D.I.Y. Avocado Deep Conditioner

I had a coworker that had an avocado tree in his yard. This tree produced some of the prettiest, large avocados and he'd bring me one at least once a week. Now, I am not a big fan of avocados. I do eat them, from time to time but not fast enough to keep them from going bad. So, being the natural hair lover that I am, I came up with a recipe to use my avocados in my beauty routine. The following is a recipe for my Avocado Deep Conditioning Mix.

1/2 Large Avocado (1 small)
1/2 Plantain (over ripe) **optional
2-3 Tbsp. Coconut milk
1Tbsp. Raw Honey or Agave nectar
1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera gel
2 tsp. Black Gold hair oil (www.SweetLoveNaturals.net)or oil of your choice.

This mix is so conditioning and moisturizing. It leaves my hair soft, strong, and silky. None of the ingredients give me the hard, stiff feel that I get after a protein treatment, but I get the effect in the feeling of my strands. They are left in great condition. This is not a thick mixture. I put mine in the blender to ensure that there are no chunks that can get caught in my hair. I then strain it through a strainer into a bowl or jar with a lid.

I apply this after I wash my hair. I then put on a plastic conditioning/shower cap and my Hot Head conditioning bonnet. This can be used as a deep conditioner whenever it is needed. You can also boost the mixture by adding a tablespoon of your favorite deep conditioner. Keep in mind all hair is different and what works for me may not work for you. The good thing is being able to tweek this recipe so that it meets your needs. Now that you have your marching orders, happy mixing!! Enjoy!!

Review: Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner

Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner is a rich, thick, Shea butter based conditioner that I've enjoyed using for the past few months. It's one of the company's first products, and I've seen more than a few curlies rave about it. In this post I'll share with you the important details of this product and my experience with it. Let's get to it!!

This product is a thick, white, Shea butter based leave in conditioner. It has a very pleasant fruity scent reminiscent of juicy fruit gum. It also provides a good amount of slip for detangling as a result of the centromonium chloride. It is moisturizing, without leaving a greasy residue.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Deionized Water, Herbal Complex, Panthenol, Centromonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E.

Cost & Availability: The product is packaged in an 8 oz. flip top bottle. It can be purchased online, and the easiest way I've located it has been via Google search. It's price ranges from $8.00-$11.00 depending on the retailer.

Product Promise & Claims / Practicality of Use: Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner penetrates deep into hair and scalp to moisturize, repair and protect... transforming dull, lifeless hair into healthy, soft, shiny and manageable hair with extra body.

Directions: For best results, use after Shea Moisture Shea Butter Shampoo or as a daily moisturizer to instantly replenish lost moisture and strengthen hair. Apply from roots to ends and style.

I applied the leave in to my wet, T-shirt blotted hair after washing/cowashing. My hair was sectioned and clipped into place using butterfly clamps. A nickel sized amount of product was applied to each section from root to tip, and distributed throughout using my fingers. I then used a wide tooth comb to detangle my hair.

Effectiveness & Results: This product was so effective at moisturizing, softening, and detangling my hair that it is a staple/ Holy Grail product. It is just the right texture and thickness and provides excellent slip/lubrication for detangling. My hair was always soft, moisturized, and conditioned. I was able to reduce my single strand knots. I also mid week detangled by just adding water. It worked with all the other products I used in my regimen.

I will definitely be repurchasing and stocking up on this leave in. I wish I could go into a retail location and buy it off the shelf. I'd recommend it to anyone with hair that needs moisture, desires a heavier/thicker leave in, and/or with many textures and curl patterns.