Flax seed gel results: part 1

Hello there lovely people,

So, as you know I made flax seed gel last week.  Well, I initially loved it.  I first tried the gel on a two strand twist out.  The results were quite nice.  My twist out was defined, the frizz stayed maintained and most importantly my hair was SUPER soft.  Other benefits were that the gel is easy to make, all natural, super cheap, and I know exactly which ingredients are in it.  I washed my hair on Sunday and re-washed (co-wash for both) last night.  So Sunday through Wednesday my hair was soft and I had no white flakes (and I used a lot of this stuff).  Overall I give it 4.6 stars out of 5.  The only two cons I have with this gel compared to store bought is that it didn't add extra shine to my hair (which was fine because I was bamboozled by how soft my hair was) and it is said to only last about 7-14 days.  However, the cons are not nearly strong enough to outweigh the pros.  I am definitely going to continue using this gel (although the consistency is a bit like mucous I feel like I'm holding snot), and last night I tried it on two strand twists. 

I love my hair in twists, but they only last for about two days because the frizz monster hits after that; so I want to see if adding this gel will help keep the frizz away.  I'll report back on how that goes later in the week.  

So recap:  I love flax seed gel so far and give it a 4.6 out of 5 stars and definitely plan to continue use.....at least until a new product catches my eye ;-)  j/k the product junkie in me is actually dying and my bank account thanks me for that!!!

Have a great day!  Let me know if you've tried flax seed gel, and if so what you think of it. 

Tootles for now   

This is my hair in the twist out after using flax seed gel (the top pic is the same day back view).  I co-washed my hair and detangled with a wide tooth comb.  I split my hair into four large sections and applied Cantu Shea Butter leave-in  and flax seed gel one section at a time.  I two strand twisted each section into about 5-7 twists (total 20-25 twists) and left it alone the remainder of the day.  On each twist I flat twisted the root.  That night I put a bonnet on and then in the morning untwisted, put a bit of Vatika oil in and voila!

This pic is day 2 hair.  The night before, I braided into6 braids and flat twisted the very front so it's more of a braid out on a twist out than just a twist out.  Uusally I like this method better, but with the flax seed gel I think I like the plain old twist out better.   

QUICK flaxseed gel update

So far...... I LOVE IT!!!

This is the youtube video by Naptural85 showing how to make the gel.  The video unfortunately doesn't play well, but if you're in a patient mood check it out or google some other video on how to make flax seed gel ;-)

So last weekend while I was being super not productive I discovered Naptural85 on youtube, and became inspired to make some flax seed gel for my hair.  The gel is made purely from flax seeds and water.  The gel was very easy to make and took about 10mins total (start to clean up which included washing a pot, cup and spoon).  I used it today on a twist out.  After co-washing my hair I put leave-in on and then the gel and went to twisting.  I'll let you know the results tomorrow after I take my twists down.  So far I like the gel; it is all natural and super cheap (yesterday I bought 1/2 a pound of flax seed at Rosewood supermarket for less than $2, and a half a pound is a ton for our purposes).  I applied quite a bit as I am heavy handed when it comes to products, and there are currently no white flakes which is awesome.  

To make the gel you will need:                                         

1/4c. flax seeds (you can get this from a health food market)

2c. water

1 pot

1 air tight container to store it in

1 container to pour it in (I used a cup, you can use you the same container that you are storing it in)

1 sheer pantyhose (I used a cheap knee high)

1 pair of tongs (I don't own any so I used two knives and got creative)

10mins of free time

Pour the flax seeds and water into the pot and boil.  Place the panty hose opening around the brim of your "pour into" container (cup).  Stir flax seed mixutre constantly once boiling begins.  The water will begin to thicken and a white foam will begin to form on the top.  Once the water is thick but still liquid remove the pot from heat and pour some of the water/seeds into the panty hose (about 5mins after boiling begins).  Lift panty hose above the liquid level and use the tongs (knives for me) to squeeze excess gel out.  Pour the liquid into your "storage container."  Re-place the panty hose around the cup and pour the remainder of seeds from the pot into the panty hose and squeeze with tongs.  Add what you get to your mixture in the "storage container."  There you have it.  Seal your container and place in the refrigerator.  The gel will harden as it cools.  If you'd like you can add some essential oils and such.  I figured I'd start pure and go back and add oils and such later on if I decide to continue making the gel.  

Well, happy gel making.  Say goodbye to unhealthy chemicals and preservatives and hello to all natural goodness.  I'll be back tomorrow with the results ;-)

Tootles for now 

looking for a shampoo



Avis and I at the family reunion in Augusta, Ga. September 2011.  We are both wearing a twist-out.



Hello there lovely peoples,


As most of you know I hardly shampoo my hair (approximately 3xs per year).  However, I have been using oils in my hair much more these days (Vatika and Castor especially) and feel like it is very difficult to get my hair clean now with conditioner alone.  So, I am contemplating shampooing again maybe 1-2xs per month.  However, I haven't been a regular shampooer in so long I'm not positive what I want to use.  I want something that will get my hair clean as well as leave it moisturized.  Any suggestions?!?!?


