Homemade Coconut Leave In Conditioner & Bantu Knot Out

 A couple of days ago ago was my cowash day, before cowashing or shampooing, I always do a cayenne pepper treatment (for growth), and then I cowash. I detangle while cowashing, it is the only time I detangle, as I cannot do so on dry hair, as I'll end up ripping my hair out! I oiled my scalp using my favorite oil mixture of Lavender JBCO and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (ABUHO) (usually it would also contain Home Health Castor Oil, which is regular Castor Oil, but I was out of it at the time) then it was time to decide what low manipulation style I wanted to do. Since I had not done Bantu Knots in a long time, I decided that that was what I was going to do.


 I discovered Bantu Knots( also called Chiney Bumps) back when I was still relaxed. It gave me the curly/wavy look without having to use rollers, or a hot curler. The reason the hair curls, is because of the method of which the knots are created.


You take a 'strand' of hair, and you twist it (not two strands), but all together twirl it around, I use my finger to twirl, it's easier that way, at least in my opinion. and then you wrap the hair around itself to form a little knot.

 Like this

Now that part was tricky when I was still learning, what really helped me, is of course is practice, but also watching tutorials on youtube. The one video that truly helped ME was a tutorial (how to bantu knot) by crownofHisglory. Her video's are great, and are really helpful!

After oiling my scalp, I used my Homemade Coconut Leave in to moisturize, and Shea Butter to seal.

The problem I encountered, the next morning, was realizing that my hair had not fully dried. I believe I kept them in overnight for about 8 hours or so. It could have been the size of the knots that caused them to dry slower than expected, but I prefer them that way, because my hair tangles when they are small, and that can form single strand knots, which I do not need!

It also could be that the combination of using my coconut leave in, and shea butter, made my hair too heavy. I sprayed the leave in, and then sealed with the shea butter. My hair was very oily when I took my knots out.

Here's how they looked when I unraveled them

Then with my fingers I separated the knots, again because they were not fully dry, my hair did not curl/wave like I wanted it to.

So I added a headband!

Next time, I will not use Shea butter on top of my Homemade Coconut Leave in, because that already contains oils, which could be the reason as to why my hair did not dry fully, as well as it being a bit oily to the touch.

This style is an easy low manipulation style, that generally lasts me 2-3 days. It could last longer if I slept better! Definitely one of my go-to styles.

I'm into my second day of the style, and will wear it for a third time, before wash day this Sunday.

I'm still in love with my leave in, it just can't be combined with any other products, or spray too much, as it contains oil, which is why I call it a moisturizer & sealer in a bottle!

This is not my best Bantu Knot Out, but I hope this still encourages you guys to try this style for yourself. (It also looks great on relaxed hair! Not just for the natural ladies!)



Until Next Time, Naomi~

Super Moisturizing 'Homemade' Coconut Leave In Conditioner

As promised, I'm back........ to tell you guys about my Homemade Coconut Leave In Conditioner I made with stuff lying the house. I always wanted to invest in a good leave in conditioner, but for some reason I have never gotten around to doing so. I usually end up using my cowashing conditioners as a leave in, which is there is nothing wrong with, I'm just saying that it is something I've yet to do.

Now that I have my Homemade Coconut Leave In,  I don't think I'll ever need to!

It's purpose is to moisture my tresses after cowashing.

It consists of, (canned) Coconut Milk ( did not use the whole can, the 'milk' separated itself from the rest of the liquid, so I used the 'milk' part, and discarded the water), Probably close to if not half a bottle of Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner, Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil, and Castor Oil, I also put a pinch full of Shea Butter, not sure how much it contributed, being that it was such a tiny amount. (Pic of products used below) ( You do not have

 I chose those products because coconut milk to be moisturizing, and since it was the base of my leave in, I wanted to make use of the Coconut Oil, and 'Coconut' conditioner I have, I find that Coconut Oil softens hair, and is great for sealing, I added the Castor Oil for it's hair thickening properties, and it also gives hair a nice sheen! So this Leave in is Moisturizing & Sealing in one!



