How To Store Solid Shampoo Bars

I've been using my Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar for almost 3 months and I've yet to find a reason not to love every minute of it! Because it looks like I'm ditching liquid shampoos for good (except Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo when I need a good clarifying cleanse.), I wanted to show you how I've been able to make my bar last by storing it properly:

How To Store Solid Shampoo Bars

1. Rinse off your bar and allow to completely air dry on a flat surface
2. Wrap in plastic cling
3. Store in a shampoo bar tin or case in a dark, cool and dry place

Tips & Tricks:
- Never leave in shower or any place (i.e.: a soap dish without drainage) where it will be constantly exposed to condensation, heat or humidity.
- Always let bar dry completely before storing.
- You can get several months of use out of your shampoo bar if you store it properly. The typical shelf life is 2-3 months.

Pretty simple right? So...are you ready to hop on the shampoo bar bandwagon or are you still skeptical?

Besitos!
KLP

Just in case you missed it: Here's How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar (on natural, relaxed or transitioning hair) and a few shampoo bars that are on my wish list.

Solid Shampoo Bar Wish List

It's official! I'm a shampoo bar lover! For the last couple of months, I've been madly in love with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar. Not only does it actually clean my hair---but it doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped, stringy, and tangled like typical shampoos. So, I've been on the hunt for my next bar to try. Here's a few that are on my wish list:

Sunrise Citrus- The Freckled Farm Company
Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Raw Goat Milk, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Castor Oil, Palm Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Shea Butter, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil

Why it looks awesome: Hello coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Three ingredients that make my hair do a happy dance! Ever since I read this article from Shelli over at hairscapades, I've been wanting to try something---anything with goats milk in it. Plus---y'all know that I love ANYTHING bright, fresh and citrus-y. 

Babassu Marshmallow- Chargin Valley Soap and Salve
Ingredients: 
Organic Babassu Oil; Organic Sunflower Oil; Organic Coconut Oil; Organic Avocado Oil; Organic Jojoba Oil; Organic Mango Butter; Organic Avocado Oil;  Oil; Water; Organic Shea Butter; Sodium Hydroxide*; Organic Marsh Mallow Root; Organic Castor Oil; Organic Walnut Oil; Organic Canola Oil; Organic Aloe; Organic Essential Oils of Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Ginger; Organic Rosemary Oil Extract 

Why It Looks Awesome: Remember this post from Jen @ JustGrowAlready and this post from Fiona @ LoveYourTresses about marshmallow root having AHA-mazing slip. Yeah. I. Need. That. In. My. Life. Anything that can help detangle, gently cleanse, and soften my roots is a winner all day in my book. 

Coco Honey & Amla Conditioning Shampoo Bar- Bobeam
Ingredients: 
Saponified vegetable oils, mainly coconut oil, glycerin, honey, purified water, sorbital (berries, moisturizer) sorbitial oleate (emulsifier) soybean protein (conditioner)

Why It Looks Awesome: A shampoo bar that cleanses while it conditions? Yum-o! Plus coconut oil, honey, and glycerin---all ingredients that my hair is known to lust after. I'm iffy on the soybean protein---I typically despise protein laced shampoos but Bobeam hasn't let me down yet and I dont think that this Coco Honey & Amla Conditioning bar will either.

Any of these look good to you? Which one should I choose?

Besitos!
KLP

Just in case you missed it: Here's How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar (on natural, relaxed or transitioning hair)

ABCs of Bangin' Bantu Knots

I'm a one trick pony. I try braid outs---they fail. I even tried twist outs---they were a hot mess. Flexi-rods are just far too complicated. I'm too lazy for roller sets. Bantu knots are seriously the only low manipulation style that I can count on to blend my super curly roots with the rest of my texlaxed hair. I hope that y'all aren't tired of them! It's been over a year since my first set and here are the basic ABCs of bangin bantu knots:

Air Dry:
I always start with detangled air dried hair. I get the best results when my hair has been washed and deep conditioned 24-48 hours before I try to install the knots.

Bigger is better:I prefer my curls in big sections because I love volume. Big hair; KLP don't care. Ha-ha! The smaller your sections, the tighter the curls. You can experiment to see which curl you like the best. I usually end up with 10-12 knots. My knots take about 15 minutes to install.

