If you have frequented any natural hair care site or Blog I am sure you have seen the praises of this compound, known best for its moisturization benefits.  Being that I recently procured a container for myself:

I figured I’d feature it here to help get the word out to more Napturals who may have wanted to try it yet haven’t taken the leap yet.

I happened up RA Cosmetic‘s brand of shea butter one day while at Ye Olde Shoppe of Beauty, and picked it up on the premise of trying it out in a few recipes I’d discovered online.  For those unfamiliar, shea butter is a natural fat derivative of the Shea/Karite tree, which grows in the savannah belt of West Africa. Used largely in cosmetic and hair care products here in the states, shea butter is also used for cooking in certain parts of of its native continent.  In addition to its moisturizing and culinary properties, shea butter is also good for fading scars and dark spots, treatment of burns and eczema, improving muscle stiffness, and as a sunscreen. Other benefits, as outlined on the Treasured Locks Website, are:

For skin: Shea Butter nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F.  Vitamins A and E help maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy.  They are particularly helpful for sun damaged skin. They help prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines.  Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator. It soothes rough, dry or chapped skin and helps soften dry or damaged hair.  Also, Shea Butter easily penetrates the skin allowing the skin to breathe and not clogging pores.  Shea Butter has a high level of cinnamic acid, a natural sun screen.  So, it provides some degree of protection from the sun.  Shea Butter is also anti-inflammatory making it useful in treating rheumatism.

For hair: Shea Butter provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness.  It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to rehydrate without clogging pores.  It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair.  It is an excellent treatment for dry scalp. It restores luster to damaged hair.

So it is a multi-use product from every source I’d read, but how would it work for me was the question.

I was taking back by the initial appearance of it because I’d assumed it would be whipped and smooth like… well… butter.  But it was all good since I was sure it had to be easy to work with for some many people to use it in homemade products.  Once I got it home I found that like cocoa butter, shea butter comes in a semi-solid consistency that could be easily broken down and melted.  After learning it could be used on its own, however, I decided to forgo the recipe additions for awhile, and my introduction to the emollient turned out to be used in place of lotion after showering.  The effects were almost immediate (ie. softness, silkiness, and a sight glow to the skin) and long lasting (I applied it last night have not had to moisturize again yet), giving soothing relief to the dry, itchy skin that comes with the winter season.  Unlike commercial lotions, the butter didn’t instantly evaporate or become soaked into the skin, leaving it feeling as if I hadn’t applied anything.  Shea butter leaves a thin coating upon the skin, but unlike petroleum based moisturizers or baby oil, it’s not slick, overly greasy, or pore clogging.  It is the perfect moisturizer, especially for women of colour, and while it will take a minute to see the “fading” effects shea butter holds, I can attest to the pain relief qualities it holds too.

In the hair department, I have used pure shea butter on my edges after letting my hair air dry to “tame” them into laying down, but one of my favourite dressings — Carol’s Daughter’s Healthy Hair Butter — contains a good portion of the compound, and I can attest that it does soften the hair and help it maintain moisture.

Since this was just my first experience with shea butter, I thought I’d ask a few of my associates and friends who have used it for some time now, their thoughts on the product, and here is their feedback:

Jordayn offers: I use it on [this] dry skin of mine as of recent.  This winter brought out my severe dry skin.  I tried putting lotion on, I tried baby oil… I tried everything!  But when I tried the Shea., it lasted for me and made my skin a lot better and it was no longer dry.  My lotions were drying out during the day too.

Jacqueline says: I use unrefined shea butter.  It makes my skin super soft and all glowy like. I use it in my hair before washing to soften and after to shine.

Michelle, owner of Pegasus Soaps shares: It works better than anything I [have] ever used.  I like how it makes my skin feel smooth and the appearance of my skin. I also use shea butter in my homemade lotions too.

and Tanya adds: I have never used it on my hair, but I use it for the heels of my feet.  [It's] one of the cheapest, longest lasting products, and it works.

