Jamaraa, Explosiva9 and all the other AY Ladies....

[infojunkie]

Zawaj...LOL at you..."lightweight stalk"! I hope you find them interesting and not too complicated. I aim for simple and easy. Oh yeah, how could I forget CHEAP!

Info...that's the facial you bought...I'd forgotten. Glad it works well. I was thinking you said some took out head hair! LOL Indian skin care is very nice too and quite inexpensive. If you've got dark spot you want done, try "Fair and Lovely" (I HATE the name) but the product works wonderfully. Rose water for a toner is marvelous.

Z, I'm certifiable when it comes to her, posts so I feel ya. She's got the goods! LOL @ "lightweight stalker", I guess I'ma heavy weight.



J, I started using the Fair and Lovely the morning after I used the shampoo bar. I am liking it so far but according to the packaging I won't see optimal results until I'm 3 weeks in. BTW, it's not gonna lighten my skin is it? I'm a nice caramel - pecan color and I don't wanna be too "fair", just want flawless skin (i.e. no dark spots, etc.).

 

[jamaraa]

Nah, you'll have to use that stuff religiously FOR YEARS to actually lighten your skin. If you're putting it on your dark spots, say elbows, you'll definitely start seeing some improvement soon. It's nice and gentle, unlike the stuff sold to us Americans/Canadians/ Europeans in the drugstore. I don't even want to think about what they sell in Latin America or the Caribbean.

 

[Zawaj]

Z, I'm certifiable when it comes to her, posts so I feel ya. She's got the goods! LOL @ "lightweight stalker", I guess I'ma heavy weight.



J, I started using the Fair and Lovely the morning after I used the shampoo bar. I am liking it so far but according to the packaging I won't see optimal results until I'm 3 weeks in. BTW, it's not gonna lighten my skin is it? I'm a nice caramel - pecan color and I don't wanna be too "fair", just want flawless skin (i.e. no dark spots, etc.).

Okay since we are being all honest I am also a heavyweight stalker! I never come to the Hair board unless I'm stalking, umm I mean, looking for educational post by Jamaraa.

 

[infojunkie]

Nah, you'll have to use that stuff religiously FOR YEARS to actually lighten your skin. If you're putting it on your dark spots, say elbows, you'll definitely start seeing some improvement soon. It's nice and gentle, unlike the stuff sold to us Americans/Canadians/ Europeans in the drugstore. I don't even want to think about what they sell in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Well snap, it hadn't even occured to me to put it on my knees and elbows!!

So, it'll lighten my dark spots but not my face, right? Just sort of even everything out?

Z, you are too funny! Don't be shame to get your "know" on. As my screen name implies, I wanna know it all.

 

[girlcherokee]

I'm very excited about the Shahi Ubtan. When I saw it would remove supurfluous hair I was sold . I'll definitely use the entire box and I'll see what my chin and neck are like to determine if I'll continue using.

According to the directions you do a dry rub after 20 minutes to get it off and let's just say the first night was NOT pleasant. Last night before I attempted to remove it, I did some facial stretches or exercises and it was a WHOLE lot easier to remove.

So the short answer: Now that I have the process down yes, I do like it and will continue to use it.

this removed hair? is it like a wax or something?

 

[jamaraa]

Yeah, if you want your skin even on your face, it'll do that. LOL...it won't Michael Jackson you tho. It's going to work on the HYPERpigmentation before moving on the your normal color. Fading your normal color ain't easy (see MJ..LOL), so don't worry. In short, it's just easier to spread it on your full face like any other moisturizer, but it works on your dark spots.

I also use it on places where I've gotten out ingrown hairs and it leaves dark spots. LOL...my skin bruises and hyperpigments fairly easily, so I keep it on hand.

 

[girlcherokee]

Z, I'm certifiable when it comes to her, posts so I feel ya. She's got the goods! LOL @ "lightweight stalker", I guess I'ma heavy weight.



quote]

yup call me heavyweight stalker#2

 

[jamaraa]

For facial hair removing or anywhere else for that matter, have you thought of sugaring?

 

[girlcherokee]

Yeah, if you want your skin even on your face, it'll do that. LOL...it won't Michael Jackson you tho. It's going to work on the HYPERpigmentation before moving on the your normal color. Fading your normal color ain't easy (see MJ..LOL), so don't worry. In short, it's just easier to spread it on your full face like any other moisturizer, but it works on your dark spots.

