Hibiscus Honey Mask

I have a fabulous Hair Mask Recipe that I made last night. I'm not sure if I already shared this will y'all, but here it goes:

* 2 tbsp of organic hibiscus powder
* 1 1/2 tbsp of brahmi powder
* 2 tbsp of organic amla powder
* 1/4 cup of Tresseme Remoisturize conditoner
* 1 teaspoon of honey
* 1/2 tsp of aloe vera gel

Mix well and apply to hair. Leave on for 30 min to an hour. Co-wash or shampoo out mask. This is important as hibiscus powder tends to settle on the hair and not want to let go!!! Your hair will have a burgundy tint to it that shows more intensely in the sun. Most importantly, your hair will be moisturized and conditioned as hibiscus powder, when combined with water becomes mucilaginous which provides TONS of slip (which aids in ease of detangling) and softness. Try it today!

Have a great week! :-)

Review: African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer Lotion

Whenever I used to think of the brand African Pride, I always had a flashback to to troubled times when I used to wear extensions 24-7. African Pride braid spray was the isht back then, but the smell was...umm..jheri curlish. lol. After years of wearing extensions, I got tired of being braided up and started to explore my natural hair. Needless to say, this was the end of my African Pride affair.

Flash forward to 7 years later during my second time going natural. After flirting with the African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer Lotion for about 6 months, I decided to give it a go to style for a braidout. The first thing I noticed was the texture and the smell. It is a creamy oil-based moisturizer, but water is the first ingredient, so it made my hair very smooth when I was applying it. I styled my hair in 5 flat twists and OMG my twists were so shiny and soft! Here are the ingredients:

Water (Aqua,Eau) Glycine Soja (Soybean)Oil,Propolene Glycol,Olea Europaea (Olive)Fruit oil,Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Cocos Nucifera (Coconut)Oil,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed oil,Persia Gratissima (Avocado)Oil,Panax Ginseng Root Extract,Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)Leaf Extract,Equisetum Hiemale ( Horsetail )Extract,Melaleuca Alternifolia ( Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Hydrogenated vegetable oil,Steareth-2 Steareth-20,Polyquaternium-37, Propolyne Glycol,Dicprylate/Dicaprate,PPG-1,Trideceth-6,Phenyl Trimethicone,Laneth-15,Lanolin oil,Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin,TBHQ,Methylparaben,Propylparaben,CI 19140 (FD&C Yellow #5) Parfum (Fragrance)


Here is my twist-out puff after using moisturizer:



Because shea butter is one of the first few ingredients, it helps to be light-handed with this product. A little bit goes a long way! Also, lightly misting the hair with water definitely helps before using the lotion because it is oil-based and you want to trap the moisture in.

P.S. It is good to be back (again). :-p

Review: Softee hair growth stimulating oil

I LOOOOVE it when I find a cheap-ass product that works wonders.

Lemme just say I am super-excited about this oil! It is waaay cheap, has great ingredients and is effective in making my hair soft. The BIG deal: It is available at your local drugstore! I picked up this bottle from Walgreens a few weeks ago and it has not done me wrong yet. I use it to seal in moisture when styling right after a good deep condition. It is light, smells good, has a lot of great ingredients in it and it is supposed to assist in hair growth without the irritation that can come with other stimulating hair growth products. Sorry for the lack of decent pics, but I am at work and today is a horribly busy day!

Here are the ingredients:
Soybean Oil , Meadowfoam Seed Oil , Shea Butter Extract , Capsicum Extract , Black Pepper Extract , Coffee Extract , Rosemary Extract , Safflower Oil , Wheat Germ Oil , Retinyl Palmitate , Tocopheryl Acetate , Cholecalciferol , Hops Extract , Balm Mint Extract , Chamomile Extract , Yarrow Extract , Nettle Extract , Horsetail Extract , Neutral Henna Extract , Fragrance , Red 17 , Yellow 11

Sounds yummy right?!

Here's the instructions on the bottle:

Apply to hair and scalp (damp or dry) and massage gently. Great for daily moisturization and shine or use in your weekly beauty regimen. Deep or hot oil treatment: Apply a generous amount to your hair, comb through for even distribution, cover with a plastic cap and heat under the dryer. Rinse or lightly shampoo if necessary..

