Natural Deodorant Using Coconut Oil

This is my last "DIY in July" post but no worries. As I try new homemade beauty recipes for the hair and skin, I will continue to share them here on the blog!

Natural (2 ingredient) Deodorant Featuring Coconut Oil 

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is all natural and has properties that kill odor causing bacteria. That makes this deodorant a natural and healthy way to treat the skin under your arms.

I use this deodorant daily and prefer it over deodorants purchased off the shelf. It is less expensive, not filled with ingredients I can't pronounce and it's very effective! I exercise often and sometimes find myself in high stress situations, so I need something that works.

Many people use coconut oil alone as a deodorant, but for my DIY, I am adding baking soda to assist in controlling wetness and absorbing odor.

That's right. You only need two ingredients!

1. Coconut Oil

2. Baking Soda

You will also need a mixing bowl, measuring tool, a spoon for mixing, and a container to store your homemade deodorant.

The quantity of coconut oil and baking soda depends on how much deodorant you would like to make. I find that using equals parts of coconut oil and baking soda makes a nice blend that is easy to apply.

Today I am using 1/8 cup of coconut oil and 1/8 cup of baking soda.

After you place both ingredients in a bowl, mix until they are well blended.

At this point, you may add a few drops of essential oil. Lavender and lemon oil are great for the skin and adds a nice fragrance. Bergamot oil is another favorite for homemade deodorants. It has disinfectant properties and fights against germs that cause body odor.

Today, I'm keeping it simple. I love simple... especially if it is just as effective. Plus, the coconut oil alone smells amazing!

Once your deodorant is well blended, it is ready to pour into a container.

I am recycling an old body butter container. When I finish up butters and lotions that I purchase from a store, I hold on to the containers for DIY projects. It's a nice way to recycle!

Once you pour it into your container your deodorant is complete! No, this is not your traditional solid. The consistency reminds me of a roll on type deodorant but a bit thicker.  

After I shower, I dip two fingers into the deodorant and massage it into my underarms. A little goes a long way so you don't need a big scoop.

If you are unsure how your skin will respond or you are prone to allergies, do a small skin test first. Also I found that using coconut oil alone (without baking soda) is more soothing to my skin immediately after shaving. 

I seal the deodorant with a lid and store it in a cool place. This homemade natural deodorant will leave the skin under your arms feeling smooth, clean, and fragrant. 

Have you tried this or a similar homemade deodorant? How did it work for you?

Here's to healthy skin the natural way!

~Candra

30 Day Ceramides Challenge Results ~ July 2014

These are the final days of the 30 Day Ceramide Challenge hosted by Jen from JustGrowAlready.com and Divachyk from RelaxedThairapy.com

It's going to be a busy week for me so I thought I would post my results a few days in advance.

My choice oil has been sunflower oil and I opted to incorporate it into my regimen by sealing with it daily.

I am currently doing a coconut oil challenge as well, so this was the best way to tackle both challenges.

My results have been amazing! The greatest benefits I've seen in the last couple of weeks have been continued shine and strength.

I am able to detangle my hair and just plain play in it without breakage. This is wonderful considering I am 10 weeks post relaxer!

It wasn't until I saw this challenge on Divachyk's blog that I become more familiar with ceramides.

Thanks to a recommendation from Divachyk, I just received an order of hemp seed oil from Amazon, so I will continue to use ceramide rich oils in my regimen.

The sunflower oil has strengthened my hair from the inside out, so I am a believer in the benefit of ceramides!

Watch my short video below to get a better view of my hair today!




Blessings and HHJ!

~Candra

Hannah Natural Henna and Indigo on Relaxed Hair ~ Review and Update

Hannah Natural Review and Update including before photo at 4:24.

The Hannah Natural brand worked amazing for my relaxed hair. After my wash day was complete, I did not have dry hair or any breakage. The color I was able to achieve was amazing!

The application of the henna also made my hair strong. Many ladies use henna on their hair as a light protein treatment.

I will be doing this process again very soon since my new growth is now salt and pepper. Oh the perils of getting older. Haha...

If you have any questions that I didn't cover in the videos please leave them below and I will be sure to answer!

Thank you for watching and God bless you abundantly!

~Candra

If you missed my post on how I naturally color my relaxed gray hair with Hannah Natural's henna and indigo, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRoIqFDTxAA 

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Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Shine Collection Review

For the last 2 months I have been using the Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion line. I purchased these products as a set from Walmart. The Suave ultimate shine collection includes the...

• Moroccan Shine Shampoo
• Moroccan Shine Conditioner
• Moroccan Deep Conditioning Shine Mask
• Moroccan Argan Styling Oil

How I Use Each Product... 

(Because sometimes I like to tweak a product to get even better results.)

Suave Moroccan Shine Shampoo ($4-$5 for 28 fluid oz.)

