Whether you relax, keratin or wear your hair natural, it needs moisture.
Moisture improves the condition of the hair, making it's texture softer. Curls are bouncier and more defined. Well moisturised hair also shines well well when pressed with a comb or hair straighteners!
As soon as there is sunshine, humidity, rain, wind...any change in the weather it seems..my hair turns the texture of coconut husk!! Especially the ends! I usually use a coconut and aloe hair mask to moisturise my hair (check out my other blog posts) .....but sometimes I need to treat my hair even more carefully to stop the ends from breaking off.
When I want to intensely moisturise my hair, I make this deep fresh hair conditioner. It has no preservatives or added chemicals in it. The great thing about this mask is that it has the same creamy texture of conditioner without being too oily. It does not drip. You can apply it in the shower.... let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse it out !
I've given this recipe in ratios, so you can make as much or little as you need depending on your hair length.
The secret to this recipe is fresh aloe vera, which is used in equal amounts to mango, with half coconut oil and honey. I grow aloe vera all over my home and use its leaves in many different ways. No matter what climate you live in, it's so easy to grow! One plant can easily be turned into 10!
If you don't have an aloe vera plant to hand at home, you can buy fresh leaves from the supermarket. If you do purchase single aloe vera leaves, stand them in a jar of water to preserve their freshness and extend their life.
The inside of the aloe vera leaf is soft and gel like. For this recipe it's important to blend the mixture well well so that the gel pieces break up. Breaking up the gel pieces makes the mixture easier to rinse out and reduces the chance of small pieces sticking to the hair.
It does help to have a blender for this recipe. If you don't have a blender its no big deal, it will just take more time to make the conditioner. Ripe mangos are best for this recipe. You can push the inside of the aloe leaf and ripe mango pieces through a strainer, or mash them together with a fork. You may have to wash the mixture out of your hair with shampoo after use instead of only rinsing it to remove any big gel or mango pieces.
Whenever possible I try and use unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is usually white in colour and semi solid at room temperature, as opposed to a yellow coloured oil. Refrigerating the coconut oil makes it solid. Solid coconut oil helps to create that smooth creamy texture of conditioner when blended with the other ingredients. In addition to coconut oil, I add almond oil and honey to this hair conditioner.
If your scalp is super dry, you could substitute the almond oil for castor oil.... If you have fine hair you could use apricot oil instead, or leave out this oil entirely.
I hope you enjoy trying it!
If you decide to give this recipe a go, please share your thoughts, pictures and recipe tweaks. Good luck!
Ingredients:
Method
Step 1.
Cut open the aloe vera leaf and extract the gel like pulp inside.
Step 2.
Add the pulp, coconut oil, your chosen oil (jojoba, apricot or castor oil), mango flesh and honey to a blender and mix for at least one minute. The mixture will turn thick, creamy and yellow..a bit like mayonnaise! If you do not have a blender, use a fork to mash the aloe and mango pulp and a whisk to blend all of the ingredients together.
Step 3.
Transfer to a clean jar.
Step 4.
When you are ready to use it apply generously to the scalp and hair. Discard any unused mixture.
Step 5.
Leave for at least 10 minutes.
Step 6.
If you will press your hair, or use heat to dry it, rinse the mixture out. If you will leave your hair natural, wash out with shampoo and apply your usual hair products.
I always wash this hair mask out, as I apply a highly fragranced oil hair mist afterwards. If you would like the recipe for this also, check out my blog!
Disclaimer
I'm very passionate about the management of autoimmune conditions in a healthy way.
I speak with medical professionals, read journals, try and test new recipes to share with you and diligently undertake research online. That being said, as you know, each autoimmune disease, as well as any set of symptoms you may be experiencing are unique.
All information provided is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the appropriateness of any information in relation to your own situation.
And finally, please comment and share so we as a community better cope with our conditions by through growth and learning.