So the general consensus is, this is a product that is well worth the purchase, and offers amazing results for dry skin and healthy hair.  On its own or as a chief ingredient to your homemade and commercial products.  While there are many retailers who offer shea butter,  there a few things one must consider when purchasing it for themselves:

1. Shea butter should only be yellow or a creamy colour, ranging from white to gray or beige.  It should never be green.

2. When considering the type of shea butter to purchase or use, unrefined is best, as if is pure and natural.  Unrefined would be next on the scale because although it has been bleached, it still retains most of its natural components.

3. The longer it has been shelved, the less healing properties remain present, so try to avoid buying “old” shea butter.  If you purchase unrefined shea butter and either  has no odor to it or is rancid smelling, more than likely, it is old and should not be used.

4. When buying commercial products that claim to contain shea butter, READ THE INGREDIENT LIST CAREFULLY!!!  There are many manufacturers looking to make a quick sell based on the shea butter buzz, yet use very little of the compound in their products.  Make sure shea butter is one of the first ingredients listed to ensure you’re getting the most shea butter possible for your benefit.

Need to know more?  Well, a great resource for information on shea butter can be found at the American Shea Butter Institute, including reputable retailers by grade, as well as The Organic Shea Butter Website, which lists the various uses and benefits of using the substance.

Prices for shea butter range according to quantity (I believe my 10 oz. container was close to $4), and can be bought in bulk for both personal and commercial use.

So there you have it!  A veritable cosmetic wonderkind for both hair and skin, that is well worth its weight in natural beauty gold.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

In  continuing the celebration I am having about my successful twisting progression, and in light of the change I’ve made in the product I use to create the twists, I figured I’d do a comparison of :

I’ve had almost a year of practice with Two Strand Twists now yet really didn’t do any major experimenting with various products in order to get the process of twisting down to a science.  Now that I’m pretty much a vet in the twisting game I felt it necessary to branch out a bit and see what else was out in the natural hair ether that I might want to try or recommend.  So first up:

I’d started out with Natural Hair Care Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel simply because I’d seen it in Family Dollar and didn’t know any other product to use to accomplish the style.  I’d read various sources that stated using aloe vera gel works, as well as simply twisting the damp hair upon itself sans any sort of product, but I wanted to make sure my twists stayed twisted… especially since I had no clue what I was doing.

First consideration, of course, was ingredients and making sure none of the components made the “Don’t You DARE Put This In Your Hair” List from Nappturality.com‘s forum.  The list of suspects read as such:

Water Aqua , Coconut Milk (Cocos Nucifera) Extract, Soybean Oil (Glycine Soja) , PVP* , Polyquaternium 37*, Propyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben , DMDM Hydantoin, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance Parfum , Sucrose

* Polyvinylpyrrolidone

* A fatty alcohol which promotes body

That first ingredient is exactly what I was looking for, since I know water is hair’s first love, and the second caught my eye because I have fallen in love with how my hair reacts to coconut milk.  The rest didn’t seem too harmful so I took the plunge.

NOTE: When it comes to hair care products, it is good to be aware of what you are putting into your hair, thereby putting into you system… However, do not make the mistake many Napturals who take avoid certain products to the extreme because there are one or two ingredients on the “danger” list in your products.  Chances are, the amount of said ingredient is low (keep in mind that ingredient lists are compiled from chief to lesser active).  So shop smart, read labels and do research of your own before writing certain products off completely.

For the most part I was pleased with this product.  It’s petroleum-like consistency combined well with water (since it is water based) and held my twists well enough without dripping all over and resulting in a sticky mess.  Once dried the gel did not flake or cake up on the portions of my scalp like a lot of gels have been known to do, but I did notice that the longer I kept my twists in, the drier my hair became, which I did not like at all.  When it came time to do a twist out, I did not like the fact that they were generally semi-straw like to the touch, making it necessary to add an additional moisturizing product to each wavy strand and at times turning the curl into a frizzy poof.  This was not the case each time I used the gel, since I began to learn the proper balance between product and water which worked well for my hair, but it was the case more times than not.