I use the shampoo to remove access build up of oil and products on my scalp and hair. The shampoo contains sulfates but is very moisturizing. I pre-treat my hair first with coconut oil for 20 minutes to overnight. This keeps my hair from being completely stripped of its natural oils.

The shampoo smells wonderful and adds shine to my hair.

Suave Moroccan Shine Conditioner ($4-$5 for 28 fluid oz.)

This is the product that I use most often. I use the conditioner to co-wash (washing hair with conditioner only) and as a rinse out conditioner after a protein treatment. The texture is light, creamy, and I experience very good slip when I use it.

Suave Professionals Natural Moroccan Infusion Collection

Suave Moroccan Deep Conditioning Shine Mask ($2-$3 for 8 oz.)

The shine mask is my favorite of the four products from the Moroccan Infusion collection. I use the mask as a deep conditioning treatment. Since I am still participating in Hairlista's Coconut Oil Challenge, I do add at least two teaspoons of coconut oil to the conditioning mask. I condition with heat under a hooded dryer for about fifteen minutes and the results are amazing!

The mask leaves my hair super soft, moisturized and easy to detangle. Now that I am about 10 weeks post relaxer, it's clear that my new growth also loves this mask.

Suave Moroccan Argan Styling Oil ($5-$6 for 3 fluid oz.)

I use the Argan styling oil as a leave in on my wet hair. The oil adds even more shine and locks in moisture because it keeps the cuticles smooth. I apply about two pumps of the oil for each side of my hair. The oil is very light and doesn't weigh my hair down.

The entire line has the same amazing scent. When I use all four products in one wash day, the fragrance lingers in my hair for a long time...it smells SO GOOD!

Final Thoughts...

I do have to offer a disclaimer with this review. My participation in Hairlista's Coconut Oil Challenge has drastically changed the health of my hair. Therefore, I am using these products without a lot of issues with dryness, breakage, or shedding. 

This line from Suave is formulated for dry, damaged hair. Based on customer reviews around the web, I would definitely recommend this product line for healthy or damaged hair. 

I am very excited that Suave is producing high quality products at low price points. Unit prices may vary depending on where you purchase, but overall the cost is very affordable. 

Will I Repurchase???

I will repurchase both conditioners and the styling oil. A little of the oil goes a long way, so I won't need to buy this again for awhile. As for the conditioners, I tend to be a bit of a conditioner hog in the shower. I will be repurchasing both very soon. (Smile) The shampoo is nice, but I have a few shampoos in my stash that I love just as much if not more, so I have no plans to repurchase the Shine shampoo.

If you do a little Googling, you may find active coupons and opportunities to get free samples!

I give the Suave Professionals Natural Moroccan Infusion line two thumbs up! Click here to view other products in their Infusion line.

Blessings and Happy Hair Growing!

~Candra

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Coconut Oil and Honey Lemon Facial Scrub ~ DIY In July

Last week I shared my DIY Almond and Coconut Oil Cake body scrub. Thank you all so much for the questions, comments, and retweets!

Today I am celebrating DIY in July by making my favorite facial scrub. 

The makeup of this scrub is very cleansing and moisturizing for my combination skin. Other than my t-zone (which can be extremely oily), I tend to have normal to dry skin.

This recipe is fairly common but most importantly, it's easy. It is very likely that you can find these ingredients already in your kitchen. So let's get started!

Use organic, extra virgin, all natural products for best results.

The Ingredients You Will Need:

1. Honey - Honey is a natural humectant that is rich in antioxidants. The honey will draw moisture to your skin and keep the moisture locked in. Honey also helps our skin fight against signs of aging. Not that you or I have to worry about that. ;)

2. Lemon Juice - The combination of the lemon juice and honey together helps make this scrub beneficial for all skins types, oily to dry. While the honey hydrates, the juice from the lemon removes excess oil from the skin. Lemon juice will leave your skin bright and its healing properties can reduce the appearance of scars.

3. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is optional here but I cannot do without it. Coconut oil was a skin savior during the harsh cold temperatures we had last winter. I had random dry patches on my face and coconut oil was the only thing I had in my skin care stash that gave my skin relief. Coconut oil moisturizes and makes my skin extremely soft. It has anti-fungal properties and fights against signs of aging. Good-bye wrinkles!

4. Brown Sugar - This is also optional. If you omit the brown sugar and apply the mix of coconut oil, lemon, and honey, you will still have a lovely facial mask. I like to add a bit of brown sugar to get some exfoliating action going. This gives my face a clean fresh feeling. I prefer the brown over white sugar or salt, because it feels less harsh on my face.

Mix together...

~ 1/2 of a large lemon

~ 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey

~ 1 teaspoon of coconut oil

Stir in about 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.

Make sure all of your ingredients are blended well before applying to face.

