4/4/11

Spring has arrived!!! Pretty soon, summer will be here!


Spring officially began on 3/22 (scientifically speaking), but the weather here in VA is actually catching up to the calendar. I rarely use heat on my hair and never use chemicals, but I do want some highlights and a warmer hair color for the warmer seasons. How can I achieve highlights/a different hair color without chemicals? By combining some simple ingredients and baggying my hair!

You'll need:

Cinnamon***, 5 TBS
Honey, 2 TSPS
Lemon juice, 1 TSP
Moisturizing conditioner, 2 CUPS (I use Suave Shea Butter & Almond)
2 plastic shower caps or bags (typical grocery bags)
24+ hours to baggy your hair or a crocheted/knit cap to cover the plastic caps

Mix all ingredients well (will look like gingerbread cake batter) and allow to sit for one hour before applying throughout clean, detangled hair. Cover hair with 2 caps/bags and allow to penetrate hair for a full 24 hours or more. I usually don't, but you may occasionally mist your hairline or any exposed area that dries. To rinse, spray hair with water and conditioner (50/50) to loosen any clumps of dried mix. Fill a large bucket or bathtub with cool water. Dunk your head 3-4 times, submerging all of your hair. You may continue dunking to rinse, or use a sprayer or faucet to rinse the remainder of the cinnamon from your hair, co-washing your hair. If you prefer, you can go outside with your hair uncovered in full sunlight to speed up the process. Treat hair with this mixture weekly until the desired shade is achieved. Afterward, once a month should suffice to maintain the color.

* It is normal for your scalp to feel warm or tingly after applying the mixture. Cinnamon is a known scalp-stimulating agent, which some attribute to hair growth.

** I have gone to work with this mixture in my hair by covering most of my hair with the caps and a crochet beanie. I push it back off my head, leaving the front part of my hair exposed just like I do when my hair is "normal" and I'm wearing a hat. Most people do not notice the mix, but love the smell. If you want to minimize the appearance of the mix in your hair (it dries reddish-brown), just keep the front moisturized with a little conditioner and water.

***Do not use if you are allergic to cinnamon. If you are not sure if you are allergic or sensitive to cinnamon, test the inside of one arm 24 hrs in advance of using the treatment. If your skin develops a rash or other such symptoms, discontinue use. I have sensitive skin and eczema on my scalp, but have had no problems using this mixture.

***I added these pictures because, well Purplgirl48 requested them and I needed to post some pictures of MY hair...ENJOY!


2 comments:

  1. Do you have any pictures of the results? This sounds like something I would like to try. I would love to see your results.

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  2. Hey Purplgirl48! I do have some pictures from last summer. I'm currently trying to transfer my hair diary (seriously, I have about 500 pics of my various hair styles and product review) to the blog. I will try my best to scroll through and find the ones of my natural highlight mix for you. Thanks for commenting!

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