Safety first

Many people are concerned about the safety of the ingredients in the products they use. I understand the need to be educated about what we put in and on our bodies. You can access numerous online resources and print material that will reveal more information about these ingredients. I wanted to share some sites that you may want to check out for yourself. Hope this helps.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

*site has link to cosmetic safety database*
http://www.safecosmetics.org/

Cosmetic Index
http://www.cosmeticindex.com/category/?page=view&advert_category_id=62

GCI Magazine
http://www.gcimagazine.com/

Cosmetics and Toiletries
http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/

Society of Cosmetic Chemists
http://www.scconline.org/website/index.shtml

Cosmetic Ingredient Review
http://www.cir-safety.org/index.shtml

Personal Care Products Council (former CTFA)
http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/

Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/

CosmeticsInfo.org
http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/

Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA)
http://www.cctfa.ca/site/cctfa/

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (U.K.)
http://www.ctpa.org.uk/

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/

Society of Toxicology
http://www.toxicology.org/index.asp

Thanks for reading. Be blessed

CallaLily

What is beautiful?

I understand that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and everyone has the right to their own opinion but I just needed to vent a little on this post. I have now been wearing my loose, natural hair for 11 months. My family has been totally supportive of my decision. However, last night some comments were made by my family that had me fuming! In summary, negative comments were voiced about women wearing locks. I have not considering locking my hair but I was offended by what was said.


Naturally, today I had to so some net surfing to find a hair gallery to go back and show to my family. Then, I remembered this blog. The creator of the blog also has a fantastic hair gallery here and I plan to head straight for the computer when I get home from work with my family following right behind me :-)


Hair choices are very personal and each individual has reasons on why they do the things they do with it. Going natural has allowed me to expand my views on what is beautiful. If you rock it "barber shop short", flowing down to your waist, natural or relaxed - I think it's all gorgeous and whatever your flavor is don't allow ANYONE to make you feel that you should conform to their view of beauty.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Wow, that's DEEP!!!

Lots of people pay attention to deep conditioning their hair in colder weather. I love the benefits of deep conditioning my hair year round. I try to do this on a weekly basis. Here are some pointers to know if the conditioner you use is intended to penetrate your hair and provide nourishment: (1) label may read “deep conditioner” or “hair mask” (2) the instructions indicate to leave product on for 15 minutes or longer before rinsing (3) the instructions suggest the use of some form of heat.

In this upcoming year, I am on a new quest. Since I have PJ tendencies, I have tried many conditioners during my hair journey. Some have been purchased local and some I’ve ordered online. I have also enjoyed whipping up many of my own homemade conditioning treatments. Many times, what I use on my hair will change from week to week but in 2010 I want to establish my staple products and stick to those products.

I have found some conditioners that are nice but I really want to scrutinize what I put in my hair. While I want the ingredients in the products I purchase to promote healthy hair, I also want it to be economically sound. For me, that means, paying $1 per ounce of product (or close to that range).

These are some conditioners that I will try in the future. Not only do the ingredients sound hair yummy but it falls within the price I want to pay for a deep conditioner:

Hairveda – SitriNillah Masque-Ultra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

Sweet Nature by Eddie – Love Deep Conditoner

Komaza Care – Olive Moisture Mask

I hope I have success with one of these products. Please let me know if you have tried any of these conditioners and what your results were. Also let me know of any product that I may want to try that meets the criteria.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

I'm on Facebook now!!!

So I FINALLY created a Facebook account. For those of you reading this that already have accounts, I’d love to connect with you over there *my badge is posted down in the right-hand banner*

I need your help getting acclimated on there also. Tell me where all the “hot spots” are – what groups are happening (natural hair or otherwise) and what are some of the pages you frequent? I might as well hit the ground running, right!

Until we meet again, take care & be blessed!

Thanks for reading.

CallaLily

Study Hall: Book Club

*Not directly hair related* I apologize; I'm not trying to turn this into a fashion blog (Lord knows I'm extremely under-qualified, LOL)

I just wanted to go back a bit and elaborate on my previous scarf post. I always like to take my research a step futher so of course, I has to visit my library. On top of the HOURS I spent watching YouTube videos, I was still hungry for more. To my surprise, I found NUMEROUS other ways to rock scarves! The books that I checked out, exposed so many other options that I didn't know existed. While I enjoy internet sources, I always strive to compliment that knowledge with addtional resources (regardless of the subject matter). May I suggest the same to you?

Here are some books that were available to me:

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Tie & Rock Your Scarf – Faith Blakeney, Justina Blakeney & Ellen Schultz
How many times have you looked at a scarf and thought, “cute, beautiful pattern . . . but what do I do with it?” Now with just a few basic tools and skills, everyone from a sewing novice to a fashion guru can reincarnate scarves old and new into party tops, ponchos, or even flowy evening dresses. The techniques are simple, the supplies are easy to find, and every one of the 99 awe-inspiring projects takes an hour or less, from start to finish.

How to tie scarves – Edie Weber
Next time you select a scarf to match your outfit and the occasion, tie it in one of these 24 distinctive styles. Full-color photos display every step and technique, along with fashion models showing off each finished touch. Experiment with your favorites for formal and informal occasions: * Windsor knot for the dress-for-success look * Whirligigs that add dazzle to casual * The turtleneck look and the double-ring look for casual dress * Ironed pleats for evening wear Add your favorite jewelry, as you braid a scarf with a gold necklace, or adapt scarves to different collar styles. The showstoppers: dramatic over-the-shoulder styles that plunge the length of your jacket in front, as well as imaginative streamers and pigtails down the back. 48 pages (all in color).

Sensational Scarves: 30 Fabulous Ideas for Twisting, Draping, and Folding – Carol Endler Sterbenz
A well-known artisan and best-selling author offers expert advice and step-by-step instructions on how men and women can use scarves to add color, style, and flair to any outfit.

The Complete Book of Scarves: All You Need to Make, Decorate, Embellish, Tie & Wear – Jo Packman
This elegantly photographed collection of scarves to make and enhance embraces the simple and the sensational. The fabrics specified include those found in notions departments and luxurious upscale fabric stores...and results subtly accent an ensemble or create daring and dramatic fashion statements. Clear, numbered directions for making and decorating various types of scarves are punctuated with profiles of the craftspersons....Those less dexterous who prefer simply to shop for their finishing touches, and those who have successfully created their scarves of choice, will appreciate the final chapter, which offers several pages of photos and diagrams of ideas for typing, draping, wrapping, and even decorating with scarves, allowing anyone to tie one on with style.--Booklist. 128 pages (all in color).

