shampoo.
It is very important to cleanse the hair well, so that the protein sticks well.
3. Lather, rinse and repeat. (2 lathers)

For easier application, pour the aphogee 2 step treatment into a bottle with a nozzle.  

Fill a small bowl with hot water. Use it to dip your fingers in should they become to sticky.

PHASE THREE:  THE APPLICATION 

(read bottle instructions before applying)

1. Apply the treatment in sections, making slim parts, being sure to cover each strand.
2. Smooth product from roots to tips.
3. Work quickly because the product is very sticky and dries fast. 
4. Use the small towel in the warm water to wipe your hands as you work.

Once the hair hardens do not manipulate. 

5. After you have saturated your hair with the protein, sit under a hooded dryer until the product dries hard onto your hair. About 15 minutes.
Do not cover hair with a plastic cap while under dryer.
6. After the product has hardened on hair, rinse out with warm water. 

Rinse until you no longer feel anymore of the protein on the hair.

PHASE FOUR: RESTORING MOISTURE

1. You can now apply the aphogee balancing moisturizer or you can deep condition your hair with a moisturizing deep conditioner. 
Apply the balancing moisturizer according to the directions on the product.
OR
Mix 1 tbsp on honey with the desired amount of your deep conditioner. Cover hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse with cool water
3. After conditioning, spray hair down with the Aloe Vera pH balancing Spritzer.
4. Do not remove moisture from hair.
5. Apply your leave in conditioner and oils and style

Cleansing your hair with black soap

If commercial shampoos are giving your hair a hard time, you can easily make your own natural shampoo. Pure Black soap makes a great natural shampoo base. Black soap is made from a combination of coco pod ashes, plantain skin ashes, palm oil, tea tree oil or shea butter. Makers use a different combinations of those ingredients. 

Purchase original black soap HERE

It is soft, melts faster than traditional soap and is brownish in color.    

Black soap is great for deep cleansing of your hair and body. Great at removing product buildup and dandruff. Although it is all natural, it is not a mild cleanser. I would recommend using it nor more than once per week in the place of your commercial shampoos.  

PLUS: COCONUT MILK
ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

For these recipes I used liquid blacks soap, for convenience. You can purchase original black soap and shave off pieces and make your own liquid black soap, if you prefer. 

THREE NATURAL BLACK SOAP SHAMPOOS

Each maker creates their black soap in a different way. Just because it says "black soap" does not mean it is pure. Read your labels. 

Great deal on whole black soap or liquid black soap>>> HERE

Five fantastically unique winter hair care tips!

Old man winter will soon be with us. You see lots of  ladies post that they are putting their hair away for the winter. Know that your hair was made to withstand the elements, which is why it is on the top of your head. Cold air does not break your hair, however lack of moisture will!


1. Invest in a humidifier for your bedroom.
While many of you are concerned about the cold air outside, it is the hot air inside that you should be concerned about. During the Winter time your heating  system will  dry out your hair and skin. The best solution  is to purchase an humidifier or two. You want to put them in the rooms you spend most of your time. Humidifiers come in various sizes be sure to buy one that fits your room size. It is a good ideal to check the measurements of your room before you set out to shop. The right size humidifier will keep the air in your room moist and your hair will not dry out during the night.

Order here

2. Start the CoilyQueens Regimen today!
The CQR is an all weather regimen. The regimen keeps your hair hydrated, lubricated and protected all year round. It is the all weather regimen. The regimen eliminates your single strand knots and greatly reduces your tangles. The CoilyQueens Regimen is the answer to slow hair growth. The hair roots are stimulated so you can reach optimum  growth each month. You can wear your natural hair with ease and still receive optimum growth each month. Start the CQR today!

 GET THE COILYQUEENS REGIMEN HERE

3. Drink lots of water daily!
Most people slack off drinking water once the hot weather is gone. But your body needs lots of water daily all year round in order to function properly. If your body is starved of water, your hair, skin and nails are the first to suffer. Drink a full 64 ounces of water daily, to avoid dry brittle, weak hair. Get it in!!!

64 ounces daily for healthy hair growth

4. Cleanse your hair twice a week.
Many people still think that washing the hair frequently will dry it out. That is not true. Washing your hair with the wrong kinds of cleansers will dry it out. Washing your hair with hard water will also dry it out. Do not be afraid of water. Your hair loves water. Daily you are collecting lots of germs on your hair, so you need a consistent wash routine. Choose cleansers, that have no sulfates or harsh detergents in them. My top picks  for Afro hair are.

5. Flaxseed oil 
Our scalp secretes its own oil called sebum. Your sebum production is based on your health, diet and the product you use on your hair. Flaxseed taken as a supplement is known to help increase our sebum production. So those who have extra dry hair naturally would greatly benefit from taking 3000mg of flax seed daily. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Always choose organic. Order here