MHM Hangout

[faithVA]

I've been steady MHM'ing, doing the whole thing every other day or so. I'm ready to leave conditioner behind yet, but I don't use l-i every time, so I'm testing the theory.

Anyway... I'm having a little problem. I have a scarf that's my boo, an old stand by, been with me for decades, silk, I love it. Sadly, it has died. So I've been using my back up, but its not comfortable. The knot is mad big. It gives me a headache. And so I've been sleeping without a scarf on a cotton pillow case. I know, yall, I'm wrong, but it feels so right. And here's the weird part: my hair actually looks better, fluffier, and stretched.

Stop by Target. They have satin pillow cases for a few bucks. You can pick up 2 or 3 and be at ease.

 

[faithVA]

I cowashed tonight just to use up some product and to get some water on my scalp. Put my hair back up into flat twists. Will do a clay treatment on Saturday.

 

[KiWiStyle]

Ever since I started making my own electrolyte water and drinking more water in general, I'm starting to notice a few root to tip coils, YAY!!! That along with moisturizing in between washes and removing the oil from my clay mix have proven successful! I plan to use my sulfate free shampoo less and use As I Am cleansing conditioner more and clarify as needed.

I have 3 NG conditioners and I find the herbal blends to be a bit too heavy for my hair, it barely want to absorb so I'll be using the cucumber melon and the protein free marshmallow root, etc.. The jury is still out on the Marshmallow root so I'll be closely comparing the two but hopefully I can use them both.

ETA: The NG cucumber & melon is the only one of the 3 without Shea butter so I guess that's why it works better. I'll use the other 2 exclusively on my DD.

 

[aharri23]

Giving up on sweet soul magic...I get lots of build up and little definition when using it. Also its super sticky. Made some flaxseed gel with shea butter, agave and citric acid and got more elongation, better definition and I also get no build up. Flax seed gel seems to be my HG for now.

 

[Honey Bee]

Ever since I started making my own electrolyte water

Say what, now? Do tell...

 

[Lisa]

I cowashed with Hello Hydration and DC-ed with NG Marshmallow Root...

Are you using a Marshmallow root tea or powder?

Does anyone know if marshmallow root better or the same as Irish moss?

 

[Cattypus1]

Are you using a Marshmallow root tea or powder?

Neither, I'm using the Naturelle Grow Conditioner that has that as an ingredient.

 

[guudhair]

I ordered some Irish moss, nettle, and marshmallow root. They should be here for my next wash. Will let yall know how I use and like them

 

[KiWiStyle]

Say what, now? Do tell...

Yes hunty!! When I caught pneumonia, I had to drink tons of electrolyte water because of the fever and the antibiotics...well, they caused me to lose every ounce of water in my body . I found that after just one week when I drank more water than I had in the last month that my hair actually grew faster. Soooo, I got tired of buying electrolyte water and started making my own. I drink at least 32oz per day and regular filtered water too.

Distilled or filtered water
Honey
Sea Salt (I use "real salt" brand, it has tons of trace minerals)
Pure Organic lemon juice (not from contrate). When I have fresh citrus on hand, I use that.

You can Google to find out how much of each ingredient per your container. I don't use no more than 1/4 tsp. of salt per 32oz. and enough lemon juice to taste. I like to still taste water and not so much salt, lemon or honey. You can use ant citrus fruit.

 

[KiWiStyle]

I finally remembered to buy AVJ while at whole foods today. I bought the 365 brand because you get more for your money. My next wash day I'll use it instead of ACV in my clay mix. @faithVA , how much should I use? I use 3 tbsp. Rhassoul & 1.5-2 tbsp. of bentonite.

 

[Honey Bee]

Yes hunty!! When I caught pneumonia, I had to drink tons of electrolyte water because of the fever and the antibiotics...well, they caused me to lose every ounce of water in my body . I found that after just one week when I drank more water than I had in the last month that my hair actually grew faster. Soooo, I got tired of buying electrolyte water and started making my own. I drink at least 32oz per day and regular filtered water too.

