3-STEP HAIR PACK

Been combining science with nature lately :)

We understand how difficult it can be at times to maintain and seal in moisture so we came up with this 3-step hair pack.
We like to take care of your hair naturally with this subtly scented trio which comprises of:
* 200ml avocado + moringa shampoo 
* 200ml avocado + coconut leave in conditioner
* 100ml avocado + flaxseed seal & shine oil

Visit our site http://www.sheabuttercottage.co.uk for your purchase

NEW PRODUCTS AT CIOCCOLATINA

I just love concocting products for both skin and hair and can now reveal 2 new products from the Cioccolatina range of natural toiletries:


* balance serum - a multi-purpose serum combining cucumber + ximenia oil for all types of skin

* sankofa oil - a soothing/stimulating oil with a herbal mix of amla + bhringraj

Akua
Sheabutter Cottage

MY HENNA TREATMENT

The mad kitchen chemist in me loves concocting so in a need of a henna treatment before my next braids, I decided to mix the following - please read through

* 279g asparagus juice (left over water after boiling asparagus) - for silica content to strengthen the hair

* 148g rosemary leave-in conditioner or thick yoghurt - for extra conditioning
* 121g water
* 86g henna - to strengthen the hair
* 56g garlic - for sulphur content to help stimulate hair growth
* 30g shea oil - for gloss
* 20g dried nettle leaf - for silica content to strengthen the hair
* Cling film (saran wrap)
* Shower cap
* 14 HOURS OF PATIENCE

I never use henna for its colouring effect but rather for its strengthening benefits.

To start this process, I added the nettle leaf to the asparagus juice + water and simmered (not boiled) for 20 minutes. I strained and left it to cool.
I blended the whole cloves of garlic with the shea oil, added the nettle/asparagus juice, blended together before straining into the henna.
I then added a jar of our rosemary leave-in conditioner which had to be used up and left the mix to sit for 12 hours as I was too tired to proceed with the treatment at this point.

I had just taken my braids out so it was ideal to wash it before the henna treatment. I used a small amount of our afro shampoo bar.
Ah - shrunken afro - can't get away from this due to the nature of my hair.
12 hours later, I just love the consistency, not dripping.

First layer of henna applied - just look at how my shrunken afro has bounced back to life.

Second layer of henna. I never thought I would be using this much henna but I managed to slap everything onto my head.

3 layers of saran wrap + shower cap + 2 hours later: Time to wash out the treatment. Make sure you rinse it out with lukewarm water before washing with shampoo. What I did to finish off this treatment was to add a dollop of leave-in conditioner to a small amount of argan liquid shampoo and rinse out the treatment. This treatment was much easier to rinse out that my first attempt at henna some months ago.

Towel-dried the hair and braided it.

I am very happy with this treatment although the garlic scent was quite strong, I could feel it working on the scalp together with the rosemary.

More pictures from the process can be found on our facebook fanpage

THE MILK FLOAT IS HERE

It has been quite busy in-between organising soap production in Ghana, trips to the post office where I now have a "VIP" pass and restocking some of our products. Here is the new addition to the Cioccolatina range of handmade natural toiletries - a vegan friendly bamboo hair milk/spray.

Make sure you enter our competition before the 1st of November as we celebrate Cioccolatina @ 8

Take care
Akua Wood
Sheabutter Cottage

UCUUBA HAIR POMADE

I love ucuuba butter. It is a tough butter to work with but the natural scent is so pleasing on the nostrils.
I made a fresh batch of our lovely ucuuba hair pomade yesterday evening. You might notice a change with the packaging but the ingredients to help promote shine and healthy hair have not changed.
Great for twisting the hair without any tacky feeling and it is vegan friendly too. Get your easy to fit palm-size container here

TUCUMA HAIR BUTTER

When I introduced this hair butter in June 2009, I never knew it would affect my sleep ;)
I love my job but then I also love my sleep. I am writing this feeling like a zombie as I stayed up all night to make this fresh batch of tucuma hair butter. At least I know it would be worth the lack of my beauty sleep as some thirsty hair strands are waiting to be moisturised.

Grab your jar and get your hair pampered

ROSEMARY IS BACK WITH A NEW DRESS

Ok, I am referring to our gorgeous rosemary leave-in conditioner. Fresh batch now available in new packaging. We have now decided to opt for a jar rather than the lotion pump to make it easier in moisturising those curls and helping with a little gloss on your crowning glory.

Ah, but do not wait too long as there is a special 10% discount valid till midnight of 12th July 2010.

Feed your hair this way >>>

ROCK YOUR 'FRO

YAY - it is competition time.

See details on our Facebook fan page

BANK HOLIDAY PROMO

WHICH PALM? ADWENGO IS GOOD FOR THE HAIR.

Grab a bottle

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR HAIR IS LACKING PROTEIN

Black hair is prone to breakage. Some amount of hair loss is natural, but most hair loss in black women stems from mistreatment or a disproportionate amount of moisture or protein. Many stylists who focus on healthy black hair will tell you that your hair demands a balance of moisture and protein. Nothing else that you do to obtain a head of healthy black hair will matter if you that balance is thrown off. Follow these steps to test your hair.

Instructions
1. WET YOUR HAIR
It is best to do this test after you have shampooed your hair. While it is still wet you will need to grip about an inch of your hair between your fingers.

2. STRETCH THE WET STRANDS OF HAIR
Take the inch of wet hair and run a comb through it. Make sure that it is not tangled when you do this - you don't want to harm your hair. And remember, it is always best to use a wide-tooth comb in black hair

3. OBSERVE
Pay close attention to the way that the hair strands react after they have been combed. Healthy black hair strands will stretch, but they will not break unless they are under an extreme amount of stress. Again, what you are looking for in this step is to see how your hair reacts to the wet stretch.

4. DIAGNOSE
If your hair stretches just a little, then returns to its normal length without breakage, your hair is balanced. Good job, you're done!
If your hair exhibits any of the following tendencies, you need to focus on moisturizing:
* Does not stretch at all, then breaks
* Is extremely rough and brittle

If your hair exhibits any of the following tendencies, you need to focus on protein:
* Is limp and gummy feeling/looking
* Stretches a long way then proceeds to break off

5. TREAT
After you have found out which problem is affecting your hair, you will need to address it. Any stylist will tell you that lack of moisture is usually the problem for black hair. But, there are times when lack of protein is the issue. In either case, here is how you can solve each problem:

Lack of MOISTURE:
This one is simple. Black hair needs a great deal of moisture because it is very porous. Look for moisturizing conditioners or moisturizing creams, then make sure to seal in the moisture with a light oil sheen
Lack of PROTEIN: There are many protein treatments for black hair. You can also get protein based leave in conditioners as well.

6. RETURN TO YOUR NORMAL HAIR CARE REGIMEN
Once your hair is balanced you can return to your normal hair care regime. If you have completed the comb/stretch test, but you are still not sure whether your hair lacks protein or moisture, it is best to shoot for the moisture issue first in black hair.
Thanks to Zainab for allowing us to share this article © AU NATURALE BLOG