Showing posts with label clays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clays. Show all posts

Friday, June 8, 2018

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




Friday, December 22, 2017

Hair Cleansing Clay


Ditch your shampoo for clay!

Tired of using shampoo?

Would you like a more natural cleanser?

Constantly dealing with dry hair?

Replacing your shampoo with clay could be a game changer for your hair journey. 




What is so awesome about cleansing with clay?

IT'S ALL NATURAL
This Indian healing clay is one ingredient. It is calcium bentonite clay.

FUNCTIONS AS A DUO BEAUTY TREATMENT
 While you would not dare use your shampoo on your face. You can use this bentonite clay on your skin and hair. It is a cleanser and conditioner for the hair and skin. That is a great investment!

DEEP CLEANS WITHOUT TANGLING
This clay detoxes your scalp and hair. But unlike shampoo, it does not strip your hair to the point that it leaves it tangled. 

DETANGLES AND DEFINES YOUR COILS
You will notice an immediate difference in how easily your hair untangles after washing. The clay conditions so well, it leaves your coils well defined. A great head start for your wash and go. 

SIMPLE CLAY CLEANSER
1/3 cup Indian Healing clay (Bentonite clay)
1/4 cup of Morrocan red clay
1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup spring water



HOW TO MIX
Warming the water just a little bit helps it to blend easier.
Do not use any type of metal tools to mix clay.
Pour clay into glass or plastic bowl.
Add half of the water first. 
Stir with plastic or wood spoon.
Blend until you get a smooth mix, similar to a cream conditioner. Add a little water at a time and stir gently. Pour in ACV. Add more water if 3/4 cup is not enough. You do not want a watery mix, because it can be messy to apply.



HOW TO APPLY
Apply to very wet hair. 
Smooth from scalp to ends.
Cover with a plastic cap, do not use heat.
Leave cover 1 to 3 hours.
Rinse out with warm water.
Once all clay is out of hair, let cool water run over hair for 30 seconds. Follow up with leave in conditioner and sealants. 
ORDER HERE

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Building your hair care regimen



READ PART ONE TO BUILDING YOUR REGIMEN HERE

The basic products you need in your regimen 

1. Cleanser
     a.  Shampoo (non sulfate)
     b.  Conditioning cleanser (formulated for cleansing)
     c.  Clay washes (make your own or purchase ready made)

2. Conditioners 
     d.  Cream rinses or rinse out conditioners
     e.  Deep Conditioners (moisturizing/protein)
     f.   Deep Conditioner moisturizing (non protein)

READ MORE ABOUT DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONDITIONERS HERE

3. Leave in conditioner
     g.  Moisturizers (water based)
     h.  Liquid leave ins
     i.   Lotion/cream leave in conditioner
     j.   Pomades/butters (contain no water)

4. A good quality singular oil
    k.   EVOO
    l.    Cold pressed avocado oil
    m.  Cold pressed coconut oil
    n.   Jojoba oil
    o.   Grape seed oil


To start your regimen you only need one product out of each category, in the beginning. Once you get started with your first 4 products, then you want to build on those products. 

BUILDING YOUR PRODUCT STASH

The CoilyQueens Regimen recommends having, 3 of each recommended product. This means 3 cleansers, 3 conditioners, 3 leave in conditioners and 3 different types of oils you love. You do not  want, to depend on one brand of cleanser or conditioner. To often your favorite conditioner will stop working as well as it did in the beginning. Sometimes companies change formulas. You can also develop an allergy towards a product that was okay in the beginning. So if you have more than one cleanser and conditioner, that works for you. You do not have to worry about being caught without having a product that works.



Before you shop remember these tips. 
1. Only use non sulfate shampoos
2. Get in the habit of reading the ingredients before you buy.
3. Starting out purchase the same brand of cleansers and conditioners. 
4. Shop with companies who stand behind their brands. Keep your receipt so you can return it, if after one use it does not meet your liking. 
5. If you are on a budget, save most of your money, for a good quality leave in conditioner. The leave in conditioner/moisturizer is your most important product. READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE
6. Spend your money on good quality oils, from the health food store, grocery store. Be sure they are unrefined or cold pressed. 

