Fill up their Love tanks...

Hi there girlfriends!

   I had carried some negative emotional garbage from childhood. Long story short my childhood was filled with struggles but the truth is we forget the power we have as mothers. Here is the question - what can we do as parents to help encourage and support our children?

One thing I promised to myself is that I never wanted my boy growing up feeling a void, feeling like he does not belong like the way I did. It's amazing how much things that happened in your childhood can impact your life years later.

So I compiled a list that I think we can all strive to do as parents.
I can’t think of a more important gift to give to a child than the ability to think positively.

Here are some things I say 

I love you 

You are sooo funny you always make me laugh!

I am so proud of you

You are smart 

You know what? God took His time creating you...

You are God's messenger

I love to hear your stories

You can be anything that you want to be just believe

Its ok to make mistakes

Wow when did you learn to do that?

I'm sorry please forgive me

I am always here for you

You can do it I know you can

Jesus loves you and he made you special

You are my gift, my miracle...

Saying at least one of these everyday to your children will boost their self- esteem.  Share the hope and love of Jesus through you - So go ahead and fill the love tanks of you children!

What is one encouring thing that you would add to the list?

How I do my twists...

Hello again!

 I love twists because they are easy to do and they work for me. Twists look great on everyone and  they are low manipulation.

I start with clean hair always. I thoroughly apply a leave in conditioner. I always twist on damp to almost dry hair. I tried twists on wet hair, I tried the really small twists  until I found what really works for me.

I section my hair into two parts. I then  apply a moisturising cream-  I am currently using African Pride Olive Miracle.  I have never  tried twisting with gel. If you do use gel for twisting  avoid the ones with alcohol in them.  I twist my hair in medium size twists.

 Remember to seal  the ends of your twists and twirl them around your finger. This step is important because it reduces the frizz on the ends of your twists. If your hair starts to dry spray with water. Air dry fully. I leave my twists in for more than three days for a super defined twistout.

Did I mention that twists are super cute too!
How do you rock your twists? Follow me on Instagram for more hairspiration and to see some of the products that I use.

Until next time curlies
Stay Natural  Stay Magical

Girl behind the magicalmessy hair....guest blogger

Hello there curlfriends!

I have been kinda overwhelmed these past few months. My studies, school and with my hubby away I can truthfully say that my life is crazy that is why my blogging took the backseat for a while (sowwi!). But I am so excited to feature my guest blogger today!  Instagram  is a natural girls playground. If you not on Instagram by now then you need to be! So many beautiful naturalistas and so much hairspiration...Nuff said I would like to introduce to you a curlfriend that I met on Instagram - she's the beautiful Queen behind Oh_Fro -  Chisomo Grace Nthulane. 

Natural Alternatives to Cleanse Your Hair

When it comes to wash day, lets admit it, finding products that wash your hair efficiently without stripping it of moisture is not as easy as it is for others. Despite natural hair being natural, its important to understand that more often than not, natural does not necessarily mean using completely natural or organic products  dont get thrown off by the term which simply refers to the state of your hair as it grows out of your scalp. Of course, its important to steer clear of the baddies and truth is, most naturals get by on shampoos and conditioners that dont contain them. However, if co-washing or shampooing is simply not your cup of tea, a practice you cant or wont introduce into your regimen for a variety of reasons or even if you just want to go sans shampoo, here are some natural alternatives that dont strip the hair of moisture you can use to cleanse your hair.

Water
You cant get any more natural than this. No, really. Add the fact that you dont have to pay a dime for it and its a plus. Water-only washing comprises of washing your hair with, you guessed it, just good ol water  no additional cleansing products! For some naturals, this might sound like a complete no-no, yet for others it has proven to aid with hair growth as well as softer, healthier kinks, coils and curls. If you decide to use this method, make sure to clarify your hair first with shampoo or cleanser of your choice to get rid of product build-up before you begin.

Clays
If youve never heard of using clay to cleanse your hair, chances are youre probably wondering what the whole point of doing so is and whether using clays doesnt defeat the whole purpose of cleansing the hair. But heres the thing, clays  specifically bentonite clay, kaolin clay and rhassoul clay  are great at removing toxins and build-up, softening and moisturising the hair. If your hair is dry these are for you, from Mother Earth with love. Mixed with water, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice and oils of your choice (optional), this stuff is what dreams are made of!

Apple cider vinegar
Because of its acidity, apple cider vinegar is perfect for cleansing the hair and scalp. The pH level of apple cider vinegar is similar to that of your hair and therefore it helps restore the hair and scalps pH balance, it is effective in removing build-up and dandruff as well. Using it as a hair rinse, add 75ml of apple cider vinegar to a litre of water, pour into an empty spritz bottle and spray the mixture into your hair, focusing especially on the scalp and then the hair. The mixture can be left in the hair for several minutes before rinsing it out.