Upon researching the product a bit closer via OragnicRootStimulator.com, I learned the company the makes the Natural Hair Care Organic Root Stimulator line is Namasté Laboratories, LLC, an Illinois based company that has been in the hair care business since 1996.  Beyond their Website, I couldn’t find very much information on the company itself, but here is their mission statement:

Organic Root Stimulator™ products were conceived, developed and marketed by Namasté Laboratories, LLC.  Namasté is a Hindi term which means “to bow to the divinity within.”  At Namasté Labs we interpret that to mean “to serve the beauty within,” which is accomplished through a new and exciting hair care system — Organic Root Stimulator™ — that gets to the root of healthy hair.

Namasté Labs was founded in 1996 to address the needs of the health-conscious, multi-cultural consumer market.  Namasté is dedicated to identifying holistic, innovative remedies for the healing and renewal of hair, skin and body.  This philosophy has made us a leader in natural, therapeutic health and beauty aids.

Namasté boosts and impressive product line, catering to both natural and relaxed hair, despite me never having heard of the company beyond the products I see in stores.

All in all, Natural Hair Care Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel works as it should, and with a price tag of $3.99 per 13 oz. tube it is a highly affordable option that will last for a good amount of styles sessions, dependent your hair length and how much you use per twist.

Now, I didn’t switch products out of necessity, because the NHCORS brand was working pretty good for me, but one day while I was out, I happened on the Murray’s Loc-Lock Gel and felt the need to check it out to broaden my product knowledge base.

Upon first look, the ingredients between the two gels are relatively close:

Aqua Water, PVP, Soybean Oil, Fruit Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Triethanolamine Carbomer, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Kertin Amino Acid, Parfum

Again, water’s the chief ingredient, so I was good on that, and although like the aforementioned gel there are two “danger” ingredients, I was really liking the tri-oils at the top of the component list.

Next, I took a look at the actual product and was further impressed with its actual gel-like consistency, which I knew would prove to be lighter than Natural Hair Organic Root Stimulator‘s brand.  Upon usage, because it to is water based, it worked well with the water in my hair, but I didn’t have to use as much water because I didn’t have to break the Murray’s down hair the way I did the thicker gel.  When applied to the hair I was not left with a slick, greasy feel on my fingers, and it seemed the gel was immediately absorbed into the hair upon contact.  Holding of the twist was apparent all the way down to the tip of the hair shaft, and the gel dried clean without flaking.

So far it seems both gels are equally par for the purpose of twist, locs and braids… and for the most part they are.  But what gives the Murray’s brand the advantage is it did not leave my twists with the dried straw feel once they dried!  I didn’t use any moisturizing agents prior to twisting, although I did coat each twist with a bit of Carol’s Daughter’s Healthy Hair Butter yesterday, but prior to that, my tresses were soft and fluffy-like as if I’d submerged my hair in water!  And when I did my twist out… AY DIOS MIO:

I cannot believe how lusciously defined each ringlet is, as well as moisturized and frizz free!  So performance wise, the Murray’s brand will be my twist gel of choice in the future.

On the company side of this product, I am extremely familiar with Murray’s Worldwide Inc. from growing up seeing their orange wave pomade tins around the house (any of ya’ll out there with brothers who were brush wave die-hards like mine was knows what I’m talking about).  Additionally, it’s a Michigan based company — Metro-Detroit, to be specific (Oak Park) — that has been in business since 1925 (first in Chicago then in Detroit in 1959), which speaks volumes of Murray’s product line to me personally.

The philosophy of the company, per MurraysPomade.com, which has been the same since C.D. Murray started selling the products out of his barber shop in the 1920′s, is yet another reason I feel in love with the gel:

Murray’s is committed to producing high quality products, that consumers demand, at fair prices. We will operate our business with honesty, integrity, and treat all of our distributors with respect and fairness.

You can’t beat longevity when it comes to a company that produces something as intimate as products you use on your hair and skin.  Evidently, they’ve got to be doing something right to have lasted so long.