Product recommendations for each category 

1a--- shampoo suggestions:
Shea Moisture curl and shine shampoo
Design Essentials avocado shampoo
KBB conditioning cleanser
Cream of nature non sulfate shampoo
Shea Moisture restorative shampoo
Jane Carter's shampoo

1b---Conditioning cleansers
Camille rose conditioning cleanser
Eden BodyWorks conditioning cleanser
As I am conditioning cleanser
Shea Moisture conditioning cleanser


1c---Clay washes
Create your own bentonite treatment DIY HERE


2d---Cream rinses or rinse out or regular conditoner
TGIN triple moisture replenishing condish
Shea Moisture 10-IN-1 Renewal conditioner
Shea Moisture restorative conditioner
Oyin Honey Hemp


2e---Deep conditioners (protein)
Mielle Organic babassu mint DC
Shea Moisture manuka honey intensive masque
Alikay naturals DC
Shea Moisture Blk soap purification masque
ORS replenishing conditioner
ORS hair mayo


2f---Deep conditioners moisturizing (non protein)
TGIN Honey miracle hair mask
Camille Rose Algae renew DC
Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
Eden Bodyworks all natural DC
As I am hydration elation
Jessicurl DC Citrus and Lavender 
Aubrey Organics moisturizing  conditioner honeysuckle rose


3g---Moisturizers (water based)
Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie
Camille Rose Curliade
As I am double buttercream
Taliah Waajid curling curly cream
Elasta Olive Oil & Mango Moisturizer
4Naturals Afro stretch cream
Cantu Shea Butter leave in
Jane Carter curl cream

3h---Liquid leave ins
Alikay natural lemongrass leave in
Qhemet Biologics alma & olive heavy cream

3i---Lotion/Creamy leave ins
KBB sweet ambrosia leave in
Shea Moisture hibiscus style milk
Cantu curl activator
Ori Essentials Moisturizing leave in conditioner


3j---Pomades and butters
Cantu hair pomade
Qhemet Biologics hydrate twist butter
Aveda Pomade Anti Humectante 


Following these suggestions will help you build a good portion of your product regimen. Remember that a successful hair journey  covers 3 areas: Techniques, mindset and products. This article has helped you cover the products part of your hair regimen. 

Now work on your techniques and mindset about your hair. 




Thursday, September 29, 2016

The top 5 best products for your hair!




1. Best leave in conditioner
Great for all hair types, long lasting,  easily available at most stores. 

2. Best cleanser
CQ CLAY WASH (DIY)
Apply to hair
Cover with a plastic cap
1 to 3 hours

Rinse

  

3. Best sealant



4. Best deep conditioner



5. Best growth oil

Liquid Gold sulfur oil available online only, see link in right hand column to order.






Saturday, June 11, 2016

How to tell if your hair is hydrated



Your hair can be moisturized with product but still not have healthy hydration. Finding the right product to give your hair moisture is only half of the hydration battle. The goal to healthy hair is getting your hair to receive and hold moisture for long periods. 

3 things determine how well your hair holds moisture:

  • How often you cleanse and condition your hair
  • How healthy your hair cuticle is (porosity)
  • The quality of products you use




How do I know if my hair is hydrated?

  • Your hair stays soft, stretches without breaking.
  • Hair holds moisture for 3 days. 
  • Absence of single strand knots.
  • You can separate your hair with no webbing.
  • Your hair styles better.
  • You have better coil definition.
  • You have lots of shrinkage. 


How to get hydrated hair?

  • Eliminate all products with harsh ingredients.
  • Replace them with products as close to natural as possible.
  • Follow a good  regimen, such as the CoilyQueens Regimen.
  • A good regimen must include frequent cleansing and conditioning. 
  • Do not use harsh heat. (flat irons, pressings etc.)
  • Stay away from covering your hair in fake hair for at least 1 year after beginning a regimen.
  • Be consistent, expect gradual improvements each week.
  • Be patient it can take 6 months or more for healthy hydration. 

Make the above statements apply to your hair and regimen. 


Do not use products that contain these alcohols.

Denatured
SD alcohol 40
Witch hazel
Isopropanol
Ethanol
SD
Propanol
Propyl


HOW DO I BEGIN MY HYDRATION JOURNEY? 
Now you have an understanding of how hydrated hair performs. Start with the dry hair checklist. Make corrections according to the do's and don'ts listed.  Eliminate all products with not so natural ingredients in them.  Having a healthy head of hair can take 6 months to a year of being consistent. It all depends on the condition of your hair, when you begin. You will see the best results starting with natural hair at the TWA stage. Your hair is new and easier to hydrate. So when you are expecting results remember where you started. If you have damaged ends go ahead and cut them now. Do not waste anymore time holding onto those ugly ends just to maintain a certain length. You will be glad you did and it will grow back faster. 




