Hello Hello!  Yes it’s been awhile, I know.  Since I’m pretty much locked on my products I haven’t really been doing any experimenting, but I decided to do another remix to my beloved avocado-coconut conditioner recipe.

As you read in our last ITMF post, NaturallyFlyy treated us to her twist on the conditioning classic, as well as my result with it.  Well this week I decided to add a dash of my own spice into the mixing bowl… Literally.  After doing a bit of research I discovered that sage is a wonder herb when it comes to strengthening weak, brittle hair, so I threw on the Journey Kitchen apron and whipped up a batch!  It came out beautifully, and after I shared the news on Twitter I received a request from CommonSynce to share the recipe because she’s in the market for a new conditioner.  So here it is ladies and gentlemen:

Avocado-Coconut-Honey-Sage Conditioner

1 avocado

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 tsp. honey

2 tsp. coconut oil

1/2 tsp. ground sage (can be chopped fresh sage can be used as well)

Peel and mash avocado and add it and other ingredients to a blender or food processor.  Blend until mixture is creamy and apply as needed.  Mixture can be kept for up to two weeks as long as it is well refrigerated.

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Since I have experimented with various renditions of this conditioner and the effects of sage usage is a time dependent thing, I will not be presenting a results post.  But I can guarantee you, the avocado-coconut combination has never failed to give me body, define my curl pattern and help to promote softness.  When I added coconut oil to the mixture, as suggested by NaturallyFlyy, my hair remained moist and manageable up until it was time for me to wash it. So adding the sage to boost hair’s strength can only be a win-win from where I’m standing.

NOTE: I’m sure sage oil would be a great alternative to powered or fresh sage, although you might want to use only a teaspoon of it and coconut oil in order to cut down on the greasiness.  Additionally, all ingredient levels can be increased or decreased depending on desired texture and quantity.

So there you have it, my personal twist on an old favourite.  If you happen to use it I’d love to hear your thoughts and results via Email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

And here are the results!

Recipes are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 Afro Picks… 1 being the lowest rating, and something I would not use again or recommend, and 5 being the highest rating of something I’d most likely use again within the next five minutes. *lol*

And heeeeeeeeeeeeere we go…

Avocado Conditioner with a Twist –

Because the original is my conditioner of choice whenever I have the ingredients at hand, the rating should really be a no brainer.  Rich in the good types of fatty acids hair loves, avocados are one of the most nourishing and growth stimulating products for conditioning the tresses.  Combine that with the detangling and deep softening  properties of the coconut milk, and this concoction is a mixture of love for adding body and sheen, as well as defining the s-pattern of coiled hair.  So in and of itself, avocado and coconut milk work wonders, but when you add the antioxident benefits of honey and the moisturing characteristics of coconut oil there’s no way you can lose with this product.

Because I was on a tight schedule Friday, I used the mixture as a co-wash agent, wetting the hair and applying the conditioner like a masque.  I allowed it to sit on my hair capless for only fifteen minutes instead of the recommended hour, considering I would not be fully rinsing my hair and the mixture would still work to condition my hair as I traveled to my destination.  After the fifteen minutes were up I rinsed my hair relatively well to make sure all the pulpy bits were removed, then allowed my hair to air dry in my signature Afro puffs.

Once my hair was dry, I noticed that the outer layer was somewhat rough to the touch, which I attributed to napping with my hair uncovered (I know… shame on me), but when I took my puff out I was astonished by how well moisturized my scalp and the roots of my hair were, was well as with the well defined wave pattern of my hair!

Another benefit of this conditioner is the amount of body it promotes!

This is definitely the type of conditioner that works well with styles that need that “puff” of thickness like Afros, twists, twist outs or wash outs.

Now I will caution you on one thing.  Because I did not follow the exact recipe, using a full avocado instead of a half of one, I think I over did the coconut oil addition, giving my hair and initial “slick” feeling.  Considering both the avocado and coconut milk provide hair oil as well, you will only need a little of coconut oil to serve its purpose, without having your hair weighed down.  This slickness was of course was remedied by a full and thorough rising and ACV clarifying (or an actual shampooing if you’d like to go that route), but I just wanted to make you all aware that you can have too much of a good thing.

