Bananas: More Food on your Hair and Skin

         Source: I believe I can Fry


Last month when I visited my parents my sister came round and made banana fritters for my kids which they loved!. They now constantly ask for them, so this morning I made my first attempt at banana fritters to use up some bananas which had started to turn black.

Now usually those bananas would have gotten mashed up and put in my hair..."What? Again with the food in your hair?" I can hear you say, but bananas are another great Caribbean cosmetic ingredients for hair. A banana masque can help add moisture into your hair especially if you use a lot of heat on your hair.

Banana makes a great start to the day in breakfast cereal or in a smoothie, as they contain so many important nutrients. 

What's in a Banana?
Bananas are rich in potassium, iron,  natural oils, carbohydrates and vitamins (particularly B vitamins including B6 and B12 and vitamin C) which soften and encourage hair’s natural elasticity. This reduces split ends and breakage. Use regularly to soothe an itchy scalp, infuse hair strands with moisture and reduce tangling and 'frizz'.

Quite a few websites mentioned recipes for 'Banana Hair Masques' and 'Banana Hair MilkShakes', so I thought I'd share my recipe with you:

My Banana Hair PrePoo Recipe
2 x Over Ripe Bananas (black or spotty bananas)
1/4 cup Koko Coconut Dairy Alternative
1 sachet Coconut Cream
1 x tsp Honey
(optional) 1x Egg Yolk
On occasion I have added a bit of avocado oil or argan oil to provide slip

Leave this mixture on the hair for 30mins or more
I would then proceed to shampoo and condition my hair as normal
Any left overs can be frozen and used next time!

How to Avoid Getting Bits in your Hair
Dont just mash this with a fork, whizz it up, use a hand blender if you can to make it as smooth as possible. As mentioned before I only use over ripe bananas which are easier to mash.

So next time instead of throwing those over ripe bananas away think about putting them into a hair masque and dont forget to whizz them up properly.

If you are not really into making your own products 
Check out: 

Banana Conditioner from the Body Shop


Mongongo & Banana 100% Natural Shampoo





Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu




References
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Banana-Hair-Mask
http://www.glamour.com/beauty/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2012/10/sunday-beauty-recipe-banana-mi.html
http://www.ibelieveicanfry.com/2011/11/nanner-puddin-banana-pudding.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-and-uses-of-using-banana-for-skin-and-hair/#ixzz2S4Utung7



Coffee, The Caribbean and Your Hair and Skin


Coffee, The Caribbean and Your Hair and Skin


Source: Jamaica Coffee Shop Madrid

Instead of using coffee to perk you up in the morning why not try coffee to perk up your skin and hair. The caffeine in coffee has numerous cosmetic benefits. Coffee can be used to soften and add shine to hair, treat cellulite and as an exfoliant for face and skin.


A popular blend of coffee found in the Caribbean is Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee which can be found in coffee houses around the world (My favourite place to find it is the coffee chain 'Jamaica' in Madrid).
According to the Wikipedia bods:
It is noted for its mild flavour and lack of bitterness. Over the last several decdes this particular coffee is one of the most expensive and sought after coffees in the world. Only coffee grown in a recognised growing region of the Blue Mountains is certified by the Coffee Industry of Jamaica as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.


I was able to find that there are body and facial scrubs are made from this wonderfully exotic coffee:

Isola Body

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Scrubs


And Joliette also have a Coffee Body Scrub as part of the Caribbean Body range which we are very proud of!!




However you can make your own homemade scrub with your favourite carrier oil and essential oil, sea salt or sugar and your coffee grounds at home.



Source: The Coconut Mama

The Coconut Mama had this wonderful recipe for a homemade antioxidant coffee scrub:


  • "1 Cup Ground Organic Coffee
  • 1 Cup Organic Sugar or Salt 
  • 1/2 Cup Organic Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla (optional)

Melt coconut oil and allow it to cool but not solidify. Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container or mason jar. The coffee and sugar will exfoliate your skin and the coconut oil will leave your skin soft and moisturised."


You can play around with the recipes, some variations could be:
Peppermint and Rosemary 
Honey and Lemon
Cinnamon and Vanilla

Coffee on Hair 
The caffeine in coffee increases blood circulation. Massaged directly into the scalp, it can stimulate hair follicles and speed up growth.

