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

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