Vatika - Enriched Coconut Hair Oil

Vatika - Enriched Coconut Hair Oil - Dabur

Pure Coconut Oil with Henna, Amla and Lemon

Promises: Vatika is a premium Coconut Hair Oil enriched with Henna, Amla, Lemon and six other trusted herbs. Vatika's unique natural formulation ensures deeper oil penetration to give your hair and scalp complete nourishment for problem free, healthy hair. 

HENNA, along with other herbs, coats your hair, protects it from oxidation, maintaining its natural colour. 

AMLA, strengthens the roots of your hair to help maintain their health and natural thickness. 

The astringent action of LEMON control sebum grow. 

Directions:
Apply Vatika hair oil regularly on your scalp and hair. For best results, leave it on overnight. 


Ingredients:
Coconut Oil, Neem, Brahmi, Fruit extracts of Amla, Bahera and Harar, Kapur Kachri, Henna, Milk, Rosemary Oil, Lemon Oil, TBHQ, Fragrance.  

The TRUTH: PURE AWESOMESNESS, I love this oil it has a lovely blend of ingredients ALL natural, except for the TBHQ?!?? (actually it's ok, it is needed as it is a natural anti-oxidant and it keeps fat from going rancid)(I always read ingredients *shame face*).

It has a nice coconut smell, I have been using this oil from time and I was even dabbling a little with henna waaay before hand and did not even connect the dots…, anyways this is a very, very nice oil, I use it as a pre-poo overnight and in the morning no lie I can just co-wash with my conditioner and my hair is a happy chumper lol it does nourishes the hair from scalp to ends and it seals off the cuticles and make it smooth. ARE you surprise though?

As you should know that coconut oil is one of the best oils and it is easily and quickly absorbs into the hair, scalp and skin easily and very quickly. The benefits are also endless with amla (you know how I feel about him already lol), then comes (henna, my next love affair lol) and (lemon that acts as an astringent) – no wonder my hair is happy with it. I have late have been using it as a rinse, now I do everything wash, DC etc then just before I am done, I will take about a dime size or two amount and run throughout each section of my hair from scalp and then concentrating a little extra on my ends and then seal with all off with running a little semi warm water throughout my hair. I repeat this for each section of hair. Then I proceed after I am done doing to this to rollersetting, the result are something like a phenomena! LORL My hair butter soft and light and following until next wash day.

I am always stocking up on this oil, it sits right next to Mr. Amla oil and baby Maka oil :P

Rating: 5/5

Featured Excerpt: LaDonna Pass

Au Natural

Where do you live?
Sanford, NC; the heart of Carolina, halfway between  Raleigh and Fayetteville
I hale from the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle and I can't let that allegiance go!

Why did you decide to go natural?
I decided to go natural because I had lived the majority of my life being controlled by the texture of my hair. I was finally fed up with the amount of emphasis and time that had been concentrated on getting my hair to be bone straight or the way that I thought others would accept it (me). I rarely achieved the results I desired and I absolutely could not stand the type of treatment I received at the hair salons. I did not want to spend hours on end waiting for someone to damage my hair with chemicals and heat and improper care. I could not afford these treatments routinely as suggested by the stylists and I ended up with damaged and dull hair because I did not know how to take care of it properly. One day my frustration came to culmination when I saw a picture of a beautiful woman with natural hair in a magazine. It was long and luxurious, full and vibrant. I lusted after it and I started searching for anything I could find about natural hair care. I became obsessed and began to despise my relaxed texture and it's limpness even more. I had to find out what my hair was really like. After about 7 months of no relaxer, my hair became tangled in a big knot at the line of demarcation and I had to cut it out. I couldn't cope with losing so much length at once, it was a real emotional time for me. I held on to some of the relaxed texture for about 5 months and then I let it go so that I could be free! I was experiencing spiritual/ soulful enlightenment that led me to seek physical enlightenment as well! I needed to accept myself in it's natural manifestation.

 

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how were you able to move forward?
I must say that I wasn't looking for support in my decision to go natural from my family or my friends on this second attempt to go natural. I simply wanted general acceptance of my decision and not to be hassled about my decision. I already knew going in that I wasn't going to find support because the use of chemicals was the norm in my family and no one had dealt with anything differently for generations. There was a time in college when I had tried going natural and cultivated dread locs until they were teenagers and almost shoulder length; I battled with constant opposition to my decision then and caved in under all of the negative comments. This time around I had to do this tenaciously, invincibly and totally for my own well being.

How long have you been natural for?
I have not had any chemicals put on my hair since November 2008. I did a big chop in June 2009 and a second big chop in November 2009. I have been completely natural for about 9 months.