Distilled or filtered water
Honey
Sea Salt (I use "real salt" brand, it has tons of trace minerals)
Pure Organic lemon juice (not from contrate). When I have fresh citrus on hand, I use that.

You can Google to find out how much of each ingredient per your container. I don't use no more than 1/4 tsp. of salt per 32oz. and enough lemon juice to taste. I like to still taste water and not so much salt, lemon or honey. You can use ant citrus fruit.

WOW. I have already been doing this. Oh snap. I do water, lemon juice, and pineapple juice (because I have a disability that causes pain, so the anti-inflammatory effect of bromelein is helpful). I didn't know this was a 'thing'. Yay me!

I do this often, btw. We just found out that thyroid issues run in the family. Apparently, fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickles are helpful in some way. My mother was like, dang, you was already on it. I keep sauerkraut and pickles in the fridge and use them as condiments. I didn't realize that was a 'thing' either, I just wanted it. Intuition ftw!

 

[Honey Bee]

I finally remembered to buy AVJ while at whole foods today. I bought the 365 brand because you get more for your money. My next wash day I'll use it instead of ACV in my clay mix. @faithVA , how much should I use? I use 3 tbsp. Rhassoul & 1.5-2 tbsp. of bentonite.

I'm not faithva, obviously, lol, but I can give you my clay recipe, which is heavily reliant on AVJ and ACV.

Clay
Glycerin (approx 1-2 tbsp)
Slippery Elm Bark powder (2 tbsp)
AVJ (enough to make a batter--like consistency)
ACV (maybe 2 tsp)

I'm terrible with eye balling ingredients, so all I can say is, I add the dry ingredients first, then the liquids. Mix everything, it should be batter-y. I then pour it into an old Dawn bottle, add a tiny amount of hot water, and shake. Our hair is about the same length and a batch can last me 2-3 washes. I keep it in the shower even though the AVJ needs to be refrigerated. I figure I use it fast enough (by washing every other day), so meh.

Here's the best part, tho. The Dawn bottle enables me to simply hang my head upside down and squirt. I work it through, of course, but the only area I have to add more on is the top (cuz it's longer). I use Aztec clay, don't know what variety of clay it is. All I know is, I tried french red and my bathroom looked like a crime scene.

 

[KiWiStyle]

WOW. I have already been doing this. Oh snap. I do water, lemon juice, and pineapple juice (because I have a disability that causes pain, so the anti-inflammatory effect of bromelein is helpful). I didn't know this was a 'thing'. Yay me!

I do this often, btw. We just found out that thyroid issues run in the family. Apparently, fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickles are helpful in some way. My mother was like, dang, you was already on it. I keep sauerkraut and pickles in the fridge and use them as condiments. I didn't realize that was a 'thing' either, I just wanted it. Intuition ftw!

You didn't mention it but don't forget about the sea salt! We do tend to crave what our bodies need...we just have to listen.

 

[KiWiStyle]

I'm not faithva, obviously, lol, but I can give you my clay recipe, which is heavily reliant on AVJ and ACV.

Clay
Glycerin (approx 1-2 tbsp)
Slippery Elm Bark powder (2 tbsp)
AVJ (enough to make a batter--like consistency)
ACV (maybe 2 tsp)

I'm terrible with eye balling ingredients, so all I can say is, I add the dry ingredients first, then the liquids. Mix everything, it should be batter-y. I then pour it into an old Dawn bottle, add a tiny amount of hot water, and shake. Our hair is about the same length and a batch can last me 2-3 washes. I keep it in the shower even though the AVJ needs to be refrigerated. I figure I use it fast enough (by washing every other day), so meh.