And now for the best part...It's only $3.49 at Walgreens! You can hunt it down for a cheaper price at your local beauty supply, but it just doesn't get any better than that people. I am waiting for it to appear at my local dollar store, but I digress.

Pssst!I have even used this on my feet and skin with the same results! You can find out about more of their oils and products at www.softeeproducts.com.

*The only thing that I would advise is this: This oil has a lot of stimulative properties to it, so if you have high blood pressure be cautious or advise with your doctor.

Check it out today and enjoy your weekend!

Bitty Boss

Tuesday Hair: Twist-out with Enzo Naturals products

I have been taking a big break from heat lately by roller-setting with the "cool" feature on my hooded hair dryer and styling on stretched hair. Last night I was excited when I finally got my Enzo Naturals package/prize from the Newly Natural giveaway. It included the Marshmallow Root Twisting Pudding as well as the Olive and Honey Hydrating Hair Butter. Both smell and look devine! I used the twisting pudding to create 6 flat two-strand twists on stretched hair. I then used the hydrating butter on my ends to keep them happy. To top it off, I added a perm rod roller to the ends of each flat twist and this is what I happily woke up with this morning:





The results are weather-proof, shiny, bouncy hair!

Have you ever tried anything from Enzo Naturals?

Creamy Thursday

Lemme just start by saying that my husband's fam is THA BOMB as they must've read my mind. Yesterday, to my pleasant surprise, a greeting card came in the mail along with...wait for it...a $100 gift card for Wal-Mart! That's right. A hundred bucks!
Now that may not be all that much to some folks, but for my broke ass it saved the week! I jumped in my hood-mobile and jetted as fast as I could to the nearest 'Mart' for a mini spree. Among the many, many rows of merchandise I found this little gem:



Let's just say I went a little crazy today and started to get inspired. o_O

First Inspiration? Hair of course! I whipped up a hair mask with some yummy ingredients:
*1/2 box of Kara Coconut Cream
*1 container of banana baby food
*2 tbsp of honey
*1 tsp of grapeseed oil
*2 tbsp of Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Conditioner (to thicken)
*1/2 tsp of hibiscus powder
*1/2 tsp of brahmi powder

This concoction is sitting on my head as we speak. My scalp feels soothed and tingly. I can't wait to see how my hair looks!

Second Inspiration? My morning coffee! Since I wanted to damn near eat the mixture I put on my head, I thought, why not put some of this yumminess into my coffee? This mixture is soooo good if you love a little coconut flavor with your coffee. The taste is very mild and adds a dairy-free richness that is divine. I encourage you to try this with your next cup of coffee for a little
extra treat to your morning.

Third Inspiration? Fashion! I really, really want to flaunt at least one of these coconut-inspired numbers this summer. Let the clothes speak for themselves:






















This is too cute. I adore this flowy, creamy dress from Lulu's. It looks like it would be so soft and romantic. Available at www.lulus.com.























I love this 1960's cream-colored wiggle dress by FemaleHysteria at Etsy. It is a knit dress so I know my curves will be nicely accentuated. Sexy!
This can be found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/63270816/1960s-beaded-cream-knit-wiggle-dress.



These brown and cream espadrilles by Prada are reaaaalllly cute. They look comfy too, which is always a plus when you are tryna maintain your sexy.

Ahhh there's the sunshine! As I write this I am drinking my coconut coffee with coconut mask running down the side of my face. The sun finally came out, I'm happy as hell, and I know it's gonna be a good day.

Happy Thursday!xx

Creamy Dreamy Hair Treatments

Hey divas!

If you like to style your hair frequently, your tresses probably crave some much needed TLC. Hairsprays, bobby pins, teasing, braiding, curling, setting...these hair helpers can all wreak havoc if over-abused. Below, I have listed some of my favorite hair masque creations to add some va-va-voom to your locks. These can be used as pre-shampoo treatments (left on for 15 min.) or deep conditioners (left on for 45 min. to an hour).

