Cheap beauty ritual

Hello there curlies!
I would like to share with you my beauty ritual.
Recently I started to use castor oil on my face.

I use castor oil with coconut oil to pre-poo my hair. I have had great results so I started to add it in my deep conditioner mixes. I also mix some for my hot oil treatments. I add it to my homemade liquid black soap as well.
Here's a little bit about this oil-
Not only is it a laxative but it's also anti - fungal. It thickens eyebrows and eyelashes. It's like glycerin, it attracts moisture to the hair. It helps with hair loss. Its easily absorbed in the skin. Cures acne and helps skin look youthful (this is the part that I love!)
This oil keeps my hair soft and my skin smooth.
Here's how I use it:
I have a mixture of castor oil and almond oil.  Find the ratio that works for your skin type. I apply some to my face and rub it in a clockwise motion. I massage thoroughly. I then put a hot facecloth over my face because this opens up the pores. The first week or so I did experience some breakouts, but it cleared. This is because the skin is getting used to this new method of cleansing. I also use it to remove make up. The mascara just glides off - no water at all!

 Can you notice the difference in this pic? I have added a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil to my castor oil, because I don't like the smell of it. 

I re- used a hand wash bottle to store my castor oil mix, this makes it so much easier to dispense.

I only started using castor oil a few months ago, and now I'm one of those naturals who can rave about it too! I highly recommend it for your hair and your skin, trust me you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions please feel free to drop a comment. You can also follow my journey at https://mobile.face book.com/magicalmessymerls/
Instagram @magicalmessymerls

Stay Natural  Stay Magical,
Xo Xo - Marlene Louw

Dove Intensive Repair

Hey there curlies!
I keep my hair happy by deep conditioning every time I wash it.
I have been using the Dove Intensive Repair conditioner and the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle deep treatment. Deep conditioning is important for our type of hair because it is naturally dry. Failure to regularly deep condition maybe the cause of hair breakage.

I really enjoy using the Dove Intensive Repair. It's a daily treatment conditioner that claims to give instant deep nourishment. It has a refreshing clean fragrance that lingers on my hair for up to three days. It comes in a convenient upside down tube making it easy to dispense. The color is milky white with a thick consistency. My hair feels transformed with every use. It leaves my hair soft and it's also excellent for color treated hair. I wear my hair out most of the time, so my hair is always in need of some intense moisture repair as possible. It leaves my hair soft, tangle free and with a healthy boost.

Dove Intensive Repair daily treatment conditioner is everything a quality conditioner ought to be. It's a conditioner with treatment inside, so it can be used daily. I like that this product DOES what it says it does!

 I would recommend this product for curlies who have dry, damaged or brittle hair. I will definitely repurchase this product again.

Kindly note that I'm not promoting any products here. Results may differ depending on your hair type.
Until next time,
Stay Natural - Stay Magical
XoXo Marlene Louw

My weight loss inspired me...

Hello again curlies!
 My inspiration for embracing my natural hair was my weight loss.

My weight loss journey started in 2014. I weighed 105kg. I was depressed most of the time, I never left the house, the  thought of not fitting in a chair is what I really feared the most. I was constantly tired. My health was on a down low. I started getting frequent chest pains, so I ended up at the doctor's office.
I found out my thyroid was out of whack and the reason it was difficult to loose weight was because I had PCOS. That explained why after all, I couldn't conceive. Oh and the chest pains was because I was MORBIDLY obese!

So I was told because of all this and my age, it will be difficult to loose weight. I didn't really hear the rest because I was numb. The words MORBIDLY obese kept ringing in my ears.
Coming from a generation of family members plagued with high blood pressure, sugar diabetes, etc I wanted something different for me. I didn't want to live a life dependant on medication because of unhealthy choices.
Fast forward, I eventually lost the weight and  I learnt that what we eat plays a major role in our overall health. I began to understand that healthy meant a number of things, such as drinking enough water, minimal stress and a healthy lifestyle.

I became mindful of what I put in my body and so I wanted the same for my hair as well. Good habits and positive living becomes easier the more we practice it. Remember the only person who can slow or hinder your progress is You. Check out my Page for some more inspiration.
What inspired you to embrace your natural hair?

Until next time,

Stay natural - Stay Magical
XoXo - Marlene Louw

What do you love about your natural hair?

Hello there curlies!

In my teens I struggled with self esteem. All through adulthood I felt like a project that needed to be fixed, my face, my body, my hair etc.
So when I decided to return to natural, many aspects of my life changed too.

I no longer compared myself to others. I no longer felt shy to stand out from the crowd. I finally accepted that I will never fit into their standards of normal. My hair journey is a lesson of self worth and identity. I grew to love my hair even though I didn't understand it at times. I became an afro sassy, confident women who wears her crown with pride.

I no longer forced my hair into submission. I let my curls decide what kind of hair day we gonna have, and that in itself is natural as can be!