African black soap
African black soap is one product that has received rave reviews over and over again. This soap, made from cocoa and plantain ash, is sulphate-free and assists with softness and the overall manageability of the hair. Using raw African black soap, you can make your own shampoo by grating the soap bar in a bowl and pouring boiling hot water into the bowl to dissolve the soap. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature it is good and ready to be poured into an applicator bottle for you to use.

Well curlies I hope you found this post helpful and do not forget to go show her some love over here.

Follow her on Instagram too- her page is full of awesomeness!

Fat is not the enemy!...Banting

Hey there!

Okay let me start by telling you that I love food and that I'm an emotional eater. My eating was whack over the past few months. Its no wonder that when  I stepped on the scale it read 'One at time please!' I had  gained close to 10kg's! I  began  my weightloss challenge again and hoping that this time I stick to it. You can join  me   here.
Anywho, I was totally excited after a really good friend of mine contacted me to tell me all about her success with Banting. I was shocked when I saw her before and after pictures! I just had to ask her to share it with you all, I know that someone out there will be motivated. We've been friends for as long as I can remember. I admire her fighting spirit- she never just throws in the towel easily. Years back we took up jogging for weightloss and fitness, I found it very difficult and at times I really wanted to quit, but this lady here was always cheering me on...telling me that I could do it! And because she inspired me with her running I  managed to do and complete a half marathon. ( I still cant believe it) And that is partly  how I  lost more than 20kg's at the beginning of my weight loss journey almost three years ago. Now she has inspired me yet again! Her results with Banting is incredible!

 So everybody- Meet Charmaine her starting weight before Banting was 74kg.
After Banting she is now 63kg's and still losing.
Charmaine cut out sugar, carbs, and all processed foods. She increased her vegetable intake and only eats when she is hungry. Water became her best friend after ditching fizzy drinks and juices. She started loosing weight before she even started exercising. Charmaine says that  portion control is key,  and knowing which list to eat freely from is also vital.

Want to know what Banting is all about?
 Basically Banting is a low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diet, named after William Banting who was the first person to do it. This way of eating makes your body switch from burning carbs for energy to burning fat. The focus is on increasing fat and decreasing carb intake in your diet. Your protein intake should be moderate. Sugary food is a no no. When you fill up with carbohydrates such as bread, cereals, pastries and refined sugars, you may get full but that soon wears off. You will find yourself snacking all day- looong....

The green list helps you decide  which foods you can eat almost freely from  and on a daily basis. These are foods you want to have readily available in your kitchen.

The orange list are foods you want to have occassionally as a healthy treat or a small snack. Fruits are mostly on this list.

The red list are foods that you should avoid or limit as much as possible. These foods have a very high sugar and carbohydrate content. Charmaine informed me that most people who indulge from this list gain weight. As you can see this list includes foods that are toxic because of added flavourants and preservatives.

With Banting fat is not the enemy- carbs are! Charmaine says that she doesn't feel deprived at all and that she is enjoying the Banting lifestyle.
She is truly an inspiration! Thank you so much Charmaine for sharing with us and you look amazing!

I suggest you join the various Banting groups on Facebook to help you understand the lifestyle more - and of course Google is always your friend.

Do you have a success story you want to share with others on this blog? Its a great way to help other people change their lives, like you have. Message me on my  page.

In the meantime, I'm thinking of making the switch- Have you?

Until next time curlies-
Be Natural -  Be Magical 

Marlene Louw

So, does Porosity really matter?

Hey there curlies! 

The first step to solving a problem is to identify it right?  So, I did some research and found out that I have low porosity hair after doing the strand test.

What is hair porosity?
It is your hairs ability to absorb moisture and is categorized by having ~ Low, Normal and High porosity. Knowing where you fall under will help you to know the needs of your hair as well as what products work best for your hair. This can explain why certain products work well in someone else's hair but not yours.

See the above chart on how to go about doing the strand test.

(1) Hair that is LOW POROSITY has difficulty absorbing moisture easily. This  means that the cuticle is tight, making product penetration difficult, which can lead to  product buildup. For low porosity hair, regular deep conditioning treatments using heat (I sometimes use a hot towel) are helpful because it helps in retaining moisture penetration.

Use lighter oils,( I use almond and  grapeseed)
Ayurvedic treatments help to open the cuticle.
 Low porosity hair can benefit from clay treatments.
 Low Porosity Hair takes quite some time to fully air dry, sometimes a day or two. The good thing about low porosity hair is that once moisture is infused, it holds onto it due to the tight cuticles.

