Goin' Deep on the Cheap

This post is a long one. As a product junky at the height of my hair addiction, sometimes my habit gets budget blocked!  I have more than enough products in my bathroom and kitchen to concoct anything I need to in order to promote strong, healthy, moisturized, and nourished hair.  And folks...I found a deep conditioning holy grail!  I will be using this routine weekly for my moisturizing deep conditioner prior to shampooing my hair; except for henna weeks- which I try to do every 4 weeks.  So, here's the skinny on the things you'll need and why! 
 
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO, whatever brand is on sale that week)
UN-refined Coconut Oil (about $11, but can last over a year)
Castor Oil ($5)
Honey ($3)
Suave Almond and Shea conditioner ($3 for the family size)

You can certainly use whatever oils your hair responds to the best.  I tried using Olive Oil and Coconut Oil because 1) I had them on hand and 2) they are the two oils repeatedly shown to have the ability to penetrate your hair and provide moisture and elasticity. Coconut oil in particular helps your hair retain protein, thus improving strength.  Read more on the science of it all here.  Castor oil is just so rich and thick.  It can provide more slip and has been shown to promote regrowth or just growth of hair.

I've noticed many people mix honey in with their conditioners, but I couldn't find a lot of information that spoke to the benefits or consistent results from using it.  I've tried it in the past, but was very light-handed (for once) because I do understand that it is a humectant.  Humectants (i.e. honey, glycerin, etc...) can be great things in moist months.  They can attract water molecules from the air and draw them into your hair, but watch out, that means little to no definition and poofy hair during humid months.  In dry months (winter), I've always read to be careful using humectants because water has to come from somewhere and if it can't bond to water from the air...it will start attracting water from your hair which will result in adverse effects in the moisture level of your strands.

This time...I figured with the addition of the oils, I would be fine.  I also realized that I was not adding enough honey during previous deep conditioning sessions to truly see a difference.  You have to add a generous amount...a table spoon or two...to give it a chance to do great things for your hair.

So I started by melting the coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil in the microwave a little...I recommend 10-15 second intervals depending on the strength of your microwave.  I just swirled the bowl around in between heatings to distribute the warmer parts.  I did this until I had a warm liquid. 

I then added the honey to the warm oils.  It makes it easier to mix in.  Lastly, I added the Suave Almond and Shea Conditioner.  It claims to moisturize as well as Aveda Dry Remedy.  I've never tried the Aveda product so I cannot compare the two. Some of the Aveda scents are just to herbal and over the top for me.  I do know that this one smells very nice.  A light floral and almond scent. 

As far as measurements, I just eyeballed it.  My hair is shoulder length when straightened.  All the products together filled a cereal bowl to being about an inch from the top.  I would say a full tablespoon of each oil is necessary with about 2 tablespoons of honey. Then just add in the conditioner.  I would rather have a little too much than not enough.

With dry, dirty hair, I use my hands only to part it and apply a little conditioner at a time to each section.  This doesn't have to be time consuming or precise, just thorough.  Your purpose here is to ensure that you coat every strand.  Make sure to apply it to your ends first...then work your way up to the root.  Try to avoid your scalp.  If there is excess conditioner, just add it to your ends and around your hair line or any part of your hair that you feel needs more attention.  I finger detangled lightly as I did this process.  I knew I would be pulling my hair into a high bun, so I didn't want to have to detangle twice. 

I was tired, so I slept with my head wrapped in a plastic bag with a towel around it for warmth.  I deep detangled with my wide tooth comb the next morning before applying shampoo to my scalp and massaging.  It was easy to detangle with very little hair shed considering I'd worn a bun for 4-5 days.  I rinsed and...OOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGG!!!!  I had finally achieved the hair softness I thought I would only read about from others...especially from the very defiant, coarse texture in the back of my head.  My hair was soft, smooth, and devolumized greatly.  I conditioned with Aussie Sydney Smooth and my hair was even more smooth (review to follow, of course).  When I got out of the shower...I thought I was a 3C!!!  LOL.  My curls were on and poppin', smooth, soft, and defined. I was over the top happy!

This is my mix!  Please, please, please try it out.  Play with the measurements.  Make sure you add enough moisture to balance out the humectant and add enough humectant to reap the benefits.  You will not be disappointed. These ingredients aren't that expensive and will last you for months...  My rant has to come to a close. 

Love and leave-ins,
LL xoxoxoxoxoxooooo