Making Deep Conditioning Fun for Kids

It was really warm and sunny this half term  so I decided to use nature to make deep conditioning fun for my 6 year old. 

We got the sprinklers out and she jumped into her swimming costume. 

After splashing about for a while, I separated her hair into 4 sections and shampooed her hair with Stage 2 Hydrating Hibiscus Shampoo. 

I then applied the Triple Whipped Intense Conditioner liberally to her ends and worked it through each section, gently detangling with my fingers until her entire head was completed. I really like this conditioner because it's blended with organic Castor oil, Coconut Oil and Avocado oil that work together to soften the hair and the combination makes detangling so easy for us.

Finger detangling has been working for us in terms of length retention and reducing breakage because using my fingers gently and patiently helps prevent ripping and tearing.  I've also found that using my fingers to fan through the tangles at the ends (using a similar motion as to that of playing a harp) leaves her with fewer split and uneven ends. 

I left the conditioner in her hair while she jumped on the trampoline and chased butterflies, the heat from the sun helps the conditioner better penetrate her hair strands.  The photo mosaic below shows the conditioner immediately after application (top two) versus after half hour in the sun (bottom two).

When I had rinsed out the conditioner, I found her hair felt moisturised - like I could literally feel it in her hair - which meant that I didn't need to apply loads of butters or treatments afterwards. 

I simply applied a light coating of our Cocomonoi Joy oil to seal in the moisture before the sun dried it out too much, and I began banding her hair for the week ahead. 

Stay tuned and I'll show you the final result .


#triplewhippedconditoner#coconutandcastoroil #avocadooil#deepconditioning #hairtreatment #almocado#naturalhair #naturalhairproducts #organic#ukbrand #curls #curlyhair #afrohair

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4th of July SALE!

Almocado wishes you a Happy Independence day!

To celebrate with our loyal US customers we're offering discounted shipping of just £10.00 on all orders placed between midnight on July 3rd and midnight on July 4th.

Here's a snapshot of your feedback:
 

"Shipping stings but I keep coming back because your products are just that good!"

"Yummy, Yummy Yummy! Love it. I can't wait to wash my hair with Almocado's products! "

"My hair used to shed a lot and was quite dry but since using Almocado the shedding has stopped"

"My locs are cleaner, smell better and feel so soft!"

"Love the Peppermint Tea moisture mist - it has a fresh minty smell just perfect for refreshing my

Sisterlocks after a workout at the gym. I love it, love it, love it"

"Almocado products are not too heavy and work really well on my bi-racial curls. Recommended!"

"Loved your shampoo! Even cut open the bottle so I didn't waste a single drop!!"

The £ is at it's lowest since the 1980's, so the exchange rate is in your favour! Combined with reduced shipping costs this is a great time to try Almocado for the first time or stock up on your favourites.

Just remember - the sale is for ONE DAY ONLY! Don't miss it! 

Shampoos & Conditioners from £13.50 Buy Now Moisturisers & Butters from £9.99 Buy Now Hair Oils & Spritzes from £9.99 Buy Now

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Twitter: @almocado
Email: appointments@almocado.com

What I made today

Busy morning at the workshop but I’m happy with the fruits of my labour.

I made all the bestsellers: Seaweed shampoo, Avocado Hibiscus & Honey Silk Spritz and Twist & Twirl buttercream with extra hibiscus and double whipped Shea & Mango butters!

‪#‎pretty‬ ‪#‎smellsGreatInHere‬ ‪#‎almocadoluv‬ ‪#‎almocadonaturals‬ ‪#‎uknatural‬‪#‎haircare‬‪#‎hairtreats‬ ‪#‎handmade‬

visit our shop to get yours today www.almocado.com/shop

Almocado Sik Spritz - Avocado Honey Hibiscus Batch

Sometimes I get in a creative mood. The Silk Spritz is one of my best sellers....

Over the years it has been scented with Mandarin and Coconut, Melon and Banana. This latest batch is a yummylicious Almond Buttercream aroma and has a slight maroon hue - why? I added hibiscus!

Now, hibiscus may be new to the range but it is not new to me. My mother's garden in Barbados is crammed with red and pink hibiscus plants... I have fond memories of sipping tiny buds of nectar from the stamens...and one of my favourite hair treatments was made by crushing handfuls of flowers and soaking them in a basin of water and aloe vera. LUSH!

So here's me, sharing some of my childhood with you.

Avocado, Honey Hibiscus Silk Spritz - now available online but you'll have to hurry as I only made 15 bottles. Enjoy!



Yours,


Annette "Almocado" Clarkley

Almocado Hair Oils

In the workshop: 

Just finishing up the latest batches of hair and scalp oils:
All blended with organic avocado and jojoba oils, and rich in vitamin E, A, B1, B2 and D.

Vitamin A helps us produce healthy sebum, Vitamin E helps with blood circulation ensuring nutrients reach the follicles, some believe it also helps support the immune system, and may fend off hair loss.