Sunday, September 13, 2015

How to work clay into your hair care regimen

Answering all of your questions about clay


 
You have  read about how awesome clay is for the hair.  You would love to try it, but you have no ideal where to start.

Where do I purchase clay?
>>>You can find clays at your local health food stores. You can also find good values on amazon.com
     Here is a great deal on bentonite clay!
     Great buy on Red Clay!

I have seen several kinds of clay which one do I start with?
>>>Red clay aka Moroccan clay, green clay, rhassaoul clay, kaolin clay and bentonite clay. Your jar of clay will tell you the origins of the clay. As a beginner working with clay it is best to start with bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is great for the face and hair.

How do I use it on my hair?
>>>Create your clay mixture and mix into a thick conditioner consistency. Then slather it on the hair being sure to cover all of your hair. Cover hair with plastic conditioning cap for 1 hour. Then rinse with warm water until all clay is removed.
A popular brand of Red Clay! Buy now!
Go ahead and do a face masque with whatever is left from your hair masque. Clay mixes should be made when ready to use.

Cover with a self heating conditioning cap for 1 hour or more.

I purchased some clay, but the jar does not say it can be used on the hair.
>>>Look at the contents of your clay, if it says any of the clays listed above and that you can use it on the face then you are fine. The popular brand of bentonite clay I use does not have instructions for using it on the hair. However I have used it on my hair for years. Be sure your bentonite clay says calcium bentonite. 

Do I have to use apple cider vinegar, in my mix?
>>>The acv helps to lower the PH of the clay, so it is highly recommended to use acv in your clay masque.

How often can I use clay on my hair?
>>>I recommend once per month, however you can use it once a week if you desire. Some people let clay washes take the complete place of their shampoos. Clay cleanses deep but without stripping the hair. If you clay mixture is prepared correctly it will cleanse and condition in one step.

How long do I leave it on my hair?
>>>Cover with a plastic conditioning cap and leave on 1 to 3 hours. 

Do I sit under a dryer?
>>>No it is not recommended. Remember you are working with clay you do not want the clay to dry tight onto your scalp. This will make it hard to rinse off.

Do I still use shampoo after I use clay?
>>>No, the clay is your cleanser. No need to double clean, because that will only take away any conditioning the clay has done for your hair. 
A smooth mix of red clay
This mix is kinda lumpy, you want to mix until creamy like above.

Do I deep condition after a clay treatment?
>>>If your clay mixture is made perfectly for your hair you will not have to. Clay cleans and conditions in one step. However if you find that the conditioning from the clay is not enough you can proceed with deep conditioning. Remember you should be applying a leave in conditioner after every cleanse. So you will have continuous conditioning.  

In addition to cleansing and conditioning clay washes also make your curl pattern more pronounced and your hair easier to untangle. 

For more information about clay washes go here.

Do you have more questions about clay and using it on the hair? Ask below please.



Tuesday, June 16, 2015

The one thing you should never use on your hair!


 

Sodium Bicarbonate aka BAKING SODA!

Baking soda

Have you read of people with low porosity hair washing their hair with baking soda? Maybe you have heard of a hydration method which suggests applying baking soda to your hair to lift the hair cuticle so you can receive deep moisture penetration from your products?   There are people who wrongly believe that water nor moisturizers, penetrates their hair enough to receive adequate hydration. However using baking soda to lift the hair cuticle is very damaging to the hair.  Baking soda is abrasive and it tears the hair cuticle. Baking soda has 150mg of sodium per 1/8 tsp. Sodium is drying to the hair. Anything that is drying is not good for Afro curly hair.  

Whether your hair is high or low porosity water will always penetrate it. Most commercial products are not formulated to penetrate the hair shaft, nor do you want them to. Using backing soda to lift the hair cuticle is not necessary, warm or medium temperature water will lift the hair cuticle. This is why the CQR method recommends rinsing your shampoo out with medium temperature water, this gets the hair cuticle in a position to receive the deep conditioning step. Sitting under a hair dryer while deep conditioning also opens the hair cuticle, so your hair can receive the amazing benefits of your deep conditioner.  Continuous use of baking soda on the hair will dry your hair out and make it break.
Dry brittle hair hey no fair!!!

