DIY LOUNGE - Herbs And Spices Natural Hair!

 By now, we all have agreed that chemical based products aren't any good for our hair! Even though they allow us to manage our hair easily, they actually end up damaging our hair, giving us scalp and hair issues.
Natural products on the other hand are best to realise our long, luscious, thick and healthy hair goals and since realising this, we all have invested in natural hair products but there is this " natural awesomeness" most of us lack in our hoard! Even I am guilty of this, I do not know if its due to the lack of not knowing about it, not paying attention or if its just because you think finding them in stores can be difficult or near impossible but most of us do not care about these natural items.
 So, lets chill on talking about how awesome our natural shampoos and conditioners are and lets take a moment to explore the world of natural herbs and spices.

1. GINGER
                     Helps in strengthening hair roots and increases hair growth.

How to use : grate  and squeeze the juice from the ginger using a cheesecloth or thin handkerchief. Use a cotton ball to dab the juice on to your scalp, leave for 30 minutes and wash out.

2. WINTER CHERRY 
                    Balances PH, prevents breakage and split ends , helps hair growth and relaxes anxiety.
How to use : mix with lukewarm water and apply from scalp to tip. leave in for 30 minutes and rinse out.

3. REETHA 
                  Prevents breakage, great hair cleanser, strengthens and thickens hair, makes the hair shiner and softer.
How to use : mix with lukewarm water and apply all over your scalp. leave for 20 minutes and rinse out with clean water.

4. SHIKAKAI
               Can act as a conditioner,strengthens and promotes hair growth and its also a good cleanser.
How to use : add 3 tbs to 1 cup of water or green tea and leave in for 2 hours, sieve and add 1 cup of water. Use as hair rinse.

5. HENNA 
               Strengthens the hair , prevents hair breakage and shedding  and is an excellent treatment for grey hair.
How to use : 


These herbs are super amazing and i know some of us that already know this do not use it cause we do not know where to get them but here is this the good news, at AFRICANNATURALISTAS we sell all these herbs and have a lot more in stock! All you have to do is visit our physical or online store and for a very reasonable price any of these herbs could be yours!

please remember to mix all herbs and spices in plastic bowls,with plastic spoons and also avoid contact with the eyes.


We love hearing from you.
See you in the comments section

5 AMAZING FRUITS/VEGETABLES FOR NATURAL HAIR

I really cannot remember where I read that all fruits, veggies and grains have one or two hair benefits. Atilola even went as far as saying "just type in any fruit and add hair next to it on google and something must come up"!
 Well, I did and I was really surprised! Below are a few fruits/veggies I searched for and their benefits.

PEAS

   Peas are a good source of vitamins (vitamin B12 and vitamin B6). These vitamins help in the creation of red cells which carries nutrients and oxygen to our follicles. A lack of these vitamins can cause slow hair growth and breakage.

SPINACH

   Spinach is one of the best sources of foliate and beta carotene which help treat thinning hair and prevent dry scalp and dandruff.

SWEET POTATOES

   Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritious veggies we have around. They contain plenty vitamin C, iron and antioxidant properties.

GRAPES

   Asides being great for weight loss and its distinct taste, grapes contain natural antioxidants which increase the circulation of blood and encourage hair growth. Grapes can be used to treat split ends and premature greying.

ORANGES

   Besides tasting so great and juicy, oranges contain nutrients which strengthens the hair, treats dandruff and is a good conditioner.


I bet you didn't know these fruits could be this useful in your natural hair journey. No! Don't mention, AN got you!
Well! I am sure we all know or have heard about one particular fruit/veggie/grain we find weird to be beneficial to our hair!  Mine is RICE ! LOL!
        WHAT'S YOURS?




We love hearing from you
See you in the comment
Section.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy new year, new month and new week guys! This year is really starting on an awesome note with "new"' everything and we at African naturalistas are grateful for all of our readers.
This is just a spontaneous post and  I would like you guys to tell me in the comment section your best posts from 2016, the ones that were a bit confusing, the ones that have now become staples and hair DIYs you would like to learn in the year 2017!
I would also appreciate it if you can share your hair resolutions and goals for the new year, mine is just to have healthy hair like that of our founder (Atilola)! OMG! have you seen her bridal hair?! shes my new hair crush and she has set some goals for me and I am so going to meet those goals unlike the unrealistic one I set in the previous year.  So, share yours down in the comment section and have an awesome year!


