Eco Styler Wash n' Go Trials

A few months ago I learned more about Aloe Vera and how it can help restore the natural pH balance of my hair.  This had me wondering what would happen if I added Aloe Vera juice to one of my staple products Eco Styler gel. 

I've been using this gel for my wash n' go styles and whenever I need to slick down my edges.  However, if I forget to apply enough moisturizing products underneath it, my hair ends up a little on the crunchy side.  So, I figured why not add aloe vera and see if that makes a difference since it will help bring the pH of the gel down (hopefully).  I don't have pH tester strips yet so I can't verify what pH I ended up with but the results were good.  The product, as always, helped define my curls.  Upon drying though; dry crunchy hair.  What gives?! 

I've been learning in the past few months that it's not just the pH that is important but also the ingredients.  This little experiment made me realize that it may be the glycerin in the product that always gives me the "Ramen Noodle effect" which is why I always need use oil and conditioner underneath.  Also, living in a dry climate where there is no humidity present can also add to the drying (not moisturizing) effect of the glycerin.  For now, I'm avoiding the Eco Styler or using it sparingly until I can figure out the combination that works for me.





Before applying the aloe/gel mix



My hair with Aloe/ Gel mixture
applied to one section

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.