Deep Conditioning Treatment of the Week: Honey-Mayo Miracle Masque

     As a 4c kinky haired girl, I try to deep condition my hair at least once a week so that my hair gets the nourishment it needs to keep growing. For the past few weeks, I've had my hair in Senegalese twists, which I uninstalled about a week ago. After many days in the sun and at the pool, my tresses were in dire need of moisture and repair. This week I returned to my tried and true, semi-homemade hair masque to restore my fro to its full glory. I started using the DR. MIRACLES FOLLICLE HEALER  deep conditioner treatment last winter, and to my surprise, I really really like this product! I originally started using this product because I detested the smell of the mayonnaise mask I was using at home. I liked the benefits of using mayo, but I just couldn't stomach the smell or the texture. Luckily, I came across this Dr. Miracles product in the isle of my local dollar store, and on a whim I added it to my Mayo masque. I named this deep conditioning treatment the Honey-Mayo Miracle Masque. Check the ingredients below:

the follicle healer treatment cost about $1.25

2-3 Tblsp of MAYO

2-3 Tblsp of HONEY

1 packet of DR. MIRACLES FOLLICLE HEALER

 1-2 drops of  OIL (I used olive and vitamin E oils)

* make sure you have equal parts mayo and honey for a consistent texture.

     I mix these ingredients in a small mixing bowl and the mayo was transformed into a caramel colored- silky textured hair masque. What's more, I didn't smell mayo at all! I prepped my hair for deep conditioning by spritzing apple cider vinegar on my scalp and strands. I then applied the mixture to my hair and waited about 45 minutes, then I co-washed and styled my hair as usual. I give this treatment 4 out of 5 ankhs because my hair just loves it. My curls are SOFT and SPRINGY the next day too. Just look at this super defined twist out! Let me remind you, I have 4c hair and achieving definition is veeerry rare!

defined strands after untwisting.

this is what my hair looked like after fluffing and separating.

smiling because my hair is crazy defined, frizz free!

 PEACE and LOVE,

aphroKiKi

P.S. Let me know if you use this recipe and if it works for you too!

AphroKiKi Vlogs: Accidental Twist Out Edition!

This post speaks for itself....literally!

AphroKiKi Update!

I've been away from this blog for a while...my apologies for the absence. I've been very busy sorting out my life and as it turns out, my hair! After a mere two weeks after I took down my twists, I re-installed them. I just wasn't ready to deal with my weekly hair routine. My current twists have been in about two weeks now, only they're not twists anymore-- it's a twist out! I copied The Damn Salon's concept of Urban Twists and made it my own. However instead of paying $200, I did these at home for about $20 (and there are equally if not more FIERCE). I used a little more than two packs of Kanekalon and Toyokalon hair.Check 'em out and tell me what you think!

Until next time loves!

Ankhs and Aphros

     This post is about two of my obsessions: Aphros and Ankhs. Not only are they beautiful in their own right, but I feel like these two aesthetic elements compliment each other so well. They're like bread and butter, peanut butter and jelly. I feel like they just go together. This belief probably stems from a long time fascination I have with Erykah Badu and the Ancient Egyptians, but what can I say? I love neo soul and ancient civilizations! Yesterday, I channeled my inner Erykah and wore a single ankh earring (purchased at a festival in Atlanta last year), a handmade beaded necklace gifted to me by my cousin, and my best accessory-- a super kinky afro, courtesy of a mini twist out.

The Ankh is a hieroglyph symbolizing eternal life.

To me, the ankh symbolizes creation and creativity.

     I apologize for the quality of the photos (I look kind of green!) as my digital camera is currently out of commission until I can find the cord to charge it. I lost it in a move a few months back and I haven't been able to take pictures everyday, which is so unfortunate because picture taking is essential to my happiness. Until I find the blasted cord, I have to rely on my webcam. Le sigh. Anyhow, I just wanted to share two of my favorite things. I am contemplating getting a tattoo of an ankh or Nefertiti this year because I am absolutely intrigued with Ancient Egyptians-- it was such a beautifully vibrant and interconnected culture. As for my afro, it symbolizes discovering my own personal truths and continual upward movement and growth. It's so much more than hair. But I don't have to tell you Naturals that-- it's something you already know. =)

AphroKiKi

Happy New Year! And the Co-Wash Challenge

     As the Winter weather is beginning to set in, I've been examining my hair regimen and preparing to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the cooler temperatures and combat the dryness to come-- that is if I don't succeed in treating my hair properly. Alas, I've decided to abandon shampoo for the next two months and sort of undergo a Co-Wash Challenge. I noticed that many shampoos have a deadly combination of alcohols and sulfates that strip the hair of natural oils thereby depleting my hair of the thing it needs most: MOISTURE.

