Emma came up with the idea of posts based on "Sh*t from your cupboard," with her Make it yourself bleach, now I'm sharing with you my 'make it yourself' hair masks that I use fortnightly. As winter is coming, my hair needs as much protection and moisture as it can get, so I turn to my hair mask chart. This time of year, my hair can be dry and crunchy (yeah, that sounds as bad as it is), so I use a combination of hair masks after I shampoo. 

For starters, bananas and avocados are amazing for dry hair. Unfortunately, I hate bananas--the smell, texture, taste (I'm cringing just thinking about it)--so I avoid it as much as I can, and avocados don't grow in the UK, so that's a no go. Instead, I use Mayo, Honey, and Eggs (sometimes). In addition, I add 1 tablespoon of coconut, jojoba, almond or olive oil for additional moisture and nourishment. For my most recent mask I added Rhassoul clay which acts as a cleanser for the scalp and a moisturiser.  I then put a shower cap on and give it 20-30 minutes to seep into the roots and shafts. [Do not shampoo or condition afterwards]. My hair always feels heavenly, and my curls are defined and soft...aaaahhhh...just the thought is making me want to make a hair mask now. What about you? 

To make things easier, I've included this hair mask guide for all types of hair problems. These can be used for every hair type, so let us know which hair mask you try and how it turns out.

Stay tuned for photos of my next hair mask, which will see me experimenting with using coconut milk & honey

Ok Ok! So the person in the photo is not me, but after seeing one of my oldest friends' protective styles for her Indoor Rock Climbing Adventure, I couldn't resist. Not to mention, I just chopped a couple inches off my own hair, so this cool flat twist will not be making an appearance on this head anytime soon.

Now the best thing about this style is that, anyone can wear it. Not just us girls of the "Afro" persuasion, but also people with naturally straight hair (Emma, I'm talking to you). So, here is the premise: You're going on a hike, rock climbing, running, to a yoga class, etc., and you are getting fed up of your luscious mane getting in the way. You need to do an up do that will get you through the 5 hour trek, or the 2 hour yoga session, and want something a bit more inspired.Well continue reading and get Marcia's tips on how to recreate her elegant, yet practical protective style [also, see how she gets on with her first indoor rock climbing attempt].

Its summer, and the heatwave that is taking over Southern England is enough to drive anyone mad. Droves of people are seeking refuge in the indoor pools and lidos across the country, and yours truly is no exception. Although, not recreationally, I now go to my public indoor pool to do lengths once a week, and on the first trip I thought that a speedo swimming cap would be my answer and saving grace to the issue of chlorine and natural hair. Unfortunately, no! It was great at keeping my hair back, but afterwards, my hair was crunchy, dry and unpleasant to touch.

What on earth should I do? On my second trip, I scoured the cupboards for products, and the internet for remedies, and came up with a combination of techniques that show vast improvement from the rest. These are simple pre- and post-swimming processes that I am happy to recommend to everyone. As I swim weekly and not recreationally I highly recommend that those of you with similar or more competitive swimming habits.

Ok, maybe the green wig is a bit too much, but it did get your attention, right? Many of my friends and family have dyed their hair at some point, and I always feel as though I should be a bit more adventurous and try out a colour (or two). Perhaps platinum? Blonde maybe? (I hear they have loads of fun.) Well, maybe not platinum (for now, although an encounter with a wig at Diane von Furstenberg has me contemplating it) or blonde, but a colour change might be nice, or highlights. However, if I am going on this natural journey, surely I should look for natural hair dyes, or at least hair dyes that are best suited for natural hair-natural product women. I've found only a few, but would definitely love to hear what others have tried, and get some recommendations as to which ones I should use. EEK!

So far I have found: EcoColors, Clairol Natural Instincts, Henna Hair Dyes, especially Light Mountain & Lush's Caca Mama range, and the use of coffee, flowers teas, paprika, juices, lemons and other natural food items.

My Inspiration for the colour change, thanks to DvF

Of these the Henna Hair Dyes have been the rage, but I have yet to try them. I have known of their benefits to all hair types, especially when it comes to strengthening, protecting, thickening and sealing your hair from split ends. 

What have you tried? And what have been your results?

So this is my first natural hair review--something Emma needed wanted me to do for quite some time now. I've refrained for this long as I was never keen on revealing the before or during, just the after, of my hair maintenance regime. I have been growing my hair naturally for almost a year, with numerous chops to my coif. Today, I will be reviewing Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, which includes the Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner (the main component), the Leave-In Moisturiser, & the Pudding.

What it Promises

This is a "rich moisturising cream that quickly and easily absorbs into your curls, coils, kinks and waves to leave them defined, glossy and frizz-free." So if you have dry curly hair, this promises to put moisture back in and get rid of any frizz. It contains hydrating elements like Cocoa and Shea Butters, plus Soybean Oil to soften and strengthen it. There is also Agave Nectar to ensure that your curls, coils, kinks and waves keep moisture locked in and are extra-healthy. No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors. Continue to Read my Review.