Some people use baking soda as a natural way to clarify the hair.  Baking soda is a poor choice, for clarifying the hair, because  it does not successfully remove all product buildup. When you need to clarify there are lots of good clarifying shampoos, soaps and clays to choose from. Nikki's Naturals sells an awesome black soap that is great for clarifying the hair and cleansing the body.  As I am products has a good clarifying shampoo that is properly PH balanced for the hair. Bentonite clay or red clay is also great for deep cleaning the hair. The CQR recommends using a clay wash once a month to remove build up and to give your coils a boost.

Order your good quality shea butter and black soap HERE!



For clarifying or removing buildup

Bentonite clay---Order here!
Red clay---Order here!
As I am clarifying shampoo
Shea Moisture black soap shampoo
Castile soap




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Common mistakes naturals make (pt.2)




Seven errors related to cleansing and strengthening

1. Using foods such as eggs, avocados etc as a protein treatment.
Protein is meant to stick to your hair strands and add strength. This extra strength keeps your hair from breaking so easily when manipulated. Food is not small enough to adhere nor penetrate the hair strands. Therefore food cannot function as a protein treatment for your hair. Eat your proteins instead, they benefits you greatly by helping you grow stronger hair. When you use eggs, avocado on your hair they function only as softeners and NOT strengtheners. 

2. Not washing your hair weekly.
Hair is apart of your body, therefore it should be kept clean. Daily you collect, sweat, excess sebum, pollutants, dust, germs, products on your hair. Hair also holds an odor from your sweat mixed with pollutants. For these reasons you should wash you hair no less than once per week. Hair grows best on a clean scalp. One of the main causes for slow hair growth is not cleansing it enough.

3. Co washing with conditioner STILL!
Hair conditioner does not clean your hair. Yes it feels good because the conditioner is just building up on your strands co wash after co wash. Unless the bottle states conditioning cleanser or that it can be used to cleanse then it is not a substitute for shampoo. Choose a sulfate free shampoo, conditioning cleanser or a co wash product meant for cleansing. 

4. Not drinking 64 ounces of water or more daily.
Our body needs water. If you want your hair to grow out nice and healthy drink at least 64 ounces per day. Many suffer from hard hair, splits ends, mid shaft splits, this comes from dry hair. To look and feel our best we need water in and water on our body. We need water for better blood circulation. Healthy circulation keeps the blood flowing correctly to the hair follicles, stimulating new hair growth.

5. Being afraid of protein treatments
Your hair is over 90% protein therefore it is not sensitive to protein. Protein on the hair is suppose to feel different. Most people are not applying the treatments according to the instructions on the product. then they blame the protein. So someone says you are protein sensitive and you take it as facts. You must know how to properly deep condition your hair. If your hair is fine or breaking a protein is your best bet in most cases. Do not overlook protein it is vital to growing your hair longer and stronger. There are many different protein treatments you can choose from, look for the ones which say hydrolyzed keratin within the top 3 ingredients. Animal proteins are the strongest when dealing with breakage. Opt for milder protein when you are preventing breakage, before it happens.




6. Not following the instructions on the product.
I often get asked how to use a product I always say follow the instructions on the product unless you are using the product differently than it is intended to be used. The instructions are on the bottle for your benefit. Many complain about certain products without considering they did not use the product according to the instructions. Please take time to read the label, that will keep you from misusing the product.

As I am Curl Clarify Shampoo 5.5 PH balanced for your hair health.
Red clay hair and face wash.


7. Clarifying your hair to frequently
Unless you use lots of grease or silicones, your hair should not require a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying to often will lead to dry brittle hair. Once a month should be enough. Instead of using harsh clarifying shampoos try a mud wash or black soap shampoo. Clay washes deep clean the hair without leaving it tangled and stripped. Clay washes condition as they cleanse. As I am has a PH balanced clarifying shampoo.

Good quality black soap you can create up to 5 times the amount of shampoo by diluting this formula.

FIND AUTHENTIC BLACK SOAP AND GOOD QUALITY SHEA BUTTER HERE 

Monday, November 10, 2014

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!