(2) Hair that is of NORMAL POROSITY absorbs and retains just the right amount of water.
Use cool water for your final rinse.
Moisturise and seal as needed.
Seal with light oils.

(3) Hair that is of HIGH POROSITY has cuticles that have holes or tears  from chemical treatments, harsh combing or brushing or overuse of heat, that causes it to take in  moisture quickly. Seems good enough right? Nope! the water will escape just as easily, leaving your hair dry all the time.
Protein treatments will help fill the gaps in hair cuticle.

 Deep condition more times with a protein conditioner than a moisturising one.

Apple cider vinegar rinses will help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.

Cold water rinses, heavier oils and water based moisturisers are all best for high porosity hair.
Keep heat at a minimum- no rather don't use heat at all if you can.

I have low porosity hair and it can get tricky sometimes. My hair craves moisture but has difficulty getting it in. What works most for me is doing weekly co-washes and using heat when I deep condition.
 I sometimes feel like my hair takes foreveeeeerrr to get drenched in water on wash days... I've also learned that low porosity hair don't take on color very well too.   

My hair works well with liquid-y products. If I dont use a moisturiser, I use a bit of oil  to seal in the water on damp hair.
When I use a product and it says to leave on for 20 minutes, then I leave it on for about forty to forty five minutes instead. I double the time because our hair needs a longer time to absorb products. 

 I moisturise and seal when my hair is about 70% dry, if I don't then the products applied won't absorb but will sit on top of my hair. So,  as you can see - porosity really does matter.  It was a game changer for me and it can be for you too.
Thank you for stopping by  and for more hair tips and discussions join my page.
Follow me here, where I post and do product reviews.

Do you know the porosity of your hair? How are you taking care of it?

Until next time,
- Stay Magical

How I made Amla infused oil...

Hey there,
This is a semi- long post*

       

As my love affair with all things ayurvedic deepens, I now introduce you to my homemade Amla oil recipe!

I'm totally excited to be sharing with you on how I made my very own Amla oil! I've always been skeptical of buying Amla oil because it just doesn't smell like the Amla we used back in the day...and some of it contains mineral oil too. 

Amla is known to nourish and grow the hair.

Amla oil is actually made by soaking the dried fruit in a base of an oil like coconut, olive, almond oil, etc. 

There are so many things that you can infuse with oil, it is ridiculous! 

So while the Amla was heating I quickly threw in a little Brahmi  powder too. (This is one of my favorites.) Brahmi is an ayurvedic herb that strengthens the hair roots and helps with itchy scalp and dandruff issues. I wrote a post on most of the herbs and their benefits. You can read all about it here.

Anyhuu, let's get on with it- I used  less than half a packet of Amla powder,

Some Brahmi powder,
Half the bottle grapeseed oil, which I think is 125ml,
100ml of almond oil ( I'm totally not good with measurements I just eyeball everything*)
A few drops of castor oil, I didn't want the mixture to turn out thick, so go easy on this one.
You will  also need:
Lemongrass essential oil, use any essential oil you prefer-
a bowl and spoon for stirring,
a bottle or container for storing the amla infused oil.
Here's the thing- the plan was to just use Amla powder and an oil but it turned out to be more than that, (things changed as the mixtress in me came out to play, lol) It's always fun trying out new things!
Make sure you put paper on the table because it can get a little messy.

I poured the Amla and Brahmi powder in a saucepan and heated it on medium heat, until it got hot. I then added the oils.
  While stirring I thought of throwing in some fresh curry leaves from our garden and a stick of cinnamon. I'm sure you all know by now that curry leaves prevents pre-mature greying ( I just discovered a single strand of silver recently), as well as helps with hair growth. Cinnamon has vitamins and antioxidants which help improve the condition of the scalp Aaannd yes - hair growth!
   I didn't leave the mixture on too long, I didn't want it to boil. You will notice that it starts to look blackish brown.

 You can see the indents of cinnamon stick and curry leaves.
I poured everything into the bowl to cool. I added a few drops of lemongrass essential oil, ooh the aroma that filled my kitchen...sigh** the joys of being a curlygirl...

I let the mixture soak for up to five days for double potency.  The oil was clean when I poured it into the bottles, no need for a strainer or a funnel. I was super excited when I saw the resemblance of the color! A thick consistency like mud was left behind at bottom of the bowl. I kept it for future use. I'll probably add some conditioner to it and do an Amla gloss.
I will use my Amla infused oil for pre- poo and hot oil treatments. I'm going to mix a little with some essential oil and do scalp massages too. Oh, and not forgetting to add some to my ayurvedic hair masks as well. The options are endless...
   