The five-minute scarf arranger – Pia Tryde Sandeman
Scarves continue to be the most touted, the most popular and the most versatile accessory in women's fashion. Here are instructions for creating more than 30 fabulous scarf arrangements.

I found these books very helpful. There are dozens of published books on scarves. Your local library may have a different selection but if you’re interested, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Let me be honest. . .

I’ve been tagged with the Honest Scrap award by the beautiful Chocolate Orchid. Thanks girlfriend!

10 Honest Things About Me:
1. I’m a terrible speller (always have check my spelling on such words as definitely, kielbasa, lasagna, and so on)


2. I used to be in 4H club (don’t front, I know ya’ll remember 4H smile)


3. I enjoy watching Spongebob with my daughter (sometimes without her)


4. I’ve only been horseback riding once (I think it was about 7 or 8 years ago)


5. I’m an obsessive note writer/list maker (which turns out to be a waste of paper most times, LOL)


6. I want to learn how to ride a motorcycle – Biker Chic Baby!


7. I’m probably one of the few people that has an acquired taste for okra (and brussels sprouts, and liver & onions)


8. It’s been years since I’ve balanced a checkbook!


9. I’m just now learning to enjoy shopping (more patience with age I guess)

10. I didn’t know how to properly cornrow hair until 7 years ago (a coworker showed me how on a baby doll – don’t laugh)

I will give this award to the following lovelies whose YouTube channels I enjoy but also have great content on their blog.

Naptural Diva

The Discount Trendsetter Show

Naturally Flyy

Hair && There

MissKrisNew



Here are the rules:

1. Post the award on your blog
2. Present this award to others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you
3. Tell those people they’ve been awarded HONEST SCRAP, inform them of these guidelines
4. Share “Ten Honest Things” about yourself


Thanks for reading. Be blessed!


CallaLily

My latest obsession

Scarves! Oh, why have I slept on these for so long? I am just putting my toe into the waters of this marvelous fashion accessory. Recently, I’ve spent countless hours on YouTube discovering the many ways you can sport scarves. From head adornments to tops, my nose is wide open to expanding my fashion choices with beautiful fabrics. All shapes (square to rectangle), all sizes (large to small), all colors (solids to prints) and all fabrics (cotton to silk), even winter scarves (got my eye on an Infinity scarf) – I will not discriminate, LOL. I now move past the mindset of the infamous cotton handkerchief worn to bed to exploring a whole new world of options. I’m ready to dive in but need to go shopping first – yay! I’ll be hitting up thrift stores and places like Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for starters. What ways to you wear scarves? Where do you buy them?

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Where have I been???

WOW, I didn't expect to be gone so long. Sorry that I haven't been around. I have been busy and preoccupied with other things. I still have left some things hanging and I intend to get back on track. I just wanted you to know that I'm still here and haven't abandon my blog. I'll be putting up some posts later in the week.

CallaLily

Study Hall: Information Overload

Ok, I am truly convinced that coincidences don’t exist; what is purposed to be; WILL be. Check out last week’s string of events:

Sunday: During a web surfing session, I discovered Naptural Roots Magazine for the first time (yes, I know I live under a rock). I made a note to go back and thoroughly check out the site later in the week – I had planned to feature them in my Study Hall post

Tuesday: Went back to check out the site and was deterred to do my Study Hall post on them since it was noted they were revamping the website. I wasn’t really sure what was going on and I seem to find sites that get abandoned (they longer update their page) or just end up being taken down (i.e. Natural Hair Digest). Then I decided I would post on a site that I had recently re-discovered.

Wednesday: Some time after I put up my post, I perused some other blogs that I read on occasion. I came across a post on Going Au Naturale from 2 weeks prior *interrupted thoughts: Why am I always late on so many things? I guess if I was on Facebook (like my friends keep nudging me to do) I might not be so clueless. . . back to your regularly scheduled program* Low and behold. . . Mae had done an interview with LeAnne Dolce, Founder of Naptural Roots Magazine. I’m so happy that I stumbled across this so I can share their dialogue with you. Enjoy the read on Going Au Naturale and check out Naputual Roots Magazine.

All in the universe is as is should be :-)

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

*You can click on the “study hall” label in the right-hand column to read posts you have missed

I'm truly honored: Kreativ Blogger Award

the.kisser has graciously bestowed me with my first award (Thank you!). I want to share my award with these fabulous blogs:

Nominees

1. The Natural Haven

2. ChocolateOrchid

3. Nu Kynk

4. Beads, Braids, & Beyond

5. Newly Natural

6. Nappturology 101

7. ~Back to Curly~

Here are the rules for recipients:

1. Copy the logo on your blog or post

2. Mention who gave you the award

3. Nominate at least 7 blogs you find creative (link your nominees within your post)

4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog

5. Share 10 creative facts about yourself

10 creative facts about moi:

1. I experiment with & tweak recipes (for hair and for eating) Go mixtress :-)

2. Soon I will explore making my own hair accessories

3. I like to plan small parties/events

4. I can tell great children stories

5. I LOVE jazz music

6. I played the clarinet

7. I organized a book club once

8. I attended African dance classes

9. I've made up my own games

10. I like doing "crafty" things

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Back to Basics: Seal (A Hair Regimen Series)

Here’s where we bring in the big guns – so break out your “heavy” artillery for this step. It is time to utilize your oils, butters and thicker creams. Several factors can determine what you will use here; weather, hair type, how you intend to style and what product (and how much) you used in step 4 are some things you may want to consider.

Step 5: Seal

What: Sealing is applying a product (oil or butter based) to the hair in order to lock in moisture.

When: Immediately following hydration

Why: The obvious intent of hydration is to prevent the hair from becoming dry.

How: In my personal opinion, you should seal the entire length of the hair shaft on your wash day while your hair is still wet. When you hydrate in the days following your wash, you may only want to seal the ends (feeling that using product daily on the entire hair shaft is not necessary).

It is important to explore your options and see what works best for your hair. If your hair is fine and easily weighed down or you don’t want to be left with “greasy” hair, a light oil may work best. For those whose hair is thick and coarse, your hair may respond better to heavy butters and creams.

Also, pay attention to the primary ingredients for the product you used in the prior step. Could your hair milk, lotion or cream serve as a sealant as well as a moisturizer?