Cocktail:
Moisturizer + Oil/butter + Holding product. Use whatever floats your boat. My go to cocktail has been Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter + Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I do believe that order of operations matter on this one. I've found that many products that "hold" aren't particularly moisturizing and can make my hair feel or look very dry over time. Layering on a moisturizer and oil prior to the holding product traps that moisture in and keeps the frizz at bay.

I studied Whoissuga's "How to do a bangin Bantu knot out" fifty trillion times to figure out how to knot my hair. Then Tressedforsuccess took my bantu knot game to another level. It will take some time. You probably will fail the first time. But you're totally not alone. Shoot, I failed a few days ago. It happens! Throw it all up and rock a curly bun or tuck it under and work a faux bob. Whatever you do, do not give up! What's your go to low manipulation style this spring?  

Besitos! 
KLP 

4 Ways to Fight Dandruff & Flakes

I can relate to the fight for flake free hair. Until fairly recently, I would find flakes in my combs, on the bathroom counter, and all over my clothes whenever I touched my hair. I'd always "scratch my scalp" when I washed (which was like once a month at best...no wonder my scalp was going crazy!) but the flakes would still be there afterwards. Very un-sexy! Fast forward to today. My scalp is flake free and happy as can be. Here are 4 ways to fight dandruff and flakes

Evaluate Your Products (especially leave ins): Some products can cause dry scalp, contribute to yucky build up, or irritate your scalp causing what looks like dandruff. While food allergies can be different from contact allergies, be sure to label check your products before you use them. If you noticed that your scalp is irritated from chemical (read: relaxers, keratin, or coloring) treatments, you might need to consider ditching them.

How to: Start eliminating products---especially those that you're applying to your scalp---one by one. 

Essential Oil Pre-Shampoo: I love a good pre-shampoo treatment. Especially one with stimulating, detoxifying essential oils. My stimulating essential oil blend has a few drops of peppermint to invigorate and refreshes the scalp.  Plus, eucalyptus which is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Start with 5-10 drops of each essential oil + extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to see how it feels on your scalp. If the scent is overpowering, next time only use 2-3 drops of each essential oil. Or as you get customized to the sensation, you can add a few drops more. Never use essential oils undiluted as they are highly concentrated.

How to: Apply to unwashed hair and scalp then let this pre-shampoo sit for 10-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. 

 

Gentle yet effective shampoo: I hate the way that shampooing strips my hair but I understand it's important role in removing dirt, excess oil, and sweat from my hair. Everyone and their mama wants to prolong the days between washes. I get it---washing can be long and tedious but if your scalp starts to revolt after a few days post wash, then you probably just need to cave and wash again. I typically wash or co-wash every 3-4 days to keep my scalp clean. And for the record---a dirty scalp does NOT make your hair grow faster. It's just gross!

How to: When shampooing be sure to focus on your scalp especially in those areas where you suffer from the most dandruff. Using the pads of your finger tips---not your nails---massage the shampoo into your scalp in a circular motion, allowing the suds to cleanse the length of your hair. My fave liquid shampoo is Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo. I recently fell in love with shampoo bars because they don't strip my hair of moisture but still get my scalp clean and fresh.

Tea Rinses: I love tea rinses because they combat shedding and alleviate icky scalp. One of my favorite blend is Rosemary Green Aloe. Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with tannins which protect your scalp from excessive oil and dirt.

How to: Apply 2 green tea bags + 1 cup H20 + 1 cup aloe vera juice + 2 springs of rosemary using a narrow tip applicator bottle so that you can target your scalp let it sit for a few minutes then rinse.

When the weather shifts, my scalp goes a little crae-crae but after a few days, it's good to go. Your diet and lifestyle can also have an effect on your scalp. Eat great, exercise and drink tons of water. If nothing helps, visit with your dermatologist. You'll be able to figure out if you’ve got dandruff as a symptom of something else or if you are actually suffering from psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis.

How do you keep your scalp flake free? Shout out to Nikki for asking this question!

