My hair has a habit of turning to the texture coconut husk! Especially the ends! I also suffer from a very dry scalp from time to time.
Moisture improves the condition of the scalp and the hair, making it's texture softer.
When I want to intensely moisturise my scalp, I make this fresh leave in scalp conditioner. It has no preservatives or added chemicals in it. The great thing about this scalp treatment is that the mixture is clear, light and not too oily. It does not drip. You can apply it and wash it out a few hours or days later!
I've given this recipe in ratios, so you can make as much or little as you want.
The secret to this recipe is fresh aloe vera. It contains a lot of moisture and vitamins. 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 do not have an aloe vera plant, you can buy single aloe leaves from the market. Sometimes they can be found health food stores, or the fresh produce sections of the supermarket. If you do buy single aloe vera leaves, stand them in a jar of water to preserve their freshness and extend their life. You can also freeze them.
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 apply the mixture and reduces the chance of small pieces sticking to the hair.
Whenever possible I try and use unrefined shea butter as it is fragrance free. Refined shea butter is usually white in colour, as opposed to a yellow coloured solid.
I use this mask whenever my scalp is super dry. 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!
Method
Step 1.
Cut open the aloe vera leaf and extract the gel like pulp inside.
Step 2.
Add the pulp to a blender and mix for at least one minute. The mixture will turn into a white foam.
Step 3.
Add the shea butter to the blender and blend for a further minute. The mixture should gain a whipped cream consistency.
Step 4
Transfer to a clean jar.
Step 5.
When you are ready to use it apply generously to the scalp and hair. Discard any unused mixture.
Step 6.
Leave for at least 60 minutes.
Step 7.
If you will press your hair, or use heat to dry it, rinse the mixture out. If you will leave your hair natural, apply your usual hair products.
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.