Homemade Flaxseed Gel...I LOVE this stuff!

Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist Gel vs. All Natural Homemade Flax Seed Gel

Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist Gel

I have been using this product faithfully for a few months since I have embarked on this journey. Twist outs, wash and go's,  braid outs, bantu knots, roller sets, and EVERYTHING else. Needless to say, I love this stuff. I gives me a good hold but it never flakes and my hair never gets hard. And the best thing about it is that the first ingredient list is WATER! Great, huh? Now really, what could be better than that? Well firstly, let's check out the ingredients:

ORS Lock and Twist Gel Ingredients

Water, Coconut Milk, Soybean Oil, PVP, Polyquarternium 37, Propyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben, DMDM Hydantoin, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, Sucrose

Now the first three ingredients are all things that I can pronounce and that I am familiar with. Let's dig deeper into the rest of them:

PVP: It is likely this will cause build when it is in your shampoos and conditioners; however, it is pretty safe in your gels.

Polyquaternium: This ingredient seems to have the same effect as the PVP

Propyl and Methyl Paraben: some studies on animals show that parabens can lead to breast cancer 

Propylene Glycol: It's a humectant. This is a clear, colorless, thick liquid. Can penetrate the skin better than glycerin, but is less expensive. Second in moisture-carrying abilities only to water. Can also be used to dissolve ingredients. Rumors have circulated that it's bad but no proof.

Sucrose:  This seems to be safe. Made from Coconut Acid and known for being a mild cleanser and foam builder, as well as for conditioning and keeping the product from separating into its oil and water components.

(for more info on what your products have in them, check out this great website:  http://tightlycurly.com/ingredients/)

So the ingredients in the ORS Lock and Twist Gel don't seem to bad at all. So I actually did a good job by picking this up that was suggested by a friend. BUT let's look at the flax seed gel...

All Natural Homemade Flaxseed Gel

I made my first batch of flaxseed gel two days ago and immediately I saw the difference between the ORS Gel and the flaxseed gel. Because the flaxseed gel is all-natural and is highly concentrated with fatty acids, my hair hair felt SO good. In addition to how it felt, the hold was beyond amazing. Normally when I use the ORS gel, I have to tie my hair down for 30 minutes for my edges to stay slicked down....I didn't have this problem with them flaxseed gel. Admittedly it is really gooey and the consistency is like egg whites BUT I can look past all that if it's going to the job. The downfall of this is that it will only keep for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. My ORS gel will last until I use it up. Before we completely rule out the ORS gel based on ingredients, let's see what's in the flaxseed gel:

 Flaxseed Gel Ingredients

Water: We all know what water does...!!!

Whole Flax Seeds: High in fatty acids, including Omega-3's. Flaxseeds are known to influence healthy hair growth and overall health in general

Tea Tree Essential Oil: This is a good essential oil. It is a natural antiseptic. Because of it's antibacterial properties, it is good in treating conditions of the scalp such as dandruff and itchiness

Rosemary Essential Oil: Good essential oil known for it's stimulation properties; promotes hair growth

Vitamin E Oil: Has preservative properties. Excellent moisturizing oil as well as an antioxidant. Has great benefits for skin and hair.

Jojoba Oil: Good oil for promoting hair growth with its antibacterial properties.

The Winner isss.....

Flaxseed Gel!!!

It's no question why! The flaxseed gel is all natural. Despite the fact that it doesn't last past 1-2 weeks, you just have to lessen your mix and you'll be fine. Oh, did I mention that it's a good buy? I was able to purchase a good size bag of whole flax seeds for less than $6. Here's the recipe below:

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1/4 to 3/8 cup of whole flax seeds

3-5 drops of tea tree oil (optional)

3-5 drops of rosemary oil (optional)

3-5 drops of vitamin e oil (optional)

Many people like to add aloe vera gel to their flaxseed gel mixtures but for now I will stick to the ingredients above.