Besitos!
KLP

How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar

My hair hates shampoo. I promise that I'm not being my usual dramatic self. I'm oh so serious. Typical shampoos leave my hair stripped, stringy, and tangled. I hate it, but I understand that it's a necessary evil in my regimen especially when I my hair feels coated from a build up of residue from conditioners and other styling products. My favorite shampoo has been Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo for a while now. It cleans my scalp whilst being very gentle and super moisturizing for my strands. Then a few months ago won a Bobeam contest from Natural Haven (hey JC!) and I've been madly in love with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar. Here's how I use it: 

How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar

1. Detangle and section hair before you wash. If you're petrified of stripped and tangled hair like me, try pre-shampooing with extra virgin coconut oil for about 20 minutes.
2. Saturate with water to thoroughly rinse hair your hair in the shower.
3. Form lather by rubbing shampoo bar between hands. 
4. Apply lathered hands to one section of hair focusing on your roots and scalp. Repeat until complete.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and suds completely.

And for my visual learners (hey y'all!). Here's a quick video from the best smelling store on the planet: Lush! Lush specializes in gorgeously green and awesomely handmade beauty products.

Soon I'll share what shampoo bars are on my wish list---as if I'm gonna run out of this Bobeam bar anytime in the near future. Ha-ha! And I'll show you how I store my solid shampoo bar so that it lastest forever (kinda). 

Have you used a solid shampoo bar? What's your fave?

Besitos!
KLP

Your Healthy Hair On: Coconut Oil

If you're not using coconut oil somewhere in your regimen, your hair hates you. Okay. Sorry, that's a just bit dramatic. We both have a love affair with coconut oil straight out the jar for our hair plus a bunch of our favorite products have coconut oil in them. But everything about this oil is wonderful for your hair. Here's how we use it and why:

Pre-Shampoo: (Spectrum Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil)
How: Apply coconut oil to your hair before your wash as a pre-shampoo treatment. 
Why: Coconut oil has been shown in studies to be the only oil that prevents protein loss while helping hair retain moisture. It reduces hair porosity making it spectacular for chemically relaxed hair which is typically higher porosity. Washing your hair can cause hygral fatigue, which is a fancy way of saying damage caused by frequent swelling (absorbing moisture) and shrinking (losing moisture) of hair fiber.

Keyda's fave coconut products

Leave Ins: (Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum)
How:  Apply a coconut oil laced serum to your hair ends for a boost of strength.
Why: Your ends are the oldest parts of your hair and thus the weakest. Coconut oil prevents them from getting weaker by binding to the natural protein structure of your hair. We love serums with coconut oil. It absorbs easily, assists in detangling, and provides excellent shine. We've noticed that when we use Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum during the week, we don't have many of those itty bitty broken hairs on the bathroom counter whilst styling. 

Sealants: (DIY Hair Butter)
How: Apply a coconut oil based hair butter to seal in your hair's moisture.
Why: As with most oils, coconut oil coats the outer cuticle layer of your hair which increases the hair fiber’s pliability. It also reduces friction and static electricity between the hair fibers. Sealing with a hair butter containing coconut oil prevents moisture loss and moisturized hair is happy hair.

We didn't believe the hype until we tried it for ourselves and read the no-nonsense (but kinda boring) studies about coconut oil and hair here, here, and here.


If you use coconut oil in your regimen, share with us how and why. If you don't, we'd love to know why!

Besitos!
KLP & Keyda

Winter Relaxed Hair Tips

Winterizing Your Relaxed Hair 
The cold temperatures, wind, and dry indoor heat has made keeping my hair moisturized a challenge this winter. Here are some ways that I'm keeping my hair moisturized whilst warding off breakage this winter: 

Find an air drying method that works for you: 
Wet hair in the winter isn't really my cup of tea, but blow drying (with high heat) or using the flat iron daily isn't going to help my already thirsty hair. My air drying method of choice right now is (faux) banding. I detangle in sections, apply my leave ins, gently stretch my hair and secure with croc clips then let dry. Not only does the tension prevent tangles at my roots, but it also smooths my hair and is the perfect base for big voluminous buns. If banding isn't your thing, try a roller set or tension blowout with cool air.

Stock up on your favorite creamy leave in:
Winter weather will laugh as your light watery leave in. Creamy leave ins that absorb and deeply nourish are musts in the winter. My favorites are Herbal Essences Split End Protector and y'all know that I can not say enough about Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner. 

