Easy Breezy Clay Wash

Clay washes are as old as humans. People have been using clay to clarify and cleanse the skin for centuries. One type of clay in particular has been touted as one of the best to use for skin and hair-Moroccan Red clay. I have been intrigued with the idea of a clay wash for sometime so I researched then selected an easy recipe from a hair forum. The difference in my recipe is that I used coconut agave and added rosemary oil.

PRODUCTS/ MATERIAL
Red Moroccan Clay
Aloe Vera Gel
Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut Agave
Rosemary oil
Tea tree oil
Lavender oil

HOW I PREPARED
The night before I spritz my hair with coconut oil mist. Then, I detangled my hair and twisted into four big sections then tied my hair up with a silk scarf.

MAKING THE CLAY WASH
Get a plastic spoon and bowl or container. Add 3 Tbsp of Moroccan Red clay. Heat up about 8 oz of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp of coconut oil in the microwave for 45-50 seconds. Slowly add it to the clay powder. Next, add 1 tsp of coconut agave. Then, add 20 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of rosemary oil. Please note: Do not add rosemary if you have high blood pressure.
APPLYING THE CLAY WASH:
I applied the wash from the scalp to the tip starting with the back of my hair.
After each section is completed allow the clay wash to sit in your hair for 30 minutes.

RINSING THE HAIR
I rinsed my hair thoroughly in the shower. I made sure all remnants of the clay were washed away. I noticed that my hair felt so soft and there were absolutely no tangles. My curls felt like deep crinkles and my scalp felt refreshed.

THE FINAL VERDICT
I give Moroccan clay 5 out of 5 hairballs. If I could I would say a 10. Mixing it can be a little messy but get some towels and wipe up any spills. I ended up with some clay wash left over, so I put it in an old dropper bottle and placed it in the refrigerator.  It does not have preservatives so the left over mix has to be refrigerated.

If you like well conditioned hair then try a clay wash. The only conditioner that I used was a leave in conditioner. My hair feels so wonderful! Try this recipe and let me know what you think!

The Ultimate Easy Ayurveda Treatment

The Sukesh Ayurveda powder from HennaSooq.com has been a staple in my Ayurvedic regimen. I use it alone or in my henna. According to the Henna Sooq website Sukesh Ayurveda promotes hair growth.  That is because it consists of all the wonderful Indian herbs: cassia, amla, neem, tulsi,  brahmi, etc. All of these herbs work well to clean the scalp and strengthen  the hair follicles.

I have been doing the Sukesh Ayurveda treatment every couple months for about a year now. I just discovered the easiest way to do the treatment for my hair. Here's a breakdown of how I do the Sukesh Ayurveda treatment:

PRODUCTS USED:
1/2 pkg of HennaSooq Sukesh Ayurveda
1 Tbsp Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tbsp Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil

Henna Sooq Mad Moisture shampoo bar
V05 Tea Therapy Smoothing Conditioner
NOW Jojoba Oil
Chosen Foods Extra Virgin Sesame Oil
Cantu Shea Butter Naturals Leave-In Conditioner

1.DETANGLE & PREPOO OVERNIGHT
To prepare my hair for a Sukesh Ayurveda treatment I detangled and prepooed my scalp with jojoba oil. Then, I twisted my hair into jumbo twists. Next, I wrapped my hair and went to bed. 

2. MIX & APPLY
In the morning I mix the Sukesh with warm water, 1 Tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel, and 1 Tbsp of Coconut Oil. Be sure to melt the coconut oil before you add it to the mixture. I made sure to use a plastic spoon and bowl,  because metals interfere with the herbs. The paste was the consistency of pudding.

I let the paste sit for about 10-15 minutes. Next, I divided my hair into 4 sections with butterfly clips. I applied the paste from front to back. I put a plastic bag on my head then wrapped a scarf and tied it down. I left the paste on for about an hr. The instructions on the box said to leave it on for about 30 minutes but I like to leave it in for longer.

