I had to make another bottle of spritz this week so i thought i’d share it with you. As it’s winter i’ve also decided to add some conditioner to the mix for the extra conditioning benefits. I’m not going to braid my hair (with extensions) this winter so i’ll need to take very good care of it.
Contrary to popular belief water is good for our afro textured hair. It’s the only true hydrator and is key in keeping hair moisturised and healthy. In connection with water oils must be used to also impart moisture and nutrients and to seal in this moisture resulting in super healthy shiny hair. Some oils penetrate the hair shaft and are used to moisturise and add nourishment INTO the hair while others are impenetrable and stay on the outside of the hair shaft, these are used to seal in moisture and stop the water from evaporating resulting in dry hair. I’ll probably write something on this another time.
If you don’t like the idea of dampening your hair due to shrinkage then do as i do and spritz at night before bed, follow with oil or butter of choice to seal and braid your hair in either big plaits, twists or cornrows. Your hair will be super moisturised and stretched out in the morning ready to style.
My spritz mix includes the following:
- Glycerine
- Aloe Vera Juice
- Rosewater
- Conditioner
I use a mini trigger spray bottle to mix and apply my spritz. I find it easier than a little pump spray bottle.
I eyeball the quantities really but it’s about 2 teaspoons of glycerine and the same of the conditioner. Then i added aloe vera juice to about half way up the bottle and topped up the rest with the rosewater (i left a small gap at the top to shake it all together).
I’ve found the conditioner settles at the top so i always shake it up before applying. The conditioner i used was the J/A/S/O/N Moisturising sea kelp conditioner. It’s a natural conditioner with little to no chemicals and low protein as i feel it necessary to not use a high protein conditioner for daily applications.
You can use other hydrolats in place of rosewater. Use a hydrolat that fits your own hair and scalp needs. Next, i think i might try either Lavender, Rosemary or Geranium hydrolats.
I buy my spritz mix ingredients and trigger spray bottle online from Naturally Thinking.
I bought my conditioner from Revital.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
- It is one of the plants that contain many nutrients including amino acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins, saccharine, anthraquinone, lignin, sterols and many more.
- Aloe vera is a hair loss solution because the gel contains enzymes that activates fresh growth and stimulates the growth of existing hair
- Aloe promotes hair growth by stabilizing the follicular cycle. This is achieved by helping to restore the scalps ph balance
- It is very effective if used at the first sign of excessive hair loss.
- As a cellular regenerator with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, aloe treats and heals red, itchy and unhealthy scalps.
- Smoothes the hair’s cuticles and imparts shine to the hair
Aloe is used as a treatment for a condition called seborrhoea. Seborrhoea is a bacterial infection in the scalp, which begins with the body’s production of an oily substance called sebum. Excessive sebum can cause the scalp to become itchy and red. Hair of an infected person becomes fragile and thin, and as the disease progresses, hair loss occurs. Aloe’s aforementioned anti-bacterial properties naturally treat seborrhoea, but in addition, aloe contains magnesium lactate, which works as an itch inhibitor. This gives a person with seborrhoea relief from her condition as it treats it.
Other uses for aloe vera in hair care
- A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally shown great benefit.
- For superb hydration, leave aloe vera juice in your hair overnight. You can mix it with cold-pressed oils such as olive or avocado for extra conditioning. Wet your hair with the mixture, put your hair in a shower cap, wrap with a headscarf and drift off to sleep. In the morning, rinse well
- Instead of your regular conditioner, whip up this moisturizing, aloe-based gel. Use 1/4 cup aloe gel, and combine with the juice of 1/2 lemon. Mix in a few drops of your favourite essential oil(s) for fragrance and extra moisture. Apply after shampooing, leaving it on for three to five minutes.
Benefits of Rosewater
- The natural rose water is a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types.
- Maintains the pH balance, stimulates regeneration processes
- Has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.
- Recommended for acne and skin irritation.
- For nourishing and hydrating the skin.
- For dry and damaged hair.
- Rose also offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional and psychological state of mind.
- Extensively used in perfumes and as an emollient in skin care products.
- It’s tonic and soothing quality is useful for all skin types, especially mature, dry and sensitive
- Helpful for inflammation and reducing the visibility of broken capillaries.
- Can be used as a facial toner on it’s own.
Benefits of Glycerine
- Is a food grade product derived from vegetable oil.
- cleanses and moisturizes while acting as an emollient to soften and lubricate.
- Glycerine keeps hair hydrated by drawing moisture from the air to the hair shaft
- As a conditioner, it’s especially beneficial for curly hair, which tends to be drier due to the shape of the hair shaft. It helps curls form better and works against frizz.
- glycerine speeds up the healing process, lessens bruising, and encourages tissues and cells to repair themselves.
- New research has revealed that glycerine helps skin cells mature properly. Healthy, maturing cells are vital to those with conditions such as non-melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis
Vegetable Glycerine is perfect for adding to your blends or existing products to give them that Silky Smooth texture and feel, leaving skin feeling silky soft and glossy.
Use in very small amounts in your blends for maximum effect, it can also aid the bonding of oils and blends so that they combine in your ingredients.
Create Your Own Toners
Glycerine is most effective used in floral waters (1 cap full per 100ml). Blend your floral waters together and then add a cap of Glycerine to enjoy a superior and more natural product to High Street toners at a fraction of the price
(the pics came out a little dark)