What’s your regimen?
I am still working on establishing a good solid regimen that I can recommend to others with my utmost guarantee of success. I am still working through trial and error. It is usual for me to primarily co-wash every other day. I am currently trying different homemade deep conditioning recipes that I plan to use routinely every two weeks. When I need to use a styling aid such as Eco styler gel or curl definition cream I will follow up with a clarifying shampoo and rinse conditioner. For the past few months, I've been using Teri LaFlesh's Tightly Curly Method.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
I've learned that my hair requires lots and lots of moisture and if I don't provide it my hair will break. I must drink plenty of water and quench it's thirst from the inside as well as out. You are indeed what you eat and my diet must be healthy with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Stay away from any products that contain alcohol. I've learned not to apply too much heat when I am flat ironing and to thoroughly condition before doing so or my hair will show signs of heat damage and lose it's curl pattern on the ends. I've learned that I need to be extra gentle and NEVER try to detangle my hair when it is dry.

What has been your favourite product?
I've grown very fond of Tresemme Flawless Curls Vitamin b1 Curl Moisturizing for curly or wavy hair conditioner.  I use it daily to follow the tightly curly method. It is not expensive at about $4 for 32oz.
I love the smell and texture of Fantasia ic Shea Butter Oil Moisturizer and I run it over my hair when I only have time in the morning to spray mist and run.

What is your ‘SIGNATURE’ style?
My signature style is the wash and go. I put it back in a head band and let it be.

What has been your biggest challenge during your hair journey? And how did you overcome this challenge in your journey?
The biggest challenge during my hair journey has been fighting the urge to try every product that I can get my hands on for curly hair. I have become a product junky. I am starting to overcome this challenge because I realize that I am wasting money and creating clutter. I stick to trying products that are fully natural in their ingredients. I don't necessarily need any products that define curls because my curls are already lovely and I am beginning to fully accept that fact. The challenge that I am facing now is learning how to create different styles that are suitable to the current length that I have without the use of heat.

What is your ultimate hair goal? What steps are you taking to achieve that?
My ultimate hair goal is to achieve healthy, full,  luxurious length. By using the "less is more" frame of my mind I believe that I can achieve this goal. I will begin to learn how to use protective styling to maintain the ends of my hair, which is where I need to focus.

Are there any words of encouragement/advice you would like to offer to those that are considering going natural?
I would love to let everyone know that you must change your state of mind to totally accept the natural state that you are considering. Every natural is different and your hair is your hair and yours will not look like someone else. I would advise not to get caught up in hair typing and believe that your hair is not beautiful just because it isn't the same type as someone else. It is absolutely imperative to know that going natural is not an easy or simple feat. Once you are totally natural however you will feel a sense of freedom and liberation that you never would have thought possible. It is an exhilarating experience. As with all challenges in life, you will face your highs and lows, but with steadfastness and finding inspiration in others you will succeed. Going natural is a continual and fulfilling learning experience about your hair and your soul.

What does 'good' hair means to you?
Good hair means healthy hair that is well maintained and flourishes in its crowning glory.

I LOVE my hair! I love it, I love it!

Featured Excerpt: LaToya

The ‘QUEEN BEE’ of wigs!

Where do you live?
Houston,Tx

How long have you had a relaxer?
atleast 20 yrs. (Since I was 5)

What’s your regimen?
I wash and dc on Sunday. Cowash on Wednesday, m&s daily.

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
Stretching and oiling scalp with jbco+rosemary oil

 What has been your favourite product?
JBCO :)

What is your ‘go to’ style?
Half wigs.
What has been your biggest challenge during your hair journey? And how did you overcome this challenge in your journey?
The biggest challenge for me was listening to what my hair likes and needs! (moisture/protein balance especially)  At first I was anxious to run out and buy every recommended product and test it out! lol Not a good idea.  You really have to go with what works for you and your hair.  I found out the hard way Mane and Tail detangler doesn't work for me no matter how many times I use it, my hair comes out in clumps. lol

  

What is your ultimate hair goal?
Healthy thick even APL hair.

What does 'good' hair means to you?
I hate to even say good hair. lol To me it means healthy & well taken care of.

Shikakai Soap – Swastik

Promises: Nature fresh hair and body soap.
The natural goodness of Swastik Shikakai soap keeps your hair soft and silky. It is enriched with added ingredients to give extra bounce to your hair, nourishes your scalp and is extremely gentle on skin.

Directions: n/a

Ingredients: Shikakai (Acacia Concinna).

 

The TRUTH: I like this soap it cleanses well, for me it is quick, simple and easy. I clean hair, the natural benefits of shikakai BUT without the grits and continual rinsing.