Consider adding a shot of protein to your ends:
Protein is only one factor preventing breakage and aiding in length retention, but I do believe that all hair can benefit from a little protein power, especially on your ends. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and it totally needs a lot of love. My hair loves silky protein serums. Here are my go tos: Chi Silk Infusion or Organix Coconut Milk Serum.

Seal it with a buttery kiss---of Hair butter:
I'm trying to be more mindful of what my ends do and how I treat them. I'm convinced that if I can keep my ends moisturized, protected, and strong---especially this winter, I'll finally make it out of BSL land. We all know that we need to seal our hair. But sealing with a hair butter that is chocked full of nourishing butters, oils, and nutrients will protect hair from damage, deeply moisturize and ease manageability. I love making my Kitchenista hair butter but if you're not about that DIY life, check out Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight). You won't regret it!

How has your regimen changed this winter? Share your tips below!

Besitos!
KLP

What I Gave This Christmas

Tangerine Vanilla Hair and Body Butter: part unique, a little crafty, very cheap, made with love. Peep the recipe here. 

Merry Christmas Chicas!

Besitos!
KLP


a Rafflecopter giveaway

How To Fight Itchy And Flaky Winter Scalp

There are a zillion things to be loved about the winter: layering, tall boots, and hot cocoa are a few of my favorite things. But the dry, cold winter air and temps are no joke.  All of which can take a toll on your hair causing that pat yo weave *in my best Bey voice* dry, itchy, flaky scalp. Defend your hair with my 3 favorite scalp soothers:

Rosemary Green Aloe Hair Rinse

Homemade for the hairlista who knows her way around the kitchen

Ingredients:
2 bags green tea steeped in 1 cup of water, 1 cup aloe vera juice, 2 springs rosemary, and a little pixie dust.

Why it works: 
Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with caffeine known to help increase oxygen to your hair follicles. Aloe vera juice is very subtle, absorbs easily, leaves no residue, almost odorless, naturally combats frizz, soothes the itches, all while moisturizing hair with vital nutrients.

How I use it: 
Tea Rinse: After deep conditioning as a final rinse.
Deep Condition: Sprtiz a little on your scalp and hair before applying your deep conditioner.

(Simple) Stimulating Essential Oil Blend

Semi-homemade for the hair obsessed chica who ain't got time for all that measuring

Ingredients: 
Peppermint Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Why it works: 
Peppermint invigorates and refreshes your scalp. Eucalyptus is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Extra Virgin Coconut oil soothes and protects. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an light weight moisturizing emollient (and it's super cheap!)

How I use it: 
Pre-poo: Applied to my scalp in a spray bottle.
Scalp massage: For a few minutes a few times a week.

Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner

Store Bought for the healthy hair connoisseur who loathes anything DIY

Ingredients:  
Aqua (Water), Alchohol Denat, Benzalkonium Chloride, Camphor, Piroctone Olamine.

Why It works:
Camphor cools as it soothes. Benzalkonium Chloride helps to prevent recurrence of flaking.
Piroctone Olamine provides long lasting relief from the itchies. 

Your scalp is the key to healthy hair. And the good news is all all 3 treatments help reduce shedding! Two birds one stone!

What are you doing to keep your scalp healthy this winter?

Besitos!
KLP

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How To Make Your Own Co-Cleanser

I try to love shampoo. I really do. I've only found one shampoo that I think is decent (Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo) but that still leaves 4-5 full bottles of shampoo that won't get used any time soon. Recently, I used the Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream, this cute little co-cleanser that claims to hydrate whilst still cleaning your tresses. Although, I didn't know what to make of the product, I do know one thing- I liked the way that my hair felt afterwards. No tangles. No stripped feeling. Slightly moisturized. I mean, seriously what's not to like about that? So, I'm on the co-cleanser bandwagon, but refuse to buy another shampoo. What should I do? Go kitchenista:

How to Make Your Own Co-Cleanser:

1. One part Shampoo: a good co-cleanser still needs a little something something to clean your tresses. I keep that something something to a minimum. Use as much as you want.
2. Two parts Oil: Nothing revives my hair from a tangled bird's nest like coconut oil. Be proactive instead of reactive by adding a bit to your mix. 
3. Three parts Conditioner: In order for this mix to work, you've gotta have more conditioner than shampoo. Choose one that's cheap, but effective and does a decent job of lightly moisturizing your tresses. 

