Tea Tree Oil-I Wouldn't Dare Live Without It!

If you do not know by now, I mix tea tree oil with absolutely everything!
It is a natural antiseptic and it is also known to stimulate hair growth. It is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as Narrow-leaved Tea-tree which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.When used correctly it will clean the impurities from your scalp and treat and eliminate dandruff. Tea tree oil stimulates hair growth not only by increasing the health of the hair follicles but also because the oil boosts overall health and immune system stimulation.

It is an essential oil...
Tea tree oil is an essential oil and it should be diluted because it is extremely strong. Before using directly on the scalp or skin it is recommended to do a skin test using only a few drops of tea tree oil. By mixing the tea tree oil with one of you favorite carrier oils you will quickly fall in love with this oil.

Why I love it?!
I love the tea tree oil because it naturally cleanses my scalp. Since it is an antifungal/antibacterial it relieves my scalp of any impurities. Before I started using the tea tree oil on a regular basis, my scalp was always really itchy and I would experience dandruff. After approximately a week of using the tea tree I did not have anymore of those problem. In addition to treating my itchy scalp and dandruff, it has also been known to treat cradle cap, baldness, psoriasis and much, much more!

How I use it...In just about every mixture that I make I add the tea tree oil.
To Seal Moisture > Shea Butter Mixture: Shea butter, EVOO, Few Drops of Tea Tree Oil
Clarifying Shampoo > Giovanni's Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
Deep Condition > Giovanni's Triple Treat Invigoration Conditioner
Moisture > Water Mixture:Water, Few Drops of Tea Tree Oil, EVOO
Treatment > Castor Oil Mixture: Castor Oil, EVOO, Few Drops of Tea Tree Oil

Just a few drops is VERY effective! Just add a couple drops to your shampoo and/or conditioner and you will be amazed. XOXO-Chic Sista

Co-Washing Is Your Friend! Here's Why...

Co-Washing (conditioner washing) is simply washing your hair with conditioner. Instead of using a shampoo, you use a conditioner. You may have heard that it is not healthy to co-wash your hair; however it can actually be very essential to taking care of your natural hair.

What are you co-washing for?

Co-washing is very good for all types of hair. Many shampoos (commercial shampoos) have sulfates in them. Sulfates are what cause the soap to foam once it is in your hair. These are also what strips our hair of oils. So when you wash your hair, switch to sulfate-free shampoos. In addition to using conditioners for the purpose of conditioning, they also have cleaning agents in them. So you can actually use your conditioner as a 2-in-1. Co-washing will the moisture back into your hair and will also make the detangling process much easier.

What type of conditioner should I use?

The main problem that people have with co-washing is that their conditioner causes alot of product build-up in their hair. The reason this happens is because conditioners contain silicones. Silicones are the agents that allow conditioners to give your hair its shine and slip. The best conditioners are those that are water soluble (non silicone). These conditioners will wash easily from your hair and will not leave it feeling gunky!

So, how often should I co-wash?

Honestly, it is completely up to you. I co-wash 1-2 times a week depending on how much product I have used in my hair throughout the week. Then I will wash my hair with shampoo once every week to 10 days, but that works for my hair. Many naturals co-wash 3-4 times a week or even daily! You have to establish what is best for your hair. If your prefer to wash wish shampoo and then conditioner, and have decided that works best for you, do not change your regimen. I will recommend to those who have not adopted a co-wash into their natural hair journey, to substitute their shampoo for conditioner.

Although co-washing does cleanse your hair, I will not recommend cutting out shampooing altogether. You should do a thorough cleanse to prevent build-up. 

.....Co-washing is not just for naturals!!! VERY highly recommended for the relaxed sistas as well, especially since the relaxers are so harsh. I hope this helps those who may have any questions about co-washing. XO-Andrea

A Few Non-Silicone Conditioners (& Many More)

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat conditioner

Alberto V05 Creamy Citrus Healthy Shine Conditioner

 Carol’s Daughter Khoret Amen Shea Butter Hair Smoothie

 Giovanni Direct Leave-in