When I use shikakai soap which I alternate weekly routine in my hair, I pre-oiled my hair, either overnight by doing a pre-poo or on the day for a couple of hours. I then let the warm water run throughout the first section I washing (by the way everything when it comes to washing etc is done in sections, a lot easier to manage). Then I lather up my hand really well and apply to my hair, I will do this 3 times and then I gently work it into my scalp and hair then rinse, I do the whole procedure above twice for each section, I have my hair in 4 pinned hold sections, after I complete the wash, I will t-shirt dry some of the water out of my hair then proceed to DC.

I will carry on alternating this in my hair wash for now, also shikakai does not lather up a lot, but it does work well when it comes to cleansing the hair, also I do not recommend rubbing the soap into your hair, it is better if you lather your hands and apply to your hair and finally pre-oiling before using this soap is better as if you don’t you may find it too drying.

I will be reviewing the ‘whole shikakai’ shortly, once I get would to making the shampoo from them and using it…….,

Rating: 4/5

Kalpi Tone Powder - Hesh

Dark, dandruff free hair.
A natural beauty therapy for hair, Hesh Kalpi Tone adds a dark tinge to the hair and gives it a natural, dark shade. Made from natural ingredients like Aloe, Amla, Brahmi, Shikakai and other herbs, Kalpi Tone helps control dandruff, hair loss and premature greying of hair. The blend has to be used over the scalp, Kalpi Tone may help to strengthen hair roots and promote hair growth.

Promises:

Briefly, 'Hesh Kapli' Tone has the following advantages:
Gives a natural black tinge to the hair
May help to strengthen hair roots
Promotes hair growth
Controls hair loss and premature greying

Ingredients: Amla Fruit (10%), Maka Leaves (10%), Mandoor (10%), Japakusum Flower (9%), Narangichal (8%), Shikakai Fruit (7%), Kumari Leaves (7%), Kapoor Kachli (6%), Brahmi Leaves (5%), Methi Seed (5%), Wala (5%), Khadir Stem (3%), Chandan (2%), Neem Leaves, Sitaphal Seed Powder, Sugandhi Dravya.

 

Directions: Use either as a paste or tea rinse, leave on hair for 30-45 minutes then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

 

The TRUTH: This is a really good powder, I really can not knock it, it consist of A LOT and I mean A LOT of other ayurvedic herbs and natural ingredients. You can beat that, in my honest opinion is acts very much like Amla powder (i.e. Cassia Obovata vs Henna) see what I am saying?!!?? I like it a lot and visit from time to time, because of the variety of powers and herbs it contains, it gives my hair the rush and high it needs.

Ways to use this powder is the same as I have listed for Amla powder, if you see that post then you have an idea, of the variety of ways to reap the benefits from these powders. Check out the steps here

Rating: 5/5

Price: £1.35 for 100g (www.spicesofindia.co.uk)

Hesh Kalpi Tone Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

I read that it best to mix the paste in a metal container, I was getting rid of this old pit and decided to keep it for the sole purpose of mixing powders that need metal base container.

The first picture consist of 2x 100g of Kalpi Tone Powder, I have to use two boxes as my hair is very thick and so if I use less I will not be able to get my whole completely and thoroughly covered. I use hot water from the kettle and a few drops of rosemary essential oils.

The second picture is after I have completed the mix covered it and let it sat for about 30mins plus. Notice the change in colour? Similar to henna result in terms of dye release.

The pictures below shows when I've completely covered my hair with the Kapli Tone paste, I wanted it to sit for about 45mins while I do things around the house, but it ended up staying on for 3hrs.

Prior to applying the paste, I had washed my hair with 'african black soap' I have it in liquid form as well as the soap 'cake kind'. I honestly LOVE african black soap, it is awesome and it cleans and makes the hair feels very strong. I lather up twice, I then t-shirt dry my hair and put some ayurvedic oil throughout my hair in sections and let it sit for a while. Then I apply the paste mix throughout my hair and massage into my scalp.

The reason why I apply some oil to my hair, this helps so I do not get that drying effect that these powders can render when used to treat the hair, it also helps to wash the paste out with ease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the 3hours had paste, which was not intentional, got caught up with house work etc, I then rinse with warm water the paste thoroughly from my hair in sections using my fingers to do all the work. The paste rinse out ever so easily as the powder is very finely sieve, no huge grits or bits at all.

I then did a co-wash with HE HH {Herbal Essences Hello Hydration}, I love this stuff, so moisturising and smells yummy too. I did the first co-wash by just applying it and then rinse straight away then I did a section and allow it to sit for a few minutes. I then rinse the conditioner out and then dry hair slightly with t-shirt and proceed to applying my DC.

I DC for 45mins under my hooded dryer and I then did a roller set, I only added to my scalp and hair in sections the following products:

Black Castor Oil to wet scalp, a small amount of Chi Silk Infusion and Aphogee Green Tea Reconstructurizer. I then air dry for little while then finish drying under my hooded dryer for 20mins. The next day I took down the rollers and this is the result and style I sported.