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

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 

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

Upgrade your deep conditioning regimen

It is time to upgrade your deep conditioning, by investing in a hair steamer!

Hair steamers hydrate your hair 5 times better, than deep conditioning with a hooded or bonnet dryer. The moist steam infuses each of your hair strands with moisture. The steam enhances the benefits of your deep conditioner. 

You can enjoy the amazing benefits of steam conditioning, once a week. You can steam treat your hair for 15 minutes, one day a week. 

Enhances blood flow to the follicles

Holds moisture all day and more

Reduces frizz

Softer hair

Facial steamer

Unclogs pores

Reduces itchiness

Prevents dandruff

ORDER HERE GREAT DEAL!!!

At one time, at home, hair steamers were expensive. But thanks to Amazon, that is no longer the case. I found you one for $44.99! YES, THAT IS RIGHT! What a deal!!!

Hair Steamer Deal!

Never blow dry your hair!

In order to maintain healthy growing natural hair, you must have a routine that keeps your hair moisturized. Using a blow dryer is counterproductive to keeping your hair hydrated. Many naturals use a blow dryer to quickly stretch their coily hair. However, in the process of giving your hair stretch, it sucks all the moisture from the hair. This is the main reason that you should never ever, ever. ever, ever use a blow dryer on your hair. 

When I get my hair braided, my braider uses the blow dryer to stretch my hair. What do I do about this?
Afro hair is perfect for braiding in its natural state. A good braider should not have to blow dry your hair in order to braid it. It should look just as good being braided in its natural perfect state. Always shampoo, deep condition, detangle and moisturize the hair before getting your hair braided. 

Two all natural heat free ways to stretch hair

1.  Braid your hair in  5 to 7 loose plaits, and let it air dry. Your hair will have a very nice healthy stretch. 

2. Roll hair on magnetic rollers, using slim sections. Let hair air dry. Your hair will have awesome stretch, superior to that you get from blow drying.
  

So what is the problem with blow drying the hair,  before getting braid extensions?

As previously stated, blow dryers  suck all the moisture from the hair. Then adding the fake hair on top of your natural hair dries it out, even more.  Fake hair is made up of a type of plastic.  As this plastic lays on top of your hair, it sucks more moisture from your already scorched blow dried hair. The combination of the blow dryer and the plastic fiber is not conducive to keeping your Afro hair hydrated. 

When you remove the fake hair after wearing it for several weeks or months, you lose more hair than you should.  This is due to your coils drying out under the extensions.  As the weight of the fake hair swings back and forth  week after week, your hair begins to weaken. Thus when you remove the extensions, that weakened dried out hair breaks easily. What you think is shed hair, also ends up being breakage. 

What about when I deep condition?
When a deep conditioner tells you to use heat, they are not referring to the harsh heat of a blow dryer. You use a heat cap, steamer or sit under a soft bonnet dryer. Invest in one of those items, for your healthy hair journey.

Christmas gift list:  steamer, heat cap or bonnet dryer.  

Top hair steamers!

If you have an issue with chronic dry hair, you can benefit greatly from hair steaming. Steam enables the conditioner to absorb better into your hair shaft. So if you have a consistent issue with your hair not staying moisturized, even to the end of the day. A steamer is an awesome investment for you. 

Chronically dry hair, ends up being broken hair. Hair which is consistently breaking does not retain length. 

LACK OF LENGTH RETENTION IS THE REASON YOUR HAIR REMAINS THE SAME LENGTH YEAR AFTER YEAR. YOUR HAIR IS GROWING BUT IT IS BREAKING JUST AS FAST. 

Increasing your moisture retention is a huge part of retaining length. For those with chronic dryness a hair steamer can change their moisture retention game. A hair steamer conditions the hair 5 times better than a hair dryer.

Treat your dry hair to a hair steamer.

Invest in your hair! 

Your coils deserve it!

I found you several good hair steamers on Amazon. CHECK THEM OUT!!!

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

October New Moon Trim Dates

The moon and  stars to  rule over the night, for His steadfast love endures forever.
Psalms 136:9

What is New Moon hair growth?
It is using the power of the New Moon as it increases towards the Full Moon, to stimulate your hair growth. This is done by trimming your hair during the growing phase of the moon. You can trim as little or as much as you desire. 

What supplies do I need to practice this hair growth method?
A pair of hair cutting scissors. and a hair journal to record how much you cut and how much your hair grows every 40 days. This is all that is needed now how great is that!

October New Moon Phase Dates

Best days to trim for increased hair growth

20th

25th

26th

30th

31st

Best days for hair treatments and conditioning rinses

Oct 22-24

28th and 29th

Best days to dye your hair

Oct 13th and 14th

Best day to heat straighten or chemical straighten 

Oct 15th, 16th, 17th

I did the trim now what?
Be sure you have trimmed your hair on the correct dates, many people get it mixed up and believe you trim your hair on the Full Moon. But a Full Moon has already matured, you want to trim your hair so your hair can grow as the New Moon grows. Once you have the right date, then trim as you desire and write down how much you trimmed and the length of your hair now. Then every 40 days record your hair growth in you hair journal. 

