Hey guys,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on how I’ve been retaining moisture in these cooler months.
One really important thing I’ve learned is that using vegetable glycerin in the cooler months (lower moisture content in the air) is NOT a good idea! Because glycerin is a humectant (meaning it draws moisture away from its surroundings), AND there is hardly any moisture in the air in the winter months…guess where it’s drawing away this moisture from now?? Yep, you guessed it.. YOUR HAIR (NOT a good look!).
So I’ve revamped my regimen and this is what I do now, which has left my hair feeling softer than ever before!
So my regimen consists of a coconut oil scalp massage, an oil-based spritz and a cream (both HOMEMADE)
1. Coconut Oil Scalp Massage
So immediately after washing, I give my scalp a good massage with organic coconut oil. This is a very light oil, and actually is absorbed by your scalp.
2. Oil-based Spritz
This is a mixture (and no measuring here) of sweet almond oil, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), castor oil and a hint of lemon oil (for fragrance). You can really play around with what oils you use too. I’ve switched around, using jojoba oil, avocado oil, and safflower oil. EVOO and castor oil are definitely two of my favorites though. Castor oil has a slightly thicker consistency, and really coats my hair strands well.
3. Hair Cream
I’ve definitely played around with the proportions of this as well, but the main ingredients are unrefined raw shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is a new FAVE of mine for both my hair and my face. It has such a creamy texture when mixed with coconut oil, and the scent is divine! I usually add some drops of jojoba oil, peppermint oil, sweet almond oil and EVOO to allow for more a creamy consistency of the overall blend.
*Sidenote: I’ve been making some of my own hair products because I haven’t really found something commercial yet that does what I want for my hair (or is in my price range). So until then…I’ll keep mixing away! : )
Lion-ess 
what's EVOO?
EVOO=Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Super suggestions. Glad to see you pointed out the fact about VG during the winter. Your mixtures are on point. I used those same ingredients in my product formulations. Awesome stuff! Big ups to you for going with the Castor Oil. Truly a fav for my head of locs, my Warrior Princesses', and King's. So many natural hair wearers shy away from using Castor, but as you pointed out it is the best for coating. Castor gives great protection all over.
Like the blog.
Itiel
What Kind of Cocoa butter do you use?
What kinda of Cocoa Butter do you use?
I use 100% organic cocoa butter that I purchase from Whole Foods Market. I buy the AAASheaButter brand, that can be found at http://www.aaasheabutter.com too.
I recently just purchased some unrefined shea butter and cocoa butter. I am so anxious to make my own mixture incorporating the two and other natural oils. What are the proportions you use when combining this mixture?Thx for the help.
At what point in your hair regimen do you use these the last two products? Thank you!
Hey Mae,
I just did my BC Jan. 13, 2011 and i love my twa, but i was wondering what is the best thing to put in my spritz to keep my hair moisturize cause my hair is always dry especial when I wake up in the morning. I just don’t know what to do. I do the coconut oil in the morning along with my spritz but by the time noon come it look dry again.
It’s possible to still use vegetable glycerin in the winter months! Just make sure that you don’t apply it too thick (mix well with other ingriedents) and take a long hot shower after applying. The glycerin will pull all the moisture it needs from the steam created by the shower. If you are going out of the house soon, make sure your hair does not get wet. I live in the Northeast and this works like a charm for my 4b hair!
Great tip! Thanks for sharing : )
At last! I am finally getting a hang of the hair care lingo~
And thank you so much for the tips! 