Troubleshooting: 

1. Don't expect suds- This mix won't lather well or give you that sudsy feeling like regular shampoo. It will however gently clean without tripping your tresses. 
2. It's thick- Yes, it's going to be thick. Yes, you'll want to store it in a jar or a narrow tip applicator bottle. Yes, youll definitely use more than a dime sized amount to wash all that thick hair on your head. Yes, you still need to deep condition afterwards. 
3. Make a little at a time- Do not go and make a gallon tub of co-cleanser if you're not going to use it straight away. Ha-ha! I guess-estim
   ate that a batch will last about 2 weeks before you might want to trash it. Keep it in the fridge just in case.

Rats! Your first Kitchenista co-cleanser was a fail. Well, don't fret. Try again with more of whatever it was lacking. Reach for more conditioner if your tresses weren't quite moisturized enough. Maybe add a little Aloe Vera Juice if it's too thick. Cut out the oil if you felt like your hair was greasy or coated.

Have you ever used a co-cleanser? What characteristics are you looking for it in?

Besitos!
KLP

Mini Wash

Last week, I kept it super simple-- I moisturized with my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter daily. I co-washed after my 5k with a little Cibu Hi-Ya! Keratin Reconstructive Conditioner---a random salon buy from many moons ago. It left my hair less soft and more strong so I knew that a deep moisturizing treatment was due with this wash.

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- with my fingers.
2. Extreme deep condition- with JBCO and Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner on my scalp, spritzed my length with a little Aloe Tea Spray to dampen my hair then applied Jessicurl Deep Treatment. I covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
3. Aloe Green Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied 4oz of steeped green tea + 4oz of Aloe Vera Juice, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
4. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
5. Air Dried- Applied Organix Anti-Breakage Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum then air dried 100% with silk scarf.
6. Leave-Ins- Aloe Tea Spray to moisturize, my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter, and Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

Results- 

My multi-textured hair's detangling sweet spot is at 75-85% dry. When it's drippy wet, I have a harder time identifying knots and removing shed hair. When it's completely dry, I have more breakage because my strands aren't as elastic and I don't get my hair to dry as smooth. Needless to day detangling today at 100% dry was a really bad idea. I wish that I had a better excuse for being so reckless---honestly, I just feel asleep. Ha-ha! I only had 3 hairs in the shower drain but a little more lost hair than usual during my detangling session. I stretched my 17 weeks post hair by faux banding and using the LOC method to moisturize. Then pulled it all back into a banana clip bun. 

What's your hair's air drying sweet spot?

Besitos!
KLP




 

Wash Day

I kept it simple and easy this week---Styling fluffy buns using banana clips. I moisturized with my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter daily. I co-washed once and actually remembered to apply a protein leave every other day. My protein leave in of choice was Kedya's Fave: Organix Anti-Breakage Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. I had very little breakage and very little shed hair. I think that my hair is happy.

Wash Day Products

1. Detangled- very lightly with my fingers adding a little bit of extra virgin coconut oil along the way.  
2. Cleansing Cream (Shampoo)- with diluted Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream.
3. Extreme deep condition- with Jessicurl Deep Treatment. Then I sealed the conditioner with coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and relaxed under my heat cap for about 2 hours. 
4. (Aloe) Tea Rinse- After rinsing the conditioner, I applied a mix CC's Naturals Lavender & Chamomile Tea and Aloe Vera Juice to my hair, using a narrow tip applicator to my strands. I let it sit for a few minutes then rinsed.
5. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
6. Air Dried- 95% with silk scarf.
7. Leave-Ins- Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.

Results:
Have you ever used a product on your hair not knowing what to expect then wondered if it even worked? Lol. Today's wash was the first time that I've used a cleansing cream and...well...I just don't know what to make of it. Here's what I liked: 

• The Scent: Y'all know that I have a weakness for light, sweet and airy fragrances. This one smells like fresh baked vanilla bean cake. Yum! 
• Non-stripping: Curlz boosts this product as sulfate free, rich, and creamy. All---I agree with!
• Tangle free: It was a breeze applying conditioner afterwards because my hair was still tangle free.

