DIY Avovado Deep Conditoner

Hey ya'll

So I decided to share one of my DC mixes with you guys. It's super easy and really moisturizing.
I've been using this for about as long as I've been natural.

I started using "Curly Girl" friendly products early on, not realizing that that was what I was doing. I steered clear of harsh chemicals and things that I couldn't pronounce in my hair products. I began using food and natural oils and what not instead. This deep conditioner is no different. Aside from the Sauve conditioner the other ingredients are natural.

Recipe
1 ripe avocado
coconut oil (melted)
cheap conditioner (for the base)
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque (Raw Shea Butter)

other
any other oils or thicker conditioners that you want to add


You DO NOT have to use the same ingredients that I did. If you prefer olive oil or castor oil, you can add those or both etc. And if you don't have those conditioners just add whatever cheap conditioner you have around or a go to moisturizing one (like Tresemme Naturals).

Another thing is measurements are at your own discretion. I wanted the benefits of the avocado to outweigh the other ingredients so I added them accordingly.You do not need to do the same if that is not your intention.

Here is my tutorial. Enjoy.

Hope this helps.

Let me know if you try it out.

Found this video after I had issues saving mine. Very informative!

Deep Conditioning ~ What is it (What you need to know)

 

~Addicted Fembot

DIY Fashion: Sheer Crop Top

Hey ya'll crop tops are so in right now (despite the weather) here is a really easy and cheap tutorial on a sheer crop top. You can pair it with high waisted jeans, skirts etc

Let me know if you try it out. This would look really cute with some patterned tights as well.

Here's one of mine in black.

This is one of the tutorials

Hope you had a great Christmas.

~AF

Natural Hair and Thinning Edges

Got Edges? Also known as the Noami Campbell syndrome, well hopefully not as severe. A lot of naturals, and women of color in general, combat thinning edges, often as a result of hair habits (perms, too tight weaves and braids etc). It can be very limiting and damaging to our self image.

Keeping good health and eating well will help improved your hair health, good in, good out. There are many things that you can apply to the hair itself, but it's what's on the inside that counts. Eating foods rich in protein will provide structure and strength (the main component of hair is the protein keratin).

Exercise also stimulates blood flow. If you eat the right foods, the nutrient-rich blood will nourish each hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals result in duller hair. (See list of vitamins/minerals below)

Thinning edges are caused by slow growth, scalp infection or an excessive amount of tension/stress applied to a specific area over a long period of time. To help the hair grow back, the hair follicles need to be rejuvenated and stimulated to improve blood circulation and promote more hair growth. I've noticed that products containing anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, help combat dandruff and bacteria on the scalp. The removal of dandruff/bacteria unclogs the hair follicles allowing the scalp to breathe resulting in faster hair growth since nothing is inhibiting the growth.

I've compiled a list of potential remedies to this problem

- Rosemary Oil - Needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (too potent otherwise). Known to increase blood flow, therefore, promoting hair growth.

- Peppermint Oil - Needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (too potent otherwise). Gives a cooling effect/tingle to the scalp, and removes dandruff. Purifies the scalp. Known to increase blood flow, therefore, promoting hair growth.

- Castor Oil - Cleanses toxins & impurities from the scalp, nourishes and thickens the hair. Stimulates hair growth while moisturizing dry brittle hair.

- Coconut Oil - Promotes hair growth by revitalizing and exfoliating dead skin tissue from the scalp. Great in removing dandruff so that the scalp/hair follicles can breath and the hair can grow at a faster rate.

- Aloe Vera Gel/Juice - Includes an enzyme that is beneficial in stimulating new hair reproduction.

- Vitamin E - Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Helps to increase and improve circulation of your scalp, promoting the growth of healthy hair

- Miconazole Nitrate - Found in Yeast Infection Creams & Neosporin. Has antifungal properties. If applied to the scalp, it will remove dandruff/bacteria off of the scalp thus promoting hair growth (caution: can cause headaches).

- Sulfur 8 - Provides a tingling sensation to the scalp. Helps remove dandruff off the scalp. Sulfur does three important functions in our body. It brings about hair growth, strong nails and smooth skin.

- Mega-Tek - It stimulates and promotes RAPID hair regrowth without the use of silicone, synthetic polymers, oils or petroleum based products. Many ladies have seen great results with this product.

Promote hair growth
Protein: fish, eggs, cheese
Iron: whole grain, dark leafty vegetables
B Vitamins: eggs, meat
Essential Fatty Acids: walnuts, soy
Vitamin E: nuts, seeds
Sulfur: meats, legumes, vegetables

Growth Aids
(apply directly to the hair or scalp)
Cinnamon extract (Essential oil must be mixed with a carrier oil. Too potent alone, may cause irritation)
Grape seed oil
Castor oil
Vatika oil
Avocado oil
Henna
Amla oil

Stunt hair growth
Coffee
Sugar
Fat



Check out the comments section here for other peoples experiences and ideas




Hope this helps

~Addicted Fembot

Deep Conditioning

Save time on your weekends and late nights by cutting back on your deep conditioning time. Over night conditioning isn't necessary and or more effective than a quick 30 minute conditioning. The most important aspect is the conditioner that you use and it's ingredients.

