Oily skin care routine

Hi, Guys!

Today my post is about how to take care of oily skin and tips to build your perfect skin-care routine. I have an oily skin which means that my skin gets that excess oil, that I don't need. Apart from genetics, other factors — such as your daily activity, hot environments, or your hormonal stage in life  — can exacerbate oily skin.

It can get very frustrating when you wearing your makeup and one hour later, you look like you been in a sauna. No worries, I got ya! Follow this care routine and you can thank me later.

1. Use a gentle facial cleanser twice a day

Most dermatologists agree that cleansing the skin is the best way to reduce oil. Make sure to use a gentle, pH balanced cleanser rather than regular soap. Most soaps are highly alkaline and strip the natural acid mantle from the skin leaving it vulnerable to bacteria.






I recommend using:

• Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid are often considered best. These are slightly acidic, however, so start off with only a small amount to make sure your skin doesn't have an adverse reaction.
• When washing your face, make sure you use warm water, not hot. Hot water can further irritate the skin.
• The one that works for me is Garnier Pure Active Deep Pore Wash 200ml. Is very affordable and works very well on my skin.

2. Use a toner free of alcohol or acetone

The purpose of toners is to replenish and nourish skin after removing makeup and cleansing, a step that can significantly, and visibly, help your skin. Even if you use the most gentle cleanser, your skin still needs to be replenished with what the cleanser removes.

My favourite one is La Roche-Posay Seroznic Spray, 150ml: £5.65, Feel Unique. This spray is designed to combat oily skin by reducing shine and a greasy appearance. Simply shut your eyes, spray over your face and after a few minutes pat off any excess. You’ll soon feel fresh and oil-free. It’s an affordable price too, so there isn’t much to complain about here.

3. Moisturise your skin

While it may seem counterproductive, oil and moisture are two different things. Even oily skin can be dehydrated and requires moisturiser to stay healthy. So, even if you feel like you don't need to put extra moisture into your skin you have to because it actually will help reduce sebum production and give skin a better texture with the proper use of certain types of oils.

Make sure you use a non-greasy and easy absorption lotion or moisturiser. my favourite one is my DIY whipped Shea butter, I posted a blog about how I do it. I also, use vaseline intensive care (advanced repair, fragrance-free) a non-greasy lotion and very light. 

4. Use masks on your routine

Masks help draw out dirt and oil, keeping pores clean. These products can also dry out the skin, however, so make sure you don't overuse them. Once a week should be the maximum usage.

My favourite mask for my skin is my homemade banana, honey and lemon. This mask nourishes and hydrates the skin, absorbs and retain moisture and exfoliates dead skin cells. Leaving your skin with a natural glowy feeling. It's easy to make and very affordable too. 

Ingredients: 1 banana, 1/2 tbsp of honey and few drops of lemon juice.

Preparation: Mix all the ingredients together in a deep bowl until they form a smooth paste. 

How to use it: Apply to face and neck carefully avoiding the sensitive area like your eyes, leave it on for 20 min and rinse it with cool water. 

Note: Use this face mask for oily skin once a week. 

5. Avoid triggers

• Avoid harsh soaps and creams. Any products containing alcohol or other harsh chemicals can irritate your face. This irritation could lead to more oil production and make the problem worse.
• Avoid over-washing your face. Though you may think that the more you wash your face the better, this is not the case. Like with harsh chemicals, excessive washing will lead to irritation and can make your symptoms worse. You should wash your face no more than two times daily. When I mean washing I mean using soap or any other products. Water only is okay.
• Stop using heavy cosmetics. These products can clog your pores, which will trap oil and dirt in the skin and make acne symptoms worse.
• Avoid Popping pimples on your face, let it be.
• Avoid using the same towels for your face or pads more than a week. Change or wash them every other day as part of your skin care routine. 

That's all guys, very easy to follow. I hope this post helps you to get on the right way to your skin care routine. Stay tuned, more post is coming! Thank you for your time and feel free to leave a comment or suggestions. 

Lakaasa Xx

Two Easy and affordable DIY: hair mask for natural hair

Hello Guys, I'm back!