Price wise, in comparison to the NHCORS brand, Murray’s is a bit more expensive considering you’re paying an average of $3.40 for each 8 oz. jar.  But personally, considering how well it works with my hair and the fact that I only need to use a dap per twist strand to receive maximum results, I don’t mind the quantity difference for the price.  I have had a tub of the NHCORS brand since May 2008 and am just now close to depleting it, but haven’t made a dent in the Murray’s yet, so that tells a lot about the quality, which is far more important to me than quantity.

In addition to the twist gel, I also picked up a bottle of Murray’s Liquid Beeswax Anti-Itch Formula to correspond with the gel for retwisting, if I wanted to keep the twists in longer than my normal four days.  I used it yesterday and was pleased with the results… no stiffness, maintained softness, no frizzies, and glorious sheen!  A wonderful combination of beeswax and essential oils provides a light and healthy dressing that aids in keeping your twists or locs “tight”.  A great companion, indeed.

So there you have it.  Two gels designed for the same purpose, and my personal pick between the two.  As I said previous, both gels get the job done, and the result that I had with them both may be different for someone else with a different hair type than mine.  But both are well worthy the purchase if you wish to twist.  You may even want to do a comparing experiment of your own to see which one works best for you.  If you do, I’d love to hear your results here, or via email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

While cruising the net in search of useful content, I ran across a glossary over at Naturally You! Magazine, which contains the most frequently used terms when it comes to the natural journey.  And like always, I thought I’d share this resource for those of you who may not be in the know.  So here they go…

ACV – Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, used quite often by loc wearers in the baby loc stage to clean the scalp. Also used by freeform naturals to remove build up from the hair.

Baby Locs – Locs that have just been started and have not yet begun to mat.

Bantu Knots – Hair is parted into sections, and twisted until it folds upon itself, creating a “knot” of hair.

Big Chop – Often used to describe a person cutting off all of their permed hair, down to fairly short natural hair.

BradeLocz – Locs formed by braiding the hair in small sections. Locs formed with this method are often tightened with a tool used to weave the new growth in near the root. This type of locing technique avoids unraveling when swimming, shampooing, or working out.

Braid Out – A style created by braiding the hair, usually wet and/or with products, and removing them to create a crinkly/curly effect. Can be done on freeform naturals or locs.

Comb Coils – Single strand twists formed using a comb to twist the hair.

Co-Wash – Washing the hair with conditioner only, instead of shampoo. Also known as the “no-poo” method.

“Creamy Crack” - A term used by many naturals to describe chemical relaxers.

Double Strand Twists – Created on naturally coily hair, this style involves wrapping two strands of hair together like a rope. The hair can be parted in small, medium, or large sections.

EO – Essential oils are potent, concentrated plant extracts used in various applications in cosmetic, medicinal, and some household products.

EVOO – Extra virgin olive oil. Often used as a hair moisturizer by Black women with natural hair.

Flat Twist - The hair is rolled so that it lays flat against the head, similar to a cornrow.

Freeform Natural - Natural hair worn “loose” and un-loced.

Latchin’ – A method of retightening locs requiring the use of a latch hook. Latch hooks are also used to make rugs and attach weaves. They are available at most beauty supply stores, and many craft stores.

Palm Rolling – A technique used to smooth out the shaft of a loc by rolling it, with or without product, between the palms of the hands.

Product Junkie – A person who continually purchases more and more products to try on her hair!

No-Poo – Washing the hair with conditioner only, instead of shampoo. Also known as the “co-washing”.

Root Bed - The new growth at the root of a loc is described as the root bed.

Shake-n-Go - A hairstyle [achieved] by washing the hair, applying products, and shaking it vigorously. This process adds volume and helps separate curls.

Shea Butter – Made from shea nuts, a creamy butter used to smooth skin and soften hair.

Sisterlocks ™ – A method of locing the hair using a patented method of intertwining the hair with a tool. Sisterlocks can be started on permed or natural hair.