My deep conditioning regimen: every Saturday or Sunday depending on my schedule. I section my hair in four or more and dampen with water then apply the conditioner mix on each section. I cover my hair with a shower cap, then my Turbie Twist and finally a (winter) hat.

Conditioner Mix Recipe- 
Treseme Nautrals (or any conditioner I have on hand- ex Giovanni's)
Aloe Vera Juice
Honey (or Glycerin or other humectant- absorb moisture) 
Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Optional:
Castor Oil
Almond Oil
Avocado (just the green part blended)

The oils are interchangeable, but EVOO and coconut oil are some of the best ones to use.
I don't use any particular measurements, just whatever looks right, but the majority of it is Conditioner.



Check out the whole post on Deep Conditioning here at BGLH

22 October 2012

Do Heat and Time Really Make Deep Conditioning More Effective?

From The Natural Haven Bloom‘s series on Deep Conditioning

For the past couple of weeks we have been talking deep conditioning. Today is the turn of two factors that are really key namely temperature (should you use heat when conditioning?)  and time (should you leave a conditioner on for hours?).

Now for the purpose of this post, I will again define a conditioner as a water based conditioner (deep, intensive, mask or rinse out). If you are using oil, this is completely different and its own rules apply.

So will heat and time affect conditioning? The quick answer
Increased time and temperature do increase the amount of conditioner adsorbed to the surface of hair. The maximum time is 20-30 minutes and the maximum temperature is around 35°C.

The long answer
I am being very general in this post because the fact is that every single ingredient that can adsorb and/or penetrate into hair (e.g surfactant or protein) actually has its own unique behaviour when added to a conditioner. This is also affected by other ingredients in the conditioner.  However there are common similarities in behaviour and these are the ones I wish to emphasise.

1.  Increasing the time you leave conditioner on hair allows more of it to adsorb with a maximum adsorption at 20- 30 minutes.
The key ingredients that can stick to hair (surfactants, hydrolysed protein, silicones, polyquats etc) will do so within seconds of applying the conditioner. If left on hair for longer, the amount will in general double within 10 minutes. If left on for another 10-20 minutes, the amount will increase by another 60-100% of the mark set at 10 minutes.
However after 30 minutes from initial application, there are no more increases in conditioner adsorbing to hair. The reason for this is that the hair conditioner simply has no more places on the hair where it can stick to…….all gaps which it can plug and all surfaces where it can attach are occupied.

2. Increasing the temperature of a conditioner to surface body temperature (around 35°C) increases adsorption of a conditioner 
Temperature increases the adsorption of conditioner such that slightly more can stick to the surface.  Generally tests are not performed much higher than 35-40°C in order to not burn the skin. 

More on Deep Conditioning
Curly Nikki- 6 Tips for Deep Conditioning Natural Hair
BGLH- 3 Easy-To-Make Homemade Deep Conditioners for Natural Hair

Whats your regimen like?

AF

Daily Dose: reduce, reuse, recycle

This was a must share and one of the coolest ways to recycle clothes especially thrifted sweaters. Check it out.

When I get access to my sewing machine again I'm all over this.

DIY Fashion: Skirt [1]

This is a super cute idea a for a DIY project. If I had my sewing machine I'd attempt it this weekend but sadly that is not the care.

Let me know if you try it. You can definitely use different fabrics and colors to make it you own. Think oxblood red, very on trend.

Check out more of SecretLifeofaBioNerd's DIY and fashion videos by clicking on her name (link) below. Her tutorials are fun and pretty easy to follow. And if you're a aspiring designer like myself she has some very helpful videos on sewing techniques etc.

SecertLifeofaBioNerd- DIY Pleather Circle Skirt

AF

Summer Favorites

"Fashion is nothing but an induced epidemic." -George Bernard Shaw

This past summer has been filled with many "induced epidemics" but my top 5 have been;

5- color blocking
4- maxi dresses/skirts
3- neon
2- recycled fashion
1-prints

Most of these are repeats from past seasons (and posts) but fashion is also cyclical. But mostly it's whatever you make it, so if you like prints or color blocking (or whatever) then that will ALWAYS be "in" for YOU. And that's all that really matter because YOU are the one that is wearing the clothes and feelings good, sexy, confident and any number of things in them. 

All five of my fav summer trends allow you to stand out and be bold and even better you can do them all at the same time!! Nothing like killing ten birds with one stone you didnt even throw, lol does that even make sense?

Focus! 

Color blocking is a great way to to play with colors and put together things you might not have thought of before. It adds versatility to your wardrobe, getting more wear out of  clothes is definetly a bonus. See ... For more on color blocking.

Despite my meager stature (5' 1.75" ...I'm totally claiming all 3/4ths of an inch) maxis help elongate my frame. This is all dependent on proportions and fit of course. Nothing kills (slaughters, massacres) a look more than ill fitting clothes. But assuming all is well in that department maxis are great, whether loose and billowy, grecian in style or figure hugging, the possibility are endless. You can rock them ultra relaxed in flip flops or sandals or go the extra mile and wear wedges or heels (strappy).

