Au Naturale "Waxing"

Sugaring is an ancient hair removal technique that hails from the Middle East.  This sugar based paste is just as effective as waxing but is much more friendlier to the body.  The natural ingredients for this recipe are simple and can be found in your kitchen.

 

Sugar Paste

2 cups Sugar (white, brown or demerara - DO NOT use powdered sugar)
1/4 cup Lemon juice
1/4 cup Water, distilled
1 tsp Vitamin E oil
1 tsp Jojoba oil
5 drops Tea Tree oil (optional)

In a medium sauce pan combine sugar, lemon juice and water. Over a medium high heat cook the ingredients for 5 to 8 minutes, constantly stirring so that it doesn't burn until it reaches 240 degrees fahrenheit. Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature turn down the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer. Remember to continue stirring the mixture. Once your paste has reached a thick viscosity remove from heat and add your oils, mixing thoroughly. Pour into desired container and store in a dry, cool place.

When applying this paste it doesn't need to be very warm, it can be applied when lukewarm.  It can be applied to the upper lip, arms, legs, brow, back, chest and bikini area. When peeling off this paste you can do so in the direction of the hair growth whereas with waxing it's peeled off against the hair growth, which can cause ingrown hairs.  Sugaring has been known to help elminate this common problem.  Also when the sugar paste is removed it takes the accumulated dead cells with it leaving your skin in tact with a natrual healthy glow.

 

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Henna Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Henna powder

Henna helps improves the scalp by removing accumulated product and impurities. Henna also conditions while coating the hair cuticle providing strength, shine while preventing hair loss and breakage.

5 Tbsp Henna powder
3 Tbsp Alma (Gooseberry) powder
1 c Yogurt or Mayonnaise (moisturizing fat-do not use low fat; can also be substituted with favorite conditioner)
1 Egg white (protein-optional)
1 Tbsp coffee powder or coffee water (optional)
Lemon juice from half a lemon
1-2 Tbsp coconut or olive oil (this prevents your hair from drying out)

Mix all ingredients and let it sit covered, overnight in a warm place. Letting it sit overnight is optional; by letting the mixture sit overnight it allows the natural color to be released. Depending on the volume and length of your hair you want to section your hair into four (or more). Apply the henna to your hair from root to tip (make sure you’re wearing plastic gloves and an old t-shirt as henna stains).

After applying the henna to youre entire head cover your hair with a plastic cap or bag (wrap a towel on top of that if you want extra heat) and let it sit for an hour. Wash out with cool or lukewarm water never hot water as it closes up the hair cuticle and doesn’t allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair shaft. There’s no need to use shampoo or conditioner while you wash this out because this treatment conditions and cleanses the hair and scalp. Detangle and style as normal.

NOTE: Egg is a protein so if you’re going to do this treatment then do so once every eight weeks or if your hair is protein sensitive then omit the egg. Otherwise you can do this treatment once a week or how ever often you deep condition your hair. Within three months you should notice how much healthier and stronger you hair has become.

Homemade Vatika Hair Oil

Vatika hair oil is mixture of pure coconut or olive oil with ayurvedic herbs (such as henna, amla, and shikakai, etc.)  that nourishes and conditions the hair while providing body and shine.

Phase I
1 cup Coconut or Olive Oil
1/2 cup Almond Oil (this can be substituted for a non nut oil if you're allergic, i.e. sesame oil)
1 Tablespoon Henna
1 Tablespoon Amla Powder
1 Tablespoon Shikakai Powder
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Rosemary (optional)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Lavender (optional)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Thyme (optional)

PhaseII
1 teaspoon Cactus Extact
1 teaspoon or 10 drops Lemon Extract
3 Tablespoons Castor Oil

1 Tablespoon Vitamin E
5 to 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil

In a double boiler combine coconut or olive oil, almond oil, henna, amla, shikakai, rosemary, lavender and thyme and let infuse over a low medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes.  Be sure to occassionally stir so that the herbs or oils don't burn.  Remove from heat and strain oil through a cheesecloth and strainer.  Let cool for 30 minutes.

Once mixture has cooled add in cactus extract, lemon extract, castor oil, vitamin E and lemon essential oil.  Mix the oils by stiring slowly or rolling* in a bottle.  Pour into desired container. You now have your very own homemade vatika hair oil.

Notes: Any of the above mentioned ayurvedic powders can be substitued for others of your choosing.  It's important to remember that when mixing oils to never shake them because this can cause free radicals, which will lead to the oil going rancid.  It's always best to gently roll the oils in the container.  Almond oil coats, conditions and softens your hair.  Cactus extract gives your hair health and volume.  Lemon oil regulates sebum flow and helps keep dandruff away.

Basic Hair Butter

Here's an easy recipe for a basic hair butter.

1/ 2 to 1 cup Shea Butter
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Coconut Oil (optional if you have a nut allergy)
1/4 cup Castor Oil
2 Tablespoon Vegetable Glycerin or Honey
1 Tablspoon Vitamin E Oil
5-10 drops Rosemary or Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

In a double boiler heat up olive, coconut and castor oils over a medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add in shea butter. Stir oils until shea butter is completely melted. If there's still a small amount of shea butter left don't worry, it'll get incorporated as you blend the mixture later.

Using a hand held mixer (or stick blender) to thoroughly blend your mixture for 10 minutes. Add in vitamin E oil and mix for a few more minutes. Place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and blend mixture for another 10 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl as your mix. Place mixture back in freezer for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from freezer and whip mixture one last time before adding in your essential oil(s). Transfer mixture into desired container (remember, you can resue an old product container if desired). Makes about 8 to 10 ounces of product.