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So there you have it.  I’d like to thank LaTonya for sharing the remixed recipe with us, and urge you to check out her Naturally Flyy Blog, as well as the Innovative Thinking Youtube Channel, both of which are filled with all sorts of beauty goodies for the natural minded.

If you do try any of the recipes out presented in the In the Mix Friday Series, I’d love to hear your results. You can leave a comment here or send them to me via Email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

I wish you happy experimenting!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

Hey Hey Every People!  I’ve been wanting to return to the Journey Test Kitchen for a while now, but transitions and periodic loss of Internet have prevented me from doing so.  Well with those issues being largely swept under the rug, here we are again, treating our tresses with goodness straight from the kitchen!

This return will see us revisiting a favourite that has been kicked up a notch by the lovely LaTonya, aka Naturally Flyy of the Innovative Thinking Youtube Channel: Avocadao/Coconut Milk Conditioner.  Now you know from past entries, in my opinion the ACM conditioner is a G_d send recipe that brings out the natural beauty of curly/kinky hair.  But when LaTonya tweeted her additions I just had to try the remix out.

Ready to check it out?  Well here it go!

Avocado Conditioner with a Twist

1/2 avocado

2 tbl. coconut oil

1/2 cup of coconut milk

1 tsp. honey

Mash avocado thoroughly and mix with coconut oil.  Combine with the coconut milk and stir until it resembles a thick mixture, then add the honey. Wash your hair as normal, if desired, or you can use this as a co-wash agent.  After you’ve added it to you hair, cover and allow to set for an hour, then rinse completely.

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For a video play-by-play of the process click HERE.

And now, off I go into the kitchen and will return a bit later with the results.

Healthy Hair Wishes,

And here are the results!

Recipes are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 Afro Picks… 1 being the lowest rating, and something I would not use again or recommend, and 5 being the highest rating of something I’d most likely use again within the next five minutes. *lol*

And heeeeeeeeeeeeere we go…

Milk and Oat Mask –

Putting this recipe together is as simple as making a bowl of your favourite breakfast cereal. Simply cook the oat, add the milk and honey, and *VIOLA*! Since the oats are cooked, I didn’t have as difficult a time applying the mask as I did with the Oatmeal and Honey Mask from week one. It was, however, just as messy, so if you dare to try this mask you want to make sure you do it over a sink or at the bathroom counter.

Clean up is relatively easy as well, once you get all the honey off, and the after effects are smooth skin and “small” pores. You want to make sure to use a toner as a follow-up to make sure your pores are open enough to get rid of any of the mask that may have embedded itself, and I found it very necessary to moisturize once all was said and done.

While I won’t be personally using this recipe again, I do recommend it for all skin types, at least once a week.

***

Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Balm – 1/2

This may not replace my beloved Blistix anytime soon, but I do hold a slight affinity for this mixture, simply because I love olive oil. I used turbinado sugar instead of regular granulated sugar, to really get the exfoliation effect going.

Application takes a bit of finesse since olive oil has a somewhat drippy consistency, but once the mixture was on my lips the results were almost instant! Not too “greasy” yet very very smooth, giving my lips a full and sexy softness.

Unfortunately, this was not a long lasting balm. Within about two minutes my lips soaked up most of it, and I needed to reapply. A travel container may be necessary if you take this on the go, because several applications might be in order.

***

Cool Tea Eye Compress –

I really don’t suffer from puffy eye syndrome, but I figured I’d give this recipe a try since I read a lot… to give my eyes a “refresher” of sorts.

As simple as making a cup of tea because essentially, that’s exactly what you’re doing! So this recipe doubles as a thirst quencher as well!

I used green tea, and followed the directions accordingly. Once the time elapsed I can say that my eyes did indeed feel a bit “fresher”, if you can imagine that. Beyond that, this recipe didn’t do much for me, but I’d still recommend it for those who do suffer puffy eyes or constant eye strain.

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So there you have it. If you do try any of the recipes out, I’d love to hear your results. You can leave a comment here or send them to me via Email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

I wish you happy experimenting!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

There are a good number of you who are taking the naptural plunge and braving to wearing your natural hair, and for that I applaud you. But for as many of you who are picking up the gauntlet, just as many find themselves back on what diehards call “the creamy crack”, after your first month of sacrifice. The road to natural is not an easy one, nor is it for the faint of heart. But remaining in the know about what you can expect, and how to properly transition in a way that’s right for you, can make all the difference in the world.

