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DIY Coconut Shea Butter

August 6, 2017 by Erica King

Hello Beautiful!

I was so excited when my order came yesterday - I made this recipe straight from the box!

I’ve been simplifying my natural beauty regime over the past few weeks to make room for my new clients (Lavish is coaching again - YAY) and to completely update my entire look.

As I rebuild my natural beauty pantry and refresh my products, I’ve also minimized most of the ingredients I use for my homemade goods.

Today’s recipe comes from this new plan!

Coconut Shea Butter is soft, silky, and will leave your skin indulgently moisturized and glowing. If you love using shea butter in your hair, and haven’t combined these 2, stop what you’re doing — go get the ingredients — and start making it NOW…as you read this!!!

Any Oil Will Work — So Use Your Favorite!

I have a gang of coconut oil and olive oil in my pantry, but olive oil kinda sits on top of my hair. It seems to work better when mixed in with a conditioner or even my yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil deep condish (with sweet orange essential oil).

I ordered my shea butter (1lb $7.50) from Butters-N-Bars, along with some organic amla powder, bentonite clay (how’d you guess) and 8oz & 16oz containers. Hers are sturdy and last forever!

The coconut oil I bought from Costco ($15.99). It lasts us about 2 months.

The shea butter is so fresh you can spoon it.

Coconut Oil Benefits

You don’t have to buy organic products to make wonderful natural goods. I’ve made many things with what I could afford, what was on sale, and what was actually working for me.

Since our skin is our largest organ, and whatever you put on it goes directly into your system, organic foods and products tend to have fewer toxins and pesticides. Keep checking those labels though, and make sure they are certified organic…as you know, everything marked natural and organic — isn’t.

Coconut oil is packed with Vitamin E, which makes it a wonderful moisturizer for your hair and skin.

There’s a long list of coconut oil benefits like:

it reduces frizz
a natural emollient
great deep conditioner
softens hair and skin
a conditioning moisturizer for hair and skin
gentle enough to be used on baby’s skin (and their cute bottoms)
adds natural shine to hair
helps hair retain moisture
can penetrate the hair shaft (although I haven’t found any clinical evidence of this yet)
can be used as a lip and body scrub when combined with sugar

If you like to cook it up in the kitchen, coconut oil can be used as a tasty replacement for real butter. You won’t even tell a difference.

Shea Butter Benefits

Shea butter is also rich in Vitamins A, E, D, essential fatty acids, and allatonin (a product of uric acid that promotes the healing of skin wounds and infections). It’s a little heavier than a lot of butters so I like to combine it with lighter oils and butters when I can.

Shea butter has been used for chemo-prevention because of it’s many anti-tumor promoting compounds. One study done in 2012, proved it’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects specifically in the treatment of severe dermatitis. It’s truly a healing butter.

In addition to your body, use this to seal in moisture after a wash and for styles that need a slick look. I like to use it to keep frizz away on ponytail days…

Make some this weekend and write a review (click the‘Write A Review’ link at the top right of the recipe card)

Hibiscus Hair Tea

2016-09-07 18:35:03

Deeply conditioning hair tea that stimulates hair growth; perfect for use as a hair rinse .

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons fresh or dried hibiscus flowers
2 tablespoons dandelion root
2 tablespoons flaxseeds
3 sprigs of rosemary leaves (or 10 drops of rosemary essential oil)
2 tablespoons catnip flower
1 tablespoon comfrey root
8 cups water
(2) 16 oz bottles or a 32 ounce jar with top

Instructions

Add hibiscus, dandelion root, flaxseeds, and rosemary leaves to water.
Bring to a boil.
Turn heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
Add catnip and comfrey root to warm water and let sit for 10 minutes.
Strain leaves, flowers, and seeds from water.
Pour into bottles.
Keep in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

By Erica K. King

Lavishly Natural http://lavishlynatural.com/

BTW, have you seen this 5 Minute Updo? MUST. DO. THIS.

