Mixology || Simple Detangler Recipe Using Shea Butter and Oils

This recipe is ideal for undoing an old set of twists or braids.

Ingredients: 
4 tbsp coconut oil
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp melted shea butter (optional, but makes the process much easier)

Directions:
All you need for this detangler are coconut oil, olive oil, and melted shea butter. Apply this mixture to dry or damp hair, allow it to set, and then proceed to finger detangle. (Leaving coconut oil on dry hair overnight has been demonstrated to reduce combing damage.)

Mixology || Natural Blackhead-Busting Blackout Mask

This recipe is from bodyunburden.com blog.  For more details and more DIY recipes, check out the blog.

Ingredients:
2 capsule of activated charcoal
1/2 tsp of bentonite clay
2 tsp of water

Instructions:
Mix (using a plastic or wooden spoon only) all the ingredients together into a smooth paste, and spot test the mask on your cheek or underside of your wrist.  Wash face with a mild cleanser and pat partially dry.  Apply the mask evenly avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes and lips, and let sit until dry (~7-10 minutes).  As the mask dries, it feels tight on the skin, which can sometimes feel a little itchy.  (If you start to feel uncomfortable, wash the mask off.)  After the mask dries, wash it off, pat face gently with a clean towel, and let the skin breath or apply a mild all-natural moisturizer.

Mixology || Lola Zabeth's Mud Wash Recipe

Are you interested in making your own mud wash?

Ingredients:
3 tbs bentonite clay powder
1 tbs organic powdered honey
1 tbs organic slippery elm powder
3 ozs aloe vera juice

Instructions:
1. Mix the bentonite clay, powdered honey and slippery elm powder in a bowl.
2. Funnel the mixture into a bottle. Pour the aloe vera juice into the bottle. Shake well. The consistency is perfect–loose enough the spread easily without being drippy and messy.

For the full tutorial and/or more details, check out Lola's blog.

Mixology || Making Your Own Carrot Oil

LOO'S NOTE: When making carrot oil from scratch, you will find that you are using a lot of carrots to make a small amount of oil.  The beauty of the below recipe is that the addition of an oil to your process makes the creation easier and increases your yield, though it is obviously a mix of carrot oil and the oil you chose.  A similar process can be applied to make coconut oil and avocado oil.  

RECIPE SOURCE

Supplies Needed

• Veggie peeler
• Hand grater or food processor
• Crock pot
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Glass mason jar

Ingredients

-2 organically or home grown carrots
-olive, coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil, to cover

Method

1. Wash and peel the skin of the carrots.
2. Grate carrots with the use of a hand grater or food processor.
3. Place the grated carrots in a crock pot and pour the oil of your choice to cover. Note: I used 2 1/4 cups of oil or 18 ounces.
4. On your crock pot’s lowest setting, maintain a warm temperature — infusing the oil for a full 24-72 hours. Note: I use the “warm” temperature setting on my crock pot. Try not to allow the temperature of the oil to rise above 100-105 degrees farenheit. You will notice the oil becoming orange in color.
5. Once the infusion process is complete, pour the carrots and oil mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and strain.
6. Reserve the oil and compost the carrots.
7. Label and store the oil in a glass mason jar in the refrigerator until ready for use. Will keep for 6-8 months if stored properly.

For more recipes like this, check out Frugally Sustainable.

Mixology || Protein Pre-Treatment by Chicoro

Ingredients
1/3 teaspoon each (cysteine, cystine, methionine)
300 grams or 1 block of soft tofu
1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (water based/moisture)
1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup of oil (for lubrication)
melted coconut oil

For details, watch the below video:

Mixology || A More Natural Bug Spray Recipe

Do you want an alternative to the chemical-based bug sprays out there?  Are you interested in making a more natural bug spray?

Recipe Source

Ingredients:

- ½ cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp alcohol
- 6-10 drops essential oil: use any of these alone or any combination – lemongrass, any mint, lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, neem, geranium, and litsea cubeba. 

Instructions:
Pour the alcohol into the spray bottle. Add the essential oils and shake well. Add water, leaving enough room at the top so it will mix when you shake it. If you use a large spray bottle, ingredients can be doubled or tripled.

For more DIY Natural Recipes, check out: DIYNatural Blog

Mixology || Homemade Coconut Aloe Leave-In Conditioner

Do you want to create a natural homemade leave-in? I have yet to try this recipe but it certainly looks interesting.  Try it out.

Ingredients:
2 cups of aloe vera juice
3 cups of coconut water
25 drops of honeysuckle essential oil

Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle.  Store in a refrigerator until ready for use. (Recipe Source)

Mixology || Coconut Milk Shampoo

Liquid castile soap is generally made from olive oil (and/or other oils) and water. Though some naturals have shied away from it with all the talk of pH, the reality is that other naturals have faired fine using it in their shampoo recipes. If you are interested in giving liquid castile soap a try, the following mixture involves the addition of organic coconut milk (for dilution and additional lathering), distilled water (for further dilution), and safflower oil (for moisture).