Neon, fun!!! Yes neons, like the highlighter colors not the element (random: The element neon, number 10 on the periodic table is actually rare on earth and ironically under standard conditions is colorLESS.). Think 80s (another thing I love). Neons are hot this summer. From Christian Louboutin's pigalles to nail polish, they were everywhere adding a touch of pizaz. I mentioned earlier that you're able to do more than one of the favs at a time and this can be seen with neons when color blocking.

Check out my previous post on maxis and bright colors.

Reduce, reuse and recycle (I think that's trademarked or copy written. Whatever.) But were gonna apply that to clothing. Lately thrifting has become the hot new thing (see Top 5 [7]). Hollister's reign over the youth of today is slipping and GoodWill and other Secondhand, consignment and thrift stores are on the rise. (NOOOOO correlation to the increasing number of "hipsters" lol) For some nothing can really compete with brand new. But for the brave, frugal and visionary this alternative is life changing really. Seriously, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Though this is a very fine line because some trash should stay in the garbage. 

I digress, shopping at thrift stores is a great way to save money and expand your creativity! Not all clothing found are from the 80s and beyond there are some new pieces that may be found in stores currently you just have to take the time to look. Aside from thrifting you can use items in your own closet and re-purpose them. I've cut up many jeans and made them into shorts this summer and shredded a couple shirts and made into crop tops and muscle tees. YouTube has a plethora of D.I.Y. videos (links below).  

Prints are hot and can be more fun than solid colors (neon or otherwise). I've gone into details on prints in Top 5 [10] and Flower Power. Guess what's in this fall and was all the rage this past summer. Tribal prints, African prints and animal prints. 

DIY shorts and top

-DIY Rainbow Cut-Off Shorts

-How to: Fringe your top

Check these out too

-D.I.Y Custom Doc Martens

-DIY NETTED BIKINI COVER-UP!

-DIY: Dip-Dye ACCESSORIES!

catch you later...Law and Order SVU is on!

L. O. V. E.

Have you ever Googled it before, the word love? I was bored one day and did. There is a wealth of info online. Man it’s so easy to find stuff out. But anyway…This is what I found.

Definitions 

Love is the emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. [this is from Wiki, there was a LOT more]

love

 /lʌv/ Show Spelled [luhv] Show IPA noun, verb, loved, lov·ing. –noun
1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
3. sexual passion or desire.
4. a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
5. (used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?
[there was more, as expected, but here’s the link dictionary.com]

i think two is enough, but in my search i stumbled upon a wikiHow to on LOVE…man the internet is such a useful resource, was gonna give examples of love…but i think i’ll just include the how too [and a link at the end]. ok ok i’ll include a couple examples.

How to love

Love is both an action and a feeling. The action of love generates a blissful feeling called by the same name. When the action stops, the blissful feeling is replaced with pain. Every person is capable of great love (and its opposite, fear, which generates all painful emotions such as hate, greed and jealousy).

While there are many different ways to define love and there are many different ways to love someone (or even yourself), here is a general guide to loving.

Steps

1. Say it. When you say the words "I Love You", they should carry with them the desire to show someone that you love them, not what you simply want to feel. When you say it, make sure you really mean it and are willing to do anything for that special person.

2. Empathize. Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Rather than impose your own expectations or attempt to control them, to understand how they feel, where they come from, and who they are. Realize how they could also love you back just as well.

3. Love unconditionally. If you cannot love another person without attaching stipulations, then it is not love at all, but deep-seated opportunism (one who makes the most of an advantage, often unmindful of others). If your interest is not in the other person as such, but rather in how that person can enhance your experience of life, then it is not unconditional. If you have no intention of improving that person’s life, or allowing that person to be themselves and accepting them as they are, and not who you want them to be, then you are not striving to love them unconditionally.

4. Expect nothing in return. That doesn't mean you should allow someone to mistreat or undervalue you. It means that giving love does not guarantee receiving love. Try loving just for the sake of love. Realize that someone may have a different way of showing his or her love for you; do not expect to be loved back in exactly the same way.

5. Realize it can be lost. If you realize that you can lose the one you love, then you have a greater appreciation of what you have. Think how lucky you are to have someone to love. Don't make an idol of the person you love. This will place them under undue pressure and will likely result in you losing them.

6. Never stop loving. Even if you have been hurt before you should not stop giving love.

hi i’m the LINK

Examples of “great” love [fictitious and real]

•  Romeo and Juliet
• GOD and us [his children]
• Jennifer Anisten, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie 
• Jennifer Anisten and all her co-stars [jk]
• Marylin Monroe and JFK [ok that was a joke too]
• your parents [hopefully]

you get my point though right.

my thoughts on all this…love is fricken complicated, and i hope i don’t fuck it up :/ [the internet provided very little help in practice, but research wise it was]

~f3mb0t