Simplify Lavishly:)

60-Day Hair Growth Challenge Results

June 26, 2014 by Erica King

Hello Naturalista!

Well, it has been a hair cleansing good time over the past week for Lavish.

I washed, deep conditioned, hot-oil treated, and twisted my hair — and have some very shiny results!

I had so much fun with my curlformers, but ended up sweating them out in the heat on Day 3.

I hadn’t done a deep condition in a while, and it was the perfect time for a no-heat hot oil treatment!

I like lots of honey in my oil so I make a raw organic honey conditioner.

It makes a great natural gloss that highlights your hair (if you use it over time).

For that recipe see Lightening Your Hair With Raw Organic Honey.

I use the recipe in the video, minus the banana.

If I’m mixing it by hand (which I usually do) the banana is too hard to wash out. I’m picking out banana pieces for days!

Marshmallow root powder, pureed banana or pumpkin (both are deeply conditioning for hair), and coconut milk are neater options.

Lavishly Natural’s Raw Organic Honey Deep Conditioning Hair Gloss

I mixed 2 tablespoons of raw organic honey, 1 tsp of rhassoul clay, 1 tsp of marshmallow root powder, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, in a small plastic container.

I used a homemade organic coconut oil & castor oil mix (pictured above).

I applied the gloss to dry hair.

I was going to rinse the gloss out with my conditioner, but I wanted to try something new. I tried oil rinsing after reading this article and watching the video.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the results!!! I’m so happy I didn’t use the conditioner.

I didn’t have to apply anything once my hair was rinsed and dry.

It was deeply moisturized, detangled, and naturally shining!

I wanted to put the twists in on slightly damp hair so I spritzed with Jane Carter’s Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, used Burnt Sugar Pomade on the ends, and flaxseed gel for the full luscious strand.

No frizz or loose hair!

I’m trying out some updos with these twists so I’ll post some photos of my results soon.

Hair Update

Can you see the growth over the past year?

The Hair Growth Challenge has been a success, but not in the way I originally planned.

(Read my first hair bio here)

I’m still using the same homemade and store-bought natural products, and my hair is still growing at about a 1/2 inch or more each month.

In a protective style this seems to double.

My hair is super healthy, strong, growing, and I finally cracked the moisture code for my kinky, coily, soft, wavy, curls!

Now I can address my concern about covering the myriad of grey hair that has literally taken root near the front of my head.

I love my silvery strands of wisdom, but I love henna highlights even more!

I have a sexy henna recipe, but think I’m going to opt for a beetroot and hibiscus tea base, to really put the RED in some red highlights.

Still On My Raw Foods Ish…

So I’m still juicing everyday and keeping up with my One-Raw-Food-A-Day Challenge.

Did you juice with me during Juice Week?

This infusion of daily delicious nutrients are really helping heal the dry skin around my chin, and stop the breakouts from having a party on my cheeks!

Hydrate Lavishly :-)

Top 5 Essential Oils for Luscious Hair Growth

April 17, 2014 by Erica King

Rulers, length check shirts, progression pictures, it seems sometimes we naturalista’s can get a bit caught up in hair growth. We flip through pictures of hair crushes wondering what miracle gene they must’ve been blessed with.

Truth is anyone can grow long, healthy hair.

It takes time, patience, and the right products to reach long lengths. Maintaining moisture, keeping your scalp clear of debris, and follicle stimulation are a few things you can do to jump on the road to success.

There are many products on the market that claim to help stimulate hair growth but when applying product, sometimes less is more; which is why essential oils are perfect for the job.

Essential oils are taken straight from the plants of mother nature. They can serve many purposes from medicinal to cosmetic and have been a go-to for centuries.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its many talents. It’s powers date back thousands of years when it was used to cure viruses such as the common cold. Now it is a common ingredient used in over the counter acne medications.

Tea tree is a natural antiseptic which helps get rid of bacteria or fungi.

