Our Amina Deep Penetrating Moisturising Conditioner is the best deep conditioner for deeply moisturising, hydrating and softening the kinkiest, moist coily of 4c/z hair! It rewards your coils like no other. It is a thick, creamy conditioner, formulated with concentrated natural oils and natural conditioning agents that are extremely beneficial and responsive to kinky dry hair.
Why Deep Condition?
All hair types require deep conditioning or treatments or masks. But for African hair, deep conditioning or treating your hair is the most important thing you can do. It is a must to deep condition African hair, whether natural or relaxed, once a week. African hair is naturally dry and brittle and needs extra attention and assistance to thrive. Deep condition makes sure hair gets the moisture boost, nourishment and strengthening it needs to be soft and smooth. Deep conditioning is a process where a concentrated conditioner or treatment is applied to the hair and left on the hair for a period ranging from 20mins to 60mins. This is to ensure that the product gets into the hair. Most other products are applied and sit on the hair, not penetrate it. The length of time, plus heat ensure that deep conditioning happens.
How To Deep Condition Using Amina Deep Penetrating Moisturising Conditioner
There are several ways to deeply condition hair, but what is common amongst these methods is the stimulation heat. Heat encourages the hair cuticle to open up allowing the conditioner to PENETRATE each hair, ensuring silkier and hydrated hair strands.
Step 1: Cleanse Hair
The best way to use the Deep Penetrating Conditioner to deep condition is after you have washed your hair with a shampoo. Clarify your hair only when necessary or once a month, using raw and unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water) or a clarifying shampoo. Washing removes product build up allowing for easier penetration of the conditioner into your hair.
Step 2: Apply Conditioner Generously
After washing and rinsing shampoo, apply a very generous amount of conditioner to dripping wet hair. Do not dry your hair after rinsing off your shampoo.
Note: For that extra WOW FACTOR, simply add a small amount of our AfroBotanics Mukaya African Oil Blend to your conditioner in your hand before applying to wet, it is a blend of Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Marula Oil and Baobab Oil.
Step 3: Activate Conditioner Using Heat
Methods to Activate Heat:
- Heat Cap: the heat cap is an all-time favourite as it requires the least admin, and at R600.00 max, is worth the purchase. After applying the Deep Penetrating Conditioner put on a shower cap, and on top of the shower cap use a headscarf to protect the shower cap from melting from the heat of the heat cap. Put the heat on the highest level, bringing it down as time passes. Sit for 20 minutes, cool-off and rinse off the conditioner.
- Steamer: highly effective and worth the once off purchase of about R1200.00. We love the steamer because it really opens up the hair cuticles allowing for maximum moisture penetration. After applying the Deep Penetrating Conditioner, sit under the steamer for approximately 20-25 minutes, do not cover hair. Ensure to have a towel, as water will drop from the steamer. Cool-off then rinse off the conditioner.
- Hooded Dryer: So there are two kinds. There’s the one which we are familiar with and have probably used a few times, the one available at the salons – more professional. Then there’s the smaller portable one with a hair bonnet that needs you to connect your blow dryer to it. However they work similarly. After applying the Deep Penetrating Conditioner, put on shower cap and sit under the professional dryer, or connect your blow dryer to the end of the hair bonnet hooded dryer for 20 – 25 minutes. Cool-off then rinse off the conditioner.
Moisturizing Low Porosity Hair Using the Baggy Method
There is probably one word that we keep hearing as naturals; in fact we could probably start a petition to have it be our official ‘natural’ word, “moisture”. If you don’t already, you should learn how to love this word, because you will hear it a lot, and besides you should know by now that moisture is key to growing hair. But many of us struggle with retaining moisture and frequently ask ‘how or where can I get moisture’, ‘what products can I use to acquire moisture’, or ‘what’s the secret ingredient for moisture’.
Today we are going deep into the Baggy Method, which is a highly recommended moisture infusion method for low porosity hair. Low porosity simply means that your hair struggles to absorb any moisture, even from water-based products, products just sit on the hair and does not saturate or penetrate into the hair shaft, it’s hair that is prone to dryness. Although it struggles to absorb water and let water into the cuticle, this hair type retains water the longest once water gets through. High porosity hair has cuticles that are open that let water in and out easily, it is also prone to dryness. Normal porosity hair has cuticles that are open just enough to let water in and keep in for a certain period.