I also use it on places where I've gotten out ingrown hairs and it leaves dark spots. LOL...my skin bruises and hyperpigments fairly easily, so I keep it on hand.

could this work for dark circles under the eyes - i read that ashwagandha was good for this. i bought a small bottle of that too today since it was only two bucks - i figured it cant hurt me to try it out.

edited to add:
sugaring? i never heard of it. what is it. please do tell.

 

[infojunkie]

this removed hair? is it like a wax or something?

It does remove unwanted hair but it is not a wax, it's a paste. You mix 2 tsp of powder with milk or rose water to make the paste.

It doesn't take it off all at once like wax. I've only used it twice but I have lost some hair and the coarser ones (that I normally have trouble plucking) have gotten noticeably finer.

I follow it up with an East Indian face cream called "Fair and Lovely" and my skin is just fabulous! (Mind you, it was never bad to begin with.)

 

[infojunkie]

Yeah, if you want your skin even on your face, it'll do that. LOL...it won't Michael Jackson you tho. It's going to work on the HYPERpigmentation before moving on the your normal color. Fading your normal color ain't easy (see MJ..LOL), so don't worry. In short, it's just easier to spread it on your full face like any other moisturizer, but it works on your dark spots.

I also use it on places where I've gotten out ingrown hairs and it leaves dark spots. LOL...my skin bruises and hyperpigments fairly easily, so I keep it on hand.

You know that's EXACTLY what I was worried about, right? I was NOT trying to have a white face and brown body. I was 'bout to put F&L down!

could this work for dark circles under the eyes - i read that ashwagandha was good for this. i bought a small bottle of that too today since it was only two bucks - i figured it cant hurt me to try it out.

edited to add:
sugaring? i never heard of it. what is it. please do tell.

O.k. I need to check on that stuff that starts with an "A" and I second that emotion about the sugaring.

Whatever, takes these whiskers off of my chin, ya'll need to spill it all!

...And rat now, doggone it!

 

[jamaraa]

Sugaring is more of an Arabian technique, but it's used all over the East. Basically, it's sugar, water, and lemon juice that's boiled together to make a caramelized candy. LOL...some of the women actually eat some before they use it....I never have, but it has to smell and taste wonderful. It works on the same principle as waxing, but it doesn't have to be absolutely hot to be flexible. Your body heat can easily shape and mold it depening on how small the pieces are you're working w/. I have never made my own sugar (I bought some), but I should try it one day.

I have some ashwagandha, but I haven't used it yet. I need to learn more about it before I'm comfortable using it myself.

Here's a few links on sugaring, I have to read them more closely, but they give a good idea:
http://www.ayurvediccure.com/hair-loss/sugaring-sweet.htm note what it says about heat and sugaring vs wax

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/ancient-egyptian-body-sugaring.html it gives the EXACT 3 ingredients I said off the top of my head. I'm pretty good, I must say.

The Indusladies have a whole forum to getting rid of unwanted hair: http://www.indusladies.com/unwanted-hair-removal/

 

[ajargon02]

If it's in twists, use the bars. LOL...I like that Fair and Lovely stuff, but I HATE the name. Quite a haul.

I'd try a tea on braid and loose hair, but the rinsing would be tricky here, so go for safe.

You CAN make a tea with your powders. I don't knwo where I got this from, but you can use your coffee maker with the paper strainers to make your tea. After your tea has cooled you can add a little oil and eo's. I make my tea, then put tea bags in the container (nettle, horsetail, chamomile ect) and let them steep for a long time. I then add vit e (as a preservative) and let the mix sit in the sun for 1-2 days. After that, I will add about 1 tsp full of jojoba or coconut oil or neem or vatika (depends on my mood) and my essential oils. I make batches in 36 oz at a time, and use that as my final rinse. The coffee filter gets all the bits and just leaves the goodness! I am so appreciative to the person that suggested using the coffee maker, b/c it really works!

 

[jamaraa]

Yeah, you can make a tea from your powders, that's what I recommended to braid/twist wearers. Rinsing out the raw powders would present a challenge, so a tea is the most practical solution for them.

