back to basics: shea.

i think shea butter is going to be added to my list of staples. i just got my very first package of nasabb shea butter, and i’m so glad i did. i’ve completely forgotten the benefits shea butter has for both the hair and scalp. needless to say, i’m going to keep using nasabb’s shea butter. i used to use sher essence shea butter, which is equally amazing but only available in small 4 oz containers. definitely check her store out if you are looking to sample shea butter, though. sher essence also provides with east african shea butter, which is extremely hard to find and VERY SOFT.

i massaged some into my hair may be four or five hours after co-washing my hair with avalon organics olive and grape seed conditioner. my hair was twisted in many buns and still damp. i took out the buns, applied the shea butter, and twisted my hair in large two-strand twists. i took the twists out later on, and my hair felt like heaven! the shea butter also left my curls looking effortless, soft, and healthy. i love the smell of nasabb’s shea butter, and i love that it is creamy– not too soft, but melts and absorbs easily into the skin and hair. A+!

other updates? i just realized that avalon organics’s lavender conditioner contains silicones! shame on me. it’s still great at moisturizing and detangling, but i prefer the moisturizing olive and grape conditioner (which is silicone-free).

i love avalon organics conditioner!

i switched to avalon organics conditioner a couple weeks ago, and i’m so glad i did! i found their shampoos and conditioners on sale at whole foods, and decided to give them a try. i don’t know if i’ll be able to use the conditioner at its regular price ($8-$9, depending on where you get it), but i also have a feeling that i won’t be using up the entire bottle too quickly. the product has such a thick and creamy consistency, and it has worked wonders for my hair. EXCELLENT for co-washes, especially during winter and/or in dry climates.

i specifically purchased the revitalizing shampoo with peppermint and nourishing conditioner with lavender. i am interested in the olive and grape seed oil conditioner as well.

oiling scalp for dandruff

if you’re a regular reader, it’s obvious that i’ve had issues with my dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. a friend of mine and i were talking about this a little bit ago, and she suggested oiling my scalp and not washing it too much. that’s when it hit me, i would hardly ever moisturize my scalp. so i’ve been doing so with olive oil and my qhemet biologics heavy cream for the past month. i’ll massage and moisturize my scalp whether i’m co-washing or shampooing. it has definitely made a huge difference, and i recommend this to anyone who is dealing with the same issue. it’s easy to forget if you tend to be on the go.. especially if you co-wash once every few days, quickly moisturize your hair, and go to work/school. but just taking that extra one or two minutes can save you a lot of frustration, embarrassment, and irritation!

don’t use too much oil, a quarter sized amount will do for a large portion of your head.