I did not use measurements ( I think everyone's hair is different, so I would just use according to how much YOU need), I just put what I thought would be best, and put it in my spray bottle I got from Sally Beauty, a while ago. I can't remember how much it cost at the time, but I don't believe it exceeded $5.00 USD. The spray bottle is $3.59 USD on the Sally Beauty website, $3.29 USD if you own a Sally Beauty Club Card.


After putting all my ingredients, I put my finger over the spout so it would not leak, and shook the bottle to mix it. Here's how it looked in the bottle.

It has more of a watery consistency, than creamy, but it makes a great spray leave in, which I find is less heavy, and easier to distribute than that of a creamy conditioner. It left my hair extremely soft, with a really nice sheen. I think I am in love!

The oil does separate from the rest of the ingredients, so you have to shake it up before use.

You guys can try making this leave in yourself, or try making your own concoction with your favorite hair products!

(I think everyone should have an applicator bottle, and a spray bottle in your arsenal for mixing oils, refreshing your hair, etc.)


Until Next Time, Naomi~

Taking Down Braids & Mini Review- Suave Shea & Almond Conditoner

After having my hair in pixie braids for the past two weeks, today was the day I decided to start the process of taking them down, and boy was it a process! I really started Saturday night, did not take a lot out, I'd say a quarter or a little less than that. All in all, I'd say it took 7 hours give or take. I coated my hair in Castor oil, and conditioner, to soften my hair, so I'd have less of a chance of my hair knotting up on me, plus it gave my hair a little slip (easy to run through) which was well needed.


I also started to miss my hair, I started to forget what it was like to have 'loose' hair. I took some quick pics so you guys could see how big my hair looked! I think it is because it was stretched.

I went about my regular wash day routine, which I had to forgo last Sunday (my wash days are always on Sunday) because I did not want to get my braids frizzy, so I mainly just rinsed and sealed my ends during those two weeks. I'm trying to finish up my VO5 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream, because I'd like to try Suave Shea & Almond Shampoo, and I don't want to feel guilty for buying something I don't necessarily need. I'm going to get it soon though, probably some time this week.

Anyway, I do have Suave Shea & Almond conditioner, I've had it for a couple of weeks now, so I decided to give it it's debut today, I've only used it once, but I'm in love! It's the perfect combination of VO5 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream Conditioner or Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, and Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner.

Mind you I have not ran a comb through my hair in nearly two weeks, when I cowash I use a wide tooth comb to detangle, I generously applied Suave Shea & Almond to my hair, of course wet hair, because I just finished shampooing, put my hair under water, and went to work, of course there were a couple of kinks, but it detangled them beautifully. I was literally able to run my fingers through my hair afterwards, so that is a major plus! Pleas remember that what my hair likes, yours may not!

I do find that 'testing' products are the best way for you to figure out your hair's likes/dislikes

I also love the ingredients! Of course it's not completely natural, but the majority of it is good stuff.

Suave Shea & Almond Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice [Aloe Vera]*, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil [Lemongrass]*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Dimethiconol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, PEG-150 Distearate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

This is only based on one use, but this condition is great for cowashing! it has a creamy texture, and has a nice light scent! I will definitely continue to purchase. It's also very fairly prices. Depending on where you purchase you can find it anywhere from $1.80 USD, $4.00 USD. I find that Wal Mart has the better deal, as you get more bang for you buck, as you can get a 32 ounce for $2.49, whereas if you buy at, lets say, Rite Aid, you have to pay $3.49 for a 14.5 ounce bottle.



I am deep conditioning as we speak with Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Replenishing conditioner, mixed with little Jarrows Formula brand Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil ( I am experimenting to see how this oil can be used best), with a cap, for a little over an hour.( I purchased this coconut oil because it was on sale, and I was always interested in using coconut oil. It also was on sale which made me purchase. However, it is not Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, and does not have a scent, but so far I do like it. It gives my hair shine, and it's good for sealing my ends.)

I have to go rinse, and I think I will put my hair in chunky twists, and use this new 'leave in' conditioner, I just created, I don't want to tell you all what it is until next post! I will let you know what's in it, and how I used it, and all that good stuff! I will also be sure to include pics!


Until Next Time, Naomi~