When applied to hair this is very beneficial to those who suffer from scalp irritations like dandruff, or lice. It acts as an exfoliant by removing debris from the scalp, allowing hair follicles to clear. Clear follicles mean room for natural oils to coat the hair and an easier environment for new hair to push through.

2. Bur Oil

Bur oil is a precious gem many of us ignore. Bur, or burdock, is obtained from the burdock root. The oil is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols.

Phytosterols closely mimic cholesterol, by helping to soften and keep frizz under control.

The fatty acids found in burdock are very rare and help hair grow. It helps by providing nutrients that help the oil glands and hair follicles function.

3. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is also essential for hair growth. This oil serves as an astringent which helps balance the scalp’s PH level. Pure peppermint oil can be strong, so dilute it with water before applying.

This oil works by penetrating the scalp and regenerating the hair follicle. Once this type of environment is created on the scalp, circulation will increase, and your hair will grow.

It can also help prevent hair loss, fight dandruff, and reduce excess oil!

Excess oil can clog the follicle making it hard for new hair to resurface.

4. Lavender Oil

Lavender is an essential oil often added to products for fragrance. Originating from the Mediterranean, Lavender was used as a healing and relaxation aid for disorders such as stress and insomnia.

As we know, stress is proven to cause hair loss issues such as alopecia.

For hair, lavender aids in improving circulation and fighting infection. It can also be used to treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis!

Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth, which is why lavender can be a hero product.

5. Jojoba Oil

Oh jojoba! Most of us already know the wonders you work for our hair!

Jojoba helps to moisturize the hair, by acting as our scalps natural oils.

Jojoba can be used to hydrate any part of the body, it even makes a good makeup remover.

The jojoba shrub itself is known for it’s ability to withstand harsh environments. If this plant can live worry free in the desert, imagine how well jojoba’s moisture can bind to your hair. Making sure your hair is hydrated at all times will ensure your strands don’t get dry and brittle.

Essential Hydration

Remember, only 90% of your hair is live and growing, you want to prevent as many strands as possible from entering its resting period to maintaining long, voluminous hair.

You must keep your scalp clear so hair can push through properly and you must keep each strand hydrated.

A cool way to reap the benefits of all of these awesome oils is to create an oil mixture by placing it in a spray bottle.

I love to saturate my hair on wash day, or just use a few squirts to seal in my leave in!

I’m sure you’ve used essential oils in one form or another, but give them a try in your tresses! You won’t regret it!

This article was written by A True Goddess & Makeup Diva, Nina Harwell.

I am a beauty writer and makeup artist who loves connecting with people and sharing the power of makeup and skincare. I became inspired by transformation. I love how just a little product can uncover beauty you never knew you had! My purpose is to give everyone the self esteem and confidence they’ve always wanted. I long to teach everyday women how to take better care of themselves, since many of us spend our lives caring for others.

9 Ylang Ylang Benefits for Your Hair & Body

January 9, 2014 by Erica King

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) Oil, is a balancing, soothing fragrance for many natural hair and body care solutions. This oil comes from the big droopy yellow flowers of the cananga tree. These fast growing trees are often found in tropical climates (India, Indonesia, the Philippines), and used for their fabulous fragrance.

The oil has a strong, sweet, floral scent and is sold in 4 commercial grades:

Extra - the finest, comes from the first distillation
One
Two
Three (what I’m currently using)

I was surprised when my oldest daughter Asia (who is quite the mixtress herself:) wanted to shake some in our nightly hair oil. Depending on the style, I’ll braid or twist her hair at night, and take it down in the morning. It gives her hair a pretty curly effect without heat. It also saves me lots of time so I can do Laila’s hair (also thick and luscious), mine, and still get them to school on time!

Shiny…

these were taken before bed, but you can still see a few of her curls

We’ve been on a heavy coconut oil spree over the last few weeks (we bought a big jar from Costco) and I use this to apply to her hair after detangling with spritz (water with lavender oil and nettle). It makes her hair super soft and shiny. I added more water to the spray bottle and shook in a little ylang ylang because I love the smell (and it calms the house before bedtime).