Transitioning – Allowing the natural hair to grow, while maintaining the permed/chemically processed ends. Permed ends can be cut off little by little, or all at once when the natural hair has reached the desired length.

TWA - Teeny weeny afro, most often worn right after shaving off the remnants of a perm. This is the no holds barred way of going natural. Recommended as the best way among many natural heads, this is the way to start over completely fresh and get to know the natural you.

Twist-n-Clip – A method of retightening locs involving twisting the new growth while damp, and using hair clips to clip the loc in place until dry.

Twist Out – A style created by double strand twisting the hair, usually wet and/or with products, and removing the twists to create a curly/wavy/crinkly pattern. Can be done on freeform naturals or locs.

Source: www.naturallyyoumagazine.com/content.php?id=4

Healthy Hair Wishes,

One of the “easiest” style to maintain while I transitioned, has been to simple toss my tresses back into a ponytail and throw one of my many bun wraps over it:

Not only is it a “no fuss/no muss” style, it also protects the hair by shielding it from potentially damaging elements, as well as keeps your hands out of it. But the art of tying a proper head wrap can be a bit tricky. I prefer the bun wraps (for now) because they are relatively easy to tie, just gather like a ponytail and wrap the ends around to form the bun. However, there are many other wrap variations to try, and here are some tutorials to demonstrate the versatility of the wrap!

hair wrap 1

hair wrap 2

hair wrap 3

hair wrap 4

hair wrap 5

I also discovered some text wrap tutorials on AfricaImports.com, and on the Anyiams Creation Website.

Do you wrap, or know of other wrap styles? Feel free to share them by either commenting here, or sending an Email to amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

Happy wrapping!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

I do not have alopecia, but I know more than a handful of people who suffer the the malady.

According to Wikipedia:

Alopecia or hair loss is the medical description of the loss of hair from the head or body, sometimes to the extent of baldness. Unlike the common cosmetic depilation of body hair, alopecia tends to be involuntary and unwelcome, e.g., androgenetic alopecia. However, it may also be caused by a psychological compulsion to pull out one’s own hair (trichotillomania) or the unforeseen consequences of voluntary hairstyling routines (mechanical “traction alopecia” from excessively tight ponytails or braids, or burns to the scalp from caustic hair relaxer solutions or hot hair irons).

According to Colosal.com, there are various types of this condition, affecting different areas in the scalp.  While there is no specific documented cause for the condition, in my research I have come across a few homemade recipes that “claim” to “cure” it and wanted to share them… so here they are:

Shampoo for Alopecia

Since everybody has their own favorite shampoo, we do not have a special shampoo recipe, but do suggest that you add the following essential oils to your regular shampoo. It is however suggested that you use a mild natural shampoo.

The dilution that you should use is as follows, and please do not add more essential oil than specified, as it may cause irritation.

• 100 ml shampoo mixed with
• 15 drops jojoba oil
• 8 drops carrot oil
• 7 drops rosemary oil
• 7 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil

You can use this shampoo as your regular shampoo.

***

Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil

This stimulating lotion can be massaged into the scalp in the morning, after washing and partly drying the hair. Massage with care so as not to stretch or break the hair while massaging.

• 100 ml mix (50/50 of rosewater and distilled water)
• 15 ml apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops rosemary oil
• 6 drops jojoba oil
• 3 drops carrot oil
• 3 drops geranium oil

This mixture should be kept in the fridge and will separate when standing, necessitating you to give it a good shake every morning before applying about 2 teaspoons of the mixture.

***

Hair Conditioner Treatment

For a once-a-week conditioning treatment, you can apply the following oil blend and leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off. When washing it off, apply some shampoo to the hair before you wet it, to help remove the oil easily.

• 2 ml jojoba oil (40 drops)
• 8 drops evening primrose oil
• 2 drops geranium oil
• 2 drops palma rosa

***

Alopecia Oil Treatment

This oil blend must be gently (repeat gently) rubbed onto the scalp once a day at night before going to bed. Pay special attention to the bald spots but work through your entire scalp.