Ingredients: 
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
3 tbsp organic coconut milk
1 tsp distilled water
1 tsp safflower oil (add more if you desire)

Instructions:
1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bottle. Shake the bottle well before use.
2. Save the remainder in a closed bottle for future use (up to a few weeks).
3. Follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse (if necessary) for pH balance.

Mixology || Recipe for Organic Makeup

In the following video,  SparkWisdom discusses how to make your own "mineral powder".  Check it out!

Ingredients:
arrowroot powder
organic cocoa powder

Mixology || African Black Soap Shampoo

African black soap is created from palm leaves, cocoa pod ash, plantain skin ash, palm kernel oil, and sometimes fewer or more ingredients (e.g., shea butter). Combine this soap with glycerin or honey (both of which are humectants), grapeseed oil (helps to lock in moisture), and distilled water to create a cleansing, non-stripping shampoo.

Ingredients: 
4 tbsp African black soap (crumbled into pieces)
1 cup hot distilled water
2 tsp glycerin (or pure honey)
3 tsp grapeseed oil

Instructions: 

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bottle. Shake the bottle well and allow the mixture to cool before using. 
2. Save the remainder in a closed bottle for future use (up to a few weeks).

Mixology || Shea Butter Conditioner from Scratch

You do not need a lot of ingredients for this mixture nor do you need any hard-to-find ones.  All you need are an inexpensive conditioner, shea butter, and olive oil.

Ingredients:
4 parts cheap conditioner (e.g., VO5, Suave, etc.)
2 parts shea butter
1 part extra virgin olive oil
*Optional: feel free to use another oil instead (e.g., safflower)

Instructions:
1. Melt the shea butter until soft but not until a liquid.
2. Whip the shea butter the safflower oil and conditioner.
3. Apply the concoction to freshly washed hair.  Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and style as usual.

Mixology || Easy Non-Drying Henna Recipe for Conditioning

Do you want to try henna for hair conditioning but you do not know where to begin? Or maybe you are afraid of the dryness sometimes associated with henna?  Well here is a recipe worth trying:

Ingredients:

100g+ neutral henna (amount depends on length thickness of your hair)
1/2 an avocado
1 tsp oil of your choice (olive, grapeseed, castor, etc.)
1 tsp honey

Instructions: 
1. Mix all the above ingredients together in a stainless steel bowl.  (Assuming you are using pure henna, a stainless steel bowl should be fine.)
2. Section damp or dry hair.  Apply using plastic gloves or an applicator brush, section by section.
3. Cover hair with a secure plastic cap.
4. Allow to set for a minimum of 4 hours.  (Some ladies, henna overnight.)
5. Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water to remove henna.
6. Follow up with a conditioner wash.
7. Deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner for 20-30 minutes.
8. Rinse, moisturize, seal, and style as usual.

Source: Original recipe on LongHairCareForum

Mixology || Sugar Wax for Hair Removal

Are you interested making your own wax from scratch?  Do you want a wax with natural ingredients? Then check out the following recipe.

Ingredients:
2 tsp pure brown sugar
1 tsp water
1 tsp pure honey

Instructions:

1.) Stir all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave the mixture for approximately 35 seconds until melted.  (Do not microwave for too long or the mixture will harden.)

2.) Allow the mixture to cool until warm.  Do not apply while it is too hot and do not let it cool too much.

3.) Once the mixture is warm, use a wooden waxing spatula to apply it the region in which you want to remove hair.  Immediately follow up with application of a muslin strip and proceed to wax as normal.

Mixology || Recipe for Possible Regrowth of Edges

Are you trying to re-grow your edges?  The following mixture proved effective in a study of alopecia areata.  Though the conclusion of that study does not automatically translate into regrowth of edges that suffered via other means (e.g., traction alopecia), it may not hurt to see if this mixture works for you.

DISCLAIMER: Essential oils are very potent. Please consult your doctor before using them, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or have a medical condition. 

Ingredients (and portions from the journal):
3 mL of jojoba oil
20 mL of grapeseed oil
2 drops of thyme essential oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil
3 drops of rosemary essential oil
2 drops of cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:
Mix all the essential oils into your carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) and store in a container.  Use mixture to massage your edges for 2 minutes before going to bed.  Then wrap your edges with a warm towel to aid in the absorption of the oils. Do this nightly for several months.

Mixology || Curling Pudding (or Twist-out Definer)

Do you want to make your own curling pudding or twist cream?  Or do you want a product that holds without the dryness or flakiness?  Here is a recipe worth trying:

Ingredients (large batch):
1 tbsp castor oil
1/4 cup shea butter
1 1/4 cup your favorite gel

Instructions:
Whip the shea butter with the castor oil using a hand mixer (ideal) or a fork. Then mix in the gel thoroughly.  Use to define curls or apply before twisting for a defined twist-out.