The Green Banana - For super dry hair
2-4 tbsp hempseed oil (ceramides, smoothing, shine)
1 container of banana baby food (Thanks Hell's Notes! Bananas add moisture and shine)
1 tbsp of honey (moisturizing, nourishing, adds shine)

Cinnamon Sugar Cookie - For dry, slow-growing hair
1/4 cup of your favorite cheapie moisturizing conditioner (V05, Suave, etc)
1/4 tsp of cinnamon (lightening, stimulating)
4 tbsp of whipping cream (softens, strengthens)
2 tbsp almond oil (moisturizing, emollient)
1 tbsp of honey
*Please do a skin patch test, as some are sensitive to cinnamon



Rosemary Coconut Creme - For dull hair and itchy scalp
1/2 can of coconut milk (smoothing, adds manageability & strength)
1/4 cup of Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner (oldie but goodie)
2 tbsp of coconut oil (shine, nourishing, softening)
5-10 drops of rosemary essential oil (excellent for hair growth)

Sour Power - For oily hair and scalp exfoliation
1/2 can of coconut milk
Lemon juice from 1 large lemon (gets rid of excess oil, tones scalp)
1 tbsp of olive oil (moisturizing, nourishing)
*This recipe may loosen curl pattern



Everything you need can be found at your local grocery or health food store. Do you have any hair mask recipes that rock your world? Do tell!

Yummy Homemade Facial Treatments

As spring approaches, I am definitely focusing more on my skin. As should you!
Valentine's day is creepin' up on us and most of us want that flawless glow to set our lover's heart a-flutter. Here are some all-natural treatments that you can try at home to treat your skin.


A drop of grapeseed oil + drop of aloe vera gel = a great balancing facial serum for irritated skin. The grapeseed oil tones and evens the skin while the aloe vera gel moisturizes and soothes.


A drop of coconut oil + drop of honey + a dot of amla powder = A wonderfully nourishing facial scrub that softens and brightens the skin. Wet skin first, and apply the scrub in gentle, circular motions, then rinse with warm water. You may also leave this on the skin for 5-10 minutes as a masque.


A dot of shea butter + a dot of olive oil = A fabulous night time moisturizer that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while keeping skin supple and hydrated throughout the night. I like to use this around my eyes to keep laugh lines at bay.


A dot of brown sugar + a dot of almond oil = A lip scrub to die for! Apply to scrub to dry lips and scrub gently in a circular motion for 1 minute. Rinse with warm water and blot excess water with a soft cloth. Use your favorite lip balm to seal the moisture in. I like to use this before I know I am gonna be lovey-dovey with my fiance. Works every time!

All of the ingredients mentioned above can be purchased at your local grocery store. The amla powder can be purchased online at ayurnaturalbeauty.com or at your local Indian grocery store.

Happy Monday!

Scalp Soothing Hair Spa

Do you have dry scalp due to the harsh winter cold? Try this quick recipe to get your scalp supple and nourished.

Scalp Soothing Hair Spa

What you will need:

4 tablespoons of grapeseed oil (adjust accordingly if your hair is longer)
5 drops of rosemary essential oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
Aloe vera gel or juice (optional)
Washcloth
Shower cap

Mix well and massage this potent concoction into your scalp focusing on thinning and extremely dry sections. After scalp is coated, work the mixture to the ends of your hair. Wet your washcloth with hot water (not too hot!) and wring out the excess. Wrap the towel around your hair and cover with a shower cap. Wait 15 minutes and enjoy the warm, soothing feeling. Kick back with a good book or try this while you are soaking in the tub. Rinse well. Cleanse and/or condition-wash as usual.



Cherry on Top: This is also a great treatment for stimulating the hair follicles and encouraging growth.

Happy Tuesday!

My Hair Staples: The Current Lineup

Hello! My name is Bitty Boss and I am a recovering hair product junkie.

It took me a while to get out of the temporary insanity of product junkyism. I was filled with pure, heart-racing glee when I would go to the beauty supply or any large department store. After a year of experimentation, throwing tubes of products at the wall, and deep conditioning more than I have ever done in my life, I am finally becoming in sync with my hair and what it needs. It may sound like a lot, but I am a mixtress at heart.