In addition to consuming vitamins as part of a healthy eating regime, many clients see an improvement in the health of their hair by applying these blends to their hair and scalp.

-Follicle energising Rosemary and basil for a stimulating effect.
- Cooling peppermint & tea tree to help keep itchiness and flakes away.
-Balancing Lavender & Ylang for an aromatic spa like hot oil treatment that can help thicken hair and promote healthy scalps.

Available from Almocado.com/shop

Product Review - Almocado Twist & Twirl (Conditioning and Styling Cream)

My Review on Almond Avocado Natural "Almocado Twist & Twirl" (Conditioning and Styling Cream) by Sian Nelson-Baah

I've already reviewed The Almond Avocado Aromatherapy Shampoo and Brown Sugar conditioner w/cones- long story short I loved them both and have had no issues with product build up or any ill effects due to cones (the condish is available without cones ).

I washed and conditioned with the AA products mentioned above, I plopped with an old tshirt and when my hair was damp I used bendy rollers to set my hair, I used the Twist and Twirl Conditioning Cream on each section of hair before rolling up, this was the only product I used in hair except water of course. The following morning I removed my rollers (middle pic) separated and fluffed, my hair is soft and shiny and not crispy at all, it is now day 4 and my curls are still soft and shiny and holding their shape. The 3rd pic was taken last night. 

I would recommend these products and I will be trying others in the range. I bought all these products with my own money.

Images & Text copyright Sian Nelson-Baah, used with permission.

How will you use your styling creme? Click here to get your Twist & Twirl on or explore the full product range by visiting almocado.com.

Don't forget to like our fan page http://www.facebook.com/almondandavocado and follow us on twitter and let us know how you get on. Thanks!

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Business: www.facebook.com/almondavocado
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/almondandavocado
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Twitter: @almocado
Email: almocado@gmail.com

Popular Products: The Almocado Triple Treat

Say 'hello' to three of our best selling products: 

• Soft Curl Mist: for moisturising, detangling and refreshing your coils.
• Twist & Twirl: a smooth Styling Creme to smooth and hold your coils, perfect for twisting & braidouts
• Seal & Protect: a styling pomade enriched with anti-oxidants, emollient butters and softening oils

How To Use:

After washing and conditioning your hair, towel dry your precious tresses and divide into sections.
Next grab a bottle of our soft curl mist and spray each section prior to detangling or styling - but don't overdo it now, your hair shouldn't be sopping wet, just slightly damp.
Some people skip the next step but if your curls like to be buttered up - apply a small amount of 'Seal & Protect' or one of our Hair Oils to sectioned hair and smooth in from root to tip to help seal in the moisture.

If you use the LOC method (or any variation thereof) : 

• start with the  soft curl mist to moisturise and detangle
• follow with the twist & Twirl styling creme, apply to sections and smooth into strands from root to tip - this will help define your curls and will also hold your twists or braids. 
• finally apply 'Seal and Protect' to the palms of your hands, rub together and then distribute throughout the ends of your hair. Alternatively, you can smooth a little amount onto your strands after the Twist & Twirl to lock that moisture in.

All these products are available from our online store at www.almocado.com

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Business: www.facebook.com/almondavocado
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/almondandavocado
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Twitter: @almocado
Email: almocado@gmail.com

Almocado Shampoo Bars

If you're considering alternatives to convential shampoos why not try one of our Almocado shampoo bars?

Each bar is SLS free, ph balanced, deep cleansing and aromatic. Blended with conditioning coconut oil and stimulating essential oils for an uplifting cleansing experience. 

These bars are suitable for both locked and loose hair and there is no need to follow with an ACV rinse (unless you really really want to).  

Available in : 

• Tangerine
• Citrus Blast
• Summer Garden (with Ylang Ylang and Lavender)
• Herbal Complex (for Hair Growth Support)

Visit the www.almocado.com to order. 

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Social Media:
Business: www.facebook.com/almondavocado
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/almondandavocado
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Twitter: @almocado
Email: almocado@gmail.com

Almocado range of natural products - Launched today!

Phew - what can I say? I am so exhausted. After several trial-runs participating in exhibitions and holistic expos, I can confidently say that Almocado turned up today!

For those of you who met me at the Women In Business - Ladies Pamper Day presented by the 2inspire network in East London "Heyyyyyyy".  My online shop is located at www.almocado.com but is still under development.  Please save the link because the full product range will be live by Wednesday this week and you will be able to complete your orders.