       HAPPY NEW YEAR, LETS BE AWESOME!!!

DRY SCALP!!!

A lot of us confuse dry scalp for dandruff, while dandruff is caused by too much oil, dry scalp is caused by product build up, cold weather, using poor quality shampoo which strips the scalp of its natural oils and sometimes our diet.

 Symptoms of dry scalp
- itching
- whitish flakes that shed easily.

How to treat dry scalp
- apple cider vinegar rinse : doing this every other week would help restore  ph balance and help clarify build up.
- oil massage : massaging the scalp with  natural oils like extra olive virgin oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil is also a remedy for dry scalp.
- Natural hair mask : pampering your scalp often with healthy hair masks like yogurt hair masks can help hydrate and fight dry scalp.
- diet : changing your diet plan and eating healthy can change the condition of your scalp and hair for good.
- aloe Vera gel : aloe Vera gel is a natural soothing balm that can help with the itching and can also feed the scalp.

I hope you find this useful and I really hope you learnt a thing or two. Have a great week!





We love hearing from you
See you in the comment
Section.

Confessions Of A Naturalista

We all try to make it look like we've got everything about this natural hair thing straight, when in reality we don't even have an idea of what we are doing. It's worse when you meet the goody two shoes and they make you just feel like you've been cruel to your hair! LOL.. Most times, its not that we don't want to do the pampering and all but 24 hours is barely enough and our hair isn't even number one on the list!
 You don't have to feel guilty or worry, you are not alone, in fact, today's post is all about those times we have been negligent, because at a particular time in our hair journey we all have been negligent.
I am going to start with my own confessions and I would like you to share yours.

1. I haven't used a satin bonnet in two months: I don't even know where it is right now. I always try but it ends up at the other end of the bed and after a while I just stopped using it altogether.
2. I can't remember the last time I deep conditioned or pampered my hair : I just started working on Saturdays too which makes my Sunday hectic, I wash, iron, go to church, sleep ( and I love sleep) and do a lot more on Sundays and my hair just has to take the back seat for now.

Please don't judge me, I know I need to be better but hey, it's just hair! I believe after months of pampering and caring for my hair, it should have my back this challenging time.
So, that's my confession, please share yours in the comment Section.




We love hearing from you
See you in the comment
Section.

Dandruff Remedies

Last week we debunked some of the myths that surround dandruff. A lot of people learnt a great deal and some of us asked for a post on how to treat this "EP" (enemy of progress) called Dandruff.
Below is a list of self treatments you can try in the comfort of your homes.

1. Aloe Vera Gel : We all know that Aloe Vera serves as a relief balm for different ailments like rashes, sores and burns. What we do not know that it is also a relief for Dandruff and scalp issues.
Ingredients:
A bottle of Aloe Vera gel.
Direction:
Apply Aloe Vera gel to your scalp before shampooing,leave in for 20 minutes, shampoo and condition as usual.

2. Vinegar Rinse : Vinegar Rinse is an effective way to treat dandruff. Vinegar gets rid of dead cells that turns into dandruff.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup of warm water
Directions:
Mix the ingredients together, pour all over your hair making sure it covers your entire hair, scrub gently and then Rinse out. Repeat this every other day.

3. Eat healthy: The importance of a good diet cannot be over emphasized. It is vital in every aspect of our well being. Fatty foods and junk food should be avoided. Eat more of protein ( fish, beans and eggs). They help grow the hair and keep the hair healthy.
 -Vegetables : Eating green vegetables like lettuces and broccoli help encourage healthy hair.
- Fish oils : fish oil supplements help prevent and reduces the severity of it.
4. Lemon rinse : Fresh lemon juice contains acids that destroys the fungus that causes dandruff.
Ingredients:
3 tbs of lemon juice
1 cup of water
Directions:
Mix your ingredients and massage 3/4 into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for few minutes and rinse out with the remaining part of your mixture.

I have heard a lot of people say dandruff is not treatable and those that claim it's treatable say it keeps coming back. I don't know if that is true but I know there are lots of ways to manage and prevent it. I believe if you try one of these remedies you would definitely see a change.
Please let's know which remedy worked for you.