Do I have to trim every month?
No you do not. Most people receive results from one new moon phase trim.  I believe you can continue to get results for up to 5 months after one new moon phase trim. Simply follow you regular trim schedule.  you can do it one time if you like. I believe you can get results up to 6 months after your trim. The only way to know for sure is to try it and keep an accurate record of your growth increase.  For accuracy it helps to measure in the same area each time and also keep the hair in the same condition each time you measure. If you did your first trim on stretched hair then remember to stretch your hair when you do your follow up measurements in 40 days. 

Hopefully you have a better understanding of what the New Moon hair growth method is and how to practice it. If you are one of those women who are afraid to cut your hair, fear not, your hair will grow back and you will gain even more. Trimming your hair is a part of a good hair care regimen, you should trim every 4 months that is 3 times a year. Now that is not bad is it? Your hair will love you for it and it will look so much healthier.

My continued growth results from August 

 My results from my new moon trim back on August 17, 2013.

I cut two inches from my bangs on August 17th, as of January 29th, my bangs have grown back 4.25 inches. I gained 4.25 inches of new growth in 5 months. My regular rate of hair growth is 1/4 inch per month. The new moon  method has almost given  me a consistent 1 inch  growth increase over the past 5 months. Four and 1/4 inches in 5 months. The average rate of hair growth per month is 1/2 inch.  I exceeded the the average! Praise God! On January 14th I did another New Moon trim, I cut 1/4 of an inch and that has grown back already. So what are you waiting on? Get your supplies ready and mark your date.

PH balancers for moisture retention and better hair growth

Keeping the hair in the proper pH balance is an essential part to maintaining healthy hair. Hair is acidic with an average pH around 3.7. Most shampoos have a pH between 7 and 9. The wash process should always consist of cleansing and conditioning. Conditioners help to restore the pH to the hair, after cleansing. 

But conditioning is not enough!

On top of  conditioning, the Coily Queens Regimen uses pH balancers.  Each wash process is completed by applying a pH balancer to the hair. The program has two pH balancers: ACV rinses and Aloe Vera spritz.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

After rinsing DC from hair, pour all over hair, leave on for 3 minutes, and rinse with cool water.

Pure Aloe Vera Leaf

ALOE SPRITZER: Apply to hair after you rinse out your deep conditioner. Leave on hair, then add your leave in conditioner or moisturizer

Both of these are done at the end of your shampoo process. Both have great benefits. I recommend using them both. Simply alternating each wash routine. Both of these treatments are cheap. But ACV is the cheapest of the duo.

ACV Rinse

Is a rinse out treatment

Use once a week only

Helps the hair cuticle to lay flatter, so hair holds moisture longer and has more shine.

Helps growth by removing bacteria and fungus.

Be sure the pH is a 4.

Aloe Vera Spritzer

A leave in treatment

Use daily if desired

Helps hair cuticle to lay flatter, thus creating smooth twist outs, shine and hair holds moisture longer. 

See how to increase hair growth with aloe Vera leaf HERE

The Coily Queen shampoo method for hydration

The Coily Queens Regimen is a lifestyle program for growing coily hair long and healthy. The regimen has a specific way of cleansing and conditioning. This is to ensure that your hair receives proper hydration. 

Shampoo day is more than just cleansing the hair of germs. It is also the way to hydrate the hair. Properly hydrated hair creates the best twist outs, braid outs and wet sets. Hydrated hair also helps you retain the most length. If your hair root is alive, this regimen will reap you mid back length, waist length and up to hip length hair. 

This process should be used in combination with the rest of the Coily Queens program, in order to achieve long, healthy hair. 

Products needed

A non sulphate shampoo

Organic apple cider vinegar

Deep conditioner

A natural leave in conditioner

Step one: Allow medium temp water to run over hair for 1 to 3 minutes. With hair under water massage your scalp, then smooth fingers over your hair in a downward motion. Saturate hair well.

Shampoo hair is big twists, if  you have excessive tangles

JOIN THE BEST HAIR GROWTH CHALLENGE AVAILABLE. SIGN UP NOW!

Step two:  Apply shampoo to hair and cleanse. Cleanse hair in sections. Hold the ends of each section as you massage the scalp with the other hand. Rinse lather again and rinse. 

IF YOU NEED TO DO ANY TYPE OF TREATMENT INSERT IT AT THIS STEP

Step three: Deep condition or condition hair. Sit under a heating cap, hooded dryer or steamer. Rinse out conditioner with cool or room temp water. (Do not towel dry or remove water)

Step four:  Fully saturate hair with all of ACV rinse.  Let it sit on hair for 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water. (Do not towel dry or remove water)

Sign up HERE

ACV can be used once a week
You can substitute ACV with the aloe Vera spritz, if desired. 

Step five:  With hair still soaking wet apply your natural leave in conditioner. Follow with the rest of your style products, oil scalp and sealant

CQ recommended sealants

Jojoba oil

Kuza hemp grease

Avocado oil

Shea Butter

Better results from protein treatments

Protein treatments are temporary treatments which adhere micro particles of protein to your hair. These protein particles make the hair stronger and less likely to break. With less breakage you are able to keep your hair strands longer, thus reaching your length goals easier. Protein also helps to make the hair appear fuller. Protein benefits are temporary, therefore they must be repeated on a weekly or monthly basis, depending upon the type of protein treatment you use. 