Here's the best part, tho. The Dawn bottle enables me to simply hang my head upside down and squirt. I work it through, of course, but the only area I have to add more on is the top (cuz it's longer). I use Aztec clay, don't know what variety of clay it is. All I know is, I tried french red and my bathroom looked like a crime scene.

Thanks for your recipe!! I use Rhassoul mixed with Aztec calcium bentonite. I also pour my mix into an old Mrs. Meyers dish detergent bottle, Lol. I never thought to use both ACV & AVJ at the same time...I think I better wait to see how my hair reacts to the AVJ first, I've learned my lesson about trying more than one thing at a time. I have glycerin so I might ry adding that one day in the future.

 

[faithVA]

WOW. I have already been doing this. Oh snap. I do water, lemon juice, and pineapple juice (because I have a disability that causes pain, so the anti-inflammatory effect of bromelein is helpful). I didn't know this was a 'thing'. Yay me!

I do this often, btw. We just found out that thyroid issues run in the family. Apparently, fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickles are helpful in some way. My mother was like, dang, you was already on it. I keep sauerkraut and pickles in the fridge and use them as condiments. I didn't realize that was a 'thing' either, I just wanted it. Intuition ftw!

The pickles need to be from the refrigerated section so that the probiotics are still alive in them. Kimchi is also good as well as kombucha.

 

[faithVA]

I finally remembered to buy AVJ while at whole foods today. I bought the 365 brand because you get more for your money. My next wash day I'll use it instead of ACV in my clay mix. @faithVA , how much should I use? I use 3 tbsp. Rhassoul & 1.5-2 tbsp. of bentonite.

I use 1/4 cup of avj and then add water until I get the right consistency. I start with 1/2 cup of water. But I'm using strictly sodium bentonite so you may need less water.

 

[faithVA]

Thanks for your recipe!! I use Rhassoul mixed with Aztec calcium bentonite. I also pour my mix into an old Mrs. Meyers dish detergent bottle, Lol. I never thought to use both ACV & AVJ at the same time...I think I better wait to see how my hair reacts to the AVJ first, I've learned my lesson about trying more than one thing at a time. I have glycerin so I might ry adding that one day in the future.

That's a good philosophy of just changing one thing at a time. You can better troubleshoot and make adjustments that way.

 

[KiWiStyle]

The pickles need to be from the refrigerated section so that the probiotics are still alive in them. Kimchi is also good as well as kombucha.

I absokutely love Kombucha, I picked up a few bottles today!!! I need the scoby so I can go in the lab and create my own one day!

 

[KiWiStyle]

I use 1/4 cup of avj and then add water until I get the right consistency. I start with 1/2 cup of water. But I'm using strictly sodium bentonite so you may need less water.

Cool, thanks! I use 1/4 cup.of ACV so its right in line with my current recipe.

 

[faithVA]

I absokutely love Kombucha, I picked up a few bottles today!!! I need the scoby so I can go in the lab and create my own one day!

What's scoby? All you need are some water kefir strains to make your own.

 

[Honey Bee]

What's scoby? All you need are some water kefir strains to make your own.

My mom makes her own yogurt. What is this about making your own kombucha? I feel like I've had a tea, but I don't remember none of what yall talking bout.

I too love kimchi and, yep, my pickles are the refrigerated kind.

 

[fluffyforever]

So the curl by curl trim took I gave myself last week took a while to complete, but it was so worth it. My hair tangles way less now.

The past 2 days I've actually worn my wash and go to work. I've gotten so many compliments! Except as my hair dries during the day, I've noticed that the still wet roots shrink more than the dry ends and causes my hair to take on a weird shape. I have to pull on my hair down a few times in the day to keep it looking alright.

Tomorrow I'm getting a sew in for my wedding, so I won't be doing the MHM for a while. I'm kind of bummed because I just started feeling like I could wear my own hair straight out the shower without any manipulation, and now it's going to be hidden for a month
.