Today post is gonna be about two different hair mask that I use for my TWA (Teeny, Wenny, Afro) and they are really affordable and easy to make. I finally did my big chop, three days ago.  I feel good about it, no regrets but like I said in my last post that I don't feel confident yet slaying my short natural hair.

I used this hair mask when I was transitioning and it really worked for my new growth, now that I big chop I feel that my hair looks thicker and fuller than when it was relaxed. I thought about sharing my DIY hair mask and here is it!

1. The fenugreek powder is the secret for DIY homemade deep conditioner mask.

This DIY deep conditioning mask is my favourite, I use it every two weeks after my washing my hair.

Fenugreek seed powder

Avocado

Ingredients that you will need are:

• Olive oil (50ml)
• 1 banana
• 1 Avocado
• Aloe vera juice about 30-50ml
• Fungreek seed powder ( 2- 3 tbsp)
• Organic Mayonnaise (optional)
• Honey (2 tbsp)

Benefits of this Ingredients:

• Olive oil: for hair growth has been used for centuries and there are many happy people who say it definitely works. Olive oil contains softening benefits and helps the hair to be much thicker and denser. It contains essential nutrients and monosaturated fatty acids. these aid in strengthening the hair from the roots and right down to the tips of your hair.  
• Banana: they are rich in potassium, natural oils, carbohydrates, and vitamins which help in softening the hair and protects the hair's natural elasticity preventing splits ends and breakage. Banana creates shine, growth and controls dandruff from your hair.   
• Avocado helps to rejuvenate and moisturise the scalp. They are a rich source of proteins, amino acids, and vitamins which help to shoot the scalp and promote long, strong and healthy hair growth.  
• Honey is an humectant, which means that it helps attract and retain moisture to your hair. As a naturalist, we are constantly trying to feed our hair nourishment to fight dry hair and frizziness. Honey is ideal for that, it replenishes that moisture, as well as fusing vitamins and minerals into strands for healthy results. 
• Greek yoghurt is great for moisturising hair, help your hair to recover your natural shine, achieve a bouncy hair, strong hair and healthy scalp (helping to get rid of dandruff).
• Aloe vera juice contains something called proteolytic enzymes wich repair dead skin cells on the scalp.it also acts as a great conditioner and leave your hair all smooth and shiny. It also promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair making it easy to manage and style.  
• Mayonnaise (optional): mayonnaise contains vinegar which is an effective ingredient for balancing the scalp Ph levels and oil production. Excessive oil production is one of the leading of dandruff, using mayonnaise will help to shoot the scalp while unclogging and tightening the follicles. This helps kerb dandruff. It also seals the hair's cuticles shut which keep moisture from the atmosphere from sneaking into your hair shaft. Keeps hair calm and smooth.
• Fenugreek seeds (Methi powder) helps your hair from breaking, thinning and balding. Also, prevents dandruff, makes your hair shimmer, silky and easy to detangle and style as desired. 

  
Directions:

1. Grab the avocado and cut it in half with a kitchen knife. Take away the seed in the middle with a tablespoon. Place the avocado into a blender. If you don't have a blender don't worry you can use a bowl where everything can fit in it.  
2. Now peel the banana and cut it into the blender or bowl. 
3. Add 2 tbsp of Fenugreek powder in the blender or bowl.
4. Add 30 ml of Aloe vera juice to the mix.
5. Add 2 tbs of Olive oil to the mix.
6. Now blend everything together in your blender making sure that everything is mixing well. No crumbs visible or big pieces. If you don't have a blender you can use a hand blender or even a fork will do it. Mix everything about 2 minutes or until you mix turns into a creamy consistency. 
7. Once you everything is blended properly, place it into a bowl or recipient. Add one pot (120g) of greek yoghurt in the mix and add tbs of olive oil. Mix everything well with a hand blender.
8. This is optional but you can add 2 tbs of mayonnaise. 

That's all, easy right? If you have leftover, store it in the fridge and use it before one month. 

2. DIY Whipped Raw Shea butter for hair/Skin

You like to keep it simple and easy? This is one is for you! With a combination of your favourites oils and shea butter, you can whip it up to create a super fabulous creamy mix that is great for your hair and your skin. It helps to seal the moisture of your skin and hair. 

