- 2 Tbsp Kinky-Curly Knot Today
- 2 Tbsp brewed green tea (strength: 3 bags brewed in 3 cups of distilled/purified water for 5 minutes; I refrigerate the rest)
- 1 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 1 tsp jojoba oil
- 1 tsp apricot oil
When I first started my hair growth journey, finding out that leave-in conditioner is vital kind of surprised me. I hadn't used a leave-in (let alone found a decent one that didn't leave my hair feeling stiff) since my relaxer days.
In April 2011, new to the concept of protective hairstyling and properly caring for my hair, I devoured Kimmaytube's videos on YouTube. I have her to thank for guiding me along the way. No matter how much info I found out there, I always used Kim as my go-to girl for natural hair info.
Most of you probably already know the recipe I'm talking about. I've read numerous articles and blogs by ladies who have also benefitted from Kim's leave-in conditioner recipe. In combination with protective styling and proper hair care, I credit this recipe with helping me grow my hair longer and healthier. If you've never tried it, you absolutely must. You'll never regret it and your hair will thank you!!
- 2 tbsp of a leave-in conditioner of your choice (I prefer Kinky-Curly Knot Today)
- 2 tbsp aloe vera leaf juice
- 2 tsp jojoba oil
- 2 tsp castor oil
Stir the ingredients together until blended (Kim uses a plastic spoon and so do I). I think Kim says she doesn't always add castor oil, and I've gone without it and have still experienced good results. So if you don't have any on hand, don't worry about it.
Store the conditioner in an airtight container in the refrigerator (the aloe vera leaf juice is perishable once opened). I seem to remember Kim saying that she only keeps it for three days, but I've kept it for at least a week and it still seemed good to me (but then again, I'm cheap! lol).
If you're using this recipe for the first time, please comment and let me know how your hair likes it! :)
Enjoy!
Would you suggest a different blend for hair less coarse? I like straight Shea Butter, but it has a gel-like effect the next day. . Also, What do you use to cover your hair at night? I've never done that, but I think it'll help. Thanks for all the research you've done! I wish I had that kind of time to make my hair look presentable :)
ReplyDeleteHi Chrisi! Thanks for visiting my blog!! For hair less coarse, I'd make the leave-in conditioner without any of the oils - just KCKT and aloe vera leaf juice. The aloe vera leaf juice closes the cuticles of the hair, making it healthier, smoother and shinier. I'd avoid using shea butter on less coarse hair. Stick to lighter oils (if you use an oil at all). Some popular ones are: jojoba, grapeseed and almond oil. I've seen grapeseed oil in Whole Foods. The others I'm sure you can find at a health food store. I haven't used straight almond oil or grapeseed, but I hear they're nice and light and lots of women like them. I cover my hair with a satin scarf at night. No matter what the hair type, I think it's always beneficial to cover your head at night. Some women prefer bonnets or caps (which you can get at Sally's). I got my scarf from a salon. And your hair does look presentable! Don't be so hard on yourself (although, as moms, I know sometimes that's hard!) Hope this helps! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Chrisi - I've been meaning to tell you that the alternative to a satin scarf or bonnet is a satin pillow case. I need to buy one for Nya. I haven't started looking for it yet though. Not sure where I can find one, so let me know if you come across them in your travels. :)
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