Dr. Phoenyx’s Banana & Coconut Milk Hair Smoothie
I just love this time of year! Don’t you? You’ve got gorgeous weather for days, barbecues, cocktails with little umbrellas, and weekend trips to the beach. There’s just one major thing you have to look out for- sun damage to your hair and skin.This is a time of year when you should pay extra attention to how well your skin is protected and how well your hair is moisturized and conditioned when you’re outdoors. How do you do this? One, make sure to wear sunblock. And two, make sure you use hair products that contain lots of water and moisture-boosting ingredients. Which brings me to a lovely little hair treatment that works extremely well at keeping hair conditioned- my Banana & Coconut Milk Hair Smoothie. It’s very easy to make (tastes yummy too!) and is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help to nourish and protect your hair (and scalp) while you soak up the sun.So what’s so great about the Banana & Coconut Milk Hair Smoothie? Let’s find out by taking a closer look at the ingredients…. Bananas: are rich in natural oils and vitamins that help to deep condition, restore sheen, prevent dandruff and maintain hair’s elasticity. Elasticity is your hair’s ability to lightly stretch and recoil under tension. Elasticity is something you want to pay very close attention to- especially if you want to grow hair to longer lengths. And I talk extensively about how to maintain hair’s elasticity in my new book If You Love It, It Will Grow! A Guide to Growing Long Afro-Textured Hair. (You can see Mae's review HERE)Coconut milk: is rich in protein and fatty acids, which makes it great for deep conditioning, strengthening and minimizing breakage. Coconut milk is also great because it contains natural sunscreens that help protect hair from UV damage. I practically live outdoors during the summer months- which is why I like using coconut milk (and products containing coconut) to help protect and re-condition my sun-kissed coils and curls.For this smoothie you’ll need:2 or 3 ripe bananas (I typically use 3-4 bananas because of my hair’s thickness and length)½ to 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 fl oz can)Directions:1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree completely. The consistency of the smoothie should be thick and creamy like a milkshake*It is very important that you thoroughly puree your smoothie. If you don’t, you may end up with hard to rinse bits of banana and white flakes in your hair. Trust me, this is not a good look!2. Pour smoothie into a cup or bowl3. Use cup/bowl to gradually pour smoothie onto hair and scalp. Thoroughly coat your hair and gently massage your scalp (you may want to do this step in the shower)4. Relax and wait 15 minutes5. Thoroughly cleanse your hair by co-washing. Or you can shampoo (make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo), condition and rinse6. Style as usualAnd that’s all ladies! You now know how to make a really superb all-natural hair treatment that will help protect your hair, make it softer, add lots of sheen, and leave it smelling almost good enough to eat! Enjoy!Do you make your own all-natural hair treatments? What are your favorites?
Want to learn more on how to grow healthy and longer hair? Check out Dr. Phoenyx Austin’s new book If You Love It, It Will Grow! A Guide to Growing Long Afro-Textured Hair. Also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Dr. Phoenyx Austin is a physician, media personality and author who offers advice on topics related to beauty, love & sex, and lifestyle. You can find Dr. Phoenyx Austin on DrPhoenyx.com, Facebook, Twitter. 