Ingredients:

• 8oz raw unrefined Shea Butter
• 2 Tbsp of Raw Coconut oil
• 3 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 drop of  100% Spearmint

Benefits of Ingredients:

•  Shea butter is considered a super food for the skin as it is rich in precious constituents such as unsaturated fats with a large proportion of non-saponifiable components, essential fatty acids, vitamins E and D, phytosterols, provitamin A and allantoin. It's also a healing agent, anti-ageing benefits and restores sking elasity. At another hand, is good for hair as well. shut dry and irritated scalp, moisturises protects and softens hair. 
• Coconut oil is used in many natural beauty products, and for good reason: It's naturally antibacterial and antifungal, coconut oil for skin is an excellent moisturiser, it can penetrate hair better than other oils, and, well, it smells like cookies. 
• Spearmint is good to add fragrance to your mix, it helps to smooth your scalp and make your skin complexion brighter.

Directions:

1. Put 1 cup of your raw Shea butter in an empty bowl.
2. Add 3 Tbsp of Olive oil.
3. Add 2 tbsp of Coconut oil.
4. Add 2 drops of Spearmint fragrance on your mix.
5. Whip everything up for about 2 minutes or until you achieve a white creamy consistency and then place in a jar. That's it! Ready for use.

This is very easy and affordable, you can use it for your daily skin routine. for your hair you can use it as a leave-in conditioner or make it part of your wasing hair routine as a deep conditioner mask. 

That's all for today! I hope this two easy DIY homemade mask helps you to achieve your hair goals. Please comment if you have any questions or you can e-mail me on Kaddysabally123@gmail.com and thank you for your time! Stay tuned, I will keep posting more exciting posts Xx.  
   

Tips for transitioning hair (4C hair type)

Hi guys, welcome back! 

As some of you guys may know that I am transitioning my hair to natural. Everyone have their own unique journey and experience while transitioning. This is the way to go natural without doing the big chop. 

The big chop is something that I will consider to do. However, I don't feel confident enough with a short hair but with time I am sure I will be able to slay it. I want to share with you, the tips that are helping me throughout my natural hair journey.  

1. DO NOT use direct heat on your hair

You may feel frustrated about having two different textures in your hair, and you think that the easiest way to blend your hair is by using heat? No is not, you putting weak hair under more pressure. By using heat you will end up drying out and damaging more your hair.

The stage your hair is right now, It's very sensitive. Direct heat on your hair will damage the new growth and re-damage the relaxed/perm ends. It will promote the breakage of your hair. I will recommend keeping away from blow dryers, flat irons, etc. Leave it to air dry.

2. Stop using products that contain sulfates

Sulfates are a detergent. Imagine washing your hair with washing up liquid or a bar soap? No, right!

Sulfates are salts sulfuric acid and much more are prepared from that acid. It is not recommended to use sulphate on your hair, especially for black natural hair. However, if you have very oily hair or your hair has a massive amount of product build up, they are okay to use. It will wash all the good oils out of our hair and you may experience some frizziness in your hair.  

Products with sulphates are not recommended for black natural hair because they dry the scalp and hair out. We all know that natural (no matter what stage you are in) is more brittle and prone to breakage, and also dry scalp is more likely to get dandruff. Your scalp has to breath to be able to deliver all the nutrients necessarily for our hair growth. 

If you use sulfate-free products you will be better able to retain moisture and this in itself will promote better growth and better length retention. 

3. Gradually trim away the damaged ends of your hair

It is essentially taking off ¼ to ½ of an inch of hair monthly or every other month to create thicker ends. Trimming your hair will make your hair look a lot healthier, you cutting off gradually those damaged ends that are slowing you from being fully natural. This is not about cutting off your damage hair in one fell swoop, is about having patience and slowly achieve your hair goals.

I know so many people are not very confident about cutting their own hair, but you can always go to your hairdresser to help you out or even ask for help from a family member or a friend. 