Method in the Madness:
Cool some brewed coffee , then while in the shower, spray the coffee onto roots. Allow it to sit for as long as possible. Rinse hair, and use products as usual. you should see less shedding and increased hair growth with regular use. This would be used as a post shampoo scalp treatment.
Enjoy!
Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu


References
www.isolabody.com
http://thecoconutmama.com/tag/coffee-body-scrub-recipe/
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/ingredients/5-ways-to-use-coffee-for-beauty#nc-gallery-header
http://www.livestrong.com/article/98727-benefits-coffee-skin-care/

Where to Buy Jane Carter Solutions Online in the UK


Another in our series of Where to Buy Lists! Today we are looking at places that stock and sell Jane Carter Solutions. In the last month or two, I have had quite a few questions about these products.

A guide to which products to choose for your style:

Jane Carter Solution Regimen for Curly or Natural Hair

Jane Carter Solution Regimen for Natural Hair, Locks or Twists

Condition & Sculpt
Twist & Lock
Natural Hold Locking Spray 
British Curlies -Curly Emporium
Here you will find inspiration and some carefully selected curl specific products that they hope you will love ....however I want you to know that the real focus of British Curlies is always you and your curly stories.



Afrotherapy.com is an online shop dedicated to offering a range of exclusive black hair, beauty and skincare products. Our aim is to offer a carefully selected range of high quality and effective hair, beauty and skincare products from around the world that meet the specific hair and beauty needs of people of black and mixed race origin at affordable prices. We are the single online source for all black hair and black beauty needs and where you can buy your favourite hair, beauty, makeup, skincare, body care and cosmetic products.
You can also visit the Afrotherapy Salon for luxurious hair treatments and Specialist Afro & Mixed Race hair services. Call 020 8345 5621 for appointments or visit Afrotherapy Salon



An online store dedicated to offering a range of hair product solutions designed and formulated to encourage healthy hair growth and the maintenance of your hair, regardless of texture.



Beautiful Products for Beautiful Hair


If you know of any other sites, just comment and let us know!
Enjoy

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu

New Product Alert: Fountain Mighty Roots Scalp Oil


Heads Up Everyone, 

New Product from Fountain! Samples available from Naturally Nourishing at Curlvolution- Tickets still available dont miss out!

All the benefits of Jamaican black castor oil & more!
A luxurious Jamaican Scalp renewal & hair strengthening oil
Cultivated without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers
A 100% additive, chemical & preservative free product of Jamaica!


“FOUNTAIN MIGHTY ROOTS Jamaican Black Castor & Pimento scalp  oil

Introducing another of Jamaica’s gifts to the world, we are pleased to debut another fabulous “Fountain” innovation!


Fountain mighty roots Jamaican Black Castor & Pimento scalp oil is an organic deep nourishing oil rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. This blend precipitates strong, healthy hair follicles due to the increase of blood flow to the crown and vital nutrients. The triple force action  of Jamaican black castor, wheatgerm and pimento oil is exactly what your dome needs to get to the root of your problem! Toxins and bacteria are eliminated naturally to stimulate new hair growth both in length, volume AND maintain strong hair roots!
Just shake well, thoroughly massage into your dry, damaged, stressed & polluted tresses maximum 3 times per week for a massive transformation
For strong, mighty roots, look no further than Fountain mighty roots Jamaican black castor & pimento scalp oil – you owe it to your roots!



INGREDIENTS
Real black black Jamaican castor oil (rincus communis)
Wheatgerm oil ( triticum vulgare)
Sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalis var. dulcis)
Pimento leaves (Pimenta officinals)


How to Use Fountain Mighty Roots
Pre-poo treatment: Prior to shampooing the hair, part dry hair and massage a liberal amount of oil to the scalp & entire hair shaft, using your fingers to gently detangle your stressed hair, from the tips to the root.  Be careful not to pull and tug your hair, to avoid unnecessary breakage. Wrap hair with saran wrap or plastic cap (secure tightly) and sit under the hair for minimum 30 minutes. If hair is dry, damaged or if you are transitioning from chemically treated hair to natural, then leave on overnight. Shampoo and Condition hair as normal, rinse with warm water and pat hair dry, use hair low setting of hair dryer if desired and style hair.
Co-wash: (to cleanse your hair & scalp without using a traditional shampoo) Add a little of the oil to your regular moisturizing conditioner and apply mixture from root to tip, finger combing & detangling as you proceed. Rinse hair with warm water. Your freshly clean and moisturized hair is now ready for styling, without it having being stripped of its natural oils.
Deep conditioning treatment: Follow directions above for use after your normal shampoo routine, and rinse out once with your regular shampoo.  If you desire thicker hair, then you do NOT need to remove the oil with shampoo, however if hair feels heavy or sticky then rinse lightly with warm water.
Precautions
Please Note: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY!
DO NOT USE UNDER CIRCUMSTANCE IF ALLERGIC TO NUTS AND/OR WHEAT!
ALLERGIC REACTIONS CAN INCLUDE HIVES,FLUSHED SKIN OR RASH, TINGLING OR ITCHY SENSATION TO THE SKIN, FACE, TONGUE OR LIP SWELLING, DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS.
SHAMPOO HAIR IMMEDIATELY IF ANY ANY OF THE ABOVE OCCURS AND CONSULT A PHYSICIAN.


Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu









The Lastest Caribbean Inspired Brands that we have our Eye On!

Hi All, 

We have been eyeing up some gorgeous products created by Caribbean entrepreneurs or that are inspired by the memories of the Caribbean. We thought its about time we let you know about them and what they have to offer. The brands here represent Grenada, Dominica, Barbados and Jamaica. Looking for something different, Longing to remember that holiday or a scent from your youth? The smell of these products will take you Back... Back to the Caribbean.



Isola Body Scrubs were inspired by and created in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  With a passion for nature and the calming beaches of Montego Bay, they developed an outstanding body scrub that will not only leave your skin feeling like new, but will also take you on a quick escape to Jamaica with its legendary aromatherapeutic remedies and benefits. Isola Body Scrubs are made with 100% Natural ingredients and are free of: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, and GMOs.

Emily Jayne Butters and Fragrances are all made by hand, one batch at a time. The Butters use a back-to-basics combination of coconut, jojoba, grapeseed and Vitamin E oils, shea butter, aloe vera, rose water, rosehip and other fine essential oils. These products are notably free of mineral oil, petroleum, silicones and parabens and other six-syllable- and impossible-to-pronounce preservatives. Your skin will notice the difference immediately.


Isle of Valentine James - Natural Greneda


The brand epitomizes everything that the namesake stood for. Valentine James was the founder’s maternal grandfather. A simple Grenadian farmer who lived to be 99 years old. He took from the earth only what he needed. The existence of this brand pays homage to him and all those concerned with sustainable living. All Isle of Valentine James’ products are natural, safe, gentle, effective, moisture replenishers and affordable. The Products do not contain any silicones, parabens, sulfates, artificial ingredients, petroleum or mineral oil and no testing is done on animals.


IrieRock - Yaa Spa from Jamaica

As a little girl on those misty mornings I would climb and sit on this rock watching my grandmother; totally enchanted by the sweet aromas of these fruit trees lingering in the air as the sun gentle plays on the swell of her back. This is where it all started the love of all things natural this is the birth of Irie ROCK Yaad Spa.




Go Natural Caribe specialize in Caribbean hair care in a natural way. Their store has a careful selection of products for hair care and styling avoiding components that may affect your health. We also have accessories to complement your style and highlight your beauty and services such as counseling, haircuts, among others.

Caribbean Essentials - Barbados

Caribbean Essentials, A complete Mind, Body, Spirit spa ritual collection, inspired by the Caribbean and bursting with its vitality and energy. Pure. Potent. Passionate...

Caribbean Essentials is a totally natural, botanical, highly therapeutic, aromatherapy collection of Caribbean inspired mind, body, spiritprofessional and retail “lifestyle” spa products and treatment rituals. Each product is made from delicious, active, ethically sourced ingredients, bursting with the vitality and energy of the Caribbean.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Acne


As a teenager I suffered quite badly with acne on my face, resulting in much name calling by others: my favourite 'crater face'. Anyway, in my twenties I discovered many natural ways of cleansing the face and my acne promptly went with the teen years.

One way of cleansing the face naturally is by using an oil to cleanse the face and the Castor Oil, Oil Cleansing method is a well know way of removing dirt and impurities from the face. 

Mainstream facial cleansing products strip natural oils from the skin and contain fragrances which can be excessively drying. Our skin is then constantly repairing itself by trying to replenish those natural oils. Each time our natural oils are stripped away the skin overcompensates for the lack of moisture and overproduces oil.

To remove oil, dirt, dead cells and debris from the skin, we must remember from our early chemistry days that 'like attracts like' ie water likes or is attracted to water and oil likes or is attracted to oil. You will know that oil and water are immiscible ie they dont mix, for example water and suntan oil. This is a fundamental that has stayed with me throughout my education. As such for the purposes of this post we must be aware that 'oil dissolves oil' and the skin naturally lubricates itself with oil.