Look at that color! 

So, will you try this ayurvedic doctor's  recipe, lol!
Keep me updated if you do on my hair page.

Until next time,
Stay Natural  -Stay Magical
Xoxo  - Marlene Louw

I use tea on my hair..I think you should too!

Hello again!

 I can sometimes be a major procrastinator because I suppose to do this post like a month ago on tea rinses. So let me get straight  on with it.
After I did my first tea rinse, I immediately knew that it will be a keeper! One of the things that stood out for me about tea rinsing is that it decreases shedding and thickens the hair. Tea rinsing also strengthens hair. After reading up on tea rinses, I knew I just had to give it a try.
Tea cleanses the scalp by removing build up. Black tea contains caffeine so it may cause possible hair growth too. The first time I tried it, I noticed a significant difference. I simply loved it!
But my hair was very dry due to the fact that I didn't rinse the tea out.

So I tried different methods to get the best results for my hair. There are many different types of teas that you can choose from and they each have their benefits too.
Green tea reduces shedding and stimulates hair growth. It  has been known to soothe and reduce inflammation of the scalp as well as psoriasis.
Black tea strengthens the hair and helps with dandruff issues. I just recently discovered that a cup of black tea contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee! Kind of weird, right?
Here's how I tea rinse: 
I tea rinse after I've washed my hair and before I deep condition. I found that tea can be very drying too, so always follow up with a deep conditioner. I use four tea bags. You can use more or less if you like.

Two of which is green tea and two of chai tea, I love chai because of the cardamon and cinnamon. ( bonus). I let it steep until fully cooled down then I  add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. You can choose any essential oil of your choice. You can even try adding some acv or lemon juice too. After I wash and rinse my hair, I pour the cooled tea over my hair and massage. My scalp sings thank, thank you, thank you... because of the peppermint, I love it! I then apply deep conditioner over it, for me this seals in the goodness of the tea. I wrap my head and leave it on for an hour. I rinse thoroughly, then I proceed to moisturise and style. I usually do twists.
There are a  variety of ways to tea rinse. Again-  keep in mind that tea  can make your hair a bit hard, so deep condition and moisturise thoroughly. Some naturals pour the tea into a spray bottle and spray on the scalp and hair.
You can do the tea rinse, massage and rinse off, then deep condition. You have to try different methods to find the best possible one for you.
Before I end I must add that since I'm doing the tea rinsing, hair shedding is practically zero - woot woot! Tea rinsing will definitely be a staple in my regimen. Oh; one more thing - your hair darkens over time with black tea as you use it constantly.
I'll be trying out the coffee rinse soon...
Are you doing tea rinses too? What do you think of it?
Until next time,
Stay Natural  - Stay Magical
Xoxo - Marlene Louw

Don't touch that hair...

Hi there curlies!
Many  of us appreciate the growth we see when we leave our hair in peace. Yup, I'm talking about protective styling.
Remember to be cautious when choosing your protective style. If it's not not done correctly it can do more harm than good to your hair.

Protective styling using just your hair- 
*don't do the styles too
   tight.
*it should not be  difficult to do
* save your hair line and be gentle - try not to pull on your edges too tight.
Note: Hairstyles that leave your hair flowing in the wind or brushing your shoulders are not considered as protective styles because your hair is not tucked away and so defeats its purpose.

Advantages of protective styling- 
*it reduces too much
  manipulation of hair.
*if done correctly protective styling  can help with length retention.
If you follow my blog or hair page then you already know my go to protective style... Twists! They are so convenient. I can get two styles - the twists as a style on its own , and a bomb twistout!

Here's a video on preparing your hair before installing a protective style.

So, have you reaped the rewards of protective styling?

Until next time,
Stay Natural  - Stay Magical
Xoxo  Marlene Louw

This is what I learned so far..

Hello again curlfriends!

One of the things that I've been pondering on lately, is how so much can change in a year. These are some of the things that I've learned this year. How to moisturise my hair properly. I learned to master the LOC method. This was certainly a game changer for me! The centre of my hair always broke off because it was constantly dry and brittle. I think 'kliphard' describes it  rather better...So after experimenting with numerous amounts of products like leave- ins, creams, oils... I finally found a combo that works best for my hair! (It's not called a hair journey for nothing.)

