DIY hair Care Products

How to use products may seem like common sense but, as the saying goes common sense is not so common; especially when it comes to natural hair care products. Between shampoos, puddings, gels, detanglers, and leave-ins, finding out how to use certain products can be hard work. We here are some tips that I use to help me get the most out of new products and help you find staples for your regimen. 


Clarify- When I'm trying out a new leave-in, I clarify my hair to make sure I have zero buildup. My clarifying shampoo of choice is Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo. I use it every six months and I love it so far. Cleans really well but, doesn't strip my hair.


Follow The Directions- I know some of you are probably like "Duh!" but, you will be amazed at how many people don't follow the directions on products. If a Deep Conditioner says leave on for 20 minutes, follow that time frame first and then adjust accordingly. Doing this can also save you from causing damage that may result in a set back. 


Layer Products Correctly- This is a big one for me, I find that some naturals don't know how to layer products. Here is how I layer: Damp Hair--> Water Based Leave-In Conditioner-->Butters/Oils (sealants)--> Gel/Stylers. This is why starting with clean hair is so important, after all of these products week after week, I doubt a leave-in conditioner would be able to penetrate my hair without a proper shampooing/cleansing.


Read The Ingredients- Even if a product claims to be a moisturizer, if it does not contain water or aloe vera in atleast the top 5 ingredients then it's not going to moisturize and would be better suited as a sealant used on top of an adequate moisturizer.


I hope these tips help some of you! If you have any tips, please share them in the comments below. Thanks!




For Your Body & Hair Butters Visit:DIY Hair Care Products 

Naptural85 on YouTube posted a really cute video about her views on natural hair products. Her views were along the lines of (and please watch her video) natural hair products should be a luxury and not something you depend on. She wasn't talking about "natural products" but, more so natural store bought products and product lines. I totally agree with her!

I think that while it's great to have products you love, it's also great to know how to make and mix your own products. Some people use products and have no idea why that product works for their hair. This is not great because if that company goes out of business or changes their prices, you'll be looking crazy trying to find another "go to" product. I have seen this a few times on different forums. A company will change their formula or prices and customers will be upset because that line of products was a staple. 

Nothing wrong with having staples (I have mine) but, have backups and learn how to get the same results with homemade products. I know how to get a nice twist out with the bare minimum because, I have learned that it's more about technique than it is products. 


Say what?


I think getting the perfect hairstyle is about 85% technique and 15% products. If you only have water, castor oil and shea butter, you can still get nice hair if you know how to properly layer your products and what moisturizers are etc. For example, you would spritz with water first, add the castor oil and then seal with the shea butter. Don't believe me? Try it and see how your hair comes out! 

As I always say, Keep It Simple! To me, no product is worth $15 plus dollars especially, if it is just juices and berries! I can make that myself!! Products should cost me less to buy than to make on my own and buy all the ingredients separate. I should feel like I'm getting a deal not like I'm getting bamboozled. 


My advice is, set a product budget and stick to it and if you see something you want that costs more than your budget than make it yourself! Shea butter and aloe vera gel make a nice custard that might rival some top brands...try it!


Do you make any of the products you use? Do you depend on one product line? What would you do if your staple line went out of business?


For Your Body & Hair Butters Visit: DIY Hair Care Products 

I was watching a YouTube video and the Vlogger was going a review of a natural hair care company and while she was describing the company she said "So this is great for all you naturals who are into natural products." and she had a little smirk on her face when she said it. She wasn't/isn't the first vlogger/blogger to refer to a natural hair woman liking natural hair products this way. I think a lot of people just don't know much about natural products and how beneficial they are to our hair and bodies. Although, this should be basic science like knowing fruits and veggies are healthy...but, I digress.

Just to be clear, when I say natural hair care products, I am speaking of natural ingredients, not so much natural hair companies.

Are natural products better for your hair?


Anything from the earth is better than anything synthetic or man-made. Hands down. The vitamins and minerals from the earth will always surpass man-made medicine. This is scientifically proven, Google it. So, while a product full of synthetic chemicals can help maintain healthy hair, there is almost always a natural alternative that will have the same effect. This is not to say synthetic products are harmful (I use synthetic ingredients all that time) but, we have to keep this in prospective and admit synthetic is no match for natural.

Is there a way to use natural hair care products on a budget?


Yes, whether you want to make your own natural hair care products or buy ready-made products. You don't have to buy a specific product just because it's natural and handmade; shop around. See who has similar products within your price range. If your budget is $3 a product, then look for natural ingredients. Many natural ingredients, serve multiple purposes.

Shampoo- If you already use an all natural soap, try it in your hair and see how your hair responds. Soaps & shampoos are very similar and the main goal of both products is to clean off dirt and grime. WholeFoods, sells a store brand of body soap for if I remember correctly $5-6 for 8 oz.. If you use it for your hair and skin that averages out to $2-3 for a shampoo and bar soap.Just find a bar that fits your needs.

Conditioner- There are a plethora of recipes online for conditioning treatments using ingredients from the grocery store. Honey rinses, oils rinses (with olive oil or coconut oil), or even using yogurt. These are ingredients that are inexpensive and effective. Protein treatments can even be done with eggs and mayo! Google it!

Also check stores like Ross and TJ Maxx for discount store brand products, I got my Yes To Tomatoes Conditioner for $2.99! It retails for $9-10 at Target! Again, check around and shop for products with the best ingredients within your budget. Always look through the clearance racks to see what has been marked down and stock up!

Natural products are healthier for everyone with less chemicals and synthetic allergens. I use mainly natural hair care products and I do not (I actually refuse) to spend more than $10 for any one product! I shop around and make a lot of products myself. Buying in bulk helps as well, I bought 1lb.of black soap for about $11-12 which is what some people charge for one bar. I have had that batch of black soap since November and it's just now reaching the half way point!

So, using simple and natural products can actually save your wallet, not break it.

Hope this helps!

What natural products do you use? Where do you get them? How much do they cost?



For Your Body & Hair Butters Visit:DIY Hair Care Products