Another Do It Yourself (DIY) Deep Conditioning Treatment- Carrot for Hair!

As you all know, I have not been home these past few weeks, so that means I have no access to my products! I know, it's terrible, however, it really has turned me into a DIY-er which is great because it forces me to be creative!

Staying with family, they have little product, which make me seem like a total junkie, but what they do have is, Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner. I do not use this at home, but it's conditioner none the less.

I squeezed a few globs of the conditioner into a bowl and added Filipo Berio Olive Oil, of course you do not have to use that specific brand, I usually use what ever is around the house. This particular brand

Before recently I had no intentions of trying carrot in a conditioner, but I have heard many good things about it, and we all know it is good for our eye sight because it contains vitamin A, but it is also full of antioxidants and minerals.I used Earth Best First Carrot (baby food). It is an organic brand, so it only contains only carrot and water, and is finely pureed, so saved me the hassle or trying to blend carrots, which I have heard can turn into a stringy mess! On their site it is sold 6 to a pack in 2.50 ounce jars for $4.14 USD excluding tax, which is about $0.69 cents a jar.

I mixed my ingredients together, and it sat in the fridge overnight in a plastic tupperware bowl, with a lid.

Before showering, I took my mixture to sit with me in the bathroom while bathing, hoping that it would warm up a little due to the steam. I did not want to ruin the texture of it by putting it in the microwave.

I Shampooed, and then added my deep conditioner mixture to my hair in sections (four) while finger combing it through, and put on a shower cap.

My hair was still a bit wet, so the mixture dripped a little, but I still kept it on for 2 hours. I rinsed while detangling, and it was a breeze! My hair felt really soft and moisturized! It also had a nice shine, which I am assuming came from the Olive Oil, which is surprising, because my hair did not like Olive Oil too much back when I was transitioning.

I used the same Olive Oil on my scalp and hair, and used setting lotion to do a rod set. My hair has hold, but it does not have a crunch, and it still very shiny.

It is definitely something that I will try again, I encourage you to try this recipe out, or create your own concoction!


Until Next Time, Naomi~

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~

DIY DC Mishap

As you all know, I am conducting a Deep Conditioning Challenge (you are more than welcome to join) on forum.blackhairplanet.com, which is the (which is the 4th one being held on BHP) anyway, this week I wanted to switch it up a bit, so instead of having everyone dc regularly (either with a protein or moisturizing conditioner), I gave everyone a chance to show their creative side, and create their own DC. No rules, the only requirement was for participants to post the mixtures they used and their experiences.( If you are looking for a for


I don't have much stuff laying around the house, I'm running low on products, so my 'dc' was simple. I planned on using my light protein dc before, so I thought it would be a good idea to try to make my own light dc. It consisted of Coconut Milk infused with Omega-3 Oil, VO5 Free Me Freesia Conditioner,  one beaten egg, JBCO, and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (ABUHO)

I made the mixture the night before I planed to use it, so I stored it in the fridge. I clarified with VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime, cowashed with matching conditioner, and then added the dc. It was runny so I tried adding a little bit more oil and VO5.

Of course it was cold, that was not a problem, but man was this stuff runny! It would not stop dripping! I tried to combat it by putting on shower caps, I put on four, but it was still running down my neck and face. I originally planned on deep conditioning 1-2 hours, but I only kept it in for a half hour, because of how runny it was.
 I rinsed, and parts of my hair smelled like egg, and had bits and pieces, even though I rinsed with cool water, perhaps it was not cool enough.

I had to cowash again, but afterwards my hair felt great! I think next time I try making my own dc, I will use something thicker as a base, like Shea Butter. I  know my experience must sound like a horror story, but I encourage you all to try making your own dc's at home, there is nothing like knowing, and being able to pronounce all the ingredients in the things you use!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi

Single Strand Knots- A Natural's Nemesis

Lately I have been experiencing Single Strand Knots also called Fairy Knots. A single strand knot, is hair that has tangled itself into a ball on the end of a single strand of hair. (I have been getting rid of them though!)

This knot forming, is usually a sign of dry hair. When the hair is dry it rubs against itself. Another way is through shampooing. When Shampooing, you are suppose to add the shampoo to your scalp, and not pile the length of your hair on top of your head (I am guilty of this). Cotton Towels can also cause dryness in hair, however, I have heard of those using cotton T-shirts, which does not take as much moisture out of the hair, as a cotton towel would.

Hair accessories can also cause knots, if your hair becomes tangled in them. If you like to bun or wear pony tails often I suggest using Goody's Ouchless Hair Ties, or any brand of hair ties without metal.


To get rid of these troublesome knots, it is best to snip them off with hair shears, you want to make sure to use hair shears, as these are sharp and are made to cut hair, regular scissors can cause more damage due to the blade's bluntness (it can bend hair, and cut jagged/unevenly). You can try to untangle the knot possibly with a needle, or if you catch it before it tightens, otherwise, I would try the search (for single strand knots) and destroy (remove) method. I have been guilty myself of snagging knots, but that is not suggested! Remember, the ends of your hair is the oldest, and most delicate, you want to hold on the them! Of course not if damaged, it is not good to hold on to damaged ends, but if it can be salvaged, then so be it.