We love hearing from you
See you in the comment
Section.

Myths About Dandruff

The only thing that spreads faster than a disease are the myths and lies that surround it. I remember the Ebola pandemic and how people that sold salt made so much money because it was rumoured to cure the deadly disease.
We have heard and read all sorts about dandruff, its causes and how it can be treated. Some of us believe a lot of the myth inspired treatment without it curing anything!
Today, we are going to expose some of these myths,so you can rest easy or at most look beyond the myths for a lasting and working solution.

1. Washing your hair daily gets rid of dandruff.
Big Lie! Washing your hair everyday without doing the LOC or LCO could leave your scalp irritated and dry which makes your scalp even prone to dandruff.
2. Dandruff is contagious
Dandruff is a scalp disease not a cold or std! Dandruff is not contagious in anyway! You are at risk of getting dandruff, if only you haven't been treating you scalp well. So, you had better stop avoiding or giving that young lady the " don't come close" attitude just cause she has dandruff.
3. Your hair breaks because you have dandruff.
Unhealthy scalp, stress or poor diet are the major causes of breakage and not dandruff! I am not saying dandruff can't cause your hair to shed but I'm saying it's impossible for dandruff to be the only factor responsible for your breakage!
4. Dry scalp is the major reason for dandruff.
Dry scalp has very little to do when it comes to dandruff because dandruff is caused by a fungal growth on the scalp.
5. Dandruff is only in the air during harmattan.
We suffer from dandruff due to lots of factors, most especially our hair and scalp hygiene. So whether it's the harmattan, dry or rainy season, if you do not have a good hair hygiene, you get a visit from this fungal affliction soon.


These are a few myths that I know but I am very sure lots of us have got plenty especially in the cure department , please do not be afraid or too stingy to share.
       


Have a great week!!!




We love hearing from you
See you in the comment
Section.

How do you deal with negative natural hair comments ?

Hey guys,
 I am sure almost all, if not all naturalistas have met one or two people that have got a thing or two to say about our hair! Sometimes we get compliments and other times we get very rude comments. If we are lucky, most of these rude comments are just side talk and some "nice" people would not say them to your face but if you are unlucky to meet the not so nice ones or rude ones that just say it to you straight up then you are left in an uncomfortable or awkward situation like I was in, on Wednesday.
 Before I start with my story, I want to give a standing ovation for all those naturalistas that just stare, smile or ignore people with negative comments about their hair, you guys are the real MVP. Oh! to my story, I was in a bus on Wednesday, i was seated in the front seat with my pineapple fro in all its glory for the world (danfo world) to see and admire.
 I was really feeling confident and good about my fro cause prior to boarding the bus , I had gotten lots of compliments and some nods of approval, I hadn't even settled into my front seat when a lady in her mid 30's sitting directly behind me, tapped me on the shoulder and said ''sister shift front abeg , make breeze no come dey blow your hair inside my mouth''!
 I apologized, sat forward and regretted apologizing almost immediately cause firstly, she was rude and secondly, she had just embarrassed me. I sat still and was seriously praying for her to just say something else so i could at least give her the attitude rude people like her deserve . I had not even finished composing my comeback when she started going on about how people claim to be ''SU"' and would not use relaxer but color their hair  and how most of these people are just pretenders.
  For me, that was just just the last straw! I sat back, rested my back on my seat and waited for her to say something! She shouted angrily this time , asked me to move forward or cover my hair, I was so furious, I turned around and said to her, Madam abeg close your mouth and stop showing us how shallow you really are!
It felt good but I felt bad almost immediately and i just couldn't wrap my head around her level of ignorance, Well, that's my encounter with somebody that had something rude to say about my hair, do you think I overreacted or acted accordingly ?
 We all must have one, if not more of these encounters, how did you manage yours? Were you patient or tolerant like most people say on mane matters or did you lose it like me (lol) please share!


       Have A Great Week






we love hearing from you
see you in the comment
section.

What's In Your Salon Bag?

Hello guys,
   I hope you are having a great weekend! On my last birthday, a friend gave me a salon bag, just because she got tired of me just using a random paper bag (covers face) and I have been excited over the fact that I have a cute bag and products to fill it with. Today, I thought I should share what and what I have in my salon bag right now.