Other notes: Remember that the ends of your hair are the oldest and require a little more attention.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Carrot (ongoing contest)

“What’s up doc?” I may be grown but I still love my cartoons :-) My daughter doesn’t appreciate carrots as much as Bugs Bunny but maybe she would agree to one of the treatments below quicker than she would gobble up a plate of them. Forgetting about the dozens of products you can buy that are carrot-based, I didn’t think I would find much hair related information on carrots. Indeed I was pleasantly surprised. Hope you enjoy what I discovered.

What’s on the menu for your mane #7 – Carrot

CARROT: A vegetable that is packed to the brim with beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and beta carotene. Beta-Carotene stimulates the formation of new hair and skin cells and also protects hair and skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution. There are also claims that carrots do a great job of cleaning out toxins and built up residue in hair and skin. Carrots are used to create Essential Oil, CO2 Extracts, Macerated Oil, and Hydrosol. The dried roots are even powdered to create a gentle, nourishing exfoliant. Carrot oil, being high vitamins A & E, is a great hair conditioner and helps to improve scalp condition.

Here are a few carrot recipes to try yourself:

Carrot Banana Hair Conditioner
3 carrots
1 ripe banana
Honey
Mayonnaise
Peppermint
Water
Blender
Container with lid
Towel
Steam or boil 3 washed and chopped carrots in 1 cup of water until tender. Fifteen minutes may be long enough to soften the carrots. Pour the carrot and water into a blender, and blend until almost smooth. Add fresh or dried peppermint to the blender and blend. Add the banana and blend until smooth and creamy. Next, add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the blender. Blend all ingredients together, making a smooth and creamy hair conditioner. Spoon the mixture into a jar with a lid, and store in the refrigerator until your next shampoo. Add a generous amount after shampooing, making sure to massage the hair conditioner in well. Wrap with a towel and leave in for 15 minutes to 2 hours. Rinse and towel dry.

Carrot & Avocado Hair Treatment
2 tsp carrot macerated oil*
1 ripe avocado
Prepare the macerated oil with the jojoba oil and carrot (*see below). Mash the avocado, then blend it with the oil to make a paste. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp and leave for one hour. Wash off, using a mild shampoo with added lemon juice.
* For carrot macerate place the grated carrot in a bowl. Cover the carrot with jojoba oil. Place the bowl containing the mixture over a pan of boiling water and heat for 1 hour. Remove from the heat, strain and repeat with fresh carrot. Strain and pour into a dark glass bottle.

Infused Carrot Oil
2 carrots, peeled and grated
Coconut oil
Place the grated carrot in the crock of a slow cooker. Add sufficient melted coconut oil to cover and pour it over the carrot. Replace the lid on the slow cooker and cook the carrots and coconut oil at the lowest heat setting until the carrots are very soft and the oil is a deep orange color. Remove from the heat and strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve. Pour into dark, glass jars and allow to cool and set. Oil can be used for hot oil treatments or added to hair conditioner.

NOTE: Please lean toward a bit of caution since I’ve heard that some staining can result from using carrots.

~Ongoing contest (click here for details and rules)~

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

Leave your entry below in the comment section.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Study Hall: Information Overload

Here is a cute site that I re-discovered recently. Samara’s site is dedicated to African American women with relaxed or natural hair who seek long, healthy tresses. She provides helpful articles on proper hair care. She also has a blog and YouTube channel with tutorials. Head on over there!

Grow Black Hair

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

YouTube is ssoooo awesome!

Along my hair journey I came across some great hair information and tutorials on YouTube. When I started my account, it was solely to subscribe to my favorite channels. Last week, when I did my Study Hall post on Black Owned Businesses, I was unable to copy and paste the table I had formatted. Therefore, the only reason why I went through the trouble of downloading a video to my YouTube channel was so my blog post wasn’t funky looking and EXTREMELY long, lol. I never imagined that anyone on YouTube would actually find my channel and view the only video that I downloaded. So basically, I did it for my blog readers and it is already reaching more people than I thought. I started to get responses from others. I have made a few revisions and 1 addition to my original list, then reloaded it. Hopefully, the video will gain more exposure and I will get more addition requests. I love how all of these cyber communities work in concert.

I have one other video slideshow in mind for the future but I don’t see me becoming a vlogger (video blogger) – for now my focus is just on blogging.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Back to Basics: Hydrate/Moisturize (A Hair Regimen Series)

Moisture comes from WATER; not oils and heavy butters. It is ideal to moisturize your hair at least once daily. Some do it several times a day while others may prefer every other day. Either way, it is vital that you incorporate this step into your hair regimen.

Step 4: Hydrate/Moisturize

What: Hydration is applying a product to the hair for moisture.

When: Daily is preferred

Why: The obvious intent of hydration is to prevent the hair from becoming dry.

How: Applying water or a water-based product to the hair without total saturation. A simple spray bottle of water or other liquid concoction is fine. Also, there are various leave-in conditioners that can serve this purpose. Hair milks, lotions or creams, listing water as the first ingredient, are also excellent.

Other notes: Depending on the style your hair is in, be aware that shrinkage is possible.


Thanks for reading. Be blessed!


CallaLily

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Cantaloupe (ongoing contest)

I don’t know if you all are enjoying this series but I’m having a ball! It’s so amusing to see all the creative hair recipes for edible items. I’m sure that many may look at these posts from time to and think that I’ve totally lost it, lol. Just trying to get you to “think outside the box”. Get involved and try to figure out what I’m going to cover next week. Let’s take a look at cantaloupe this week.

What’s on the menu for your mane #6 – Cantaloupe

CANTALOUPE: Our hair thrives when we give it what it needs. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that aids in producing healthy sebum in the scalp which keeps the hair and scalp moisturized. Without a sufficient amount of vitamin A the hair becomes dry. Vitamin C maintains the capillaries that circulate blood. Amongst other nutrients, cantaloupe is rich in these two vitamins.

Here are the cantaloupe hair recipes I found:

Fruit Salad Deep Conditioner Recipe
1/2 a banana
1/4 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon yogurt
Blend all ingredients. Apply to hair. For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 minutes. Then rinse.

Natural Hair Conditioner Recipe
2 oz. purified water
1/2 banana
1 tbsp. plain yogurt
1 tsp. honey
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. wheat germ oil
In blender combine all ingredients and pulse on medium 10 to 20 seconds. Using fingers, apply mixture to hair in downward motion, smoothing as you go. Leave on at least 45 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and shampoo. You can skip your regular conditioner, but do a final rinse with cold water to seal each strand.