Fluffy Air Drying Side Bun

Here's the indifferent part--I have no clue if my hair was cleansed. Ha-ha. Crazy right? When I hopped in the shower to rinse the coconut oil, my hair felt great! I diluted the cleansing cream with a few ounces of water in a narrow tip applicator bottle. After application---I didn't really feel like I had anything in my hair. No lather. No suds. No nothing. So I added more shampoo to my hair. Undiluted this time. The feeling didn't change. I didn't really know what to do, so I rinsed and moved on. My hair definitely didn't have that "clean" feeling but it wasn't dry either. I think that I'll give Curls one more try---Just to make sure that I'm not losing it. Ha-ha. 

Lost Hair: L: Last wash | R: This Wash

Now let's talk about Jessicurl Deep Treatment. Whatever the Curlz Cleansing Cream did or didn't do was recified by this deep treatment. As I applied it to my hair, it literally melted into my strands. The 2 inches of super curly roots loved it. My texlaxed length loved it. Every texture was happy. Yep--a Moisture Party on my hair. Woot! I've never been this impressed with a deep conditioner especially before applying heat. Then, my heat cap just took things to another level. As I rinsed, for the first time in my hhj, I was concerned about moisture overload. My hair felt that soft, smooth, and buttery. The Aloe Tea Rinse only made things better. And before I knew it, I was having the best wash day ever! 

My loss hair was the size of a green pea and probably half of what it was the week before. I'm shocked that I'm not having more trouble with washing, tangling, and breakage this far into my stretch. The only think that sucks is that I can't coax my hair with all these textures into my cute signature high bun anymore. *shrugs* You win some and you lose some. 

How was your last way day? 

Besitos!
KLP

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your Healthy Hair On: Butter

Top: Ingredients | Left: Cocoa, Shea, and Mango Butter | Right: Mixing in Action

Benefits of Healthy Hair Butter:

Spoiler! I have a this kinda weird thing for hair science research. My strands are my test subject, so I guess that you could call me a healthy hair mixologist. (Yep...I just made that up. Ha-ha!) I've been wanting to try out hair butter for one reason only: to save my ends. The last 2 inches of your hair are the oldest and most fragile section of your tresses. I know that if I want to retain length, that I've gotta be more mindful of what my ends do and how I treat them. I've hovered in BSL land for entirely too long now and I'm convinced that if I can keep my ends moisturized, protected, and strong---I'll finally make it into MBL la-la land. Hair butter is chocked full of nourishing butters, oils, and nutrients that protects hair from damage, deeply moisturizes and eases manageability. But wait! There's more!

How You Can Use it:

This bad boy is a jack of all trades that you can use for your hair and body- 

• Sealant- Daily sealing after moisturizing my hair with a leave-in. 
• Styler- As the "oil" in my bantu knot cocktail
• Skin Softener- To smooth my entire body. (Especially for rough knees and elbows)

Healthy Hair Butter Recipe & How To:

The best part of DIY'ing your hair products is that you have control of what goes into your blend. I love being able to skip the icky not so good for you ingredients and then add more of the yummy yum yum nourishing ingredients.

Tangerine Vanilla Hair and Body Whipped Butter 
    Ingredients:
    1/2 cup Shea Butter
    1/2 cup Cocoa Butter
    1/2 cup Mango Butter
    2 tbsp Jamaican Black Castor Oil
    1/2 cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
    1/2 cup Sweet Almond Oil
    2 tbsp Vitamin E Oil
    1/2 cup Aloe Vera Gel
    Tangerine Essential Oil
    Vanilla Infused Oil (I purchased from my local farmer's market)

    Directions:

1. Melt the solid butters (Mango, Cocoa, then Shea) together over a double boiler (Make your own using a glass/metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. Be sure that the boiling water does not touch the bottom of the bowl).
2. Remove from heat. 
3. Using a hand mixer add the remaining oils (except the tangerine and vanilla). 
4. Mix until completely blended (no lumps, hard bits, and homogenous color) and add Tangerine oil. 
5. As the blend cools, it will start to harden, so keep mixing until light and fluffy.