The Baggy method, which may not work for all, but is worth the experiment, is one-way to maintaining luscious and hydrated low porosity coils. It combines extremely simple steps and is only a plus to your already existing hair regimen. Okay, so it’s similar to deep conditioning and doesn’t require any extra effort, but it does deliver the much-needed nutrients your hair needs. It is advised that you add this method as part of your washday routine. Start on the day you wash your hair as your hair will be clean.
For best results, do it twice a week for 4 weeks at a time. Or do it daily for a week and you will see a different in the moisture content of your low porosity hair.
There are two ways to go about it, depending on what is suffering the most. 1. Ends or 2. All-over. If you spot that your ends are splitting, dry or brittle, then the emphasis should be on your ends. However, your whole head could benefit from it.
Dos:
- Use Apple Cider Vinegar, mixed with water to clarify and to remove any product build-up.
- Apply and rinse out conditioner like our Black Pearl Hydrating Conditioner. Or Amina Deep Penetrating Moisturising Conditioner
Side note: you can do this method on damp hair, however, you are likely to sweat and your hair might not dry. If your hair is not fully dry by the end of the method, you have probably lost some moisture.
- After leaving your hair to dry naturally but damp, section hair, and apply EITHER a dab of the Afrobotanics Nehanda Leave-In Conditioner or Black Pearl Hair Juice
- Seal the moisturizer in with a blend of oils (Afrobotanics Mukaya Oil Blend).
- You can do a braid out, twist out or whichever protective style to your liking. You can also tie the ends together, using hair ties (but not too tightly).
- Apply a plastic cap
- Apply head scarf for security
- Leave products on hair for 3-4 hours, or over night. But not longer than this because it is important that your hair gets to breathe!
- Undo protective style and style your hair as your like.
If this method is not a success with you, don’t worry; we will be posting about other methods that can help your hair retain moisture and ultimate growth, just stay tuned!
Have you tried the Baggy Method? If so, please let us know how did it go in the comments section below.
Lately protective hairstyles trends are just booming, and even when you already have a protective style you just can’t wait to have the next one done.
Protective styles are a great way to shield your hair from damage, especially the ends. A protective style is a style that keeps you from touching your hair daily and keeps the ends of your hair tucked away. The ends are the oldest parts of our hair therefore constantly manipulating hair without giving it a break can cause hair ends and the rest of your hair to weaken.
Damage to our hair can happen easily, by combing and styling it daily, we compromise our hair. So if you want healthier and longer hair, you have to put your hair in a protective style for 1 week to 6 weeks depending on the style.
Protective styles are necessary and applicable to those who wear their hair natural and those that relax their hair.
Examples of stylish and trendy protective styles:
- Box braid (can last for 4 – 6 weeks)
- Wigs (protective style under the wig)
- Cornrows
- Bantu Knots
- Crotchet Braids
- Weaves
- Twists with own hair
- Pigtails that tuck away the ends
- Up-dos like buns
However, it’s imperative that we follow the right regimen before we put our hair into a protective style. When our hair is ‘protected’ it is not easy to get the much-needed moisture to the hair and could end up drying out. Dry hair is susceptible to split ends and breakage, defeating the whole purpose of putting our hair in a protective style. That’s why we have put together this guide of what you can do before a protective style in order to ensure your hair emerges healthier and longer after the protective style.
- Pre-Poo
Wet your hair. Apply the AfroBotanics Amina Deep Penetrating Conditioner/Black Pearl Hydrating Conditioner before you shampoo your hair, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave for 20 -30 minutes. An alternative is to apply the Mukaya 5-in-1 Oil Blend, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave for 20 – 30 minutes before shampooing. These methods infuse extra moisture before you strip some moisture from your hair by shampooing, leaving it less dryer.
- Cleanse Hair
Wash your hair using the Black Pearl Sulfate – Free Shampoo to remove all product build up and dirt. Leaving you with a head of fresh hair that is ready to absorb moisture.
- Deep Condition
Deep Conditioning is one of the most efficient ways to get the most out of your conditioner. It is extremely hydrating and leaves your hair softer, shinier and with added elasticity, making your hair less prone to breakage. Rinse out.
- Moisturize
The L.O.C Method will leave you with the most satisfying results. What is this? Apply our Nehanda Leave-In Conditioner to damp hair to moisturize hair, followed by the Mukaya 5-in-1 Oil Blend to seal in the moisture while providing your hair with nutrients. End this method off with our Asantewaa African Triple Butter to ensure that your hair is protected and does not lose any moisture. Then detangle or comb hair and partition braid hair in twists or pondos until it dries or overnight.
