DIY Natural Beauty Hacks | ACV, Oil Pulling, Lemon juice has all the ans...

The Mane Choice Manetabolism 6 month/Final Review, New Projects

By J.Naomi

Has some of you know I've taken The Mane Choice Maintabolism Hair Vitamins since the fall of 2014. In this video I discuss my over all perception of manetabolism and what I have done to make sure I do not suffer and break outs. This is my final review because I will no longer be taking the vitamins. Enjoy!

Natural Hair Oils | My "go-to" carrier and base oils, Hair Oil Trends

By J.Naomi

There are so many oils out on the market that many naturals are overwhelmed about which oils they need to accompany them in their journey.   After many years of product testing oils on my natural 4C hair I have a few favorites that I go to for different reasons.  In this post I will be discussing my top go-to oils for natural hair.  I will only be discussing my favorite carrier/base oils.  Although essential oils are great to use for a lot of different reasons, I want to focus on the base oils.

 

Base oils are what you can use to dilute essential oils and are typically pressed from the seeds of plants.  Many oils do different things and have various effects on the hair.  Most commonly, oils are used for moisture retention (for example the L.O.C. method) and used to heal and nourish the scalp for healthy development of hair.  Some naturals use one type and others, like myself, use many different types at different times or various ones for treatments.  Hopefully my list helps you decipher which oil is best for you.

My Go-To Oils:

1.       Argan Oil – This oil is pretty pricey.  Although it is sensitive to light and must be stored in darker bottling it holds an impressive punch.  This fact also lets you know if it is authentic Argan oil.  Packed with Omegas and a great source of vitamin F and E I use this oil whenever I deal with heat to avoid or decrease the possibilities of damage.   This oil deep penetrates the hair shaft and provides a great barrier when I flat iron my hair or deep condition under a dryer. 

2.       Olive Oil – I add two tablespoons of olive oil to my conditioner to produce soft and shiny hair.  I use it as a part of my hot oil treatments and pre-poo’s.  More importantly I eat it.  All three ways promote healthy hair growth.  I use extra virgin olive oil to avoid chemicals that many company’s use to stretch the oil.   Olive oil rules and is a favorite by many naturals.

3.       Shea Butter – Almost all the products you buy as a natural you will see this in them.  This “oil” is solid but can be melted down to oil form.  Just like olive oil it is a natural conditioner.  However it is also a moisture sealant that can be used to heal the scalp and follicle and used as a butter to style hair.  As a unrefined oil you gain the most nourishment from Shea Butter.  Also, because many hair care company’s offer this product it’s easy to find.  Another plus about Shea Butter is that it can be used all over your body and can improve your overall complexion.

4.       Castor Oil – I didn’t think about this oil until I used it for five weeks and found a great difference in the thickness of my hair.  I had been having issues with my edges due to excessive styling and wearing head scarfs, headbands and brushing my hair into high puffs.  So I used castor oil five times a week for five weeks and voilà!  My hair was nice and thick and seemed stronger.  Currently, I use castor oil on my edges and ends to reduce breakage.  Although they say that Jamaican Black castor oil is wonderful and is leading the trend in castor oil amongst naturals, I actually fell in love with the regular CVS Castor Oil Laxative.  Go fig?  Caution: It stimulates your hair follicles so it will itch when you first use it.

5.       Coconut Oil – This oil is not the best oil to me because not everyone can use it.  Although it can be used for hair, body and eaten for those who prefer a healthier lifestyle, this oil cannot be used for naturals that are protein sensitive.  However, if you’re not a natural who deals with protein sensitivity (click here to see my short video on Protein Sensitivity and alternatives) Coconut Oil is the holy grail!  Firstly it smells great.  Not only does it strengthens the hair and adds a glorious shine it can even be used as an alternative method for pre-poo and deep conditioning wash!  Cool thing about coconut is that it lays on the hair shaft like a protein treatment would so you will see many people use coconut oil with protein treatment.

Honorable Mentions:

1.       Alma Oil – Cleansing, preventing grays, deep conditioning, promotes shine

2.       Grapeseed Oil – Sensitive skin, great for mixing with essential oils

3.       Jojoba oil – Pricey. Great for mixing and conditioning hair and skin, closest oil to the natural on our scalp!

4.       Sweet Almond Oil – Hair and skin oil

What oils do you use? Are the oils listed above good or did I leave some out? I want to hear about it! Let me know in the comments below!

Apple Cider Vinegar Is a Naturals Best Friend

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By J.Naomi Johnson

I love apple cider vinegar! Yes the smell can be quite over powering but it goes away quickly and the results of use outweigh the smell. Weather using it for wash day or drinking it for health benefits it has become my go to. I have even replaced it for shampoo in my natural hair regimen. Washing with apple cider vinegar can help regulate your hair’s PH balance. While the harshness of shampoos and conditioners can dry your hair out an acv rinse will leave your hair silky, shiny and clean inexpensively.






Because of its gentle nature it also aids in growth retention. Many naturals experience breakage the most during wash day. However, rinsing with ACV helps to eliminate that. When using the ACV it will lift your hair cuticle and remove build-up from your scalp allowing moisture into the hair shaft. The results are beautiful healthier hair. Try it once a month or in between your normal wash days and you’ll see.
How I rinse my hair with ACV (Based off of a bi-weekly wash routine):






1.I part my hair in four sections.
2.Using 1 part Braggs ACV (with the mother) and 2parts water I put the moisture in a squirt bottle and proceed to the shower. ( I preform this wash in the shower to avoid a mess)
3.With each section I squirt the roots of my hair gently massaging my scalp and then rinse. Then I take my favorite conditioner and distribute it from root to tip.
4.I cover my hair with a plastic cap and wait 15mins.
5.Then rinse and proceed with my leave-in conditioner and style as usual.






Very easy and convent! How do you use ACV? Let me know in the comments below.

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Neem Oil instead of Coconut Oil: Dealing with Protein Sensitivity

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By J.Naomi Johnson

It is not fair. I just do not think it is right. Coconut oil is so cool and the fact that it only works for a small amount of natural beauties and not others is a crime! If you are dealing with protein sensitivity than you have probably had your moments of love and hate with coconut oil but do not fret. There is a oil for you.

Yey, neem oil!

It is time to fall in love with neem oil. Although neem oil may not be as trendy or as versatile as coconut oil (meaning you cannot eat it), it does one hell of a job at all the things coconut oil does plus more!

Watch the video (click on the picture on the left) and read my list of pros and cons on neem oil!

Neem Oil: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Neem is antiviral, anti fungal and has in it antibacterial properties.

2. Treats psoriasis, dandruff and cradle cap.

3. Reduces hair shedding from the root.

4. Promotes strong, healthy new hair growth.

5. Reduces thinning hair by improving hair thickness

6. Helps with premature graying

7. deliciously soft, shiny and silky feeling






Cons:

1. Neem oil is strong. I am talking very strong. When using it has an essential oil 2 drops will do. The smell of this oil is probably the reason why most people do not use it. However, if used with a shampoo, lotion or other oils like castor oil the smell can be masked. Some people practice infusion with Neem leaves instead of the oil to avoid the smell all together.

2. Not recommended for pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant.

3. Only should be used for external uses. Should never be ingested!

4. Neem oil does become solid at room temp.

Have you tried neem on your tresses? Well, I want to hear about it. Comment below!

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