4. Protective styling (low manipulation)

Solange Knowles slaying a protective style

This Tip is one of my favourites to use, I am always touching my hair when is not in a protective style. It is ideal to reduce the damage of daily maintenance with products or heat. An example of natural hairstyles are twists, box braids, high buns, flat twists, etc. The benefits of having a protective style are:

• Low maintenance. The less you do to black hair, the better it will flourish.
• Retain growth. Forget about that myth that says black hair doesn't growth--it most certainly does. however, it can also break off like every hair type does.
• Time savers. Maybe you're not the type who has unlimited time in the morning for hair styling. one you style Senegalese twist or box braids, you don't need to do much to them, besides retouching the occasional loose twists or smoothing down your edges. Just make sure you secure your hair at night before bedtime with a satin scarf. 
• A protective style gives you the opportunity to change up your look and try something totally new while your hair takes a needed break from heat and styling products.

5.Stay on your hair Lane

Educate yourself more about natural hair from books, YouTube, blogs and the social media. It Will be your teacher throughout your hair journey. Remember that you don't have competition on your hair lane, your hair is yours. You are not superior or inferior on your hair lane. DO NOT compare your hair with others naturals. The products that work for my hair it may not work for yours, so basically it's your job to find out what your hair likes or dislikes.

You can educate yourself from other people that have the same hair type as you, learn from them, follow some of their hair routines. YouTube is very good for beginners on natural hair, you can find anything, like from products to styles. Just do your best to educate yourself about natural hair, even if you read small articles and blogs, few minutes per day. Know your limits and quit obsessing over your hair, it can really end up damaging your hair process.

Don't be afraid to ask questions to does that have the same hair texture as you, by Staying on your hair lane, you will find products that are more suitable for your own unique hair type. So, don't give up!

6.  Be patient and embrace your natural hair!

It's challenging to transition over something that's new and difficult for you. Like we say in Spain "La Paciencia es la Madre de Todas las Ciencias", that means patience is the key for every success. 

It's hard, but we just need to focus on our goals and make sure that we paying attention to our hair. The first year of your natural life should be dedicated to learning how to handle your hair. Understand how your hair works and how to handle it, to be able to do that you need to be patient. 

Embrace your natural hair, look at yourself in the mirror and say that is nothing wrong with God creation. You are beautiful, no matter what people say. Don't let people tell you that your hair is not beautiful because they just don't like it. If they don't like its fine girl, You like it? Slay it!!!!!!



So, that's all I have for today. I hope this post was able to inspire you on your natural hair journey and hope to make things a lot easier for you. I wish you a beautiful natural hair journey and if you guys have questions or want to share some more tips, don't hesitate to share with me in the comment section below.

 Thank you again for your time and see u soon! Xx 

 

Products that I use for my 4C transitioning hair

Hello guys, I'm back!

When it comes to natural hair, it can be a beautiful and interesting journey. But making the jump can be overwhelming and scary at the same time. I am transitioning my hair to natural,  and I am discovering new things about my hair that I never knew.

If you transitioning your hair to natural, here are my favourites products that I use. I love Shea moisture products, they are in my opinion the best products for transitioning natural hair. I will leave the links below so you can check them out and try it.

1. Raw Shea butter extra moisture retention shampoo.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo which helps moisturise and repair dry, damaged or over-processed hair. This gentle, shampoo helps to soften damaged hair. Enriched with Shea Butter which deeply moisturises and repairs damage to hair and scalp.

Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycol Stearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Glyceryl Caprylate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Panthenol, Lauryl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii 

Directions: Apply it on wet hair and 

This shampoo works perfectly on my transitioning hair, it makes my hair feel very soft and moisturise. The consistency is okay and the ingredients for what you get in this shampoo is amazing in my opinion. 

I will definitely recommend you this product.

It is a bit pricey for a shampoo but it is worth it, believe me! 

2. Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture transitioning milk

Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Transitioning Milk for dry, damaged hair strengthens, smoothes and restores brilliant shine. Promotes healthy growth while transitioning chemically treated hair to natural healthy hair

How to Use: Apply as a no-rinse protective styling cream to damp hair. Use as needed.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, sugar Starch, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Vegetable Glycerinem Essential Oil Blend, Algae Extract, Panthenol, Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis(Sage) Leaf and Equisetum Arvense Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Caprylyl glycol, Tocophesrol (Vitamin E).