3. RINSE, SHAMPOO & CONDITION
I rinsed the paste out in the shower with warm water. Then, I used my shampoo bar to cleanse my scalp. Next, I rinsed out the suds well and applied my conditioner. I grabbed my sesame oil bottle and added about 2 large squirts of oil in my hand then applied to my hair root to tip. I allowed it to sit in my hair for about 3 minutes and rinsed. After getting out the shower, I applied my deep conditioner leave-in. 

THE END RESULT

I give Sukesh Ayurveda 5 out of 5 hairballs. This is by far my favorite mixture because I didn't need a lot of ingredients. It left my hair so soft yet strong. My curls are very defined but slightly tighter than when I used the amla mixture. There was hardly any shedding. Try the mixture and let me know what you think!

Amla Obsessed

Just today I decided to add amla treatments to my Ayurvedic hair routine. Why the big decision? Well, I had read some great things about it, so I figured it would be a wonderful addition to my routine.

To prep my hair I detangled and moisturized each section with Cantu Shea Butter coconut oil, spritz, coconut oil, and Cantu Shea Butter hair lotion. I made about 4 twists on each side of my head. Then, I wrapped my hair up with a silk scarf and went to bed.

In the morning I opened up the amla powder and dumped it into a plastic bowl. Then, I added really warm water and stirred until it was the texture of pudding.

I put a thin layer on my face for a skin treatment. I could feel a slight cooling sensation.

I sectioned my hair and began putting amla in the back section and then the sides and front. I could see my hair curling up and it looked almost like deep waves. I was getting excited from the definition.

I give amla 5 out of 5 hairballs for curl definition and conditioning effects for the hair and skin (bonus). I purchased fresh amla powder from hennasooq.com.

The Incredible DIY Conditioner

Let me just say that this DIY recipe is the BEST deep conditioner that I have used thus far. I found it on the Internet on several sites and I decided to try it on my freshly hennaed hair. After using it the first time, I washed my hair again a few days later and I was astonished by the results. My curls softened and became even more defined. I could not believe it!

Here is what I used:
1 can of Coconut Cream
2-3 Tbsp of Greek Yogurt
2 tsp of Honey
2 tsp of Castor Oil
2 tsp of Jojoba Oil

Mix ingredients and refrigerate to allow it to gel together. If you use it fresh then be prepared to have it runny. Otherwise, leave the mixture in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hrs.  Take it out and let it warm up before putting it in your hair. I did it straight out from the fridge and it was cold! Put a plastic cap on and use it with or without heat. I kept it in for about 30 min.

So, there you go .. easy breezy.. deep conditioner.  Cheap and effective! Tweak the amounts to suit your hair properties and enjoy!

The Gift of Henna

My henna treatment went so well that I am going to share my updated henna recipe. The outcome was glossy, conditioned,  highlighted natural hair. By the time I rinsed my hair, it was soft and tangle free.

This is what I used:
1 pkg of Red Raj Henna
2 Tbsp of Sukesh Ayurveda
2 tsp of Lemon Juice
2-3 eggs
1 can of Coconut Milk
1 tsp of Avocado oil (mix after dye release)

Mix the henna and Sukesh powder together then add the lemon juice, eggs, and coconut milk.

Let the mixture sit in a cool, dry place until the dye releases. You will notice that the henna color will change from green to brown.

After dye releases stir in the avocado oil or the oil of your choice.

Section the hair into 4 sections. Two in the front and two in the back. Begin applying the henna from root to tip. If you are touching up your hair, apply it only to the root.

Place a plastic bag or cap over your head and let the henna sit for about 4-6 hrs.

Rinse the henna out with warm water then use a moisturizing conditioner. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes then rinse. Deep condition your hair according to your hair's needs. Usually I deep condition my hair for 30 min.

I lost few strands of hair. There was hardly any hair shed. While rinsing my hair felt like silk. When it dried I was amazed by the moisture and softness. Try it and see if you like it!!!

*I purchased the henna and Sukesh Ayurveda from Hennasooq.com.