~Ongoing contest (click here for details and rules)~

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

Leave your entry below in the comment section.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Study Hall: Information Overload

After MUCH aggravation and technical difficulty, I am finally posting this.

Ok, I’ve been working on this project for a week and a half; did the best I could. Since I know some of us like to support black-owned businesses, I wanted to compile a video listing for you. I know this is not “all known to mankind” but it’s what I unearthed over the hours I worked on this project. Some are very popular while others you may not have heard of before. I just wanted to get the information out to interested parties. Hope you enjoy.

Here are my disclaimers:

* I am not promoting any company for personal gain

* To the best of my knowledge, the company’s owner/creator is of black or mixed race

* Company offers a full line of hair care products; if I did not see the company offer cleansers, conditioners, moisturizers and styling products, they weren’t put on the list

* I do not attest to know if all companies on this list have excellent customer service

* Some companies on this list are not makers of “all natural products”; you need to research that for yourself

* Common company lines that can easily be obtained at a beauty supply stores or Walmart were excluded from this list



If you have information that conflicts with my listing, please let me know of any error. Feel free to leave a comment if you know of any other companies to add.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

>

Back to Basics: Condition (A Hair Regimen Series)

The world of hair conditioners is so vast it might make your head spin! With companies promising their products will do this, that, and the other it is hard NOT to become a conditioner crack-head! There is no doubt many aspects take a toll on our tresses. The environment, how we manipulate our hair, whether we choose to use chemicals (including color) and what we use to cleanse our hair are some things that take from it. Conditioning is the step we take to give back.

Step 3: Condition

What: Conditioning is applying a product to the hair after cleansing. Keep in mind that conditioning should enhance your hair’s overall health and appearance.

When: After cleansing

Why: The purpose of conditioning hair is to restore balance.

How: Types of conditioner (with examples) (1) Rinse through (VO5 & Suave) – leave in for a few minutes and rinse out (2) Homemade (avocado & mayonnaise) – single ingredient or mixture of edible ingredients; heat can be used for better penetration (be careful with eggs though). Also note that some homemade treatments can call for a gentle shampoo afterward (3) Deep (Elasta QP DRR-11 & Curls Ecstasy Hair Tea) – leave in for 15 minutes or longer; heat can be used for better penetration. (4) Leave-In (Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In; water based & SheaMoisutre Shea Butter Leave-In; cream based) – apply to hair and do not rinse out (5) Herbal rinse (Hairveda pH24/7 & Adiva Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Herbal Rinse) – pour through hair; it can be left in or rinsed out. You can also make your own tailored rinses. (6) Intense Treatment/Special Purpose (ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor & Motions CPR) – follow manufacture instructions carefully. These conditioners usually have “repair”, “reconstruct”, or “protein treatment” on the label.

Other notes: It is good to have more than one conditioner to alternate. This is because your hair can get used to one and will not respond the same.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Bananas (ongoing contest)

Yum - I love this versatile fruit. However, when it comes to using bananas in hair recipes, I learned a lesson that will forever stick with me. As with avocados, I approach using bananas with caution. You may have seen me post before that I prefer using the jarred baby food. Sure I could just as well puree them, but I allow myself to be lazy with this one.

What’s on the menu for your mane #5 – Bananas

BANANA: This fruit is high in carbohydrates; vitamins A, B, and C; and minerals, especially potassium. It has excellent humectant and moisturizing qualities for the hair.

These are only a few banana hair recipes I came across:

Moisturizing Banana Hair Conditioner
1 small, ripe organic banana
1 tablespoon organic honey
1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
Mash the banana together with the honey and sweet almond oil. Apply this mixture to your shampooed hair. Cover your hair with a plastic bag to allow for body heat to accentuate the conditioning effect, and leave mixture on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Banana Hair Mask
1 banana
2-3 dollops of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon olive oil
Put banana in blender and puree until completely smooth (you don’t want clumps of banana in your hair). Then add mayo and oil and blend until smooth and creamy. Apply to hair. Cover with plastic cap and let sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and shampoo as usual.

Fruity Deep Conditioner
Combine ½ banana, ¼ avocado, 1 tbsp wheat germ oil and 1 tbsp yogurt. Also take a vitamin E capsule and squeeze its content into the mixture. This is for extra conditioning. Apply in hair and leave for 15 minutes. Wash with mild shampoo.

Hope you enjoyed this. Now go monkey around with some of these recipes :-)

~Ongoing contest (click here for details and rules)~

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

Leave your entry below in the comment section.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Inquiring mind: Reader's conern

Hello all! I received an email from a reader with concerns about breakage and braiding. I will address them in this post. I did do some investigating on this topic, but please realize that I am not a hair professional.

Hello Callalily,

I just came across your interesting blog a few days ago and it's extremely informative. I wonder if you could help me with a teeny tiny question.

My hair used to fall off very badly a couple of months ago and after the final abuse from a stylist that was supposed to be one of the best I decided I'd had enough and would take my hair care into my hands. My hair is shoulder length now. Since I started my new regimen, my hair has started coming back to life very slowly and is growing quite well. It still falls out but not as much as before and it is reducing day by day. At the moment I do not wish to relax at all until the damage has been rectified but at the same time it is getting a bit harder to manage the new growth so I'm thinking of braiding it for a few months to give it time to recover from the damage. My question is do you think it's advisable to braid my hair while it is in this condition? I would be making medium sized braids and not micro braids? If braiding is not advisable then what could I do to put my hair away for a while apart from wigs and weaves? The middle east weather is TERRIBLE for African hair.

I don't use heat at all on my hair, comb as gently as I can and use logona organic shampoo and Lush handmade shampoo. My conditioners are logona wheat protein conditioner, bodyshop honey moisturiser, garnier fructis long n strong, tresemmes and mane n tail. I use mayo and eggs for protein treatments. I also use olive, coconut, rosemary and eucalyptus oils for daily moisturisation after adding leave ins. A lot of other products I could use are not available in UAE so I try to improvise best as I can.

I look forward to your response. Thank you :)

I’m very sorry to hear about your experience. This is the perfect time to embark on your healthy hair journey! It seems you already have a good understanding of what your hair needs and are on the right track with your hair care.

