Mixology || Recipe for a Conditioner-Based Leave-In

This leave-in is great for reviving a wash-n-go or dry hair.  It can also be used after a fresh wash.

Ingredients:
4 oz distilled water
1 oz Tresemme Naturals Conditioner (the original white label) or Suave Naturals Conditioner
1oz avocado or olive oil

NOTE: If you prefer to use a conditioner other than Tresemme or Suave, just be sure that it is an instant conditioner that is NOT heavy in protein or silicones.

Directions:
1. Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle or mister.
2. Shake the bottle well to thoroughly mix the ingredients together.
3. Can be used on damp, freshly washed hair or on dry hair.
4. Store in a refrigerator to prolong the shelf life.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Naturally High

What I LOVE about Naturally High is that her kinky, natural hair is super healthy and super long (almost hip-length).  It is rare that I see naturals with my hair type who are hip-length or this close to it.  (The only other one that comes to mind is Sera before her cut.)   It further weakens the silly argument that "black girls cannot grow long hair".

Naturally High shares some great hair care tips and interesting natural hair experiences on her YouTube channel. Here is one video in which she discusses, what I would call, a natural hair experience you would NEVER want to encounter: 

Product Review || ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

NOTE:  This product was purchased at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Purpose: Add strength and softness in one step, effective against heat and chemical damage. (Do not confuse this product with ApHogee Two Step Treatment, which is a more serious treatment and hardens the hair.)

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Stearolkonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Hair Keratin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Trimethysiloxyamodimethicone, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Avocado Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Linoleamidopropyl PG Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Collagen Amino Acids, Squalane, Phytantriol, Petroleum, Polysorbate 60, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium 10, Trideceth-12, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Arachidonic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate.

Number of trials: an average 2x per month (~5-6 months now)

How I used it:

Applied to the ends (the last few inches) of freshly washed hair.
Left on for 2 minutes under a shower cap for the initial trials.
For later trials, left on for 5 minutes with heat.

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THE REVIEW:

This reconstructor does what it says --  it strengthens and softens my hair in one step.  (I find the product most effective when I leave it on for 5 minutes and with heat.) Additionally, after a few months, I noticed less split end formation.  I would say that this reconstructor is great for if you need a little to some protein.  For more severe cases, you may want to step up the the ApHogee Two Minute Treatment.  Other than the above, there is not much else to say! :o)

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PROS: pleasant smell, strengthen and softens my hair, quick use, less split end formation, reasonably priced ($9.99/$11.29)

CONS: none

RATING: Overall, I give the ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor 5 out of 5 stars.  

This product is ideal for those who:

- need protein conditioning

- experience a little (but not severe) breakage and splits

Protective Style Lookbook || Zipper Braid and Bantu Knot Updo

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Pure Estrogen

Difficulty level: 3/5

Description: Braid along hairline and pinned up bantu knot-out.

Mixology || Coconut Oil Lotion Bars

This is a super easy recipe requiring only 2-3 ingredients!

Recipe Source: Coconut Mama

Equipment

saucepan

lotion mold, muffin pan or tins 

Ingredients

1 part Coconut Oil 

1 part Pure Beeswax

Essential Oils (Optional)

For the instructions, check out Coconut Mama.

Protective Style Lookbook || Easy Chunky Twists Updo

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Iydvina

Difficulty level: 3/5

Description: Chunky twists in the front and small twists in the back to form an updo.

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Healthy Recipes || Adding Asparagus to Smoothies!

Recently, I've been experimenting with adding asparagus to my smoothies.  Why? Well asparagus is loaded with more nutrients than I've seen in most other vegetables.  One cup of raw asparagus contains:

20% DV Vitamin A
13% DV Vitamin C
16% DV Iron
70% DV Vitamin K
17% DV Folate
11% Dietary Fiber
13% Thiamin
11% Riboflavin
11% Manganese

{Source}

The recipes that I did find online either added sweeteners (e.g., tablespoons of honey, vanilla) or just did not taste that great.  So after a couple of trials and errors of my own, I came up with this delicious recipe that, not only disguises the unpleasant taste of raw asparagus, but also adds a bunch of other nutrients.

Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup blackberries
2 cups almond milk
2-3 asparagus stalks (bump it up to 4-5 if you are brave enough)
1 tbsp natural peanut butter

Note: my fruits and vegetables are usually frozen after purchasing, but you can use fresh ones if you want and just toss in some ice for more of a smoothie texture.

Directions:
Just blend all the ingredients together and enjoy!