So for those of you on the front lines, traveling that first leg of the journey, I have scoured the Net to bring you…

What to Expect (When You’re Transitioning)

by Amy, founder of NaturalHairCareGuide.com

I hate to break it to you but it is better to tell you now at the beginning. Ready? Ok. You will have to cut off your relaxer. You may choose to cut it all off at once, or you may trim it gradually. But it will have to go.

Once you have decided to stop relaxing your hair you will want to be natural ASAP. But transitioning can be a lesson in patience. Don’t believe any product that promises to “revert” your relaxed hair back to kinky again.

[Beware] of those telling you to pour beer or any other substance in your hair in an effort to make it “go back.” Relaxing your hair changes the molecular structure of your hair permanently, [and] the only [way] to get rid of it is to cut it off.

But don’t despair. In the end you will have a head full of healthy hair, if you take care of it during the transition process.

Breakage and Shedding

You will have breakage and shedding. You natural hair is stronger than the chemically treated part. The line where the two types meet is a weak point. Conditioning and wearing styles that limit the amount that you have to style your hair will help. In the end the relaxed ends will need to go anyway.

Opposing Opinions

Everyone will not agree with your decision to stop relaxing your hair. You should be prepared for that. If you haven’t already think about why you want to go natural. If you are solid and confident about your decision most people will respect that.

If you know that you are going to face a lot of opposition from friends or family, you may want to be low key about the whole thing. My mother always told me, “You don’t need to give people a stick to beat you with.” There are several transitioning styles that don’t draw attention to what you are doing with your hair.

If your current stylist is not a supporter of natural hair or only knows how to do chemical/heat styling, you may want to find a stylist who will be supportive of your decision.

Change in Hair Care and Routine

During this in between time you’ll need to take care of your hair differently. It will be important to condition and moisturize your hair regularly. You will need to wash your hair and comb your hair in ways that put tangling to a minimum. You will want to find a protective style that is right for you, if you will be growing your hair out and trimming the ends.

Transitioning Facts

How long should I transition?
That really depends on you. You can cut to the chase, do a Big Chop and wear a teeny weenie afro. Or you can grow your hair out so that you will have a little more to work with and take six months or a year or more trimming a inch off every month. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

What are some good transitioning styles?
Styles that cater to your natural hair, while taking into consideration the fact that you still have perm, are always a good choice. Styles that fall into that category would be: wet sets (roller sets, rod sets, straw sets); braids, twists and cornrows; braid-outs, twist-outs, and cornrow-outs; Bantu knots.

Is it a good idea to press out my new growth? What about transitioning with braids?
If your ultimate goal is to be able to wear/style your hair naturally then, relying [on] pressing is out of the question. You are really working against your hair and you are missing the opportunity to get acquainted with your hair in its natural state. Pressing your hair can also subtly, and not so subtly, change the characteristics of your hair by breaking the natural bonds. No amount of washing will bring it back.

Braids can be helpful in the process if done correctly (not too tight) and redone frequently with trims. However you don’t want to become dependent on braids either. Although wearing your hair in braid will not change your hair’s natural characteristics, you still don’t get the opportunity to work with your hair in its natural state. You have to start learning about your hair some time. What better time is there than during the transition period?

Should I go to a professional to get my hair done?
It really depends on you. If you really want to learn how to take care of your hair yourself then no one will ever know your hair better than you. But if you don’t know anything about doing your hair or work in a profession where you hair needs to have a certain look consistently, then you may want to get some help while you are learning. That help could be your co-worker, friend, or church member who happens to have natural hair that looks nice. Ask them what they do and if they would be willing to show you.

If you do decide to get your hair professionally done, try to find a natural stylist (different than a braider) who is willing to educate you on how to take care of your hair at home. Try to pay attention to what she or the other stylists are doing. Take mental notes.

Going to a salon is a great treat but it is best that it is a treat and not a necessity.

Help! My hair is falling out!
Stay calm. Most likely [you] are just experiencing some shedding. Some people experience a lot [while] others barely have very little shedding at all. Remember to be careful with your hair. The point where the natural and the chemically processed hair meets is very fragile. Those chemical ends will have to go some time, but you probably want it to go on your terms.

