Mixology || A More Natural Bug Spray Recipe

Do you want an alternative to the chemical-based bug sprays out there?  Are you interested in making a more natural bug spray?

Recipe Source

Ingredients:

- ½ cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp alcohol
- 6-10 drops essential oil: use any of these alone or any combination – lemongrass, any mint, lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, neem, geranium, and litsea cubeba. 

Instructions:
Pour the alcohol into the spray bottle. Add the essential oils and shake well. Add water, leaving enough room at the top so it will mix when you shake it. If you use a large spray bottle, ingredients can be doubled or tripled.

For more DIY Natural Recipes, check out: DIYNatural Blog

Oh Honey, Honey ... Deep Conditioners

Honey is a natural humectant (substance that absorbs and retains moisture).  Add it to a conditioner or mix it with oils and other substances to enhance moisturization and slip.  Here are some recipes you can try:

LOO's RECIPE (good for moisture & detangling)
1 avocado
3 tbs honey
2 tbs olive oil
1 tps apple cider vinegar (optional)
*Instructions: Cut up one avocado, mash with a mixing spoon, and then add the honey and olive oil. Use a hand blender to blend all the ingredients thoroughly (so that no avocado bits remain). Continue to add olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.  Apply to hair and allow to set for 20-60 minutes. Detangle and rinse.
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BUDGET BLEND (moisture & detangling)
1/2 cup cheap conditioner (e.g., V05, Suave, LustraSilk, Lekair)
3 tbs honey
2 tps olive or coconut oil (optional)
*Instructions: Stir the ingredients together and apply to hair.  Allow to set for 20-60 minutes.  Detangle and rinse.

HONEY CONDITIONER (moisture & strength)
1 tsp honey
2 Tbs olive oil
1 egg yolk
Instructions

SESAME & COCONUT PROTEIN CONDITIONER (moisture & strength)
2 tbs olive oil
2 tbs light sesame oil
2 eggs
2 tbs coconut milk
2 tbs honey
1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions

STRENGTH BUILDING DEEP CONDITIONER (strength & thickness)
1 tbs virgin olive oil
2 tbs honey
1 tbs buttermilk
1 tbs natural unbleached flour
Instructions

COCONUT HONEY DEEP CONDITIONER (moisture & strength)
4 tbs coconut oil
2 tbs honey
Instructions

Oils, Aloe Vera, and Whipped Hair Butter

It's that time of year again to mix another whipped hair butter!  (My batch ran out this weekend.)  

Ingredients (all are moisturizing):

• unrefined shea butter (softening)
• coconut oil (protection [1] [2])
• olive oil
• safflower OR grapeseed oil (high in fatty acids)
• aloe vera gel
• essential oil (for fragrance, optional)

Instructions:

Read my earlier post on the body butter mixture; the instructions are very similar.  For every cup of shea butter, use 1/4 a cup of olive oil, 1/8 a cup of coconut oil, 1/8 a cup of safflower/grapeseed oil, and a few tablespoons of aloe vera gel.  Of course you can tweak this mixture for a creamier or firmer consistency.  Feel free add drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance!

FOR THE MIXOLOGISTS:

More whipped butter recipes can be found here.

Avocado Detangling Conditioner

Purpose: Natural alternative to a detangling conditioner. (Loo's recipe.)

Number of trials: 1

Ingredients & Materials:
Blender,
overripe avocado,
extra virgin olive oil,
unrefined shea butter,
apple cider vinegar (optional),
bowl,
mixing spoon

Instructions Cut up one avocado, mash with a mixing spoon, and put in blender. Add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of unrefined shea butter to blender. (No need to melt the shea butter ahead of time.) Finally add approximately 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to blender. If you wish, add 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to blender. (The ACV will aid in the blending process and in flattening the cuticles.) Blend all the ingredients thoroughly and continue to add EVOO until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. When done, pour mixture into a bowl and apply to hair as a detangling deep conditioner. NOTE: It is important to blend the ingredients well to eliminate avocado bits that stick to the hair. If desired, sieve the mixture before applying.