Your facial scrub is complete! This is easy, fast, and incredibly inexpensive!

I evenly distribute the scrub on my face with my fingers and give my skin a gentle massage. I let the scrub sit for a minute or two and rinse with cool water. Rinsing your face with water that is too hot or too cold could be damaging to your skin. Gently pat your face dry and enjoy your beautiful skin!

Blessings!

~Candra

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Relaxed Hair Care and Running

Recent 5K race with my friend Ashley

My passion for road running and racing sparked in 2007. I was struggling with depression and I truly believe that God used running to help save my physical and emotional health.

In 2007 I ran nearly every day and it didn’t matter much what my hair was doing. I knew nothing about hair care or that it was possible for me to have healthier hair. 

My hair was shoulder length, dry, and my ends were always splitting. I thought that’s just the way my hair grew.

In 2009 I met the man of my dreams and running took a back seat. I didn’t abandon it totally, but my weekly mileage decreased over time. I was focused on dating and of course looking attractive. I fell into the trap that many black women have fallen into.

I can’t run or exercise because of my hair.

So I rekindled my visits to the hair salon, slept pretty, and jumped through hoops not to perspire so that my style would last from one salon visit to the next.

In 2012 my drive to run again was strong. I missed competing in races and I wanted to do another half marathon.

But then something else happened in 2012…I started a hair journey! So there I was with two desires that seem to conflict each other. I wanted to run again and I wanted healthy hair.

What’s a lady with relaxed hair to do?!

At first I thought my only alternative was to transition to natural hair. Why? Well, every other African American woman seemed to be doing it.

After marrying the man of my dreams, I joined a gym in my new hometown. Now that I was living in a predominantly African American community, it was hard not to notice the trend of natural hair. This was especially the case at the gym.

I saw women running hard, pumping iron, and aerobicizing it up in their natural curls. I was guessing that their routine was exercise, sweat, wash, and go. Natural hair and running sounded like a match made in Heaven. But there was one problem....

I really enjoy having relaxed hair. Right now I do not want to transition. That time will come, but it isn't now.

Today, I am happy to say that my hair is healthier than it has ever been before and I am running at least 50 miles a month. Yes, I ran more miles back in the day, but I’m a wife now and pursuing other passions as well. Thus, I am very happy with my 50 mile average.

Here is a short synopsis of my relaxed hair care regimen with regards to running.

~Before my run I apply a moisturizer to my hair. I then spray on a heat protectant and finger comb it into a high bun. The heat protectant protects my hair from the sun’s rays. This is only takes a few minutes for me to do.

~If I am away from home, I carry a separate small jar of my Elasta QP, the travel size of Silk Elements Olive Oil heat protectant, and hair ties in my gym bag.

~After my run I walk to cool down and loosen my bun. My hair is not dried out from the sun or my perspiration. Oh how I love Elasta QP!

~When I get home I completely take my bun down, apply coconut oil for my pre-poo, and start dinner. Lol

~ Next, I cleanse, deep condition, rinse, and air dry during dinner and family time. If it is a weekday wash I’ll proceed to do a protective or low manipulation style.

~A weekend day is usually my full wash day. I try to schedule my long runs on those days because I know I will have plenty of time to pamper my hair afterwards. Ninety percent of the time I roller set my hair and wear it out for the weekend.

~ On cold days or days I do a short run, I don’t perspire much. I take my bun down and let my scalp breathe. I then restyle my hair and tie it up for the evening.

I cleanse my hair 2 to 3 times a week and deep condition at least twice. It sounds like a lot but this routine is now just a part of my life. Also I choose styles that are easy to create and manage.

This running hair regimen is helping me keep my hair well conditioned and it is still getting thicker, which is my number one hair goal. Adding coconut oil to my prepoos and deep conditioners is aiding big time in making my hair strong and easy to manage.

I hope this helps anyone who feels that their relaxed hair is holding them back from being physically fit. To compromise health for a particular hairstyle of any kind is just crazy ladies. Let’s not go there. ;)

If you have any questions or comments, just leave them down below!

Blessings!

~Candra

DIY in JULY ~ Almond and Coconut Oil Cake Body Scrub

It's DIY in JULY on Relaxed Hair Beauty! ~ Today I am sharing with you my Almond and Coconut Oil Cake body scrub. It is super simple to make and there are many ways you can recreate this scrub to make it your own. The benefits of sugar scrubs go well beyond what I describe in this post. I love it and I hope you will too.

Ingredients and Measurements:

1 1/4 Cup - White or Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup - Almond Oil
1/4 Cup - Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon - Vitamin E Oil
1/8 Teaspoon - Lemon Essential Oil
1/4 Teaspoon - Vanilla Flavoring
1 Glass Container with Lid

The sugar in the scrub exfoliates dead skin cells leaving your body with a smooth and healthy glow. I prefer sugar over salt scrubs because sugar is more gentle on my skin. Exfoliating the skin makes way for the moisture and healing properties of Coconut, Almond, and Vitamin E oils.