This is definitely one of my favourite product on my transitioning hair, It has a thick consistency, but very easy to apply to the hair once you rub it in your hands for a few seconds. It is very moisturising and does not leave my hair feeling like it is greasy, The combination of oils and water is spot on in this product. It is also great to note that it does not contain any hair softening alcohols/ chemicals such as ceteryl alcohol, Behe trim onium sulphate, etc.It has a sweet vanilla-ish scent, which was a bit strong for me at first, but I have since gotten used to the scent. 

I love this product and I will definitely recommend!

3. Shea moisture Raw Shea butter Deep Treatment Masque 326ml

This intensive treatment masque deeply moisturises and repairs dry, damaged or over-processed hair. Perfect for transitioning chemically treated hair to natural hair. 

Directions: Section clean, wet hair. Apply generously. Use a wide tooth comb to distribute evenly from root to ends. Leave in 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. For deep penetrating treatment, cover hair with a plastic cap and apply moderate heat for up to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. When using a hair steamer do not cover hair, moist heat will add to
masqueʼs hydration.

Ingredients: Deionized water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Argan Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Sea Kelp Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5),Essential Oil Blend, Avacado Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis (sage) Leaf and Equisetum Arvense Extract, Soybean Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil. *Certified Organic Ingredient.

This masque does his job well, you will not be disappointed. I use it every two weeks, and this routine works for my hair. The consistency of the product is not thick and cruddy as other products. Again, the ingredients are amazing, and healthy for your hair. I do recommend you to try this product.

4. Raw Shea butter Extra-Moisture detangler 236mL

Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler conditions and smoothes dry, damaged hair with natural botanicals while removing knots and tangles. Restores body, shine and manageability.

Directions: After shampooing, apply from root to ends. Comb through for even distribution. Do not rinse out. Style as desired.

Ingredients: Glycerin (Vegetable), Water, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter***, Ulmus Fulva (Slippery Elm) Bark Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Panthenol, Fragrance (Parfum).

I use this product almost daily, it smoothes and condition my dry hair and make it a lot easier to style my hair. It is lightweight, it does not leave my hair feeling greasy. The bottle will last you for ages, I use about one drop of the product and it fully covers my hair. I love it, I will buy it again and again. Definitely, recommend you to buy this product!

5. Palmer's, Coconut Oil Formula, Hair Polisher Serum, 6 fl oz (178 ml)

With Vitamin E Shine Boost For Brilliant, Frizz-Free Shine Repairs Dry, Damaged Hair Glosses, Smoothes and Nourishes With Pure Coconut & Marula Oil No Alcohol · No Parabens Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Shine Boost Hair Polisher Serum combines a shine. 

Directions: Apply a small amount into palms and smooth through damp or dry hair, distributing evenly. style as desired.

Ingredients: Isopropyl myristate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasioloxane, Dimethiconol, Cocos Nuifera (Coconut) oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sclerocarya Birrea seed oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin Limonene.

I like this product, but I don't use it often. I used it when I feel like my hair needs a bit of shine. I use a little amount of the product because I feel that it leaves my hair a bit greasy. it is a good product, but I just don't recommend using it daily. Especially, for transitioning hair. 

6. ECO Styler Gel - Olive Oil 16oz

Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil is made with 100% pure olive oil. Olive oil helps your scalp naturally regulate its own moisturising system. Olive oil helps attract moisture to your scalp and holds it in. Like all Eco styling gels, it is weightless and will leave your hair with a healthy shine and has a superior hold. 

• For all hair types
• Free from alcohol
• Moisturizes hair and scalp
• Tames Frizz
• No flake, no tack, anti-itch
• UV protection

Directions: Apply to dry or wet hair. Work desired amount through hair and style.

Ingredients: WATER (AQUA), carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, glycerin, triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium Edta, Olive Oil, fragrance, Blue #1, Yellow #11.

This is a great product, highly moisturising. I like that it does not flake and you don't have to use a whole for a shiny outcome. It works perfectly to smooth down your edges and for up do hairstyles. It is alcohol-free, what else can you ask for. I will never get tired of this product it is amazing, I will recommend it!

These products are the ones that I use for my transitioning natural hair, I hope that this post helps you. Thank you for your time Xxx!