Assuming you can exclude other causes for breakage (i.e. medical issues, diet, etc.) we will focus on the hair. Hair requires a balance of protein and moisture. When the balance is off, I believe breakage occurs. While your hair is in a weakened state, less manipulation is better. Braid extensions can protect a person’s hair from excessive styling and breakage. When you approach this protective style correctly, you can have great success with nursing your locks back to health.

Before: It is important to give your hair some deep conditioning treatments. Preparing the hair in this way, prior to braiding it, can strengthen hair that is in a weak condition.

During: During the process of braiding your hair, make sure of several things (1) your braids are not too small (2) your braids are not too heavy from adding too much hair (3) your braids are not too tight!

Getting braids is not a ticket to maintenance-free hair (I learned this the hard way). While you are wearing your braids, remember to moisturize daily. You can choose to cleanse your scalp during this time also. Various methods exist for this purpose. You can apply witch hazel or another product to your scalp to remove build up. You could also mix shampoo and water in an applicator bottle to cleanse, then thoroughly rinse afterward. If you choose this method, you may want to section your hair and put it in a few big braids first. Remember to protect your style with a scarf before going to bed. If you find it necessary to oil your scalp, use a light oil 2-3 times a week.

After: It is recommended that you keep extensions in for no longer than 2 months. During this period, you can re-do the edges if necessary. Removing braids should be done gently. You can spray diluted conditioner on your braids prior to taking them out. Then, after the extension has been removed and the hair still wet, gently comb out the hair that has been shed while you have been wearing this style. There is no need to be alarmed when you end up with a mass of hair after you have detangled all of your hair – this is normal.

Now that your hair is free and detangled, make sure to use a good moisturizing shampoo and deep condition again. You can give your hair a resting period and then return to another braided style if you desire. If you intend to go back to relaxing and you feel your hair is in condition to do so, read this article to give you a guide on approaching this wisely.

I hope this helps you. Good luck with your hair journey.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* This site provides terrific information and instructional videos for those who want to wear their hair braided.

Water is not the ONLY way

I’m still researching my weekly Study Hall post so here is a "sub" to sit in; didn’t want to leave you hanging :-) Study Hall will be back next Wednesday.

Also look for a stimulating post tomorrow where I address a reader’s hair concerns.

I not only enjoy making hair treatments and products, but face and body treatments/products as well. While water is a fabulous liquid to utilize, you can feature others that could give it that extra oomph. With all that is available to us, there is no reason to get stuck in a rut. I persuade you to try something different – you may like the results even more!

Next time you whip up a treatment or product for your hair, face or body, try one (or a combination) of the following to replace all or part of your water.

Water alternatives:
* alcohol (vodka, brandy)
* aloe vera juice/gel
* tea/herbal infusion
* flowal water/hydrosol
* vinegar
* witch hazel
* milk (buttermilk, coconut milk, cow milk, goat milk, rice milk, soy milk - Does that cover them all?)
* yogurt
* cream
* juice (fruit or vegetable)
* honey/honeyquat/agave nectar
* molasses
* syrup
* glycerin
* oil

* tinctures (diluted)

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

You've got style!

O’ Happy Day! I couldn’t resist putting up a second post today. I wanted to share a new style discovery. I lot of ladies are seeking protective styles with the season change and I believe this would fall into that category.


At times, we all can experience panic or discouragement when we don’t have a hair do planned (or nothing you are trying is working the way you want it) before having to head out the door. That happened to me today. Prior to going to bed, I had two-strand twisted my hair (24 twists) and set it in bantu knots. This morning, I took the bantu knots down but didn’t want to separate the twists. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with my hair and nothing I tried look right. Light bulb moment. . . I threw a headband on and used a few bobby pins to center the curly twists to my head. Crisis over! I was pleased with the outcome and will definitely be visiting this style more through the season. Let me know what you think of it.


Thanks for reading. Be blessed!


CallaLily

Back to Basics: Cleanse (A Hair Regimen Series)

Here is part 2 in the 6 part hair regimen series. There are more elements on the topic of cleansing one’s scalp/hair than you may think. I did my best to cover all areas but if I left anything out, please let me know.


Step 2: Cleanse

What: Cleansing is applying a product – with concentration on the scalp – to remove dirt and build-up before you condition.

When: Before conditioning

Why: The purpose of cleansing – stated above.

How: People have a myriad of ways to approach this step – (1) Shampoo – can be store bought or made at home (2) Shampoo bar – solid shampoo in the shape of bar soap (3) Conditioner – aka “co-wash” using a store bought conditioner for cleansing instead of shampoo (4) Herbal Tea/Paste – Ayurvedic herb combinations (in their powdered form) are steeped with water to the desired consistency, then applied. Teas are strained and used as a liquid rinse. Pastes are applied and left on for a period of time. Please check out this youtube channel for further clarification on using Ayurvedic herbs (listed under “Herbal Hair Care”).

I should also mention that some people like to clarify on a regular basis in the following ways – (5) Baking Soda – baking soda diluted in water or added to store bought conditioner (6) Apple Cider Vinegar – acv diluted in water (7) Lemon Juice – fresh or store bought lemon juice diluted in water or added to store bought conditioner (8) Clay – some natural clays can also be used for hair care; make a paste with clay and water, then apply and leave on for a period of time. This information on bentonite clay was sited on Anita Grant:

Bentonite Clay - Naturally Curly and Afro Curly Popping Hair Care Treatment:

This recipe depends on the length and thickness of your naturally curly hair.

Prep time: 10 mins

Instructions:

Mix 1 to 2 parts Bentonite clay Slowly add *water to the clay until you achieve a pancake mix texture.Apply to your hair (dry or wet)Allow to set for between 15 - 20 minutesRinse thoroughly until it's all out of your curls, kinks and coils.

*water can be replaced with your choice of liquid for example:

Organic Coconut Milk

Herbal infusion

or anything you like...

Hair Care Benefits:

After you Shampoo - One single treatment of Bentonite Clay will remove build-up from your scalp leaving naturally curly and Afro hair clean and clear.

As a shampoo replacement - Bentonite Clay may also be used like a shampoo trapping and removing dirt, debris, build up and other particles from your hair and scalp.

Other notes: Have fun experimenting with some cleansing routines you haven’t tried yet! I am going to begin experimenting with Ayurvedic herbs.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Avocados (ongoing contest)

It’s getting cold in my neck of the woods! I’ll be gearing up to start sporting some protective styles. This week’s Tasty Tresses is avocados. The flesh can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients for a wonderful hair treatment. The oil from this fruit has the capability to penetrate the hair shaft. And I also learned that you can use the pit as a massage tool! :-)

What’s on the menu for your mane #4 – Avocados

AVOCADO: The flesh of this fruit is 75 percent fat and up to 25 percent oil. Avocado is high in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals, and is an excellent emollient and moisturizer for the hair and skin, particularly dry conditions.