Directions:

Boil water. Stir in flaxseeds. Allow the water-flaxseed mixture to congeal. You should have a thick and slimy consistency. If it is not the consistency that you want add in a few more flaxseeds. Keep stirring. Stirring will prevent the flaxseeds from sticking together and to the pan. Once it starts to thicken and foam, the gel is ready to be filtered. Strain the mixture to separate the gel from the seeds. Add your oils. Refridgerate.

*Make sure you store in an airtight container

*I use a pair of old stocking to strain the gel through

So simple and it works wonders...what's better than that?! If you have any questions let me know. Peace Chic Sistas XO

Castor Oil for Thinning Edges and Thinning Hair Challenge

In addition to the No Heat, No Extensions Challenge, I will also be trying to get my edges to grow back out by using castor oil. I know it seems odd because castor oil is a known laxative; However, it is also a very good natural oil for baldness and thinning hair. 

During this challenge I will apply the castor oil mixture to my scalp approximately 2-3 times a week. At least once a week I will use it as a pre-shampoo or a pre-conditioner. The mixture will allow for my hair to retain the moisture that is necessary for my hair to reach an optimal level of healthiness. There are various things that the castor oil can be mixed with. I will use the following oils in my mixture:

1. 1 tablespoon of castor oil
2. 1 table spoon of extra virgin olive oil
3. 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
4. a few drops of tea tree oil
5. 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil (I don't always use this)

Since the castor oil is so thick and sticky, it is important for it to be diluted with other oils so it will not leave the hair feeling heavy or sticky. 

The Jamaican Black Castor Oil is the most commonly used brand of castor oil that many have been using for their castor oil challenge; however I purchased the Walgreens brand of castor oil. I will be using this brand for 3-4 weeks and I will eventually switch to the Jamaican Black Castor Oil so that I will be able to see if there is a different between the two. My research has led me to believe that castor oil is castor oil and as long as it is 100% castor oil and it is cold-pressed then the results should be the same.

I know that I will not see drastic hair growth and thicker edges in two weeks (that's how long I've been using the castor oil), but in approximately 4-6 weeks I hope to see some thicker new growth and thicker edges.

I have 3 YouTube videos that further explain my Castor Oil Challenge. Leave your feedback and subscribe to my channel. Thanks Chic Sistas XOXO--Andrea 

AVC--Apple Cider Vinegar!!! YESSSS it stinks but it's like MAGIC!!!

 I am in LOVE with Apple Cider Vinegar! Here's why...

Background Info

Hair is naturally acidic with a pH of 4.5-5.5 making it close to the pH of the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse. With that being said, many of the shampoos and conditioners we use in our hair are strong bases. The ACV rinse helps to restore hair back to its normal pH.

Benefits

Using the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse makes the hair softer, shinier , and more manageable. It is a good conditioner, cleansing agent, and germ killer. Another benefit of the ACV is that it closes the cuticles.

How to Mix

I use one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to one cup of water. Usually the total amount of ACV rinse I use is a total of two cups of water, meaning I use two tablespoons of ACV. Some people rinse the mixture out but I do not. I actually apply my conditioner once I have applied the mixture. Once I have my deep conditioner in my hair I let it sit for 30-45 minutes, and then rinse. Also, you can use it a a leave in conditioner and style after application.

How Often

Whenever I shampoo or co-wash I do an ACV rinse. So that equals approximately 2-3 times a week. Do not worry about the smell because once it dries it is no longer stinky.

For Dandruff and Itchy Scalp Relief:

Apply full strength Apple Cider Vinegar to your scalp and let it sit for 45 minutes to an hour. Before rinsing out massage the ACV in to your scalp. Also, for an extra strength treatment, infuse ACV with a few drops of tea tree oil.

To Loosen Dandruff:

1 ounce of ACV, 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1-2 drops of rosemary oil, 1-2 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

For Extra Shine and Softness:

50% Apple Cider Vinegar, 50% Water, blow dry, then add natural Shea Butter

Don't believe ACV works wonders??? Once you try it, you will wonder how you lived without it!

What is your Apple Cider Vinegar routine?