How I used it: I applied this detangling conditioner after a pre-poo and wash in twists. Then I tied a plastic bag around my hair and allowed the mix to soften my hair for 40 minutes. Afterwards, I undid each twist and detangled with a wide tooth comb followed by a medium tooth comb. Then I placed my hair in several big twists, rinsed out the conditioner thoroughly, and styled as usual.

The review:
The avocado detangling deep conditioner did the job well. After 4 weeks in twists - which means 4 weeks worth of shed hair - I was really impressed with how smooth the detangling process went. The conditioner was lubricating, thick, and heavy, all of which are needed to give my kinks slip, moisture, and loosening for detangling. It was also relatively easy to rinse out compared to the thicker store-bought cholesterol conditioners I use. (The latter leave a residue and fragrance in my hair that I can't stand.) I love this homemade detangler and plan to use it again once I finish my unused tubs of LustraSilk and LeKair Cholesterols. (Actually, maybe I'll give away these tubs ... giveaway, hint hint.)

PROS: all natural, thick, provides slip for easy detangling, moisturizing, penetrating, inexpensive

CONS: slip disappears after rinsing (I can see it being a con for those who desire post-rinse slip); avocado bits in the hair (IF not blended well)

RATING:
Overall, I rate the Avocado Detangling Conditioner a 5 out of 5 stars. I have no complaints whatsoever and was impressed by the slip considering that it's an all natural conditioner.

IDEAL FOR THOSE:
*wanting an all natural detangling option
*with thick tresses

FOR THE MIXOLOGISTS OUT THERE: You can experiment with using an overripe banana or banana baby food in place of the avocado for finer hair. (Blend well.) For a protein boost, add an egg or use yogurt + egg or mayonnaise + egg in place of the avocado. For scalp stimulation, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture. Instead of olive oil, use coconut oil for added strength.

FOR THE NON-MIXOLOGISTS OUT THERE: You may want to check out these avocado conditioners:

Avocado Conditioner

Grapeseed Oil, Linoleic acid, and Body Butter Mixs

Grapeseed oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. (Safflower oil, my first love, also contains this fatty acid!) Linoleic acid has many health benefits when taken internally (e.g., decreases LDL cholesterol), but what is not discussed as much are its benefits externally. When applied to the skin, this fatty acid can help combat dryness by providing protection against moisture loss (1). Additionally it has demonstrated a potential to effectively reduce the size of blackheads and whiteheads (2).

*******

It's that time of year again to mix another body butter! In my original batch, I used unrefined shea butter with safflower oil. Since then, I've experimented with a couple more substances and mixtures to get a feel for what my skin likes. Here's my latest mix that I use on my elbows, knees, ankles, and lips. Enjoy!

Ingredients
grapeseed oil (high in linoleic acid, odorless)
unrefined shea butter (high in vitamins A, E; softening)
aloe vera gel (99% organic, moisturizing)
vegetable glycerin (humectant)

Melting the shea butter
Perform the following if your shea butter is too firm to mix and/or contains impurities. Heat the unrefined shea butter over the stove until melted. Stir continuously. Use low to medium heat. Should be melted in less than 5 minutes.

Filtering the shea butter
If necessary, filter the melted butter through a napkin to remove any impurities. (This depends on how unrefined the shea butter is and from where you purchase it.)

All mixed up
Allow the melted filtered butter to partially solidify at room temperature. Then mix in the grapeseed oil, glycerin, and aloe. Allow the mixture to harden overnight. The next morning, it is ready to use! (Roughly estimated portions: about 4oz of shea butter, 2oz of grapeseed oil, several tablespoons of glycerin and aloe. May adjust to achieve your desired consistency.)

SOURCES & MORE READS ON LINOLEIC ACID:
BARRIER AGAINST WATER LOSS
COMBAT ACNE
BODY FAT REDUCTION
DEFICIENCY
FOUND IN THE SKIN
GRAPESEED OIL CONTENTS

Naturals Blemish Lighteners

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are common among people of color. Choosing from the many products available to "even" one's complexion can be a bit overwhelming -- and expensive. Below are some thrifty alternatives that may be worth trying. Realize that this process may take weeks or longer to experience noticeable results:

• Yogurt and Orange Juice
• Honey and Lemon Juice
• Cucumber and Lemon Juice
All recipes found here.