Split ends tangle easier that well managed ends so you may want to get a trim. Also, if you are loosing a lot of hair when you try to comb your hair out, try finger combing, using combs with wide teeth or detangling/combing in the shower.

The less you handle your hair during this time the less prone it will be to breakage and shedding.

How often should I trim my hair while I am transitioning?
An inch a month seems to be the norm. If you will be trimming your ends yourself make sure that you invest in a good pair of hair trimming scissors. Remember to only use your hair scissors to trim your hair. Cutting other things will dull them.

Why is my scalp itching?
There are many reason that you scalp could be itching. It could be reacting to the products that you are using. It could be dry. It could be just getting use to your new hair routine.

What products should I be using on my hair?
This is a hard question to answer because everyone’s hair is different. What works for me may not work for you. But I can give you some guidelines of things to look for and things to avoid. Look for products that moisturize, have proteins, and humectants (products that draw moisture from the air.) Avoid products that contain perfumes, dyes, petroleum, sulfates, mineral oils, and list of ingredients that look like the come from a chemist’s lab. After that it will be trial and error seeing what works best with your hair.

What should I look for in a good moisturizer?
Water at the top of the list is a good sign. Some good natural moisturizers are aloe vera gel and shea butter.

How often should I wash my hair?
Natural hair loves water, so you can wash it as much as you like as long as you are not using regular shampoos (those with sulfates). Co-Washing will get your hair clean and leave it soft and easy to detangle (very important when you are working with two different hair types.)

What is a co-wash or no-poo?
This is using conditioner or something other than of shampoo to wash your hair. Shampoos have harsh chemicals that can be drying and damaging to your hair. You can find more information about going shampoo free [on the Website].

Are there any safe shampoos?
Yes there are several sulfate free shampoos and shampoos that are better than what you usually find in the store. You can find a list of them here.

What is ACV and what does it do?
ACV stands for apple cider vinegar. You can make a rinse with it by mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. You would pour this over you hair as your final rinse. The rinse is mildly acidic so it helps balances {your] scalp’s pH. It closes the cuticle scales on your hair’s surface, which helps your hair to feel softer, and makes light reflect off your hair’s surface giving your hair a natural shine. It also can help to remove products that build up on the hair’s shaft, which can make hair look dull.

What is scab hair?
Scab hair is a term that refers to the hair that is just below the scalp that has been damaged because of the relaxers/perms. This type of hair may be drier and harder to style. It is not your actual hair, but the remnants of the relaxing process. You may or may not experience this condition. It all depends on how often and how long you relaxed your hair before you decided to go natural.

Source: NaturalHairGuide.com

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

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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.

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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,

Welcome back again… The results are in!

Recipes are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 Afro Picks… 1 being the lowest rating, and something I would not use again or recommend, and 5 being the highest rating of something I’d most likely use again within the next five minutes. *lol*

And heeeeeeeeeeeeere we go…

Mayo and Avocado Conditioner =

VERY easy to mix and not especially messy.  I was afeared of all the “odor” horror stories I’d read and heard about, but actually, the concoction was no more smelly than a Whopper with guacamole on it. *lol* Application was as simple as applying a premixed conditioner, and did not “drown” my hair in a creamy goo like I expected.

As far as after results… Well, my hair feels dry to the immediate touch, but I do notice a light oily feel that lets me know my stresses are not damagingly bone-dry and starved for moisture.  Not as soft as the avocado and coconut conditioner, and again, no “silky” feel of commercial conditioners, so that weighs a bit on my overall rating.  It’s going to take a few uses for my hair to become used to any homemade conditioners, so I can’t really say one way or the other whether this is a good recipe in that respect.  My hair feels thicker, or “stronger”, if it’s safe to say that, and my natural coil is a bit more “relaxed” than would normally be the case after I wash it.

As for rinsing… nooooooooooooooo problem!  I utilized cool water this go round, instead of warm, and the conditioner rinsed right out!  Like last week, it took maybe two rinses to make sure most of the pulpy bits of avocado were out, but there really was not a hassle with the rest since they came right out with a thorough comb-through.

This would be best recommended for oily hair, with a little less mayo, as it is the “oily” component of the mixture.  But I’m sure it’s safe for all hair types, and will yield great personal results the longer it’s used.

