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.
I have the same thing in one of my spray bottles, in the other I take out the Giovanni's and add veg. glycerin. I thought you used glycerin too.
ReplyDeleteI've been leaving the glycerin out lately for the colder months. It's extremely dry here so there's no moisture in the air for it to draw from. When I do use it I'll add a squirt or two.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this Im going natural so Im learning products
ReplyDeleteI'm def going to try this in conjunction with my curly girl method. I believe it would make a great daily moisturizer and curl refresher too. Thanks for posting this. Newly Nautral BC Feb.1st,2012
ReplyDeleteNo problem. I may start back mixing this up myself now that I'm stocked up on my Aloe gel again. Thanks for the comment! :)
DeleteWhat is the PH of Aloe vera Gel Lily of the Valley is it 7 0r 4?
ReplyDeleteSince Aloe Vera Juice/Gel is more acidic it's probably closer to 4 or 4.5. I think KimmayTube actually tested it with strips in one of her videos on YT.
DeleteI am a natural head who hair HATES too much aloe, any oils and butters, and shea. In fact, my fine hair is left brittled, tangled, and a mess after too much aloe. I simply use DevaCurl products, water, Olyin's Greg Juice, SmoothNaturals's Ultimate Hair Treat, and protective styles. I am just starting to use pura's Sapote Hair Lotion, so I can't speak on it yet. However, water is my best friend, no aloe!
ReplyDeleteWell, aloe is a protein so it's possible your hair is protein sensitive. It works for me because my hair loves protein. I've been wanting to try some of the products you mentioned. There are so many to choose from now. I used this mixture back when I first went natural in 2009. It still works but there's a lot more to choose from now. Thanks for the comment!
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