Here are some avocado hair recipes I found that use common ingredients:

Avocado Dry Hair Conditioner
1/2 ripe avocado
1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
Combine all ingredients. Work the mixture through your shampooed hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic bag to allow for your body heat to accentuate the conditioning effect, and leave the mixture on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Avocado & Honey Conditioning Mask
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup honey
Scoop out flesh of avocado and mash. Add honey and combine thoroughly. Apply to dry hair. Cover with plastic cap and wrap towel around head. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse and follow with shampoo.

Avocado & Mayo Conditioner
1 mashed avocado
1/2 cup plain mayonnaise
Take mashed avocado and mix with mayonnaise. Massage the mixture into your dry hair and scalp. Put on a shower cap and wait 20 minutes. Rinse the mixture out with cool water and shampoo afterwards with a gentle shampoo.

Tropical Deep Conditioner Recipe
1 peeled and mashed avocado
1 cup coconut milk
Combine mashed avocado with some coconut milk in a small bowl. Heat in microwave for approx. 45 seconds. Stir. Test temperature. Massage mixture into hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel or cover with shower cap for 15 minutes. Rinse out and shampoo.

The ways in which you can use avocado as a hair conditioner are endless. I’m sure you can seek out dozens more recipes if this has peaked your curiosity. I’ve mentioned in a previous post that I puree avocado with some water in the blender to use in hair concoctions – food chucks left in your hair is NOT COOL!

~Ongoing contest (click here for details and rules)~

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

Leave your entry below in the comment section. Stay warm!

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Study Hall: Information Overload

Another cool site coming at ya! Although it doesn't look like this site is currently being updated, there are still lots of great articles and other information to explore.

NOTE: To a lot of us "nappy" is a taboo word because the meaning is associated with something negative. Our God-given hair is beautiful and versatile. Don't let the name of this site discourage you from checking it out! I hope you can benefit from the knowledge it offers.

Nappy Kitchen

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Life revelation

Good morning divine creation! I hope your weekend was enjoyable.

Life is full of ups and downs – no way around that! And the truth has a way of exposing itself to each individual. At times, I get a word at a certain moment that really causes me to stop and take note of its truth. I will begin to share with you some monumental insight that I receive on occasion. I have to realize that the revelation I receive may also be intended for another. It may not be for me to keep to myself, but to be a messenger to benefit someone else. This is not going to turn into a planned or scheduled format on this blog – when it hits me, I’ll post on it. This way, I can give a positive word to my readers AND keep it fresh in my own mind and spirit. We tend to go through life having to learn and re-learning valid truths. So this morning, on my way to work, this is the revelation I received:

When someone speaks negativity into your life, you have a CHOICE to believe what they say or to dismiss it and replace it with positive.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Back to Basics: Pre-poo (A Hair Regimen Series)

On my natural hair journey, I am learning how uncomplicated a solid hair regimen can be. Often times we seek out information, products, and hair methods that further confuse us. I wanted to do a 6 part series spelling out the basic foundation to giving our tresses the care they crave.

Step 1: Pre-poo

What: Pre-pooing is applying a product (oil, conditioner or a combination of the two) to the hair and leaving it on for a period of time before you cleanse.

When: Before cleansing

Why: The purpose of pre-pooing is to condition and protect the hair.

How: Here are your options – Method #1 – You can start with dry or damp hair. Apply heated or unheated carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, etc) to hair and/or scalp. Cover hair with plastic cap and scarf/towel/cap. Wait at least 20 minutes before rinsing out (you can also make this an overnight treatment, rinsing it out the next day).

OR

Method #2 – You can start with dry or damp hair. Apply conditioner (or conditioner/oil combination) to hair only. Cover hair with plastic cap and scarf/towel/cap. Wait at least 20 minutes before rinsing out. It is NOT recommended to do this method overnight.

With either method, if you are doing a 20-30 minute session, you can incorporate heat from a dryer or heat cap.

Other notes: Honey and molasses are also popular pre-poo ingredients. They can be used alone or added to your oil and/or conditioner.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Apples (ongoing contest)

Hope everyone has had a wonderful week. This week’s Tasty Tresses is apples. The beverage we drink internally from this fruit is said to have numerous health benefits. As for hair, I’m sure that we’ve all read about the advantages of using apple cider vinegar for our hair (build up remover, cuticle closer, pH balancer, etc). There are countless concoctions that use this ingredient in hair rinses.

What’s on the menu for your mane #3 – Apples

APPLES: This fruit contains malic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which works as an exfoliant and emollient to lift dandruff away from the scalp. Used in small quantities, malic acid is moisturizing; in higher quantities, it is exfoliating.

Here is an apple cider hair recipe:

Apple Cider Dandruff Treatment
1/2 cup apple cider (preferably organic)
Massage the cider into the scalp area with your fingertips. Repeat after every shampoo; you will see significant results after several applications. Repeat treatment whenever outbreaks of dandruff occur.

I’ve also seen where you can add apple juice to your homemade shampoo recipes.

~Ongoing contest (click here for details and rules)~

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

Leave your entry below in the comment section. Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Study Hall: Information Overload

Short and sweet - just wanted to quickly pop in to share two great sites.

Check them out!

A New Era in African Hair

From Grandma's Kitchen

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

More kitchen experiments

This weekend I’ve been creating more hair potions. Pictured from left to right: conditioning spritz, herbal acv, herbal hair oil.

Conditioning Spritz: water infusion of the same herbs used in my oil. To this was added, aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, grapefruit seed extract, sage essential oil and tea tree essential oil.

Herbal ACV: I put herbs in a glass jar, poured the apple cider vinegar over the herbs and stirred it. The herbs will need to steep in the vinegar for at least 3 weeks. I will stir or shake the jar once a day for the first week. After I strain the herbs, I will use this for hair rinses (diluted in plain water or an herbal infusion). NOTE: You MUST use a plastic lid or put a plastic barrier between the opening and lid if you are using a metal lid!

I used these herbs:

Mint – Wonderfully fragrant, mint is refreshing, stimulating, and invigorating. It is antiseptic and anesthetic in nature, creating a cooling, soothing effect.