So my hair is finally getting longer and healthier. I have settled into a nice routine that works.
So here's the thing- Its important to know where you've been in order to know where you're headed. Yep, I've been pondering y'all!
Your hairs past affects its future awesomeness, so it's utterly crucial to have a healthy hair game plan.
 If you don't, you will find yourself wasting money on every product that you hear about just because it worked for someone else. I have learned this the hard way, trust me. You may be thinking "she's not talking to me" ... But I totally am. Just don't buy hair products on impulse.
When I eventually found a routine that worked  for me, I no longer saw my hair as a chore. I no longer relied on the "rules" of the natural hair community. Always remember this-  your hair journey is also a journey of IDENTITY.... (I told ya I've been pondering!)
 Another thing that I've learned is to keep my hair happy by deep conditioning every time I wash it and even when I co- wash too. Failure to deep condition may be the cause of your hair breaking.
In the beginning I was doing too much with my hair. I became overwhelmed and sometimes frustrated. I got caught up with  products, styling methods, routines etc... You have LOC, LCO, oil rinses, tea rinses, mud washing and the list goes on. I became distracted. My wash days were lengthy and I began to resent it. I think you'll know me by now - I'm a no fuss kinda curly. I made up my mind to just do me. Just stick to the basics. I now style once on wash day instead of every day. My go to style are twists because it's simple, cute and my hair stays stretched.

It's easier to handle stretched hair. You can do more styles on hair that's stretched.
I also learned my hairs porosity. I had to re- think some things that I was doing. Since I know my hairs porosity I now know which products work well for me.

Through experimenting and researching I found that my hair thrives on ayurveda hair treatments. I suggest you do the same and while you at it ) have fun and enjoy the process.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Keep in mind that natural hair can be complicated but only if you make it out to be.
What's some of the things that you've learned so far in your hair journey?

Until next time curlies,
Stay Natural  - Stay Magical
Xoxo - Marlene Louw

Here is why you should try Ayurveda hair treatments....

Hello to all the lovely curlies!

 I tried a new ayurvedic powder! It's the Holy Basil also known as Tulsi! I was at our local Indian spice shop again, when I spotted it  and figured I would give it a go. I only got one sachet because I wasn’t sure how well I would like it.

Tulsi is a type of basil plant and is part of the mint family. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and is considered an anti-pollutant. It helps alleviate skin and scalp issues like dandruff, itchy scalp, ringworm, scabies, eczema. It protects and moisturizes your scalp. You can also use it on your face to treat blemishes and acne.
It is a green color in its powder form but when I mixed it with some green tea it turned into more of a brown color.

   

      I found that this paste didn't distribute very well because it was a bit too gritty to apply. I had to add a bit of conditioner to the mix. 

           

        
I used a whole sachet, I brewed some green tea and added some coconut oil and almond oil. Lastly I added a few drops of rosemary essential oil. 
In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together. I used three tea bags  to make a thick paste. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about an hour. I leave on for more,  it totally depends on you. Rinse thoroughly it requires a lot of rinsing. Use conditioner to cleanse. I use quite alot. Deep condition afterwards and always because the powders are very drying.

I’ve been impressed by the strengthening and growth properties of these ayurveda hair treatments. Join me here for some more tips and advice to healthy hair.

Have you tried any ayurveda hair 
treatments to your regimen? 

Until next time, 
Stay Natural     Stay Magical
Xo Xo -  Marlene Louw

a Happy Hair Journey...

Hey there curlies!

Natural hair is beautiful and requires effort on our part to flourish. So, I hope you find these tips helpful.   

Avoid products with mineral oil, or sulphates in them as they can be very drying.

DO - try to invest in products with  natural ingredients. Using natural products means you know exactly what you are putting on your head, so no more reading long lists of ingredients.
Use  a good water based moisturiser or leave-in conditioner to hydrate your hair.
 Seal your ends with a natural oil, or shea butter to keep in the moisture.
       
     

           

• Deep condition weekly. A moisturizing deep conditioner will help prevent breakage, moisturize your hair and strengthen your new growth.
• Protect your hair by staying away from heat and manipulation as much as possible. Protect your ends of your hair by doing styles that don’t expose them. Do not do styles that pull your hair tightly because this will result in hair loss.  Try doing loose buns and twists.
•  If you choose to do protective hairstyles – remember to take care of your hair and scalp underneath and do not to leave them in for too long.

 Never comb hair dry! The best method of combing hair is when wet or damp, and loaded with conditioner.

• Henna  applications are a great, it's a natural way to strengthen and thicken up your hair. Try it you won't be sorry. 

Extra care is needed for your natural hair at night. So, sleep with a hair bonnet or on a satin pillow.

I hope you found this post helpful, remember to keep it simple always. Cheers to a Happy Hair Journey!

Until next time
Stay Natural -  Stay Magical
Xo Xo Marlene Louw