Pre-poo (a treatment done on your hair before you shampoo to prevent dryness): Grapeseed oil and a cheap-o conditioner

Shampoos:

Clarifying - Giovanni 50:50 Balancing Moisturizing. Strips gunk off the hair without sulfates

Moisturizing- I gotta admit, I'm still on the search for a great moisturizing shampoo, but I am currently using diluted Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe. I add a little tea tree oil. It is great for itchy scalp due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I am considering apple cider vinegar as a light cleanser.

Conditioners :

Most V05 conditioners work for me, as I have fine hair. I use the Split Ends, Volumizing, all of the Moisture Milks for detangling and pre-poo mixes.

Deep Conditioners:

Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing treatment - This is a great treatment for rollersetting.

Silicon Mix - This is a fabulous conditioner from the Dominican Republic that I use when I roller set or straighten my hair. Smells great too.

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment - SUPER moisturized hair.

Joico Moisture Remedy Treatment Balm - I usually dilute this because it is soo thick. It contains nourishing exotic oils and extracts.

Edible stuff I add to my treatments - Various combinations of coconut milk/cream, moisturizng oils, kokum or shea butter, eggs, honey (my love), bananas, sour cream, lemon juice, and much more. Sounds yummy, huh?

Leave ins:

Only one has completely stolen my heart: Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Creme. I love this stuff! It's chocked full of herbal extracts and it's nice and creamy. Dreamy creamy. When I ever run out, I will use my old stand-by, Trader Joes Nourish Spa Moisturizng Conditioner.

Hair Spa Time:

I do tea hair rinses and ayurvedic treatments/herbs (henna, amla, maka, brahmi powders) once a month or when I have time.

Pics of my hair after using these products:





What are some of your hair staples?

I'm Baaaaack!

Just got back from a Thanksgiving in Ukiah, California a few minutes ago. I am dog tired and about to drink a beer and call it a day. I NEED to do my hair though. As I am writing this I have a pre-shampoo treatment on my hair mixed with the following ingredients:

1/8 cup of V05 Kiwi Lime conditioner
1/8 cup of Suave Aloe and Waterlily conditioner
3 tbsp of almond oil
1 tbsp of grapeseed oil
1 tsp amla powder

I will be posting pics of my holiday adventures tomorrow. Stay tuned.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Tea isn't just for drinking....

..It is also an invigorating way to treat/clean your hair and scalp!

When my hair needs a very gentle cleansing, I opt for a tea rinse instead of shampoo. This leaves my hair feeling cleaner than if I were to do a co-wash (wash with conditioner) alone.

Here's my method:

1. Boil 1.5 to 2 cups of water. Once water is at a rolling boil, remove from heat source.

2. Immediately add herbs/teas of your choice to the water and lightly stir. After tea is room temp (or slightly warm) and the herbs have settled to the bottom of your pot, pour the tea into a measuring cup, bowl, or spray bottle of your choice.

3. Saturate your hair with the mixture, apply shower cap, and let the tea sit on your hair for 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Co-wash or water rinse as normal.

Some of my favorite hair tea recipes.

Moisturizing - 1 tsp hibiscus, 1 tbsp amla powder

Growth Stimulating - 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp mint, 1 tsp horsetail

Scalp Soothing - 1 tsp mint, 1 tsp chamomile

Hair Darkening and Shine - 1 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp sage, 1 tsp amla

Deep Cleansing - 1 green tea bag, 1/2 tsp amla, 1/2 tsp rosemary



For more info on the herbs mentioned above, check out www.botanical.com

Herbal Essences

Most of my friends know I am into making herbal concoctions for hair and body, and I must give credit to where credit is due!

My herbal BIBLE is Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality.



I purchased this jewel from Scarlet Sage Herb Company in San Francisco many years ago. This book is very detailed and easy to understand with many herbal recipes specifically for women, men, children, and the elders. I especially love her skin and hair recipes. The back of the book contains a detailed encyclopedia (complete with pictures) of all of the herbs mentioned in the book and more. If you are a newbie herbalist or an expert looking to expand your collection, this book is an excellent starting point.

Scarlet Sage Herb Company - http://www.scarletsageherb.com/

Rosemary Gladstar's website - http://www.sagemt.com/