New Growth

On Sunday I will be 9 weeks post. It's funny, but my new growth is no bother at the moment, thanks to ayurveda. So here are some pics:

The hairline (non-alchoholic gel and a boar bristle brush takes care of this, I'll show pics of that soon):

Product Push: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

I used this product when I was natural and still use it as a relaxed head. It really is so very moisturizing and it works in minutes. I use it to co-wash. I pre-poo with oil on dry hair, I apply the conditioner in the shower and then I rinse. It's is so fast and effective-I love it!

Product Push: Profective Healthy Ends Anti-Split End & Deep Repair

In the summer type months I use a little something extra to be sure that my ends remain happy. I have found that Profective Healthy Ends sealed with coconut oil is really the best combination out there. My hair rarely has split ends and I believe this is a HUGE contributing factor to my retention of length. A little goes a long way with this product, it smells great and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I just put my hair in a ponytail and moisturize the hair that is hanging out of the ponytail with these two products. Works like a dream!

Ayurveda

This past weekend I tried a paste consisting of:
1 tbls. Brahmi Powder
1 tbls. Aritha Powder
2 tbls. Amla Powder

I must say WOW! My hair came out so soft, moisturized and it seemed to have a different feel to it than normal. I think this loosened up the texture a little which is great considering that my new growth is always a beast. I've been bunning like my life depends on it, so nothing new in that department.


Also, right now I am searching for a great up-do for a function on Sunday, so I will post pics of what I choose and how to do it on Sunday or Monday.

E-mail Response: Method for mixing henna

Q: Do you mix your Jamila Henna with all of your other powders? Have you ever slept in your Henna overnight? I was thinking I had to pre-poo, co-wash w/ the Ayurveda powders, and then add the Henna paste afterward.

A:
As far as the mix goes, I just use water, henna (100 grams or 1 box). and for coloring I add 1 tbsp. of Hibiscus petal powder or Amla powder to the mix as well. This will help to keep the henna from overwhelming your hair and drying it out. The dye begins to release immediately after the water hits it, so use gloves when mixing and applying it to your hair. I would apply in the shower or otherwise it will get everywhere! Let the mix sit overnight or for at least 8 hours to be certain that there is optimum dye release. I do not add lemon or anything acidic for the dye release because it just dries out the hair and the dye releases regardless.

I would never sleep with henna in my hair overnight. Henna is very very very strong and I would imagine that your hair would come out impossibly hard after sleeping in it overnight. I would not leave it on my hair for more than two hours, trust me it is a hard protein-like substance; if left on too long the hair becomes hard and unmanageable.

There are a couple of ways you could go about using the paste, You could:

1. Pre-poo with oil overnight or for at least an hour; apply the paste to dry hair; put on a plastic cap and let that sit for two hours; then rinse out with shampoo or conditioner several times (you want to be sure to get it all out because combing with it still in your hair will lead to breakage); deep condition and Voila!

or

2. Pre-poo with oil overnight or for at least an hour; rinse hair for 5 minutes; apply paste to wet hair; put on plastic cap and let sit for an hour; rinse out with shampoo or conditioner several times; deep condition and Voila!

My New/Old Moisturizer

So, I tried to find mango butter around, but I could not find any. I remember when I used to use it, I could only find it at one of the many Sally's around here and that Sally's has changed locations. So, what to do?

Well I decided to move on to another old favorite of mine. Lotion! Specifically Vaseline Intensive Care total moisture conditioning body lotion. Lotion? You say. Well some lotions are just as good as hair moisturizers. This lotion does not have mineral oil or and it has lots of good things like gylcerin, vitamin e and various oils. It really leaves my hair feeling extremely soft and moisturized.

Plus I can find it at any store, its cheap, comes in big bottles, and lasts awhile. Can't beat that!

Ayurvedic Paste on Wet Hair

So, yesterday I made an Ayurvedic paste for my wash since I am done with the tea. I pre-pooed with a mix of amla and vatika oil overnight, I detangled and then rinsed my hair for about 5 minutes. Then I applied the paste on wet hair, something I've never done before, lol. I then rinsed it out with suave humectant and then I deep conditioned under the dryer for 10 minutes. I then applied leave-in and coconut oil, air dryed with my hair hanging down and this week I am wearing the donut bun.

It turned out wonderful! The paste on wet hair is where its at. Now that I've tried the tea and paste on dry and wet hair I will definitely say that the paste on wet hair is the best. My hair is so incredibly happy right now. I was even amazed at how pliable the new growth was even though its already been a lot easier with Ayurveda anyway.

I'm going to keep experimenting with pastes just because there is no downside to doing so. This week I used a paste of:
1 tbls. Amla Powder
1 tbls. Shikakai Powder
2 tbls. Brahmi Powder
This made my hair soft and my new growth very happy, however the shikakai powder is always a challenge to get out, so I will not use Shikakai weekly. I think I will use Amla and Brahmi weekly mixed with other things because they seem like a good base.

*By the way last week I wore the braided bun.

French Braid

I used to not have a clue how to French Braid and then I discovered the amazingness that is youtube.


I followed this woman's video step by step, really step by step and she doesn't say anything!


Just thought I would share!

Ayurveda, Next

So, I used up my tea, now I'm bored with it, lol. That happens with me. That's one of the reason's I love Ayurveda, I can change things up easily. I am going to start using pastes again, but this time on wet hair. I will use one moisturizing powder and one other mixed together every week.

Of course I'll blog about each experience.