I appreciate every stranger that stares at me, who come up to me and ask if it is my real hair, and if they can touch it.  I have learnt that I can't control everything and it's okay.

Wearing my hair natural is simply being me. I feel liberated and unapologetic.  The more messy and misbehaved my fro became, the more I grew to love it. I love that it grows out and up, it's magical because it certainly defies gravity...

I love my hair when it's wild, I love my hair when it's tamed, I love my hair in whatever state it's in, and this is what should be celebrated.

I love the different types of styles I can create, sometimes the curls get really tight and this is when I get asked if I cut my hair.

Being natural broadend my understanding that my worth is not conforming to specific beauty standards. 

I love my curly, coily, kinky and "kroes' hair because it has multiple personalities and more importantly it's MINE!

So, curlies what do you love about your natural hair? 

Until next time

Stay natural Be Magical

XoXo  Marlene Louw 

My take on the Garnier hair balm

Hey curlies!

Today's update is on the Garnier Ultimate Blends, the sleek restorer balm, blended with coconut oil and cocoa butter. Balms and masks are intense conditioners, that can return moisture to the hair and protect it.

My hair is thick, kinky and super dry, that's why I settled for this one. 

The texture of this balm is thick and light brown in colour. The fragrance is kind of yummy like with a sweet cocoa smell. It does seem to have made my hair less brittle. After using this product my hair feels alot softer and manageable. I love that it doesn't require any heat to do the job. It does leave my hair smoother with a noticeable healthy look.

What I appreciate about this product is that it can be used as a everyday conditioner.
Overall I'm satisfied with the results. I wish it came in a tube instead of a tub, it's just more convenient to use. So, will I continue to use this product? No- it gives a temporary effect and the results are not miraculous for me. Being natural with thick hair I need a more potent treatment. I won't be purchasing it again because I already get the same effect from my Dove intense treatment. I do recommend it to healthy hair newbies with dry or damaged hair. Remember that results may vary according to your type.
Try it out and let me know your results.
 Thanks for dropping by, until next time,

Stay natural - Stay Magical

Xo Xo - Marlene Louw

Garnier Ultimate Blends Conditioner

Hello again!
 It's now almost a month that I have been using Garnier Ultimate Blends. I purchased it at Clicks when looking for a new conditioner to try. What I like about this conditioner is that it is mild and gentle on the hair. I'm currently using the conditioner and the mask.

My hair is dry and very thirsty so I chose the nourishing repairer with avocado oil and shea butter. There's a blend for every hair type that targets different hair issues.

Firstly, I want to point out that this conditioner smells amazing and the fragrance lingers on for longer. Secondly, it is paraben free, these types of products are usually more expensive and sometimes harder to find. The texture is thick and creamy. The key ingredients are avocado oil and shea butter. This conditioner is great for hair like mine which is dry and thick. It detangles my hair nicely. The slip of the conditioner is not everything though,

I was hoping for more slip being natural, but it does leave my hair more moisturised. I have noticed that since using this conditioner I have experienced less breakage. It leaves my hair softer and my tips are well conditioned.

  

Overall this is a pretty good conditioner. It's easily available and very affordable too. I would like to try another range from this Garnier Ultimate Blends collection. It's paraben free so it's a big thumbs up. 

Let me know your views if you try this line. Take note that results may vary due to different hair types.

My next review will be on the delicious hair balm, so stay tuned...

Here's to healthy hair, 

Be natural Be Magical

XoXo  - Marlene Louw

Some hair tips

Hey curlies-

My hair is naturally dry and during the colder season it gets even more dryer. I did a Henna gloss today just to add a bit of thickness and shine. It got me thinking about my hair. If your  hair is like mine, super thick and thirsty then you know that it can get even more dry during the colder months.

Here's what I do to keep my hair manageable and healthy:

First off I hardly use shampoo. I co- wash often this helps especially if your hair is super dry. 

I sometimes add a few drops of oil to shampoo, (not in the whole bottle) Essential oils like ylang ylang and bergamot(my favorite) helps to open the hair cuticle so moisture can be easily absorbed. Im currently using argon oil. It instantly moisturises the hair.
Always use conditioner. I always stock up on conditioner, I use it to detangle and I also use it  in my spray bottle. Use a moisture rich conditioner.
Use a leave in conditioner and water should be the first ingredient in any leave in.
Deep condition after every wash. I never leave out this step. The health of my hair is because of this.
Check out your styling products to make sure that it doesn't have a high content of alcohol.
Make sure you seal in all that goodness with an oil. Remember- oil doesn't moisturise. Using a moisturiser without oil will allow the moisture to escape in no time. So far I have used avocado oil, olive oil, amla and my favourite coconut oil. I just started using argon oil and its been good to me so far.
Try not to use the blowdryer as it can dry your scalp.
Protect your hair when you go out in the cold.
Don't forget to wrap your hair at night, but of course you already know this.
If your hair is really dry and brittle I suggest you do some weekly oil massages.  Warm some oil, I use coconut oil and apply to scalp then massage.
Remember that over styling can damage your strands. I use to have the "hands in hair syndrome" at the beginning stages of my hair journey. I know it can be difficult at times. Braids and twists are great because there's no need to style your hair all the time.