If you have HIGH POROSITY HAIR, that is hair that loses moisture quickly, then consider doing this step twice before braiding, so do the first L.O.C. two days before going to braid, and then L.O.C. again the night before you go braid.
- Stretch
Stretch your hair without any heat by braiding it or doing twists the night before you have your hair braided. Doing braid out is the most successful method to stretch our hair. It will make it simpler for you when you comb-out your hair before the protective style. Your hair needs to be stretched to ensure that it all gets tucked in, which is essential to it being protected.
NB: Don’t forget to hydrate your hair during the protective style using our AfroBotanics Modjadji Braid Spray or Black Pearl Hair Juice. This will you’re your hair moisturized and nourished and will also minimize breakage when unbraiding and keep your style looking fresher and desirable for longer. Also remember to apply our Asantewaa African Triple Butter to your scalp every few days to maintain a healthy and clean scalp.
What are your current favorite and most successful protective styles? Drop us a picture in the comments section below, to give others some ideas.
AfroBotanics hosts second Annual ‘My Beautiful Life Workshop’ 21 September 2019.
Last year we hosted our first workshop, a first experience at wanting to do something different, put the women in our community at the centre and empower them by giving them tools to define for themselves what a fulfilling, successful and beautiful life is to them. Women have to learn to fill their cups first before they can fill the cups of those around them.
At our 2018 workshop we had 60 women, young and old, at different places in their careers and personal lives and each woman walked away with the ability to assess the state of their lives and determine where they want go, and were given tools to define where they want to go and how to overcome the fear to start with that change.
Rachel Nyaradzo Adams, renowned international leadership coach led the half-day session, and it was impactful. And this year we want to do more and go deeper and hopefully make it a journey beyond the one-day workshop.
From my own experience I know that change is hard. Life forces change upon us but it is often difficult and very scary for us to take the decision to change.
One day you go to bed content with yourself, content with life, and the next day you wake up with a hint of discontent.
The discontent grows, seemingly with no cause no root and we often don’t know where to start. When I look back now I am tempted to feel as though I wasted 4 years of my life swimming in discontent because I didn’t know where I want to be and how to begin to figure it out.
- Sometimes we know we need to change but don’t know how or are downright terrified of change.
- Other times we feel unhappy about where we are at but have no idea where we want to be or who we want to be.
- Concepts such as ‘self-love’ and ‘authenticity’ are thrown around everywhere and they have no resonance with us, we have no idea where to start.
We start looking outside of ourselves in books, podcasts, the lives of public figures, we attend talks by successful people and still, we don’t find the spark of inspiration that lasts long enough to see us make serious change.
We are here to learn and grow, everybody gets pushed by life to grow and change, every single person. We either determine (as much as we can) where we want our lives to go and are deliberate about change and respond to our need for change or life happens to us and pushes change upon us.
This year we have an all-day workshop planned with some amazing, experienced practitioners in life-coaching, personal development, leadership development and alignment experts.
Date: 21 September 2019
Time: 07h00 – 17h00
Venue: The Orchards Executive Guest House, 46 Allan Rd, Glen Austin, Midrand
Price: R400.00 per person (breakfast, lunch and snacks incl) PLUS a free book “Unbecoming
to Become” by Ayanda Borotho.
This workshop will not only change your life through concepts I and thousands have used successfully, but you will have a template on which to work from to make sure you fulfill your vision 2020.
Executive Life Coaches:
- Jacqueline Freemantle: Master CCE ILDP International Coach
- Akhona Ngcobo: Enneagram Practitioner and Transformation Coach
- Brian Ntshangase: Meditation Facilitator and Energetic Healer
- Ayanda Borotho: Actress, Author, Transformation Practitioner
Click on the link below to purchase tickets.
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/83186-the-2nd-annual-afrobotanics-my-be-you-tiful-life-event/
Our hair structure is mostly a fibrous protein called keratin.And the best way we can help strengthen our hair is through doing protein treatments.Those who relax their hair or chemically color it, should do protein treatments more often,but those who keep their hair natural should also factor in a protein treatment.
Our hair loses protein almost every day, but this sometimes gets put back by the products we use.Most products will contain ingredients that have some protein, like avocado oil has a smallamount of protein. However, every day use products usually do not have enough protein to compensate for protein we lose through every day activities.
We lose protein when we handle our hair, when we comb, brush and style our hair. We lose protein when our hair rubs against our jackets and polo necks. We lose protein and moisture due to dry air created by heaters and heating air conditioners that we use more of in winter. We lose protein almost daily and eventually our hair starts to suffer.
