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

Hair Update

Last week I decided to do some two strand twists, which came out nice (sorry no pics) and I left them in for two days, and wore a twist out for two or three. When I started to take those things out, man did I have some knots.

Remember those pesky little single strand knots I mentioned not too long ago? Well, they got me, again!

It could be that my hair was dry, as I did not add any moisture to my hair nor cowash while they were installed. I did manage to save a few strands by catching them before they turned into true knots but undoing them with a bobby pin. With that being said, I think I am going to stay away from two strand twists, at least until I can figure out how to moisturize them without getting them frizzy.


Anyway, my hair felt really dry and stiff after taking the twists out, so I had my hair soak in some conditioner- VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, mixed with Coconut Milk, and Canola Oil, on dry hair with a plastic cap.

I left in for a few hours do not remember how many, but my hair felt a lot better, moisturized and soft! I did not wash my hair after, but decided to try something new. I wanted to try an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse, which is Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with baking soda, as I've heard that this combination does well for cleansing the hair and smoothing.

Thing is, I just had regular ol' vinegar, but I decided to go for it anyway. I did not measure, I put about 3 spoonfuls in a tiny plastic bowl, probably around 4-5 cap fulls of vinegar, mixed, and poured the mixture on to my scalp.

It felt grainy, but I rubbed my scalp just as I would if shampooing, or cowashing, and rinsed out. My hair felt clean afterwards, but different from when I shampoo, almost if it had been stripped of product, but was still left soft. I cowashed with VO5 Free Me Freesia, and detangled afterward. I am going to purchase Apple Cider Vinegar, and actually try to do measurements so you guys can have a recipe. You can also wing it and see how you like it!


I always style my hair after cowashing, and sinceI had not done a rod set in a while, that is what I settled on.  I oiled my scalp with my usual mixture, used Coconut Milk, as a leave in, sealed with the same mixture of oils, but instead of using Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion, I wanted to try using Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel. I added a bit of gel to each strand of hair when I was about to roll it onto the rod ( I used gray cold wave rods). I kept the rods in overnight wearing a satin bonnet, and this were the results.

Before Separating Curl

After

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 ~