Aloe Vera for pH Balance–Spray Leave-in Recipe

After watching KimmayTube’s videos on pH Balance, I realized the reason why Aloe Vera juice or gel has always been such a huge part of my regimen.  When I did my Big Chop in May of 2009, it was one of the first things I used on my hair and my family has been using it ever since.  It wasn’t until I watched the videos that I actually knew how it worked.  Basically our hair’s natural pH is a 4 or 4.5 on the chart which is the same value given for Aloe Vera juice or gel (different brands may vary).  Things like conditioner, shampoo and even water have a pH of 6 or 7.  This change in pH balance opens up the cuticles along the hair shaft which can result in frizzy, puffy hair.  Using the Aloe Vera is a way to bring the hair back to its’ proper pH making it easier to detangle and style.

 

KimmayTube is also known for her Leave-in conditioner recipe which incorporate’s Aloe Vera juice as the balancing ingredient.  I’ve tried it and liked the results.  For me and my family though I prefer a spray leave-in that can be used daily.  For this I use the following:

 

Aloe Vera Spray Leave-In

1 part Aloe Vera Gel or Juice (Lily of the Desert brand)
1 part Water
5-6 drops Rosemary essential oil (natural preservative)
1 to 2 squirts Giovanni Direct Leave-In

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake vigorously until conditioner dissolves.  The conditioner will continue to dissolve over the next few hours.  Use as a moisturizing leave-in or re-wetting spray.

Some of the ways I use it:
  • Set my braidouts/twistouts
  • re-wet my kids’ curly hair before combing
  • detangling my husband’s long hair
  • re-wetting/moisturizing my wash n’ go
Most recently I found that it works when re-activating the Kinky Curly Curling Custard on my son’s hair for great 2nd day hair with the product.  I like this mix because we’re getting the benefit of the Aloe and Conditioner in one easy to use spray.
*Be sure to stop by KimmayTube’s channel on YouTube to find out more about the structure of hair.

The Satin Braid-Out

I joined yet another group over at the K.I.S.S. network. This time it’s a group where we will be doing “Satin Braid-Outs” and sharing info on how to perfect the look. I watched a video on YouTube by NinaPruitt where she demonstrates how to do it. I used a long satin scarf that I thought would work and cut it into 4 strips. I cut it using pinking shears because I didn’t want the fabric to fray. My hair was freshly washed and conditioned so I applied the KimmayTube Leave-in where I substituted Giovanni Direct Leave-In for my creamy base and coconut oil instead of jojoba oil. Then I sealed in the moisture with my castor, coconut and olive oil mixture.

The braiding wasn’t as tricky as I expected. It was just like adding extension hair to a braid except you’re using a piece of satin fabric. My strips were not quite long enough though so tyeing the ends was a little awkward. The next morning, my hair was very defined but, the strips did leave small pieces of frayed fabric in my hair. I did not enjoy picking those out of my hair all day. Also, my hair was still damp which I knew would lead to crazy, frizzy hair so I put it up into a protective style.
So it’s back to the drawing board on this one. I’ll have to check back with my group and find out what other ladies are doing for this style. I really hope to get the braid-out down because I know it will come in handy later on.