Mixology, Skin Care || Elbow Softener

Are your elbows extra dry and hard this winter? Here is a natural homemade recipe for an elbow softener:

Ingredients
4 tbsp olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp honey

Instructions
Pour ingredients in sterilized jar, cover and shake well. Shake well before each use. Massage a little into each elbow for a few minutes. Rinse off, pat dry, and moisturize. (Use this recipe twice daily and your skin will be soft within one week. After that, use weekly.)

FOR MORE: 250 Bath Body Recipes

Mixology || Organic Lip Balm and Lip Scrub Set

Makes a great Holiday gift set!

Recipe originator: Fran (HeyFranHey on Youtube)

LIP BALM ...
Ingredients (all organic):
cocoa butter
shea butter
castor oil
beeswax
extra virgin coconut oil

LIP SCRUB ...

Ingredients (all organic):

dark brown sugar

jojoba oil

Instructions: See the video below ...

Mixology || Baking Soda and Avocado Shampoo Recipe for Dry Hair

Looking for a simple, homemade natural shampoo that is cleansing but non-drying?  Check out this recipe:

Ingredients:
avocado
baking soda
distilled water

Directions:

1. Skin an avocado, remove the pit and mash it in a bowl;
2. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda;
3. Add 1/4 cup of hot distilled water; and
4. Mix the ingredients into a paste and massage the homemade moisturizing shampoo into your hair and scalp.
5. (Optional) You may or may not want to follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse for pH balance.

Remember to refrigerate the unused mixture. To customize this or any of the other recipes, add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Popular oils include lavender, sandalwood, jasmine and rosemary.

For more moisturizing shampoos, check out Suite101: Shampoo Recipes for Dry Hair and Scalp.

Mixology || Shea Butter and Hibiscus Deep Treatment

Recipe originator: Laila (FusionofCultures on Youtube).

Ingredients (rough estimates):
2 scoops conditioner (from your stash)
2 scoops shea butter
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp peppermint oil
1 tbsp castor oil
1 tbsp of amla
1 tbsp of hibiscus powder

Instructions: See video below ...

 

REVIEW #16: Homemade Deodorant - Baking Soda, Corn Starch, and Coconut Oil

Disclaimer: If you are pregnant or lactating, or have a health condition, please consult with your doctor before using an essential oil.

Homemade deodorant (on the right).

Purpose: The baking soda and cornstarch are intended to diminish the moist environment (created from our sweat) that becomes a breeding ground for odor-inducing bacteria.  The coconut oil is intended to aid in the application process and also combat the skin drying/irritation effects of the baking soda.  The addition of an essential oil is intended to deodorize any odor that does form.

VIDEO TUTORIAL for Homemade Deodorant

Ingredients: 

For trial #1 - This created an unscented stick deodorant.

1 part baking soda, 1 part cornstarch, 1 part coconut oil.  

For trial #2 - This created a scented creamy deodorant.

1 part baking soda, 1 part cornstarch, ~2 parts coconut oil, several drops of tea tree essential oil.  

Number of trials: Almost daily over the course of about five months.

How I used it:

Applied to armpit daily after morning shower.

_____________

THE REVIEW:

Trial #1:

My first trial of this homemade deodorant was somewhat disappointing.  As the day progressed, the unscented "stick" version of this mixture caked in my armpits and fell off in chunks, many times slipping through my sleeve and onto the ground.  Additionally, as I sweated, the moisture would mix with the deodorant and leave "oil-like" stains on the armpit areas of my shirts.  Even with these application annoyances, the homemade deodorant was not effective against my armpit odor.

Trial #2:   

I was actually very pleased with my second trial of this mixture.  The scented "cream" version of this homemade deodorant melted into my armpits and did not create the kind of application issues I experienced with the "stick" version (i.e., trial #1).  Also, the addition of tea tree oil increased the effectiveness of this mixture against armpit odor.  Compared to commercial deodorants that I have tried, I prefer this mixture largely because it does not result in a "sweat mixed with deodorant scent" smell.  In other words, it does not attempt to cover up the odor but actually combats it, if you know what I mean.  

Background: Compared to the average woman, I would rate myself as high in the armpit sweat and armpit odor departments.  (Embarrassing, but the truth.) I cannot go without using a strong antiperspirant, so I've been applying Certain Dri every 2-3 nights for a few years now.   Because antiperspirants are only intended to decrease sweat and not fight odor, I also have to use a deodorant in the morning.  Trial #2 of this mixture has become one of my staples (in addition to a commercial deodorant I alternate with so that my body does not get used to either one).  I would recommend Trial #2 to someone like me.

___________________

PROS: easy to mix; inexpensive ingredients; mainly natural ingredients;
scented version: effective against armpit odor;
cream: easy to apply

CONS: stick version: flaky, leaves shirt stains for those who sweat a lot;
unscented version: ineffective for those who sweat a lot.

RATING: Overall, I give the scented, cream version 5 out of 5 stars.  I give the unscented, stick version 1 out of 5 stars.

This product is ideal for those who:

- want an effective natural deodorant (use the trial #2 version for this)

- want an inexpensive, effective deodorant (")

Creamy consistency of the homemade deodorant.