       With that said I've purchased a new conditioner, Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Conditioner, which has alcohol (bad!!) but its sulfate free (awesome!!) I thought it was a good compromise as it fits into my budget-- it was about $6 at Walmart-- and it has some great natural ingredients like Cocoa Seed Butter, Coconut Oil, and Avocado Oil. I didn't want to compromise much on the quality of product and I definitely don't want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on conditioner that I'm just going to rinse out of my hair-- literally, that's money down the drain. I think this product has the best of both worlds-- cheap and good for my hair! Anyhow I will be sure to post how using this conditioner as opposed to shampoo every week is beneficial or disadvantageous to my hair care regimen.

      A second change I am making as of tomorrow is adding hot oil treatments to my regimen. I've been deep conditioning with a homemade concoction pretty consistently for about 3 weeks, and I've had great results (I'll be sure to post my recipe soon!). I think as it gets colder outside my hair will need more nourishment in the oil department, so I purchased a giant bottle of Extra Virgin Olive oil and will be alternating hot oil treatments with deep conditioning treatments once a week. I'm serious about this hair growth/health thang ya'll. The struggle is real!!
     In addition to no shampoo and implementing regular hot oil treatments, I will also follow up with a leave-in conditioner that I love -- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. This product is a 4c kinky girl's dream!!  Look forward to a product review on it soon!  This past Sunday I installed mini twists to give my hair and myself a break, and I expect I will be doing more protective styling as the Winter progresses.

The twists took about 3 hours to put in....

....and about 30 minutes to take down. 

Tomorrow marks the beginning of my Co-wash challenge. Hopefully all of my efforts will not be in vain and I can retain length this year. I'm praying that I don't get lazy, lose steam, and hang it all up by February. That's all for now. Happy New Year to all and Happy Hair Grooming and Growing!

My Regimen and A Product Review

Peace Naturalistas!

     Before I jump into this product review, I want to give my little lecture about product use. First of all, I am a believer in the saying "less is more", especially when it comes to caring for your natural hair. After I fist big chopped, the only products in my bathroom bin were shampoo, conditioner, and Cantu Shea Butter. Because I didn't know very much about maintaining my TWA (Teeny-Weeny Afro), I resorted to sew-ins and kinky twists-- which was a good idea, because I was able to let my hair be. The less I bothered my hair the better-- this allowed my hair to grow without fear of damage. Since then, my knowledge of natural hair care has increased, and naturally, the amount of hair products grew too. Now, I use both sulfate and sulfate-free shampoos (to clarify my hair when it needs it or to maintain my hair's natural oils and moisture), leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner, and hair oils regularly. Not to mention a few hair butters and cremes for when I'm rocking my twist-outs, braid-outs, bantu-knot outs. Getting to know what your hair needs is an important factor when deciding what products to buy, so educate yourself! Know what a sulfate is and what it does! Know what ingredients to avoid, like alcohol, parabens, and petroleum based products. In short, products can be your best friend, or your worst enemy.. Be careful not to overdue it!

     My regimen currently consists of:

• Washing my hair once a week, followed by conditioner in the shower and leave- in conditioner after towel-drying

• Deep conditioning once a week (usually before I wash)

• Apple Cider Vinegar rinse every other week

• Trimming ends when necessary

• Twisting hair with hair cremes, butters, or leave-in conditioner

• Moisturizing daily with water and spritzing lightly with oil

• Protective Styling

• Minimal heat (lightly blow drying after a wash to stretch hair)

My hair is more kinky (4c is the technical term) than curly, so its more prone to breakage than other curl patterns-- therefore moisturizing is my top priority. On top of all this, I try to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit to ensure hydration. A product that I use to keep my hair moisturized during the week is b.a.s.k. Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Cream. This stuff is amazing! It stretches my curl pattern, softens my hair,  has a soft hold (great for chunky twist outs!), and it smells like a dream (Vanilla Dulche de Leche and Almond). It has oils derived from the Palm family, including Babassu oil-- which is quickly becoming one of my favorite oils (it's in my shampoo too!).You can find the b.a.s.k. Palm Cream here.

Sheeba in her full glory! Why am I squinting?!

I used the Palm Tapioca cream on the twist out above with a little of Ms. Jessie's Curly Meringue for a little more hold and definition. I think it turned out pretty well! That's all for now I guess.

Keep it Nappy ya'll!

AphroKiki