Thanks,
Tootles for now

I'm pooped, weekend recap

My sister and nephew at Christmas-time.  I'm so excited for Christmas!!!!

I went to Ga on Friday.  The beginning of the trip consisted of and me playing with the niece and nephew, which mostly meant me watching them play with Miles (my doggy) and making sure they didn't torture him too much.  Play also consisted of saying thank you to my niece as she brought me things that she had so kindly taken out of my bag. 

Saturday morning was peanut ball (baseball for little people).  I love how entertaining children can find dirt; those little 3 and 4 year olds were certainly more interested in playing in the dirt than catching and throwing the ball.  I guess you can get away with that when you're little and cute.  Then Avis, Charon, and I tried to go thrifting.  We started at a Goodwill near the house where Avis and I found a few things.  Next we moved on to Rag-O-Rama in little 5 points.  They had a few cute things, but were way overpriced for a thrift store.  We ended up at H&M in Atlantic Station.  Then we went home.  I'm not sure if it was the shopping or what but I was pooped by the end of the day.  As much as I love them, thank God the little ones were asleep when we got back home; this meant that everyone got to go to sleep. 

Sunday morning I was kindly awakened by my nephew who felt the need to inform me that he needed to potty.  Now mind you that his bedroom is about 4 feet from his room upstairs and I was sleeping all the way downstairs.  He couldn't go to the potty because it was dark in there so instead he thought it was better to walk all the way downstairs and get me so I could go back and turn the light on.  His mom says, but it was dark down the stairs and he replies, I know and I was scared the whole time.  Lol, I love the rationale of a 3 year old. 

Phew, I am exhausted.  I got back home today (Sunday) around 11am and have already taken two naps and am planning to go to bed as early as possible.  Geez, how is it that children have sooooooooooo much energy?  More importantly how is it that parents can keep up with them :-/  Guess I'll learn the secret someday, but for now I am going to say kudos to all those out there raising balls of energy aka children. 

All in all a great weekend.  I hope that everyone had a great weekend, let me know what you did!!!

Tootles for now

henna

On Tuesday I saw a girl with a twisted Mohawk and felt inspired to try it on my hair.  I washed and twisted my hair today, and was quite pleased with the outcome for a first attempt. 

Hey there lovely peoples,

Last week I henna'd (made up word) my hair.  This was the third time that I have applied henna to my hair, and I quite like the results.  Henna adds a touch of a reddish/brownish color to your hair; it also is said to have great conditioning properties, helps strengthens hair, may loosen curl pattern, and add shine.  From my understanding the benefits of henna (minus the hair color) take a little while to see.  I henna approximately once/month so I suppose I will continue for about six months (about the end of the year) and see if I can tell a difference.  Short term I love the touch of color it adds.  The color is quite subtle and is only really evident in the sunlight.  And best of all is that henna comes from a plant and is therefore natural.  I mean, how can you beat a natural hair coloring system ?!?!?

Okay, so by now you're probably thinking this henna thing can't be that simple, add the henna and get awesome hair.  Well, the henna process takes a little bit of work, but like everything else, once you get used to it easy peasy lemon squeazy. 

So, the process.....

1. buy good henna-I think I got mine off of Amazon, I use Jamil henna
2. empty a packet of henna (I use 100g) into a bowl, something you don't mind dedicating solely to henna/hair processes
3. add 1c of conditioner and mix-I like to use HE Totally Twisted
4. add water-I don't ever measure this, I just mix and continue adding until the henna is a consistency that I like-for water I use tea.  On curly nikki's website she suggests using green tea so I figured I'd use tea, but I don't know if this really matters.  The consistency of the henna should be sort of like a paste, something that you can pick up with your hand, but not so thick that you can't spread it on your head.
5. cover with plastic and let sit for about 15-20mins
6. add oil prior to use-I use olive oil because it's usually the cheapest oil I have just sitting around
7. next is applying the henna to your hair-I have done this on wet and dry hair and I prefer wet (although this is a tad bit messier) because I feel like my hair took to it better so
1. I first co-washed my hair
2. I applied henna to my hair starting in the back (be certain to wear gloves)
3. apply henna to entire head section by section
4. cover with a plastic cap
5. cover with a stocking cap
6. cover with a scarf (I like to be certain the henna goes no where, I suggest that you use a specific scarf for this in case the henna gets on there)
7. leave on over night
8. rinse hair thoroughly with warm water-be patient, the henna hardens overnight and it takes some time to get it all out of the hair
9. co-wash
10. deep condition
11. style and go

Okay, so it sounds like a lot; I think it sounds like a lot because it is.  However, like I said before once you do it, it's no big deal.  Some things to keep in mind.  Do wear gloves when dealing with the henna or your hands will be orange for a few days.  Do cover your floor and other surfaces with towels or newspapers.  The henna can stain surfaces if it is allowed to dry, but no worries if you clean up well once you finish your henna process. 

This is a link to Mop Top Maven's henna video so that you can see what the process looks like. 

So, I encourage everyone (natural, relaxed or transitioning) to go forth and henna.  If you have tried henna or are thinking about it leave a comment and let me know your experiences with henna and/or questions. 

Tootles,

Love, peace and happiness