 * Combs : Have you ever been to a salon where their combs are nothing to write home about, with the broken teeth and all? So, in order to avoid stories that touch, I carry mine to the salon.

* Shampoo : I love what creme of nature with argan oil shampoo does to my hair and I really do not want to know what brand the salon uses, I just want my own shampoo to be used for my hair.

* Shea Butter : Soul mate and Indian hemp hair cream are petroleum based but since most salons in my area thinks they have given your hair the VIP treatment by applying some Indian hemp cream and a vvip treatment by applying a tiny bit of shea butter, why shouldn't I carry my own around, so I can apply generously to my hair, if they wouldn't.

* Leave in and rinse out conditioners : I was in a natural hair salon few months back and i was charged almost twice the normal rate because they used the salon's conditioners. I don't know about you guys but things like that gets to me, so I have carried my conditioners around since that experience.

* Creme of nature hair color : I had my hair dyed at my last visit to the salon and the pack has just been in my bag ever since.

* Edge control hair gel : To put these edges in check!

* Coconut oil : I like oiling my edges and sides after every protective style and I love using castor oil or coconut oil.

* Earpiece : I love having my earpiece with me just cause I don't like trace, soundcity or hiptv.

* Charger  : Oh! you all know what for.. who doesn't carry her's!


Those are the stuffs in my salon bag, what do you think is missing, what do you think is unneccessary and most especially WHAT'S IN YOURS?

 





We love hearing from you
see you in the comment
section.

DIY LOUNGE - Aloe Vera Gel As A Deep Conditioner

INGREDIENTS
For medium Length Hair
1/4 cup of Aloe Vera gel.(processed or unprocessed)
1/4 cup of coconut oil.

 For bra strap and the rest
 1/2 cup of Aloe Vera gel.(processed or unprocessed)
 1/2 cup of coconut oil.


DIRECTIONS;
 STEP 1
   Pour your ingredients into a bowl and heat up in a microwave for a minute or if you do not access        to electricity, put in boiling water.

 






STEP 2
   Mix your ingredients together  using a spoon, blender or mixer.

STEP 4
   After washing your hair with your regular shampoo, massage the mixture from your scalp to your        tips.
STEP 5
   Cover with a shower cap and leave in for 30 minutes
STEP 6
   Rinse out and proceed with your usual wash day routine.

You guys really need to try this! My hair was soft and moisturized,my curls were tighter and more defined and i could swear my hair was shiner and darker! Aloe Vera Gel is my revelation of the year and I still think its a must have for every naturalista.


            Have A Great Week!






We love hearing from you
see you in the comment
section.

DIY LOUNGE - Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel is a gel made from the Aloe Vera plant. Aloe Vera gel is one of the best natural skin remedy and healer there is. It can be use to treat sunburn, acne, stretch marks, gum diseases and can even be used as a beauty product.

                  USES OF ALOE VERA GEL

_ Aloe Vera gel contains some enzymes that helps repair dead scalp cells.

_ Aloe Vera gel promotes hair growth.

_ Aloe Vera gel is rich in amino acids which helps condition and moisturize our hair.

_ Helps reduce dandruff.

_ Promotes hair growth.

              HOW TO USE  ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe vera gel if mix with one or two natural products can be used as :

- As a prepoo.

- As a deep conditioner.

- As a detangler.

- As a conditioner.

- As a shampoo.

A lot of us do not see the need to have this amazing product and we most times just walk by it in the store and even some of the big natural hair stores do not even have it on the shelf. I was guilty of this too,until I stumbled on an article on how wonderful this natural and affordable product is! So, this new month (September) is going to be all about ALOE VERA GEL and how we can use it to its full potential and i am very sure that after one whole month of being in our faces we wouldn't dare ignore or just walk by it.

We love hearing from you

See you in the comment 

Section.

DIY LOUNGE - Satin Bonnet

 

Hello,
 During the week I made a cute satin bonnet for my little niece and I thought I should share it here on the blog!

MATERIALS
1/2 yard of satin material
a pair of scissors
needle and thread
a yard of elastic strip.

DURATION: 30 mins
   

            DIRECTIONS:::::;
STEP 1
   Spread your material over a bowl and cut out a round shape from your material.