 

[infojunkie]

Sugaring is more of an Arabian technique, but it's used all over the East. Basically, it's sugar, water, and lemon juice that's boiled together to make a caramelized candy. LOL...some of the women actually eat some before they use it....I never have, but it has to smell and taste wonderful. It works on the same principle as waxing, but it doesn't have to be absolutely hot to be flexible. Your body heat can easily shape and mold it depening on how small the pieces are you're working w/. I have never made my own sugar (I bought some), but I should try it one day.

I have some ashwagandha, but I haven't used it yet. I need to learn more about it before I'm comfortable using it myself.

Here's a few links on sugaring, I have to read them more closely, but they give a good idea:
http://www.ayurvediccure.com/hair-loss/sugaring-sweet.htm note what it says about heat and sugaring vs wax

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/ancient-egyptian-body-sugaring.html it gives the EXACT 3 ingredients I said off the top of my head. I'm pretty good, I must say.

The Indusladies have a whole forum to getting rid of unwanted hair: http://www.indusladies.com/unwanted-hair-removal/

^^^^^See, this is why I'm stalking you.^^^^^

I'm not even going to open this tonight. I just finished my new nightly facial routine and I'm going to catch up with my itty bitty.

In all that info, I'm bound to find something to keep me from looking like a really cute Wolfman Jack.

Thanks J.

 

[girlcherokee]

aaah i'll have to read up on sugaring. thanks jamaara!! i've got the oil in my hair now for the night and i just put together my first batch of amla oil. cant wait to try that!
forgot to ask you your recommendation for washing this stuff out tomorrow morning if you are still around. should i do a co wash with amla and maka? mind as well go all the way ayurveda.
samantha, how do you make your amla oil? do you put anything else in it?
oh... and can i throw some rosemary essential oil in this? i have some in the house?

 

[jamaraa]

^^^I don't co wash at all, but I'd use whatever you choose normally. The Indians are somewhat ambivalent about Western conditioners, but they do use them. I don't use all veda products, but I definitely like them as apart of my daily care routine. Use whichever one or both, if you want. One thing to remember, Asian hair does have some tendency to dryness, but African textured hair far more so, keep this in mind. I'm not sure an all veda routine is practical for that reason, you still have to be concerned about the dryness of the hair, as opposed to just the scalp.

Yes, you can put rosemary EO in your infusion.

 

[girlcherokee]

thanks Jamaara!
i just realized that i posted this question to the wrong thread. sorry guys!(thats what happens when you have to many windows open and you multitask)
if you are interested in knowing what infusion jamaara referred to here is the thread:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=271409

 

[explosiva9]

Man, I have been so out of the loop. I'm too pooped right now to catch up on everything but I will hit ya back manana.

Jamaraa- I was thinkin bout ya today as I oiled my scalp with my veda oils. You and Infojunkie are going to have to school me on the skin care veda stuff you are using. Ubtan? Fair and lovely? I mean dang. Lol. I missed this thread.

 

[Zawaj]

Since Rahmadhan is coming up soon, you'll probably run into a henna party or two. LOL...ask those Somalis you (I think it was you) mentioned how they add their indigo into their henna for body art. I think I know, just want to be sure.

I just noticed this post I will be sure to ask if I have the opportunity.

 

[infojunkie]

Man, I have been so out of the loop. I'm too pooped right now to catch up on everything but I will hit ya back manana.

Jamaraa- I was thinkin bout ya today as I oiled my scalp with my veda oils. You and Infojunkie are going to have to school me on the skin care veda stuff you are using. Ubtan? Fair and lovely? I mean dang. Lol. I missed this thread.

And where have you been Ms. Missy? I thought you'd pop in here pages ago. Go ahead and get caught up on the thread and then ask about whatever hasn't been fully explained on the skin care stuff.

 

[jamaraa]

Explosiva...nothing too much new. To get you caught up quickly, we're just working our way thru Infojunkie's stash. She also bought some skin care products (check back to page 1 or 2 of this thread) in addition to hair care and we started talking about the different types of products that remove unwanted hair and dark spots.

 

[AngelDoll]

Oh, I have missed so much information. I have alot of catching up to do.