***

Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosemary Rinse =

If you’ve been following this series since its inception, you know I am an avid user of ACV in my hair for rinses.  Not only does it clear the hair of any residue left behind from shampoos and conditioner, it also returns the scalp to its natural ph level, and can calm dandruff and itchy scalp.  Over the past year I have regularly used a combination of ACV and water after each wash and condition and it has worked wonders for getting rid of the gunk!

When I ran across this recipe I was excited since I’d stocked my “magickal” cabinet with rosemary just a few short months ago.  But before putting the mixture to the test, I did my homework and found out that rosemary, a very, very versatile herb, is very nurturing for the hair and scalp!  It is believed to stimulate growth, treat dandruff, and even stave of thinning and graying.  Well since I have been having issues with itching and flaky scalp, I decided I’d give this “tea” a try.

Mixing was effortless.  Just measure vinegar, water, and rosemary, boil the water, then add the other ingredients.  Very much like making tea!  Now you can either use a strainer of a tea ball to rid the solution of the steeped tea leaves, but I used a simple coffee filter which served the purpose nicely.  The mixture has a very pleasant aroma that’s a nice balance of ACV and rosemary.

Application doesn’t get any easier than a simple pour, and instantly I could feel the effects of a less greasy texture.  I didn’t rinse it out, preferring to put the vinegar’s de-tangling properties to good use, and am feeling a difference in the “itchiness” of my scalp.  No flakes though, and definitely no grays. *lol*

The best thing about this recipe is, if you just so happen to make too much, it stores easily and “indefinitely” for multiple uses (remember, the longer something sits, the stronger it becomes, especially when it’s vinegar based).  So yes, I HIGHLY recommend this solution for any and all hair types.  While I can’t at this moment vouch for its hair thickening or growth attributes, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility with regular, long term use.

NOTE: Even though Rosemary is a fabulous herb, it is still not safe for everyone to take without consideration. The herb should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or suffering from epilepsy without the express permission of their doctor.  Since rosemary is a stimulant and is used sometimes as a herbal heart tonic it should also not be used by heart patients without consulting with their doctors.  (source: HairBotique.com)

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And BOO-YAH… there you have it.  Another successful In the Mix Friday that garners more “pros” than “cons” from the test kitchen.  s I suggested on last week, if you plan to use any of these recipes, you might want to play around with the ingredient amounts to find the mixture that gives you the best results for your hair type and condition. If you do try any of the recipes out, I’d love to hear your results. You can leave a comment here or send them to me via Email at amichelle@journeyback2me.com.

I wish you happy experimenting!

Healthy Hair Wishes,

It’s that time again Journeyers! Time to step into the Journey Test Kitchen and try a few homemade product recipes on for size!

Last week’s results were a little more on the “pro” than “con” side, with three out of the four recipes receiving five Afro picks and high recommendations.

Since I’ve pretty much found my facial recipe Zen, I’m going to remain strictly about the hair this week, focusing on deep conditioning over stressed tresses.

You ready?  Here we go!

Avocado and Mayo Conditioner (cause I had an extra avocado from last week lying around)

1 c. mayonnaise (NOT salad dressing)

1 avocado

Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and scoop out the flesh of the fruit. Mash well with a fork. Add real mayonnaise and combine thoroughly.  Work the mixture into your hair, paying particular attention to the ends (which tend to be more damaged). You can just use this mixture on your ends, if you prefer, especially if hair tends to be oily.  Cover head with plastic wrap, and then wrap a warmed damp towel over the plastic wrap. Let the mixture sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.

***

Rosemary & Vinegar Rinse

2 tbls. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. rosemary

2 c. boiling water

Boil the water in a small saucepan.  Add the herbs and vinegar.  Cover and allow “tea” to steep for at least 15 minutes.  If you want a stronger herbal infusion, add more herbs, cover and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes.  Turn off heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, pour over hair, and massage your scalp.  Rinse out with fresh water or, for extra conditioning benefits, leave it in and towel dry hair.

~@~

I will first wash my hair with Garnier Fruitis Moisture Works Fortifying Shampoo followed the cider rinse, and use a second cider rinse after conditioning.

I’ll return later with the results.

Healthy Hair,

Source List: i-ERM.com, ChagrinValleySoapandCraft.com.

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