She asked me - What’s ylang ylang Mommy, what’s it do?

As I got all professorial, and her pretty little eyes began to glaze over, I decided to give it to her post style (minus all the aphrodisiac stuff) - which I’m sharing with you!

9 Great Ylang Ylang Oil Benefits

1. Good for body relaxation - Ylang ylang is antispasmodic, meaning it suppresses muscle spasms. It’s excellent to rub into your skin after a workout or anytime your muscles feel tight and achy.

2. Lowers blood pressure - I used this with a group of cardiac patients (32 people) who were hoping to avoid surgery and a heart attack. In addition to making changes to what they ate, and their exercise regime, I gave everyone a spritz with lavender and ylang ylang for relaxation. In the 3 months we worked together, no one in this group had surgery or a heart attack. Made me say hmmm…

3. Kills head lice - As a parent, I love this one because once a year a letter comes home saying someone (in one of my kids’ classes) was sent home with head lice. Web Md has a spray recipe thats supposed to kill 92% of lice. I hope to never use it but I’m glad I have most of the ingredients on hand. It’s includes ylang ylang, anise, and coconut oil — who knew?

4. Lifts the spirits/causes euphoria. Feeling blue? Open a bottle of ylang ylang and inhale…deeply. Ylang ylang lifts the spirits, can cause feelings of euphoria, and tempers depression. How’s that for less than $10.

5. Perfect hair tonic - ylang ylang balances oil production in all skin types, especially those of us oily skinned beauties. When used on your hair and scalp, it stimulates hair growth. I believe this is THE special ingredient thats helped Asia’s edges grow in thicker and faster in the last few weeks.

6. Good mood food - this deep scented love potion also balances feelings of jealousy and dissolves the symptoms of anger and frustration. The next time you’re feeling some type of way - don’t throw this bottle at anyone. Add a few drops to a cup of water and set it next to you while you pray, vent, or call a friend to bring you back from the edge…

7. Decreases feelings of fear

8. Calms irritability, boosts relaxation - My son (4) usually needs some help calming down when he comes home from school. I’ll apply some sensory pressure (massage) on his arms and legs, and if her really needs it, we’ll use a sensory brush. I like to spray ylang ylang scented water in the air during this time. He LOVES it! If a tantrum’s brewing and I can find it in time, it works well to ease his little temper - which he definitely got from his father’s side of the family.

9. An aphrodisiac - It’s hard to find any article that doesn’t speak about the increase of sexual, sensual desire with this scent. I think Rosewood Oil has a more intense effect (everyone is nicer to you with this on your wrist:) but it may be it’s intense relaxing effect that helps you feel more in the mood. With Valentines Day coming up, it will be in my sensual collection of goodies, along with that rosewood oil…

Bonus Benefits

It can be used as a flavoring - I kept seeing ylang ylang used as food flavoring but didn’t find any food recipes with this ingredient. I love it and all, but haven’t eaten it…that I know of. I did find an abstract that examined the safety of using ylang ylang in food. Check it out here if you’re curious.

Other moody effects: balances feelings of anxiety, grief, impatience, hypersensitivity, stress, feelings of overwhelm, melancholy.

Supports the spiritual principle of Acceptance.

Side Effects

Use less than you think you need with ylang ylang. It is pretty powerful and too much can cause headaches and nausea. I rarely use more than 4 to 6 drops (and I’m heavy handed with my oils), even in baths.

Asia’s CoCo-Ylang Hair Oil Recipe (for Healthy Shiny Curls)

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 to 2 drops ylang ylang oil

Apply to hair with or without a water spritz.
Braid hair and sleep with a silk or satin scarf/hair bonnet.
Take hair down and style as usual in the morning.

Other Options…

You don’t have to use coconut oil. Jojoba, safflower, and sunflower oil, also work well in this recipe. For a deep conditioning, try using coco-ylang hair oil for scalp massage and as a hot oil treatment.