PROTEIN SENSITIVE?

Some people experience dry hair after doing a protein treatment, thus leading them to believe they are protein sensitive. The problem comes from not adding enough moisture back to the hair, after the protein treatment. Because the protein is sitting on top of the hair, you will need to double your moisture regimen, post protein treatment. 

For most people simply doing a moisturizing deep conditioner, after a protein treatment will suffice. However for a small number of people they will need to double up the moisture, the entire week after doing a protein treatment. 


It is normal for hair to feel different, after a protein treatment. Do not expect your hair to feel like a moisturizing deep conditioner. Your strands might feel thicker, that is the protein on them. Do not judge the treatment, based off how your hair feels. Judge it based off whether it has reduced your breakage or whether the hair feels stronger or not. It can take several treatments to stop the breakage.

Protein treatments treat mild to moderate breakage. This article is addressing the issue of dry hair after doing a protein treatment. For more information about protein and answers to other protein questions see:  The guide to protein treatments.

SOLUTIONS FOR THOSE WHOSE HAIR BECOMES VERY DRY AFTER A PROTEIN TREATMENT

This after treatment, regimen is for after you use a hard protein treatment. such as aphogee 2 step treatment. A hard  protein treatment gives you the strongest reinforcement. A hard protein treatment will dry hard on the hair during application.

1. Follow up your protein treatment with a deep moisturizing conditioner.  
2. Baggy your hair for 3 nights straight after your protein treatment. (this means, apply moisturizer and cover with a plastic conditioning cap overnight)
3. Use a leave in conditioner that is protein free or that contains a small amount of protein. Your hair already has some good protein on it, no need to keep adding more. Be mindful of protein in the top five ingredients of your leave in conditioner. 
4. Deep condition hair each week using a protein free or low protein conditioner. Since your hair already has protein on it from your hard protein treatment, there is no need to add more protein when you deep condition. So deep condition with protein free or low protein conditioner.  
List of protein free conditioners HERE

Following these steps will enable you to reap the amazing benefits of  protein treatments. You will see your hair retain more length. You will reach your length goals faster and enjoy fuller styling hair. 

Purchasing bentonite clay for your hair

Clay washes for the hair are steadily growing in popularity. The reasons they are so popular with coily naturals is their ability to deep cleanse the hair without tangling it. Clay washes do an excellent job of making your natural curl pattern pop.  Most deep cleansers are stripping and leave the hair full of tangles. That is not the case with bentonite clay.  

There are many clay washes on the market. But they are expensive.  However a clay wash is very simple to create on your own. There are several different types of clays, you can purchase. This article will focus on choosing a Bentonite clay for your DIY. Bentonite clay is the most popular clay used on the hair. 

GREAT DEAL ON BENTONITE CLAY

Bentonite clay comes as: sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite clay. You will notice the sodium bentonite is cheaper than the calcium bentonite. When creating a wash for your hair, always choose calcium bentonite. Why? Because the sodium is more absorbent and therefore likely to strip the hair. The sodium  bentonite is more detoxing than the calcium bentonite.

Bentonite clay contains both sodium and calcium. However the ones labeled sodium bentonite, have a higher content of sodium. This means the PH will be higher and it cleanses deeper. So the rule is to choose calcium. If you already have the sodium bentonite, use it on your face. 

Calcium bentonite contains more silica. 
Bentonite clay pulls toxins from your hair and then it deposits. Sodium Bentonite will deposit more sodium and the calcium bentonite will deposit calcium and silica. 

For the hair choose Calcium Bentonite 
For the skin choose Sodium Bentonite 

ACTUAL PRODUCT MIXED

IMPORTANT:

Never prepare or store your bentonite clay in any type of metal. Once the clay touches metal, all the benefits of the clay are destroyed. Use glass, ceramic or wood. 

CQ Detox 7

• 1/2 cup of bentonite clay
• 1/4 cup of red clay
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice
• 1/2 cup of spring water (warm)

Deep cleansing instructions

• Allow warm water to run over hair for 1 minute
• Generously apply the Detox 7
• Cover with plastic cap
• Wrap in a towel or scarf
• Leave on for 1 hour
• Rinse off completely with warm water
• Once all clay detox is out, if your hair feels conditioned, proceed with your leave in conditioner. 
• If your hair does not feel feel conditioned enough then apply a deep conditioner

ACTUAL PRODUCT MIXED 

GOT MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEANSING WITH CLAY? GO HERE

CQ Clay Cleansing conditioning 

• 1/2 warm spring water (warm it up not using anything metal)
• 1/2 Moroccan red clay
• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp ACV
• 1/4 cup MAYO (KRAFT REAL MAYO)

Instructions:

• Generously apply to wet hair
• Cover with plastic cap and scarf
• Let it sit on hair 1 to 3 hours.
• Rinse out well
• Apply your leave conditioner, etc.