STEP 2
   Turn your cut out to the opposite side and line its edges with the elastic

STEP 3
   Cover the elastic with the material and sew, leaving a small length of the elastic out.
STEP 4
   After you must have sown all round, keep a little opening at the other end (Leave the ends open)

STEP 5
   Pull the two elastic ends popping out, till your bonnet is as firm as you want it and then tie
STEP 6
   Cut out the excess elastic and your bonnet is ready for you to rock.

Amazing and simple right, I think so too,and  besides saving my #2000, I can also have my satin bonnet in any color I want! I was so impressed with myself after making my niece's bonnet, I decided I would do mine in the coming weekend! I also think you should find some spare time to sew yourself a colourful satin bonnet.





we love hearing from you
see you in the comment
section

 

Natural hair myths, lies, truths, gibberish and all.

I met a lady at the salon some weeks back and I just could not stop staring at her natural hair. It was beginning to get weird so I started a conversation, i asked about her regimen and I was shocked when she said she had none! In fact she said she only does protective styling  and the normal washing and conditioning after taking out every protective style!My jaw dropped! she went ahead and said she doesn't even own any product, I asked if she does the regular "LOC" and all for moisture and she said the heat from her scalp does that already! Hmmmm at this point I could not even deal anymore and I just let her and her hair be!
 I know we have all heard or read some insane and unbelievable things during the cause of our natural hair journeys, a friend also said her stylist told her washing her hair every other week causes it to shed. BIG FAT LIE shey? lol.. Please share with us some of those weird things you heard, read or have seen.






We love hearing from you
see you in the comment
section.

DIY LOUNGE - Stylish bobby pins

Materials
- Bobby pins
- buttons
- glue
- cardboard
Instructions :::
Step 1 : arrange your bobby pins on a hard paper or cardboard with the flat side up.

Step 2 :  apply glue on the flat surface and place the buttons on them.

Step 3 : allow to dry

You don't have to go through the stress of making sure your bobby pins stay out of sight! Just jazz them up with some buttons, beads or stones!

 HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY GUYS & HAPPY BIRTHDAY BERRY!





Your questions and feedback
Are highly appreciated
See you in the comment
Section.

Natural hair benefits of mango seed oil

I am one of the people who believes mangoes would definitely be served in heaven (yes! There are others who hold this thought). I love mangoes , I love the size,shape ,color,taste, smell and everything else there is about it.
I also love that it does a lot for me health wise and as if those aren't enough reasons to be blown away by this fruit, I found out last month it even has some hair benefits..
Mango does wonders for our natural hair not in its fruity state but in its oil form which is called "the mango seed oil".
Mango seed oil is a seed oil obtained from the seed of mangoes.
     Benefits of mango oil for natural hair.
_ serves as a great hair conditioner
_ prevents hair loss and Greg hair.
_ treats and fights dandruff
_ boost hair shine
_ because of its richness in saturated fats, mango seed oil penetrates the hair cuticles better than other oils, thereby fortifying the hair from within.
_ helps seal in moisture.
_ treats dry and damaged hair.

I hope this write up motivates you enough to start eating some mangoes and saving the seeds cause we would be needing them for our diy nextweek!





Your questions and feedback
Are highly appreciated
See you in the comment section..

DIY LOUNGE - homemade Avocado oil

Uses of Avocado oil for natural hair
- to moisturize damaged hair
- helps hair growth.
- as pre- poo treatment.
- to enhance a moisturizing product.
- for scalp massage.

Ingredients
.9 avocado pears
.olive oil
. coconut milk

Tools
Cheesecloth
Knife
Bowl
Blender

DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
 Using a knife, cut your avocados into two equal parts.

STEP 2
 Remove the seeds from the fruit.

STEP 3
 Scoop the flesh from the avocado skin, into the blender.
STEP 4
 Add the olive oil, coconut milk  and blend.

STEP 5
 Blend till smooth and without lumps.
STEP 6
method 1
Spread the pulp on a tray and leave to dry in the sun for 2 to 3 days . 

method 2
Pour your into a pot and leave to cook on medium heat for about 4 hours.(make sure you stir every 5 minutes).