 

[explosiva9]

I see. Man, its a lot but I don't know where to even begin with the skincare stuff. I have read several threads on veda skincare and i want some specifics. I mean, what are the benefits of ubtan? what substitutes what? Whats the substitute for wash, toner, astringent, pimple cream, hyperpigmentation, moisturizer, sunscreen, anti-aging. I mean, I wanna know what the deal is. I want and have to keep it sexy, you know!!!!!!

 

[explosiva9]

AngelDoll- Your Siggy Pic has me soo thirsty. That growth is amazing!!

 

[jamaraa]

Explosiva...Pure rose water can substitute for a toner. I've only used rose water/hydrosols and/or plain water/Evian for years and it works well. Rose is a "balancing" plant which both controls oil and moisturizes at the same time. Needless to say, it's smells wonderful. Pure rose water (not anything w/ rose smell added to it) is very inexpensive (unlike a hydrosol or Evian water) and it works a treat. Arabs, Greeks, Indo-Paks, etc.. use the water of both roses and oranges in deserts, so it's edible. You can use rose and orange water for your skin and hair. It stays fresh for long periods of time in or out of the fridge...oh the cold can be so refreshing!

"Fair and Lovely" is a product similar to Ambi but w/o the 2% of that long H drug whose name I forget. It works w/ to remove dark spots over time and it's rather fast. It's not oily like most lightening creams. It uses vitamin E and powdered milk as it's main ingredients. It's a nice little cheapie cream that actually works w/o harsh chemicals. Indians are mad about that stuff.

I don't use the mask Infojunkie uses and never heard of it before this thread, but I gather it removes unwanted hair while doing the biz on the rest of your skin and keeping you looking good. She has to provide more info on that one cuz I don't know.

Sugaring and also threading are used to remove unwanted hair. Threading tends to be focused mostly on the brows, while sugaring is done anywhere you want to remove hair. Check the links for more info. Neither are hard to do.

Coconut oil is used in very sunny places as a nice basic sunscreen for hair and skin, tho I might use something else for skin in addition or instead. It works very well for hair. LOL...look at all that black hair in islands and lands where the sun always shines! Coconut oil is their secret!

A hydrosol is the "water" by product of making essential oil in the steam distillation method. Calling it a by-product does it no justice being that it's pure plant essence in non oil form. That stuff is MARVELOUS, but expensive and not the easiest to obtain. It's less expensive than a rare essential oil, but more expensive than "rose water" where the petals have just been soaked in water. Both are great however.

 

[joib]

I just wanted to say thank you ladies for this thread and info. Now I am back to the beginning so I can read ( study) all the info. Explosiva9- Are you still using the MT. I would like to finish up my bottle and look for something natural. Living so close to Berkeley, I find it easier to find products from India than Mega tek.

 

[infojunkie]

Explosiva9,

Adding to Jamaraa's post, I've been using the Shahi Ubtan mask all this week. My skin is beautiful and very, very soft. All of the fine hairs (i.e. upper lip and new growth on chin) are gone. However, the more coarse hairs (i.e. an irritating little patch that grows on the left side of my chin) are becoming finer (although still there). They're not nearly as noticeable as they were when I began using the mask

I've been using the same batch and will probably make some fresh tonight as I don't know if bacteria will set up or not. I only used 3 tsp initially (the directions say 2 but I put too much milk and was trying to bring it back to a pastey consistency).

I'll keep you updated but I'll also be exploring the links J. shared on removing unwanted hair because I would like something a little faster.

 

[explosiva9]

Thanks for the info ladies!
Quick question- Do you rip the hair out with sugaring and ubtan as you do with wax?

Joib- I haven't used MT in about a month. I still have a lil left and I will incorporate it again and see how my scalp reacts. And see if I get breakage and shedding again.

I'm so excited and I have to say that I'm loving the veda.

 

[infojunkie]

Thanks for the info ladies!
Quick question- Do you rip the hair out with sugaring and ubtan as you do with wax?

Joib- I haven't used MT in about a month. I still have a lil left and I will incorporate it again and see how my scalp reacts. And see if I get breakage and shedding again.

I'm so excited and I have to say that I'm loving the veda.

With the ubtan you have to remove it with a DRY cloth. It is in no way similar to wax. I guess the hair just falls off.

Give me another week to find out what's really going on with my face.