Lavender – The flowering tops of this herb have a delightful aroma. Lavender has cleansing and astringent qualities. It is also very beneficial as a cellular regenerator for the skin.

Oregano – This aromatic herb is stimulating, antiseptic, and astringent (having good cleansing properties). Oregano is effective as a hair detangler and softener.

Rosemary (see oil post for info)

Nettle (see oil post for info)

Herbal Hair Oil: This is the result of my infused olive oil from two weeks ago. I wanted to let it infuse for another week but was getting impatient. After I strained the oil, I added vitamin E, peppermint essential oil and lemongrass essential oil.

I am really having fun with the various herbs I’ve purchased for hair concoctions. Hubby teases me when he walks in on my experiments – refers to me as a mad scientist (sinister laugh and all) :-). Hope this will inspire you to whip up a batch of tonic for your tresses.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Information was referenced from Naturally Healthy Hair

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Aloe Vera (ongoing contest)

I had one entry for the first contest. However, this is an ongoing venture so I’m optimistic that it will ignite more involvement. Having said that, this week’s Tasty Tresses is aloe vera. This may be a strange one to see here but aloe vera can be used internally as well as externally. Many people choose aloe vera as a health tonic.

What’s on the menu for your mane #2 – Aloe Vera

ALOE VERA: The gel found within the leaves of this plant has remarkable properties, including healing, soothing, antibacterial, antiseptic, emollient, and moisturizing qualities. Studies have shown aloe enhances cellular regeneration. The juice from aloe vera has been used as a shampoo, hair setting lotion, and condition, with remarkable results for both the hair and the scalp. Diseases of the scalp are often treated directly with aloe vera juice.

Here is an aloe vera hair recipe I found that uses common ingredients:

Tress Rescue Conditioner
2 ounces aloe vera gel
1/2 teaspoon olive, avocado, or jojoba oil
2 ounces organic apple cider vinegar
1 ounce powdered milk
Combine ingredients in a bowl, stirring to blend. Apply to freshly-washed damp hair. Allow to remain on hair for 10-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Makes enough for one treatment. Discard leftovers.

I’ve also seen countless recipes that use dietary aloe vera as an ingredient in shampoos, hair spritzes, hair butter creams and hair gels. . . way too many to post here!

~Ongoing contest (click here for details and rules)~

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

Leave your entry below in the comment section.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Truly sorry!!!

I apoligize for being MIA. I haven't been feeling up to par recently (hurt my back over the weekend). I will come back to you on Friday and pick up where I left off with the 2nd in the Tasty Tresses Series/Contest. So if there is anyone who still wants to take a guess at what's next I will extend the timeframe until then. Thanks for your patience!

CallaLily

Posting delay

I apoligize but I need to delay posting my weekly "Friday's Formula/Tasty Tresses" article. I've been pretty busy. I will try to get it up tomorrow. Thanks!

CallaLily

Study Hall: Book Club

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I really got into this book but wanted to make interested parties aware of it. The book is separated into 3 parts; (1) your hair: chapters 1-5 (2) common hair problems: chapters 6-9 and (3) hair thinning & loss: chapters 10-15. The publication, written by a hair replacement surgeon, does contain a lot of helpful information, including some recipes/remedies you can prepare at home. Here is the 411 if you think this is up your alley.

The Hair Bible : The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Hair Forever by Susan Craig Scott with Karen W. Bressler
Summary: At last, medical science explains "bad hair days" -- and what you can do to avoid them! The straight-haired among us long for curls, yet those so endowed wish to tame their headstrong locks. Although you can't change what you were born with, you can make the most of the hair you have -- by knowing the physiological, chemical, and even psychological causes of the most common hair problems. Dr. Susan Craig Scott, a hair-replacement surgeon, consults with other medical authorities and beauty experts to present the ultimate companion to having vibrant, healthy hair at any age. The Hair Bible is every woman's guide to

• Best daily treatments, products, and hair care tools
• Styling without damage
• Finding your look
• Fixing styling mistakes
• Choosing wigs, extensions, and other alternatives

The Hair Bible also tackles a major concern for millions of women: hair loss. Dr. Scott explains how stress, diet, prescription medication, vitamin deficiencies, chronic illness, and other factors affect hair growth -- and, with a keen awareness of the emotional strains on women coping with thinning hair, she presents up-to-the-minute information on all treatment options:

MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL: minoxidil, cortisone, and hormone therapies NATURAL: herbal products, stress management, and fitness
NUTRITIONAL: dietary changes for improved hair
SURGICAL: implants, grafting, scalp reduction, and more

Get to the root of your hair care concerns. Turn to The Hair Bible for answers -- and make every day a great hair day!


Thanks for reading. Be blessed!


CallaLily


*You can click on the “study hall” label in the right-hand column to read posts you have missed

My latest hair brew

Why did I procrastinate until the last weekend of summer to do this??? I finally got around to infusing oil with herbs – I’ve been wanting to do this for months.

Anyway, the process of infusing carrier oils with herbs is very easy. I have read various methods of infusing oil. I am using the solar method. I would like to infuse the oil for about two weeks.

Although I have an herb garden, I purchased all of the dried herbs used in this experiment. It was hard to narrow them down but I decided on these five herbs:

Chamomile – Extracts from its flowering her are used in preparations for sensitive skin
because of its sedative and emollient effects. The active principle in chamomile is alpha-bisabolol, which is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and nonallergenic. Also used in hair dyes, chamomile has a brightening and shine-enhancing quality.

Coltsfoot – This herb is excellent for the hair. It is valued for its high levels of amino acids (cysteine), phytosterols, and silica. This herb is said to strengthen, condition, and make the hair more resilient – thickening hair strands and enhancing shine. It’s also a great normalize for excess oil production of skin and hair.


Horsetail – This herb is excellent for the hair. Like coltsfoot, it’s valued for its high levels of amino acids, phytosterols, and silica and is said to strengthen, condition, make the hair more resilient, and normalize oil production of skin and hair.


Nettle – Nettles contains mucilage, amino acids, mineral, vitamins, and other beneficial herbal constituents that make this a very nourishing herb. Nettle is tonic (strengthening) and antifungal; it’s also said to stimulate circulation at the scalp, which is beneficial for hair growth. If you’re gathering it in the wild or garden, be sure to harvest before it flowers, and wear gloves so you’re not stung by the glandular hairs along its stalk. Interestingly enough, the burning and irritation caused by nettle plant hairs may be alleviated by dabbing nettle tea on the skin.