Signs Your Hair Needs Protein:
– Low elasticity: when you stretch your hair, whether wet or dry, and it doesn’t snap back or returnto its natural state or curl pattern
– Limpness: when your hair feels limp, stringy or gummy when wet
– Dryness: When your hair is excessively dry and you have tried deep moisturising conditioning treatments
If you like to use a blow dryer, a curling iron or a straightening iron on your hair, then look our for these signs often to protein treat on time.
How Often Should You Do A Protein Treatment?
When misused, too much protein on hair will cause hair to be stiff, brittle and break.Every head of hair differs and the balancing of moisture and protein in your hair care regimewill differ from the next person. But as a rule of thumb, a good hair regime factors in a protein treatment once every 4 – 6 weeks. If you use heat often, colour dye your hair or wash your hair often you may consider factoring in a protein treatment more sooner. Heat styling and handling hair often cause the protein bonds to have holes and therefore require aprotein treatment more often.
Should I Do A Protein Treatment When I Do Protective Styles Often In Winter?
Winter is the perfect time to do protective styles not only is it convenient but comfortable as it keeps our heads warmer. Protective styling when done well can help retain hair lengthand it is always a good idea to do a protein treatment followed by a moisturizing treatment between protective styles OR if you keep your braids for longer than 4 weeks, then definitely do a protein treatment
1. Trim Ends
7. Deep Condition Hair Weekly
Deep conditioning is key to infusing moisture and nutrients into hair to strengthen and protect hair. Natural and relaxed hair craves moisture and requires moisture to grow and prevent breakage. When we deep condition properly on a weekly basis, and follow with a good L.O.C routine our hair will never suffer from lack of moisture.
8. Use A Heat Protectant
No one has perfect skin. We learn to live with our flaws and some of them even become part of the little quirks we consider friendly, making us who we are. On other occasions, however, these quirks can hamper our quality of life as a result of poor self-esteem and the time and energy devoted to fighting the problem can become overwhelming
Fortunately, we live in a time where many fantastic medical treatments are being developed as a result of science. Looking younger and removing unwanted imperfections finds its answer in the form of a chemical peel, a process in which exfoliation is achieved faster and more efficiently, while the skin is given the basics it needs to rebuild itself stronger and healthier than before.
“When you have the right mix for the right patient combined with a great skin care regimen at home, chemical peels become fantastic treatments. They’re effective for many cutaneous conditions while rejuvenating the skin. It all lies in choosing the right peel and in applying the correct ingredients to the skin.” Dr Nokubonga Khoza
The Perfect Peel Solutions
Nowadays mostly superficial and medium peels are offered. However, with every peel I usually perform a routine skin consultation and choose a relevant peel keeping in mind your skin type, skin needs, and underlying medical conditions. Thanks to the wonderful advances in dermatology like the use of lasers, the need for deep chemical peels are far reduced. I do not recommend deep chemical peels because of the potential side effects, the down time, and as mentioned, there are other treatments that can offer the same benefits without the risks.
What Benefits Can A Superficial And A Medium Peel Offer You?
- Anti-ageing: Removing dead skin cells leaves the skin room to absorb moisture better and increasing collagen production.
- Acne and acne scarring can both be alleviated with the correct chemical peel mixture.
- Hereditary eye shadows can be reduced greatly with the correct application of a gentle mix.
- Uneven skin tone and dark patches caused by the sun and by hormonal changes can unfortunately not be cured or removed, but greatly helped. A mixture of sun protective products with chemical peel treatments can assist.
Dandruff is a common medical complaint especially amongst women. It may very well be a symptom of another underlying health concern, which is why it is important to get a proper diagnosis
There are a number of possible causes for a scaly scalp. Contrary to the stigma, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. Although less frequent washing of hair can cause or worsen scaling. In most instances, dandruff is caused by dry hair and dry scalp, leading to excessive shedding.
Majority of women at some point in their lives will experience some form of itching or scaling of the scalp. There are many reasons for this and these may include; dandruff or irritation from hair care products, less frequent washing of hair while frequently applying oils to hair. It has been reported that black women wash their hair almost every two weeks compared to Caucasian/Asian women who tend to wash their hair every other day, this may be due to fear and the inconvenience of disrupting their hairstyles like weaves, braids or plats. This form of practice certainly needs to be reviewed if one is suffering from dandruff or scaly scalp.