• Lemon Mint Honey and Orange
Recipe found here.

Be sure to use sunscreen in the daytime to minimize repigmentation of your darker regions.

As always, I encourage you to seek a real expert -- your dermatologist -- for other options.

What works for Loo's dark spots? Using lemon juice, brown sugar, or L'Oréal Revitalift Night Cream (the most effective + expensive of the three options).

Chocolate Conditioner Recipes!

I LOVE chocolate (in moderation) but who would've thought it could be used to condition the hair!?!  Chocolate is high in fat and has a bit of protein - a great combination for a conditioner worth trying.  (This sweet also has a small amount of caffeine, which studies have suggested may stimulate hair growth in those suffering from balding.[1])  I smell a recipe review coming around Valentine's Day?  If you can't wait until then, feel free to experiment with the concoctions below:



CHOCOLATE HAIR MASK
- dark chocolate bar
- yogurt
- honey
Recipe and Instructions


CHOCOLATE & BANANA HAIR MASK
- overripe banana (be sure to sieve)
- honey
- dark chocolate
Recipe and Instructions

CHOCOLATE HAIR MASK - For the Mixologist!
- honey
- overripe banana
- coconut milk
- coconut oil
- pure cocoa butter
- jojoba oil (or olive oil)
- pure cacao (cocoa) powder
Recipe and Instructions

1. CAFFEINE AND BALDING

Whipped Hair Butter Recipes Galore!

Homemade whipped hair butters. Natural. Easy to make. Inexpensive compared to those sold in natural hair shops. More effective than commercial, chemical-based moisturizers and sealants. Delicious for the hair. Did I mention easy to make? Below are links to recipes I've found online. There are endless others you can find on the web. Put on your apron, grab your utensils, and get to mixing:

Shealoe (popular recipe) - shea butter, aloe vera, etc.: Recipe

Cocoa butter, shea butter, etc.: Recipe

Mango butter, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, coconut oil, aloe, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, grapeseed oil, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, conditioner, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, olive oil, etc.: Recipe

Low porosity shea/mango mix: Recipe

Shea butter, castor oil, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, mango butter, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, coconut oil, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, jojoba oil, etc.: Recipe

Shea butter, sweet almond oil, etc.: Recipe



OTHER READS:
LIST OF BUTTERS & THEIR PROPERTIES

LIST OF VEGETABLE OILS & THEIR PROPERTIES
LIST OF ESSENTIAL OILS & THEIR PROPERTIES

It's Avocado Time!

Avocados have a good amount of omega-6 fatty acids, which can soften the hair and impart shine.  For those who are interested, below is a list of homemade avocado hair treatments gathered from around the Web. Instructions for each recipe may be found by clicking on the "Source" links. Be sure to mash the avocado well!

AVOCADO HAIR MASK
1 ripe avocado
2 tablespoons organic yogurt
1 organic egg
1/2 teaspoon rosemary oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2194352_avocado-mask-hair.html

AVOCADO HAIR MOISTURIZER
1/4 avocado, peeled and mashed
1/4 mayonnaise
Source: http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com/hair-conditioner.html

AVOCADO CONDITIONER
1 whole avocado

1 cup of coconut milk
Source: http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com/hair-conditioner.html

AVOCADO CONDITIONING TREATMENT
1 avocado
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 tablespoon of pure aloe
Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ll_avocadohair.html

AVOCADO CARAMEL TREATMENT
1 over ripe avocado
1.5 tbsp honey
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp jojoba oil
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup shea butter (melted)
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 scoop molasses(optional)
Source: http://masquemagazine.com/2009/04/20/caramel-treatment-homemade-deep-conditioner/

MORE READS:
AVOCADO NUTRITION DATA

Homemade Lip Balm Recipes

BASIC LIP BALM
Ingredients: beeswax, carrier oil, essential oil, honey
Recipe and Instructions


CRANBERRY LIP BALM
Ingredients: sweet almond oil, fresh cranberries, honey
Recipe and Instructions


COCONUT LIP BALM
Ingredients: beeswax, coconut
Recipe and Instructions


APRICOT & LEMON LIP BALM
Ingredients: beeswax, apricot kernel oil, calendula oil, lemon essential oil
Recipe and Instructions

For more recipes, check here

Mixology || Castor and Coconut Moisturizing Mist

The beauty of distilled water is that it is “soft” water; it does not have the negative effects (e.g., stiffening of the hair strand[1]) like hard water.  Meanwhile, castor oil can improve the shine or sheen[2] of your natural hair, which is a plus for you castor oil lovers out there.  As for coconut oil?  Well, you all should know about its strengthening and moisturizing benefits by now.