Lemon essential oil is known for cleansing toxins from all parts of the body. And the vanilla flavor? Well that's just for my aromatic pleasure. (Smile)

I am reusing a salsa jar for this batch of scrub. It is a glass container and comes with a twist on lid. You can also find reasonably prices containers at your local Dollar Tree or discount store.

I pour in the sugar and follow up with my oils and vanilla flavoring. The lemon essential oil and vanilla flavor gives this scrub a sweet delicious scent. When I first showed this scrub to my husband, he said, "Mmmm, it smells like cake." Hence the name, "Almond and Coconut Oil Cake Body Scrub". ;)

After all of your ingredients are in the jar. Take a spoon and give your scrub a good stir.

If the consistency of the scrub is too oily, you can always add a bit more sugar. If the scrub is too dry, add more coconut oil a little at a time until you get the blend that you prefer.

I use my scrub at the end of my shower time. Using a scoop, I dig in my jar and apply the scrub from neck to toe exfoliating my skin thoroughly. I use a different scrub for my face...recipe coming soon.

I then rinse the scrub with water and my skin is left feeling moisturized, silky, and glowing!

Be careful when exiting the shower. The oil from the scrub can possibly make your tub a bit slippery. I haven't had that happen yet, but just be warned.

If you plan on giving your DIY scrubs away as gifts, create a label to place on the outside of the jar listing the ingredients inside. And don't forget to include a scoop with your scrub. This will keep the scrub sanitary.

I also love using pepper oil, lavender oil, and orange oil in my scrubs. Instead of white sugar, you can use brown sugar, or even coffee. As you create your own DIY beauty masterpieces make sure to do your research. You want to create the perfect products that will be good for your skin type.

Almond and Coconut Oil Cake Body Scrub ~ Enjoy!

Previous Post - Coloring Relaxed Hair Black with Henna and Indigo

Coloring Relaxed Hair With Chemical Free Henna and Indigo

Enjoy this video post everyone! If there is anything I forgot to mention in the video please feel free to ask questions and/or leave suggestions. This was my first time coloring my hair with henna and indigo.

The Hanna Natural brand really worked well for my hair. I just need to perfect my application skills.

Thank you for watching!




Blessings and Happy Hair Journey!

~Candra

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The 30 Day Ceramides Challenge with Just Grow Already & Relaxed Thairapy

Yes, I am joining another challenge for the summer! 

It is the 30 Day Ceramide Challenge hosted by “Just Grow Already” and “Relaxed Thairapy”.

The challenge is less involved than Hairlista’s Coconut Oil Challenge. To participate all you have to do is incorporate ceramides into your hair regimen either by sealing with oil, hot oil treatments, or using a conditioner that contains ceramides.

The link to both host blogs are below and you can sign up there!

After reading about the ceramide challenge I decided to do more research on ceramides. Honestly I had never heard of the term before and had no idea how ceramides can be beneficial for my hair.

Science is not my thing so I am going to explain the importance of ceramides in the simplest way possible. See link below for further research.

A single hair strand consists of layers. Our bodies naturally produce fatty materials (oil) within the inner layers. Ceramides are these fatty materials found in the hair fiber. 

Ceramides act as glue and cement together the layers of the cuticle making our hair strong. Ceramides also act as boundaries to prevent loss in moisture.

Relaxers, color treatments, and over manipulation can destroy and deplete our naturally produced ceramides. If this happens we will see damaged strands that are dry, brittle, and breaking. 

Protein treatments help to build and repair the structure of our hair. However, incorporating ceramide rich products into our regimen is also important. They replace natural ceramides depleted by chemical processing and excessive manipulation, and binds together again the layers of the cuticle. 

I don't know how I have gone two years into my hair journey and not known about this, but I am glad to finally be in the know. This is a challenge I don't think I can afford pass up!

Ceramide Rich Oils (Ceramides have a high level of linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and so do the following oils.)

Grapeseed Oil

Hemp Oil
Poppyseed Oil

Sunflower Oil 

Safflower Oil

Wheat Germ

Rice Bran
Corn Oil
Cottonseed Oil

Sunflower is my oil of choice for the challenge. It is inexpensive and readily available in my local grocery. I will seal with Sunflower oil daily. 

Companies like Kanachom, L’Oreal, and Biolage produce ceramide formulated shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments. Since I have not tried these products I will not make recommendations but I am sure you can easily do some Google searching to find reviews that may help you find a product that just might work for you.

Interested in joining the challenge? 

Sign up with Just Grow Already or Relaxed Thairapy.

Read more about Ceramides here!

Blessings and Happy Hair Growing!

~Candra

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