Underlying skin and hair conditions that can cause a scaly scalp:
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis:An inflammatory condition of the skin that also affects the scalp. When occurring on the scalp it is called Seborrhoeic Capitis.Seborrhoeic capitis presents with a range of symptoms from a mild flaky scalp to a thick greasy yellowish scale that may cover the whole scalp. It is important to note that, the use of hair care extensions has been directly associated with Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Psoriasis: A common condition that causes a dry thick silvery adherent scale especially along hairline and above ears. Psoriasis can be severe and affect whole scalp, often flakes will be seen on the shoulders, neck and on clothes
- Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm): Localized areas of scale to the affected patch. Commonly seen in children but tinea capitis can very well occur in adults
- Eczema: Dry itchy white scale, affecting the entire scalp, patient can have isolated scalp eczema or other lesions of eczema elsewhere in the body.
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- Irritant contact dermatitis: Recurrent use of hair products may cause inflammation or irritability to the scalp leading to dandruff. Chemical relaxers, hair dyes, heat dryers can cause an irritant contact dermatitis of the scalp leading to eczematous reactions, chemical burns, dryness and severe scaling. Also the use of hair extension (weaves, artificial extensions) has been shown to have a direct relationship with an itchy and scaling scalp.
6.Malassezia infection: Closely linked to Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Another cause of dandruff lies in the naturally occurring yeast microbes (Malassezia) that form part of the scalp. Due to an overproduction of sebum, they flourish and overpopulate. This leads to irritation, as mentioned above, which also causes flaking and shedding of yellow scabs or white flakes of skin.
It is therefore very important to address any excessive scaling of the scalp with urgency. Without addressing the underlying cause, the condition may persist and grow in severity. Underlying conditions if they are left untreated can cause significant disease, scarring of the scalp and eventually hair loss.
It is therefore very important to get a diagnosis for your scale.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
- Dandruff commonly present with itching and dryness of the scalp. Those battling dandruff will be aware of white flakes of skin on the scalp, in the hair, and on the shoulders.
- There may thickened areas of the scalp and hair
- If other areas of the body are affected especially the nose, the eyebrows, the hairline, the ears, and the center of the chest or back showing excessive shedding of skin. Think of conditions like Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Psoriasis or Eczema.
- In babies, most commonly newborns, dandruff is common and presents as a scaly yellow flaking on the scalp or cradle cap (seborrhoeic capitis)and is generally harmless, self-correcting in the first year of life without treatment.
How dandruff is treated
While it is important to keep to a good washing routine, beware of drying out the scalp with excessive washing as this will lead to further irritation and exacerbate the problem.
Wash the hair regularly once a week for African hair (black hair), twice a week for Caucasian or Asian hair.
Typical therapy includes medicated shampoos containing:
- Coal tar – to slow the regeneration and shedding of skin cells. (Don’t go overboard with coal tar can be irritating and stain hair – not advised for blonde hair)
- Selenium sulphide and zinc pyrithione – to reduce fungal growth and slow down cell turnover to reduce build-up and shedding.
- Salicylic acid – (scalp scrubs) exfoliates dead skin cells before they build up and shed.
- Ketoconazole or Ciclopirox olamine – an antifungal treatment to reduce the growth of malassezia.
You may need to experiment with a few until you find one that works for you.
Using a conditioner after shampooing can help relieve dryness
Should symptoms continue after using anti-dandruff shampoos, make sure to consult a qualified dermatologist.
The Nzinga Repairing & Strengthening Treatment is a powerful protein hair mask for protein deep conditioning. It repairs, strengthens and protects hair from heat damage, colour damage and daily wear and tear. It should used at least once a month but more times if you have damage or to prevent damage.
These are the main ingredients and what they do for the hair:
- hydrolysed keratin – a natural and main protein and building block in hair that repairs and strengthens hair
- hydrolysed collagen – a natural protein found in the body to strengthen hair from inside out
- ceramides – naturally occurring lipids found in our hair to prevent damage to hair
- hydrolysed wheat protein – increases flexibility and elasticity of hair by holding water inside hair for moisturised and conditioned hair
- pro-vitamin B5 – part of B vitamins, prevents loss of moisture and conditions hair
- vitamin E – promotes hair growth and reduces inflammation of scalp, repairs hair follicles and reduces hair dryness
- coconut oil, castor oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, avocado oil for healthy, nourished strong hair
- Steamer: highly effective and worth the once off purchase of about R1200.00. We love the steamer because it really opens up the hair cuticles allowing for maximum moisture penetration. After applying the Deep Penetrating Conditioner, sit under the steamer for approximately 20-25 minutes, do not cover hair. Ensure to have a towel, as water will drop from the steamer. Cool-off then rinse off the conditioner.
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