Ways to avoid getting Single Strand Knots, is Moisture! It is important to keep your scalp as well as your ends moisturized.

Make sure you are shampooing properly (not piling hair on top of head), if using a cotton towel to dry hair, try squeezing excess water out of hair instead of rubbing vigorously, or try the T-shirt method.

Cowash in between wash days, as this helps keep hair clean and moisturized, it is also important to detangle (using wide tooth comb, or paddle/denman brush) while cowashing.

Deep condition regularly.  Using moisturizing and protein based conditioners, as it is good to have a balance to avoid moisture or protein overload. (protein overload will result in shedding/ breakage, and moisture overload will result in limpness/loss of elasticity)



Seal & Moisturize. To seal means to lock in moisture from a water based conditioner with an oil. This helps hair to retain moisture. (It is not necessary to seal if your conditioner is oil based)


If you have a regimen, you should be doing these things on a daily/weekly basis, which means you should be knot free, congrats! If not, then just follow the tips listed, and it should prevent future knots. Hope that helps!

Until next time, HHG to All! Naomi ~

Cayenne Pepper Challenge (Part 2)

As you all know, I have a Cayenne Pepper Challenge on Black Hair Planet. part 1 began January 1st, and ended March 1st. The challenge requires participants to use ground cayenne pepper (must be ground cayenne pepper, oil is not an option) in a paste, using anything they so chose, water I feel is the best option, but oils are good too, the are to put the paste in an area where they feel needs growth, and leave it on for a minimum of 30 minutes, although I feel the longer, the better, for at least 2 times a week.  Pretty simple, you can do it while prepooing, or do it before cowashing or shampooing, but I definitely recommend doing either or after using cayenne as it helps it get all of the pepper out of your hair and scalp. The mixture does tingle, but to me it is a sign that is working.

Anyway, since I have more participants, I decided to go ahead and start the challenge again. It began April 1st, and check is the 1st of every month it ends in . We recently had check in, and I thought it would be cool to let you guys see how it has been working out.( Part 1 of Cayenne Pepper Challenge) 

(Part 2 of Cayenne Pepper Challenge)

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Rod Setting Natural Hair

                                         (Ignore the date)

I had a wedding to attend, and I already had my dress and shoes together, my accessories, but I still needed to do my hair. I don't go to salon's nor do I know of any good one's. I also don't like spending money on something I can do myself! The problem was, I was having a hard time deciding whether to flat iron, or do a roller/rod set. My boyfriend said it didn't matter, but he never really has an opinion when it comes to my hair.

I then turned to my sisters on BHP and asked what they thought would be the better choice. As it turned out, a lot of them, including those who were relaxed suggest that I do the roller/rod set instead. Another thing that factored in my decision was that I am part of a no heat challenge, and I want to try my best to stay away from using direct heat on my hair.

I use perm rods and Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion for my rod sets. If you ever wanted to try this rods out, my only suggestion is that if you prefer a looser curl, go for the bigger sized rollers, the smaller the roller, the tighter the curl will be. I like small curls but I plan on purchasing more of the gray colored rods for when I want a looser curl.

I only mixed them because I ran out of yellow/blue rods lol.

I prepooed the night before, then I did my cayenne pepper treatment, washed with diluted V05 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream Shampoo, cowashed with matching conditioner, and then deep conditioned with a cap, without heat, for two hours with, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner. (In the bottle, same formula, make sure to buy see through bottle, the solid colored one has a different formula)

I sealed with my mixture of oils, and then did my hair in four sections, put Motions Foam Wrapping Lotion in the section I  was doing, and did that for all four sections, and put the rollers in downward, and made sure the roller was close to my root,( do not bunch the hair in one section of the roller, actually make sure it wraps around the length of it) and got the results of the picture above.

I left the rollers in overnight, so it would be fresh for the wedding which was the following day, and I split the curls, and it was done! The style can last a whole week, but I usually keep it for 3 days or so.

(The left side is where I split the curls, the right is how it looks when it comes out of the roller)

Try rod/roller setting at home, the results are rewarding!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! <3 Naomi

Part II of, Why Use Cayenne Pepper?

I have been meaning to post a picture of the mixture I use to give you guys an idea of what it looks like, in paste form, I almost forgot again, when I used half of my batch up lol. I use to make a batch for the week, but in order to keep it fresh, I left it out unopened, and it would dry out a little bit, and I would have to add water to get it to turn into a paste again, but I figured doing that to a batch 1-2 times over would ruin the potency, so I only make enough for one use. It can be covered if stored in the fridge, but if you leave it out, it cannot have a lid on, or else the batch will get moldy lol.

I like my paste to be on the thick side, because I found if it is made to watery it will run. The batch depicted in the picture is consisted of only ground cayenne pepper, and water. I find that it is stronger this way, because I get more of a tingle, to me that indicates that it is working. If you do not want it to tingle you can add an oil. I sometimes use olive oil, canola oil, or castor oil. I also like adding paprika, when I remember too.

If you are wondering why I use cayenne pepper for hair growth, check out part one of this entry!


Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3