At first I thought it absurd to put oil on my acne prone, oily face. However oil on its own does not cause ance. A combination of factors including bacteria, dead skin cells and their build up and of course the over production of sebum (our natural oil) caused by stripping with mainstream facial washes can contribute to causing acne.


cleansing the face naturally

How do I cleanse my face with Jamaican Black Castor Oil

You will need a washcloth, 100% pure Jamaican black castor oil and hot steamy water
  1. Do this twice a week for 4 weeks before bed
  2. Pour a generous amount of the oil into the palm og your hand ( a bit more than a 10p sized amount)
  3. Rub hands together and warm the oil
  4. Massage into the face thoroughly, and smooth into your entire face, working on those problem areas. This should remove, makeup, dirt and any impurities.
  5. Allow the oil to cool
  6. Soak washcloth in the warm steamy water. 
  7. Wipe the oil away with the warm washcloth.
  8. Wash the washcloth in the warm steamy water and hold o the face
  9. Allow it to cool, then wipe the face again
  10. Repeat this once or twice
  11. Do not scrub the face. The washcloth should remove the oil and any dirt and impurities (even makeup) should come away with it.
  12. If the face feels tight rub a small amount of castor oil on your fingers and massage into the face. This will be absorbed into the face.
Your face should feel clean and smooth when you wake in the morning! You will need to do this regularly perhaps twice a week

Let us know if this works for you! 

I am currently trying a similarish method with Fountain's Jamaican Pimento Oil on my eczema prone arms and legs and will post and let you know if this works. I have had such wonderful results with witchhazel, tea trea oil and Fountain's Pimento Oil on all areas of my skin!

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu


References
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

 

Okra for Both Relaxed and Natural Hair



Okra (INCI: Abelmoschus esculentus) also called Quimgombo, bhindi, Gombo, Okro, bindi, bamia, Lady’s Fingers, Ochro, Okoro, bamiya, and bamieh is the fruit of a plant found primarily in the North and South American, but also in the Caribbean, Latin American and African countries is used as a vegetable. In the Caribbean islands, Okra is eaten in soup or with fish.

Okra is very nutritious. Not only as food but also for your hair and skin. In many South and Latin American countries, this has been used for strong, healthy and shiny hair. Some even claim that regular use of Okra on hair grows stronger and greatly stimulates hair growth. Preparations of Okra can be used as a final hair rinse, setting lotion or natural hair gel and can remove lice. 
Okra (Okra) is a good source of vitamins A, B complex (B6, Thiamin) Vitamin B, C and E, iron, potassium and calcium. It is rich in fiber, low in calories and fat free. Okra also contains Folic acid, calcium and zinc and  is also known for being high in antioxidants.

This makes it a great conditioner for mistreated damaged hair replacing lost nutrients. It is wonderful for repairing both dry relaxed hair and natural hair

Vitamin A contains antioxidants that work to condition and moisturise the sebum in the scalp and fight the free radicals such as pollution that weight down your hair and make it weaker. It also strengthens and thickens your hair so that they  grow faster and break less often. Vitamin B Complex helps with reducing hair loss, slows down the graying process and helps with shine. Vitamin E helps with blood circulation and leads to a healthier scalp.  healthy scalp helps soften and nourish curls and less split ends are produced. Folic Acid Prevent gray hair, makes hair thicker, shinier and adds moisture to your hair reducing breakage. 




Source: Caribbean Curls


This is a great tutorial by Caribbean Curls on how to make our own  Okra gel
http://caribbeancurls.wordpress.com/2012/08/26/diy-okra-ochro-hair-gel/
and



If you would rather buy hair product that contains Okra, Dutch company Sisay International make a range of Okra and Flax Products:
Okra Cleansing Cream 
Okra Conditioner
Okra Moisturiser
Okra Jelly
Okra Hair Milk
Flax Shampoo
Flax Conditioner
Flax Aida
Flax Moisturiser


Sisay International sell a whole range of products including an Okra cleanser (rather than shampoo), a conditioner, moisturiser and okra jelly . I am head over heels for their Okra Hair Milk. You can find the Sisay products on the AfroDeity Store.


Evelyn FRO products also has an Okra Cream Shampoo.
  • Lush sells a hair conditioner for dry damaged hair. Lots of Great online reviews for this high street product.
  • Shescentit also has a breakage control Okra conditioner.




Have you made your own or tried any Okra products?


Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu


References:
Duvauchelle, Joshua (26 May 2011). "Okra Nutrition Information". LiveStrong.com. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
Sisay International Website
www.zinc.org/info/zinc_essential_for_human_health
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/living/essential-vitamins-for-healthy-hair#nc-gallery-header
http://www.typef.com/article/use-okra-hair-conditioning/