• 3 drops rosemary oil
• 4 drops geranium oil
• 4 drops lavender oil
• 1 drop frankincense oil
• 4 drops cypress oil
• 2 drops cinnamon oil
• 2 drops juniper oil

Take one drop (1 drop only) per day and massage into the scalp before going to bed. The best way to do it is to dispense one drop onto your finger, then rub all your fingertips together to distribute the oil, and then massage the scalp with your fingertips. This treatment must be applied every day, without a single day being skipped.

This is one of the few times where we will use neat (undiluted) pure essential oil on the skin, and you are advised to be on the lookout for any . Should that occur immediately cease with the treatment.

Since you are strongly advised to thoroughly wash your hands after applying this treatment, as to prevent accidental transference of the neat oil into your eyes or other sensitive areas.

###

The recipes were found on Esoteric Oils, which offers all the oils listed in the recipes, as well as other premixed oil blends.  Other points of interest on the site are a dry alopecia shampoo recipe, a final hair rinse, and a safety guide for essential oil use.

I would really like to receive comments from those you who put the recipes to the test, or have used the recipes.  Both pro and con results are welcome.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

Making sure your hair is properly moisturized is a key element in maintaining hair healthy, whether natural or chemically treated. So no matter how I style my hair, I make sure that my strands and scalp are properly oiled (NOT greased) with a light, non-petroleum/mineral oil based product.

NOTE: Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin and hair just like plastic wrap. The skin’s natural barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). The skin’s ability to release toxins and wastes is impossible through this “plastic wrap,” which can promote acne and other disorders. It further hinders normal skin respiration/transpiration by keeping oxygen out. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age. Holding in large a mounts of moisture in the skin can “flood” the biology and may result in immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily. Petrolatum – A petroleum-based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil. (source: www.nappturality.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=22)

To date, my two favourite commercial products for moisturizing purposes have been:

Africa’s Best Utilmate Herbal Oil and African Royale Hot Six Oil.

NOTE: On my Products Page I listed that I used Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural daily oil cream moisturizer and Olive Oil nourishing sheen spray, but have since stopped using it due to mineral oil being the chief ingredient in both products.

Both oils boost an “impressive” ingredient starting lineup of “natural” oils such as soy bean, sweet almond, and olive, and a wide array of other nurturing elements. In addition to the benefits these two oils have for your hair, they are equally as good for your skin, and can be used as a massage, bath, and nail oil! Talk about bang for your buck. *wink* But one day, while discussing the products I use on my hair, I was asked which oil I preferred and why. Honestly, I only picked up Africa’s Best because the store didn’t have any Hot Six Oil when I went shopping, assuming the two were inter-changeable since they were both oils. A preliminary check of the ingredients assured me there was no mineral oil or petroleum so, I put the AB oil in my basket and kept it moving.

But the question got me to wondering, and the wondering got me to component comparing, and component comparing rendered a few surprises and boat load of enlightenment!

1. I paid a visit to the company Websites of both products. Or, I made an earnest attempt to.

At Bronner.com, makers of African Royale Hot Six Oil, has a long standing history in hair care manufacturing and has this to say about its product:

Hot Six Oil is made from only ALL NATURAL plant herbs and oils with absolutely NO ANIMAL FAT or animal oils Hot Six Oil’s special light formula goes in hair, skin, scalp, and nail cuticles easily and without heavy oil build up. Hot Six Oil leaves your hair light and well conditioned.

HC Industries, Inc., manufacturers of African’s Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, who I have never heard of, would probably boast a similar claim for their product… provided they had a Website. I did, however, find a company profile for a business with the same name HERE, but am not clear if the two are one in the same since the company listed on AB’s bottle says it’s located in Stone Mountain, GA. The one listed on Manta is in Dallas, TX.

So score one point for AR, for having a reputable company backing it. Not sure I can trust a product whose company keeps its identity a secret.