I actually started with this really simple recipe. But I the consistency was too thick/hard to apply. Plus y'all know me---I needed a great scent too! It took 3 batches to develop this recipe and get the fluffy, smooth, light blend that I wanted. Sometimes, you'll have to play with the ratio of butter, to oil, to aloe vera gel. 

So you're not the kitchenista type but want to try hair butter? No hay problema! Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter (Heavenly Delight) will always hold a special place in my heart. I promise you, this is an awesome product---no mixing required. 

There's only one downside: you might have to clarify more often if you are a regular hair butter lover. Other than that---Butter makes it better for my tresses. 

Have you tried hair butter? If so, share your recipe or product suggestion in the comments field. 

Besitos!
KLP

Reader Question: What's In Your Organic Aloe Tea Hair Rinse?

Organic Aloe Tea Rinse

Healthy Hair Question-

Q: What's in that organic aloe tea rinse that you used last wash day and how to you plan on using it as a moisturizer?

A: Lo siento chicas for not elaborating. My Aloe Tea Rinse a 3:1:1 ratio of organic tea to hot water to aloe vera juice. I prepare it by steeping 3 heaping tablespoons of CC's Naturals Lavender & Chamomile Tea in 1 cup of barely boiling water then add 1 cup of aloe vera juice. I cover with a lidded mason jar for a few hours. Then sptriz a little on my hair in sections before layering on my deep conditioner and sealing it all the yummy goodness with an oil. To help everything marinade into my strands, I add heat via my awesome Gold n Hot heating cap.

Here's a bit of a warning: This tea has a ridiculously powerful scent. Its not what I would consider floral, whilst it's not terribly funky either. It most definitely is that totally yucky natural-earthy smell that I just don't care for. So, I added a few drops of Tangerine Essential oil to mask the scent and worked like a charm! To maximize the shelf-life of your tea hair rinse, store in the refrigerator WITH A LABEL (One time, my hubby thought that my hair butter was cake icing. Ha-ha!) and it's best to use within 4-5 days of mixing.


I intend on using this mix as a daily moisturizer then seal with my Kitchenista Hair Butter.
Using the same technique that kept my roots smooth, moisturized, and ends protected ends while my hair was straightened a few weeks ago. 

Keep sending your questions chicas!

Besitos!
KLP

Why I Have Henna On The Brain

 

(Left) My mom said that the more stubborn I got--the more fiery my hair became. I hated it. circa age 6. | (Middle) First I streaked my bangs black. I thought that I was sooo cool. *smh high school stupidity at its best* Then, it evolved into rinsing jet black every couple of months for years to maintain said coolness. circa 2010. | (Main) The one thing that I hated about my hair, is the cutest thing on my minion. Ay dios---and of course he's as stubborn as an mule. circa 2013. | (Right) If you can't beat 'em, [re]join 'em. circa Lush Henna. I'll probably never get that color back, but it will be fun trying.

Besitos!
KLP

Trekking Light | A Guide To Traveling With 5 Products Or Less

SavingOurStrands Approved Travel Kit

This past few months, I've been on the go-go. Up and down the eastern seaboard, from New Jersey to Florida. I try to pack light yet still be thorough. Here's a list of the 5 go to products and tools plus how I keep it organized, while never sporting a boring bun.  

1. Deep conditioner: Halka Baba de Caracol
2. Leave in/Co-wash/Detangler: Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
3. Hair Butter: Koils By Nature Hair and Body Butter or my DIY Kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Butter
4. Hair Pins: In a tidy portable tin like these from Sallys
5. Banana Clips: Scunci Banana Hair Clips

Banana Clip Side Tuck on Loose Bantu Curls

For overnight or weekend trips, I can get away with trekking 
with 1000mL or less containers. I picked up this plastic carrying case with 4 empty containers included for less than $2. I was pleasantly surprised that the rest of my mini arsenal fit perfectly. For more than 5 day aways---I pack full bottles. Bonus Tip: When I want to be fancy, I carry a mini container of Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie so that I can sport big (heat free) fluffy frizz-resistant bantu knot curls.

What hair products do you trek with?

Un mil besitos!
KLP