Natural Hair

So I have been transitioning to my natural hair texture for almost a year and a half. I have kinky, coily hair, but I don’t know what type it is (3C?, 4A?, whatever). I am not really interested in getting caught up in ‘type-ing’ my hair, that takes a lot of energy and I don’t think it’s ultimately important.

Anyway, I just spent a week at the beach (what’s up Fire Island ladies…and lad!) and needless to say my hair was super parched and tangled.  When I got home, I decided to make a little concoction to help me detangle and moisturize.  I went to the grocery and bought a large aloe leaf.  You could usually find this in Latino and Asian markets. Back home in the Caribbean, as a child, we would also use the flat cactus leaves (the ones that had few pickers, needles).   I did some research online and decided to make a very simple mix:

Aloe Vera Detangler Recipe

1 large aloe vera leaf

2 tablespoons, extra virgin, organic coconut oil

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerine

I forgot to add honey, which is great for hydration as it draws moisture from the air (next time!!)

I scooped the inside of the aloe vera leaf out, and added the other ingredients.  Then I placed the mix into the food processor and pulsed it for a few seconds.  I then sectioned my hair into quarters and applied liberally.  I added a moisturizing conditioner  (L’Oreal’s  Nature’s Own, Mega Moisture Nuturing Creme) on top of that, covered with plastic and left it on for at least half an hour.

Let me tell you!! This made detangling super easy as the slip was AH-Mazing!!! Tangles just fell out. So I am going to add this to my routine, probably once a month or so. My hair was also left moisturized.

Things I learned….

• I did not pulse the aloe enough and I had small bits of aloe in the mix… and all over my hair, small ting!! I think the next time I will blend the mixture and then pass is through cheese cloth or a linen sieve so I’ll just get the gel part.
• Add honey for more moisture and antibacterial properties
• Add oils like peppermint or rosemary
• Use this mix with my beloved Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner.  This might just be the ultimate moisturizing deep conditioner.

What recipes with aloe vera do you have for your hair???