STEP 7
 Spread the cheese clothe over a big bowl and then dump your paste on it.

STEP 8
 Wrap the clothe around the paste and squeeze.

STEP 9
 pour into a clean jar and its ready for use.

points to note
 . to get a reasonable amount of oil, you would need 8 to 9 fruits.


Your questions and feedback
Are highly appreciated
See you in the comment
Section.

Basic Naturalistas Starter Pack and Guidelines

Lately,I have had people stop me to ask questions on how to grow, take care and keep an healthy natural hair! As much as I love to talk about natural hair, it can be annoying and inconvenient at times! Am sure we all get to answer these questions and I'm also sure, there are days you just do not have the strength to talk about it!
 Well, I decided to write a brochure that would simply answers all the questions a new naturalista would ask!


        A NATURALISTA'S STARTER PACK
⁃ spray bottle.
⁃ Satin bonnet
⁃ Rinse out conditioner
⁃ Leave in conditioner
⁃ Sulphate free shampoo
⁃ Wide tooth combs
⁃ Bobby pins
⁃ Oils ( coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil etc)
⁃ Deep conditioning pudding
⁃ Eco styler gel
⁃ Shower cap

    NATURALISTAS DO'S AND DON'TS
⁃ Do not towel dry ( use an old t - shirt instead)
⁃ Avoid heat styling as much as possible
⁃ Let spilt ends go
⁃ Make sure your hair sleeps in a satin bonnet
⁃ Never comb your hair when dry
⁃ Co wash once a week
⁃ Moisturise daily
⁃ Wash with shampoo once a month.

       WASH DAY IN 4 HOURS
⁃ apply one of your favourite oils and leave it in for 25mins
⁃ Using your spray bottle, wet your hair, apply some shampoo,massage from root to end and then rinse out with lukewarm water.
⁃ Apply some rinse out conditioner,detangle with a wide tooth comb and rinse out with cold water.
⁃ Apply some deep conditioning pudding, cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30mins and then rinse out.
⁃ Dry with an old t-shirt or pashmina
⁃ Apply your leave in conditioner, olive oil and Shea butter to seal.

       SOME OTHER POINTERS
⁃ to avoid dry hair, use your leave in conditioner daily
⁃ Steaming increases blood flow into the scalp which leads to increase in hair growth.
⁃ Massage your hair whenever you can,as it also stimulates hair growth.


 I hope these helps new and lost naturalistas and when next you are bombarded with natural hair questions, feel free to refer them to the blog.

NB : please add what have left out in the comment section!




Your question and feedback
Are highly appreciated
See you in the comment section.

DIY LOUNGE : Homemade Ghee for Natural hair

Ingredients
⁃ Unsalted butter

Tools
⁃ spoon to stir
⁃ Pot
⁃ Knife
⁃ Container ( to store)
⁃ Handkerchief / cheese clothe
⁃ Sieve

Prep time : 20 minutes
Amount spent : 750
               
                DIRECTION ::::::
STEP 1
  Cut your butter into cubes ( this helps it melt easily and evenly)

STEP 2
  Pour into a pot, set on medium heat and leave to melt.

STEP 3
   After the butter must have melted, you would notice foam would start to form on the surface.

STEP 4
     Reduce the heat to the lowest you can and leave it to simmer.

STEP 5
    After a minute or two , you will notice that the foams will be replaced with bubbles, revealing a
golden liquid below and reddish particles around and beneath your pot.

STEP 6
    As the bubbles get bigger, you notice foams starts to form the second time.
STEP 7
    Once the second foam forms, turn of your burner and let the substance cool.
STEP 8
     Cover your sieve with and handkerchief and put your sieve over your container.

STEP 9
     Pour the golden liquid over the sieve and your ghee is ready for use.

                     

NOTE :
  - make sure you use an iron sieve
  - you can filter a second time if you are not satisfied with the first.
  - store in a refrigerator ( it can stay for months if stored properly)
  - the reddish brown stuff that's left on your cheese cloth / handkerchief should be discarded.
  - remember to stir from time to time if you are not using a non stick pot.
 


There you have it ! I hope you enjoy making yours like I did and did I mention that it smells DIVINE... The whole house smelt "delicious".






Your questions and feedback
Are highly appreciated
See you in the comment section.