 

[GGsKin]

I water rinsed my hair last night, added some leave in and a little oil and braided it up. I'm back to doing a little intensive baggying againg- I wrapped my head with clingfilm, before tying down with my scarf. I currently have my new wig on.

OAN I'm loving the kinky straight texture, but still trying to work with this demarcation line smh.

 

[faithVA]

My mom makes her own yogurt. What is this about making your own kombucha? I feel like I've had a tea, but I don't remember none of what yall talking bout.


I too love kimchi and, yep, my pickles are the refrigerated kind.

I'm going to look for the pickles today. I have kimchi in the fridge. Kombucha is in the refrigerated section as well. Some are better than others. I started drinking kefir milk smoothies after a round of antibiotics but switched to the kombucha since its easier to find and drink while traveling. I want to make my own to replace my coffee, since kombucha is quite expensive here by the bottle.

I don't think there is much to it. Put water kefir strains in water or tea and let it sit for some designated amount of time. Then add whatever you want to add. You keep your strains and reactivate them.

@tashboog did you make yours this weekend?

 

[faithVA]

So the curl by curl trim took I gave myself last week took a while to complete, but it was so worth it. My hair tangles way less now.

The past 2 days I've actually worn my wash and go to work. I've gotten so many compliments! Except as my hair dries during the day, I've noticed that the still wet roots shrink more than the dry ends and causes my hair to take on a weird shape. I have to pull on my hair down a few times in the day to keep it looking alright.

Tomorrow I'm getting a sew in for my wedding, so I won't be doing the MHM for a while. I'm kind of bummed because I just started feeling like I could wear my own hair straight out the shower without any manipulation, and now it's going to be hidden for a month
.

Congratulations on everything; the cut, the wng, the wedding. Enjoy the break. You will need it. Your hair will be waiting for you after all of the festivities.

 

[KiWiStyle]

What's scoby? All you need are some water kefir strains to make your own.

No I'm talking about Kombucha. The Scoby is the "mother" which you need to make your own...it's impossible to make it without the scoby.

 

[KiWiStyle]

I just rinsed my clay out and the AVJ is a hit!!! I immediately noticed more coils as I finished rinsing, observing in the mirror and applying my gel! My coils were heavier and springier, my coils have life y'all!!!

I washed with AIA coconut cowash, skipped DC, clay and finished with KCCC. I will indefinitely remove shampoo from my regimen and only clarify as needed and DC weekly only.

I have a lot if stray hairs sticking up so I'm going to have those trimmed off next week. I'm hoping my wng will be neater and to remove any splits. I don't want to because this means my stylist picking my hair dry to cut .

 

[faithVA]

No I'm talking about Kombucha. The Scoby is the "mother" which you need to make your own...it's impossible to make it without the scoby.

OK. I've not heard it called that before, just water kefir grains.

 

[faithVA]

I just rinsed my clay out and the AVJ is a hit!!! I immediately noticed more coils as I finished rinsing, observing in the mirror and applying my gel! My coils were heavier and springier, my coils have life y'all!!!

I washed with AIA coconut cowash, skipped DC, clay and finished with KCCC. I will indefinitely remove shampoo from my regimen and only clarify as needed and DC weekly only.

I have a lot if stray hairs sticking up so I'm going to have those trimmed off next week. I'm hoping my wng will be neater and to remove any splits. I don't want to because this means my stylist picking my hair dry to cut .

Interesting that you noticed immediate results from the avj.

 

[KiWiStyle]

Interesting that you noticed immediate results from the avj.

(in my rachel ray voice) I know!!

My hair has been improving with each wash; maybe due to:
a. removing the oil from my clay
b. moisturizing & sealing at least twice a day
c. using cleansing cream instead of shampoo (last to wash days)
d. replacing ACV with AVJ
e. Spending more time separating my coils when applying my clay...lots of time!
f. all of the above.

Today could have been just another improvement from the previous wash or the AVJ did the job. I think my hair responds better with AVJ, fingers crossed for continued results!