As one who’s continuously on the hunt for easy at home remedies to help soothe a scalp that’s readily prone to irritations, I make it a point to stay on the lookout for ingredients that I can add to the weekly scalp treatment. A few weeks ago while patrolling the depths of Youtube & endless “related videos,” I found something hidden in what’s referred to as Manuka Honey, a natural alternative to traditional honey that offers even more antibacterial properties and overall health benefits.

Manuka Honey does well in treating affected wounds thanks to what scientists have called the high Unique Manuka Factor, an effectiveness that’s not normally seen in traditional Honey. In addition to having high antibacterial components that’s often used to treat infections & speed up the traditional healing process, Manuka Honey has been known to treat acne, eczema, arthritis, psoriasis, , burns & many other skin ailments. This made it a no brainer to incorporate into the weekly scalp treatments!

Here’s a simple recipe that I used this past week to keep the scalp inflammations at bay:

*proportions vary depending on skin condition and length of hair*

• 1/4 cup of your favorite carrier oil ( I often use Grapeseed, Jojoba or Avocado)
• 2 tablespoons of Vatica Oil
• 1 tablespoon of Raw Manuka Honey (UMF 15+)

I used a double boiler to warm the mix over low heat, then used an applicator tip bottle to evenly distribute. The mix may appear sticky, but this is natural and shouldn’t hinder the outcome of the styling process. I usually take the time to also do a quick scalp massage, then don a conditioning cap for 15-20 minutes while doing other errands around my apartment.

There are countless uses and benefits of Manuka Honey, many of which I’m excited to try! I’ll be experimenting, trying it out on a few eczema flareups on my skin that’s been an annoyance for the past few months, as well as use it as a spot treatment on those monthly blemish marks that always seem to sneak in.

Manuka Honey is readily available in most health food stores, including local Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppes (which is where I snagged mine), and if being used for at home medicinal treatment, should be purchased with a UMF index between 10-16. If you’re familiar with Manuka, please let me know how you use it, it’s effectiveness or which brand you prefer!

Definitely got a cool (hot!) Summer vibe after watching this. The message is pretty dope as is all the natural hair!

“…Natural Hair is your heritage.” Do you guys agree?

There were countless moments over the past few weeks where I’d stare in front of my bathroom mirror & sincerely wonder if I was doing the right thing continuing on this healthy hair journey to longer hair. In small intereims I’ve found more than my fair share of single strand knots, dry brittle ends, hair that just just would not cooperate in the moisture retention department…and just this past week, a minor freakout after finding a split end.

Yerp…if I’ve indeed become that woman who obsesses over the small hurdles during this journey…so be it. It’s keeping me focused (slightly neurotic) & on top of my game instead of falling back into defeat.

Granted, I’ve lost count over the numerous times I’ve contemplated just giving it all in & scheduling another BIG CHOP (just feeeelings!), I still love my hair…I do! But, there are some things that are occurring as the months let on, length increases & the pangs of hurt in your arm are increased each week after detangling for upwards of an hour. Things like…

• using more product to style/condition/detangle
• changes in hair texture (my kink is barely holding on yo…)
• maintaining increasing the patience factor when detangling & combing
• Time. need more of IT.

In between a three week parental stay & several other lifely obligations, my Sunday hair ritual inevitably took a back seat to all else. Tragic? Not really, except with a growing mane & an altogether irritated scalp staying on schedule is usually of utmost importance. For the 1st time in a loooong time, my weekly Process took a backseat to visits with cousins, treks with the Mum to the City, back to BK and a spec or two of visits from the older Bro.

Such minor struggles…yah? And then THIS happened. Nine Day hair greeted me on a beautiful Friday Morning & gave me LIFE! Yes, I was able to camouflage & tuck away a few of those knarly ends/knots etc., but me thinks I’ve embarked on new territory as the mane gains in length. What’s inevitable this days, or what’s always a constant is how much I’m still able to learn from my hair even as I set new goals. No matter the stage of your natural hair journey, frustrations will mount & present themselves, challenge you to press forward…but also serve as a reminder to keep things in perspective. At the end of the day, I was still able to enjoy time with the family & take care of my hair the only way I learned how over the years & that is by staying present…realizing it’s just hair, & that you haven’t failed if you have yet to give up.

Still here…*Besos*

While a woman gets her bearings amidst the onslaught of grad school finals & a parental visit, here are a few gems that’ve been in heavy rotation over the past few weeks. A few goodies that I’ve reunited with, others that I’m just discovering and absolutely adore!

Even though I’m a woman who frequents her local CVS/Walgreens more than she ought, my secret love affair with apothecaries similar to CO Bigelow still leave me with a warm feeling. Their Amber Perfume Oil is not a subtle fragrance, but balanced enough for those who enjoy a sensual, non-overpowering scent. Dab just a bit on the perimeter of your collarbone and your mood is instantly transformed…love!

Full Discolsure: I am someone that procures all things lip balmy and lip glossy & will pocket purchase several lippies a month. With skin (including the pucker…) that’s prone to irritations such as eczema, this here salve has been a lifesaver! With the warmer months I did not want a greasy slick feel on my mouth (never cute), yet Smith’s Rosebud Salve absorbs fairly quickly leaving just a hint of rose fragrance.

It’s often hard to justify an impulse beauty purchase, especially one that is done in the heat of grad school finals, but snagging the Deborah Lippmann Glitter In The Air Nail Lacquer turned from one instant regret to that of complete adoration! As someone who has a propensity to wear bright bold hues, choosing something with a delicate, subtle look was easier than I thought. The glitter is just the right amount without the gaudy excess, & while the color payoff isn’t as strong as some of the other colors in the collection, it’s right in line with the Spring/Summer vibe.

Never been a huge fan of heavy foundations or makeup that looks overly done, which makes the idea of a tinted moisturizer the best pick…evah! I’m still a newbie to the best on the market, but what I like overall about the Josie Maran line is that it acts more so as a light foundation, almost like a thin veil over the skin with a warm tint.  The coverage is incredible as is the moisture…but because it’s packed with a ton of nourishing oils, it can come off a bit greasy if overused. To avoid this, I dab with a Boscia Lavender Blotting Linen before heading out the door & avoid the worries. I’ve been battling a few hyperpigmentation marks that developed over the long winter, & this is great in the interim.

A separate review to come on the Lush R&B hair moisturizer, but let it be known that this is a certifiable keeper, especially for the up coming warmer days!

*new posts to come next week, stay tuned!*