With these tips your curls should carry you through the colder days. Hope you enjoyed reading like I enjoyed writing this post.

Here's to natural healthy and magical hair.

Xo Xo- Marlene Louw

Hair crisis

Hello again! I'm quite sure that you will agree with me that change is inevitable. Change is sometimes hard to embrace but, what do you do when you bored with your hair?

Maybe you want to freshen up your look? Its okay to have fun with your hair, its also a way to express who you are to the world.
Here are a few ideas for you if you want a bit of change-

Get yourself a gloss treatment if your hair color is starting to look stale or even a deep conditioner. These will add some shine and give your hair a good lift.
Change the shape of your fro. Simple adjustments can make a huge difference.
If you usually do your hair at a salon then forget it this time, and go ahead and spoil yourself. Get a facial or do your nails and don't forget your toes too. Maybe a good massage is just what you really need. We are constantly changing, growing and learning. Trust me, your hair won't mind if you skip a hairdo so you can get treated in a different way.

So are you in an emotional hair crisis? You definitely not alone.

Until next time,
Stay natural  Stay Magical

Xoxo Marlene Louw

A new updo

I have recently become bored with my hair. I have gotten tired of my twists and I just didn't want to be leaving my hair out every day.
I'm a simple natural and kinda lazy sometimes. My go to style is a puff and afro. I don't like hiding my hair so this year I didn't do not one protective style. That's correct- not even one.
Back in the day I could rock  a different style every day, I was creative with hairstyling. I reminisce on that whenever I stand in front of my mirror deciding on what to do with my hair.
Two weeks back I attempted to do a tuck and roll on freshly washed hair and I liked it.

This was a proud moment for me. I then did another updo style but this time I stretched my hair first. I was inspired by a few pics on Instagram, yoh! there are many beautiful natural hair styles out there! So yes after washing,deep conditioning and sealing I stretched my hair with a blowdryer on medium heat. Thereafter I did loose twists here and there.

 I just joined them with bobby pins and added my one and only hair grip, to give a more classical look. I need to invest in more hair accessories now that my hair is longer. I had no idea on how the style should be or what it should look like.

So there you have it, curlies this is so liberating! I feel like I'm stepping out and into another level or phase. 

Any style tips is much appreciated.

Until next time...

Stay natural Stay Magical

Xo Xo - Marlene

Co-washing

Hey curlies,

 I'm sure most of you already know about co-washing, if you don't know then its simply ditching the shampoo and washing your hair with conditioner only.

 Early in my hair journey I incorporated co-washing and my hair loved it. Conditioners are formulated with cleansing agents.
 I used the Tressemme range. My twa (teeny weeny afro) was thriving.
 I used it to detangle, co-wash and I put it in my spray bottle mix.

Co-washing softens the hair and helps keep it moisurised. If you colour your hair then co-washing will help your colour last longer.
         

When I co-wash I notice that my hair is easy to comb  resulting in less breakage.
It's advisable to use a silicone free conditioner.

Co-washing is one of the hair practices that I have benefited from. Decide for yourself if it  is for you because everyone's head of hair is different.

What conditioner do you use for co-washing?
Has it benefited you?

Until next time Magicals

Henna gloss

Henna gloss is easy to apply and easy to rinse off, no fuss and no mess. I always preferred it over a full Henna application.

I do a Henna gloss once month. It's used for adding colour and adds a lovely "gloss" Totally can't do without this stuff.

A Henna gloss conditions and moisturises the hair at the same time. 

Here's what is needed for a Henna gloss-

Henna-  I use the Vatika brand.

Green tea- it helps to release the dye.

Oils- use what you prefer. I used coconut oil and avocado oil.

Conditioner- this helps to give the "gloss". Helps to soften the hair as well.

Use a container for mixing and gloves because Henna stains.

Make a strong cup of tea, use 2 or 3 teabags. Allow it cool and mix in a packet of Henna. Stir. Add the conditioner and two tablespoons each of the oils. Mix until smooth. 

Apply on clean damp hair. Make sure your hair is coated well. I always section my hair into four parts for easier application. Leave on for plus minus 2 to 4 hours or longer. It all depends on how much colour you want.  Then you rinse. And you rinse. And you rinse some more. Rinse until the water runs clear. Thereafter use conditioner. I wouldn't recommend using shampoo because it will strip your hair. Use more conditioner if you have to. I always deep condition afterwards. I never leave this step out.

Now you can rinse and style.
Voila! Your hair is now thicker,shinier and stronger. Adding a Henna gloss to your regime takes your hair results a few notches higher.

Do you use Henna? Try it you won't be sorry.

Stay beautiful Stay Magical

Xo Xo - Marlene Louw