Rosemary – Purifying, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, and stimulating, this aromatic member of the mint family is a tremendous conditioner for the hair. It can also be used at higher quantities in a rinse to darken the hair.


The carrier oil I used was olive oil. From the fruit of the olive tree, this cooling oil is rich in protein, mineral, and vitamins. It will impart a rich, nongreasy emollience and shine to the hair. It nourished, stimulates, and softens the skin. The vitamin E in olive oil is a powerful antioxidant, and the fatty acids make for an oil that is very stable (it resists going rancid). This oil is heavier in viscosity and has a stronger aroma than most other oils, so, depending on your personal preference, you may want to mix it with a lighter oil. Make sure to purchase the “extra-virgin” variety.


After the infusion process is complete, I may add some vitamin E and/or essential oil(s); haven’t decided yet. I will do an update post with pics when the oil is ready to be transferred.

I plan on using the herbal oil for scalp massages, pre-poo/overnight oil treatments and to add to conditioner for deep treatments.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

*Information was referenced from Naturally Healthy Hair

Friday’s Formula/Tasty Tresses: Alcohol (AND A GIVEAWAY!!!)

I’m switching gears for the next few months on my Friday’s Formula posts. When I started this piece, the focus was on the recipe – listing 1 or 2 interesting ones I came across. Now my attention is on the food or beverage. We all know that consuming the right things will give us wonderful benefits both internally and externally. Having said that, those same things we take in can be used for beneficial hair treatments. I’ve made a list of food/beverage items that can be valuable when applied to the hair so let’s get started with the first in this series. . .

What’s on the menu for your mane #1 – Alcohol

BEER: The sugar and proteins in beer are tremendous for bodifying, or volumizing, the hair, adding manageability. It may be added to your shampoo or used as final rinse.

CHAMPAGNE: Like beer, champagne is rich in sugar and protein, which help to thicken the hair and give it more bounce.

VODKA: Vodka is effective in removing buildup from the hair. It has astringent as well as oil-removing properties, making it effective in shampoos for oily hair or scalp.

Here are some alcohol hair recipes I found that use common ingredients:

Beer hair rinse (previously posted here)

Beer Shampoo
1/2 pint beer (any brand)
1 bar castile soap, grated
2 oz glycerin
1 oz hops (tea)
Combine all ingredients and pour in bottle. Use as you would any shampoo.

Champagne hair gel
1 T unflavored gelatin
1/2 C warm water
1/2 C champagne
1 T rose water
Dissolve the gelatin in the warm water and stir well. Add the champagne and rose water and stir well again. Allow to set into a gel (placing in the refrigerator will speed up the process). Remove when set, and allow mixture to reach room temperature before using. Store in an airtight container.


Brilliantine
1/2 C vodka
2 T castor oil
Mix together the vodka and castor oil. Pour into a clean bottle; shake before using. Apply a small amount through your hair and allow to dry, for extra shine.

Now, more good stuff! I promised everyone a giveaway so here are the details.

Can you guess what next week’s hair food (or drink) will be?

If you answer this question correctly, you will be my WEEKLY winner! I will give you the opportunity to guess the next item* on my list (going in alphabetical order). The window to enter a correct answer will remain open until the following Friday. Whoever is first to get it correct will get a “guest slot” on this blog. It can be a topic of your choice (related to hair of course). When the winner is announced, you will be given time to submit the content of what you want posted on BreaKINK New Ground on your behalf.

If you answer this question correctly multiple times, you will be my GRAND PRIZE winner! This series will go through December (possibly January). If you wish to follow through the course of the contest, you could be the winner of a $50 gift card to ONE store** listed below. The person who gives the most correct answers through the Tasty Tresses series will be the gift card recipient. I will do a tie breaker if necessary.

RULES: To properly enter, you must leave your answer below the post in the comments – emails will not be considered. You do NOT have to enter a guess for every single week to be considered but you are limited to ONE entry per week. You do NOT have to have your own blog to take part. You do NOT have to be a “follower” however a follower will receive a bonus gift with the $50 gift card. If you choose to participate “anonymously”, please list your initials and city after your entry to ensure accurate tallying.

* Note: Alcohol was grouped together but most items in this series will be listed individually.


**For the $50 gift card you can select from Curlmart, Honeyfig, or Sistasplace (if you’re into buying products) or From Nature With Love, Mountain Rose Herbs, or Texas Natural Supply (if you want to get your hands on ingredients to make your own goodies).

I hope this makes sense. Leave me a comment below or email me at callalily40@gmail.com with any questions. Let the contest begin – good luck all!

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

* Other recipes can be found in the "hair recipe" category to the right

Study Hall: Book Club

I love, love, love this book I just got done reading! It’s overflowing with a wealth of useful information on hair care. It also addresses Ayurveda. Most important to me, mid-way through the book it gets into using natural ingredients in your hair regimen and gives a solid foundation on herbal preparations. It’s filled with basic, easy recipes and all-in-all I can’t say enough good things about it. This read is definitely a good investment!

Naturally Health Hair by Mary Beth Janssen

Summary: Your hair reflects your personality, emotion, style, and self-esteem. Now internationally acclaimed hair designer and educator Mary Beth Janssen explains how achieving harmony in your mind and body can give you the stunning hair you've always wished for. You'll discover:

* Ayurvedic philosophy -- the ancient holistic health science from India -- and how it can renew and invigorate your hair

* Vital foods, vitamins, and minerals for healthy hair

* Natural hair care formulas to make at home

* Healthful approaches to cut, color, and styling

* Tips for finding and working with a salon and hair care professional

As an educator and author, Mary Beth Janssen is a voice for the integration of beauty and wellness. She is one of the most sought-after commercial hair designers, and she created a series of instructional videotapes and manuals for the salon industry. Janssen is a certified education for Deepak Chopra's Infinite Possibilities organization as well as an herbalist, massage therapist, aromatherapist, and Master Gardener. Her company, The Janssen Sourc, Inc., serves as a wellness consultant to the beauty profession and the community at large. She lives in Illinois.

NOTE: I have been experiencing MAJOR frustration with my Amazon widget (mentioned last Wednesday). I seem to run into technical issues every time I add something to it. I now have 79 book listings and I believe it will stay that way for the time being. I hope my hours of work are not in vain and this helps someone.

Thanks for reading.  Be blessed!

CallaLily

* You can click on the “study hall” label in the right-hand column to read posts you have missed