Ingredients:

2 oz distilled water

2 tsp extra virgin coconut oil

1 tsp castor oil

a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, jasmine, orange)

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle, and shake vigorously to blend.  Store in a refrigerator until ready for use.  Shake before each use.  SHELF LIFE: ~2 weeks.

References:

[1] Evans AO, Marsh JM, Wickett RR. “The structural implications of water hardness metal uptake by human hair.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Oct;33(5):477-82. 

[2] McMullen R, Jachowicz J. “Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis.” J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Jul-Aug;54(4):335-51.

Mixology || Orange and Vanilla Honey Shampoo

Do you want softer, easier to detangle hair after a wash?  Then check out this honey-based recipe.

Recipe Source

Ingredients:
1/2 cup castile soap
3/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup African black soap (or just more castile soap)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sweet orange essential oil
1 tsp vanilla essential oil

Instructions:
Mix together thoroughly, wet hair, massage mixture into hair, then rinse out completely.

Mixology || 3-Oil Nighttime Facial Moisturizer

So, I've been using this mix for weeks now, and I'm in love.  The thought of sleeping with oil on my face initially scared me (e.g., fear of pimples) but quickly went away as I noticed my face was doing just fine.

So, why the 3-oil mix?  Well, I wanted to get the researched benefits of avocado oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil all in one.  *smiles* So, without further ado, here is my recipe:

Ingredients:
1 part pure avocado oil (helps heal wounds, improves elasticity)
1 part extra virgin olive oil (decelerates sun damage, potent antioxidant effect)
1 part grapeseed oil (may lighten UV-induced hyper pigmentation, may reduce blackheads and whiteheads)

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle and use on face after your night time wash.

That is all!

Mixology || Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioner

Ingredients:
1/4 cup pure cocoa butter (melted)
1 tbs safflower oil
1 tbs sweet almond oil
1/4 cup conditioner of your choice

Instructions:
Melt the cocoa butter on the stove at low heat. In a bowl or cup, stir the melted cocoa butter, conditioner, and oils together. Apply to hair and allow to set for 20-30 minutes. Rinse and style as usual.

Mixology || Henna-Infused Coconut Oil Whipped Shea Butter

Do you want to get the essence of henna without the hardening effect?  Then check out the following henna-infused coconut oil whipped shea butter recipe by Curly Proverbz!

Ingredients:
henna
amla
brahmi
virgin coconut oil
shea butter
essential oil (for fragrance, optional)

Directions:
1. Heat and stir henna and herbs in a heavy-based pan over lowest heat setting for about five minutes.  (For her DIY details on henna-infused oil, check out this video.)
2. Add extra virgin coconut oil to the pan and keep stirring until melted.
3. Strain out henna with a cheese cloth.
4. Leave oil alone for a few days or weeks to infuse.
5. Crumble shea butter into small pieces into oil.
6. Mix together then whisk until whipped.

Mixology || Whipped Mango Shea Hair Creme

Ingredients:
1/4 cup shea butter
1/4 cup melted mango butter
1 tbsp coconut oil (penetrates and protects the strands against combing/styling breakage)
2 tbsp olive oil (moisturizing; possibly penetrates the strands)
3 tbsp avocado oil (moisturizing; possibly penetrates the strands)
2 tbsp grapeseed oil (to protect against moisture loss; sealing oil)
few drops of lemon essential oil (optional, for added fragrance)

Instructions:
Break the shea butter into small pieces and place in a bowl.  Using a hand mixer, whip the shea butter until fluffy and the chunks are gone.  (If your shea butter is too hard, melt it only slightly to soften it a bit.)  Add in melted mango butter and whip.  Finally, add in the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly with the hand mixer.  Finito!