2. I compared ingredients.

African Royale Hot Six Oil: Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Vitamins E, A, & D, CYCLOMETHICONE*, Sheep Sorrell, Yarrow, Slippery Elm Bark, Sage, Henna, Comfrey, Burdock Root, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Cherry Bark, Black Walnut, Chamomile, Alfalfa, Hyssop, Wheat Germ, Fragrance.

Africa’s Best Ultimate Herbal Oil: Soy Bean Oil, Walnut Seed Oil, Kiwi Fruit, Extract Olive Fruit Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Safflower Oil, Calendula Extract, Yarrow Extract, Cucumber Extract, Carrageenan Extract, Ginseng Extract, Sage Extract, Comfery Extract, Aloe Extract, Fragrance.

* Synthetically made vitamin E

* A derivative of silicone

NOTE: Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. “Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes,” (Home Safe Home). For better health try purchasing unscented products and for fragrance, adding a natural essential oil. (source: www.nappturality.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=22)

So in the ingredient realm, it seems AB has a leg up on AR, with only “one” potentially harmful ingredient. However, AR seems to be loaded with more full strength herbs and actual vitamin content, while AB relies on extracts and a synthetic vitamin E substance.

3. I compared price.

At Walgreens.com, AR seems to be coming in as the more expensive of the two at a “hefty” $4.99 per 8 oz. bottle. For an 8 oz. bottle of AB, you come out $1.70 cheaper at $3.29. In my opinion, the price difference is directly related to the ingredients (extracts vs. full strength) used in each product. Prices vary for each product depending on the “store”, but AR still comes out as the “pricier” of the two.

So, with all those things considered, I guess I would have to say that despite the price difference, I much prefer African Royale Hot Six Oil to Africa’s Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, which doesn’t seem so “ultimate” now that I look at it. *lol* The fact that AR contains a silicone derivative does not sway my choice one bit because I personally do not use it heavily, or constant enough for my hair to be negatively affected by silicone’s “smothering” properties.

I guess when all is said and done, it’s come out better if I just stick to a light coating of regular old olive oil after washing, and a daily vitamin E supplement. But since I’ve already shelled out $3.79 (Beauty Club member price) for a full bottle at Sally’s, Hot Six Oil isn’t too bad of an alternative, in my humble opinion.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

As I stated previously, while the central focus of this Blog is on Black hair (because it doubles as a personal journey of my natural progression), the overall premise is to highlight techniques to maintain healthy hair across the colour lines. So this Special Interest entry is highlighting home hair care recipes specifically designed for my naturally natural blonde sister from across the big pond, Blue Cat. *wink*

NOTE: These may also be of some use for “bottle blondes” who want to keep their colour fresh.

And without further delay… here goes it!

Sunshine Shampoo for Blonde Hair

1/4 cup liquid Castile Soap

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Mix together all the ingredients and heat in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until it is hot but not boiling. Cool the mixture completely and strain to remove the lemon zest. Store in a bottle. Shampoo as you normally would. Rinse well with cool water.

***

Chamomile Hair Shine for Blondes

1 c. chamomile tea

water as directed

Prepare tea and set aside to cool. Shampoo hair as usual and lightly condition it. Pour tea over hair and work in from scalp to ends. Quickly rinse with COOL water, towel dry, and style as usual.

***

Anti-Frizz Formula

1/2 c. conditioner

1/4 c. honey

1 tsp. almond oil

Massage mixture into damp hair and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing out.

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And there you have it!

Since I am not blonde these recipes serve little use to me, I’d love to receive result comments from those of you who have put them to the test.

For those of you considering going blonde, or lightening your hair at least a shade, and want to forgo the chemical route, you can accomplish this by simply rinsing your hair with a solution of lemon juice and water, and allowing the sun to do the lightening for you. Of course this lightening process takes time and various applications, but if you’re diligent, you will notice a gradual change in a matter of weeks.

Have any blonde hair recipes or styling techniques to share? Drop a comment here or send them to me in an Email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com .

Healthy Hair Wishes…

*** Source List: LongLocks.com, RecipeZaar.com