In the meantime - here is a reminder of our range:


Aromatherapy Products 

• Almocado Sugar Honey Face Scrub £6 (50g)
• Almocado Aromatherapy Foaming Face Wash (Various) £7.50 (100ml)
• Almocado Aromatherapy Face Serum (Regenerative/Balancing) £8 (30ml)
• Almocado Concentrated Vitamin Face Cream £6 (50ml)
• Almocado Face Waters (Chamomile, Lavender, Rose & Neroli) £5.50 (100ml)
• Almocado Vitamin Hand/Body Cream (Pot) £8 (100ml)
• Almocado Balanced Body Butter £8 (200ml)
• Almocado Sole Survival (Foot) Scrub £5 (100g) 
• Almocado Heel & Toe Foot Cream £8 (100g)
• Almocado Aromatherapy Body Oils (Balance, Uplifting etc) £7 (100ml)          
• Almocado Butterlicious Body Bars  (Skin Food) £5 (85g)
•  Almocado Mini Massage Melts £3 (35g)
• Almocado Aromatherapy Hair & Scalp Support Serums* £9.99 (100ml)
• Almocado Aromatherapy Shampoo Bars £6.50 (2* 45g bars/ 1* 90g bar) 

Hair Cleansers & Conditioners

• Almocado Loc Shampoo (Growth Support formula), ph (5.5) £8 (200ml) 
• Almocado Carrot, Chamomile & Banana Shampoo, ph (5.5) £8 (200ml) 
• Almocado Aromatherapy shampoos £5 (100ml) /£8 (200ml)
• Almocado Conditioner (Coco y Banane) £5 (100ml) /£8 (200ml)
• Almocado Conditioner (Brown Sugar Babe) £5 (100ml) /£8 (200ml)
• Wash Day Combo (Shampoo & Conditioner) £9 (100ml) /£15(200ml)
• Luscious Lecithin Leave-in Conditioner £12 (200ml)

Styling Aids & Moisturisers

• To Seal & Protect: Almocado Hair Whip* £6 (100g) / £10 (200g)
  Key Ingredients: shea, coconut, cocoa, mango, almond and avocado butters, soy lecithin and carrot tissue oil. 
• To Hydrate & Restore: Almocado Curl Mist £7.50(100ml)/ £14(200ml)
  Moisturising spray treatment for your coils; great for detangling or refreshing braids, curls, and twist outs. (available in 'Coconut Colada' or 'Mint Melee')
• To Quench & Refresh: Almocado Loc Dew £7(150ml) /£8.00 (150ml)
  Liquid refreshment for your locs to refresh and hydrate  without causing build up. (available in 'Coconut Water’ or 'Mint Melee')
• Almocado Twist & Twirl Styling Cream & Hair Masque* £7 (100g) /£13 (200ml)

* Twist & Twirl Styling Creams are suitable as a leave-in, rinse-out conditioner or deep conditioning treatment. Use a little as a styling aid to give gentle hold while twisting, or to smooth fly away hair. Twist & Twirl Hair Whips and Styling Creams can be used (separately) as deep conditioning treatments: apply required amount to clean wet hair, cover with a cap or warm towel. Apply heat if desired. Rinse out.
* Aromatherapy Hair & Scalp Support Serums can be used as hot oil conditioning and pre-poo treatments. To use Twist & Twirl Hair Whip as a hot oil treatment, scoop required amount into suitable container before gently heating until fully melted.

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Business: www.facebook.com/almondavocado
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/almondandavocado
Sisterlist UK Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/sisterlistuk/
Twitter: @almocado
Email: almocado@gmail.com

Upcoming Event: Uzima - The Natural & Holistic Expo 2012

UK naturals and holistic afficianados have been spoilt for choice recently, 2012 has seen a slurry of natural hair meetups, workshops and special events all recognising this emerging audience - and still there is more.

Promoting - Health & Lifestyle, Hair & Beauty, Fashion & Culture
on Saturday 28th July, 11am - 9pm

@Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, London,WC1R 4RL

UZIMA - is an independent partnership that was created out of the parallel vision of 2 professional entrepreneurs who are active within the local community and committed to realising their belief that natural beauty has an important role to play within the regeneration process and health consciousness that is detrimental to their customers, the environment and the community.

The objective of the Expo

• To become an annual expo that enhances the lives of the African Community by providing an atmosphere that aids the mind, body and spirit with health conscious alternatives within the natural holistic industry.
• To provide the backdrop to a wide variety of activities to interact with service providers, while enjoying a fabulous day.
• To offer inspirational messages and different types of services that is based on principals: Empowerment, Education, Health, Cultural and Environment.​
• To promote health, beauty and conscious organisations to sustain holistic goods and resources within the community.

click to enlarge

Tickets and More information available on their website
http://www.uzimaexpo.co.uk

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Social Media:
Business: www.facebook.com/almondavocado
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/almondandavocado
Sisterlist UK Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/sisterlistuk/
Twitter: @almocado
Email: almocado@gmail.com

General Hair Growth Tips

Let me summarise general hair care science for you: 

Protective & Gentle Styling
If you look after your hair – treat it gently, keep manipulation to a minimum and protect the ends as much as possible etc – you will suffer from less breakage, and therefore retain more length.


Overall result:
Longer hair (your hair will appear to be growing longer because it is not breaking off as frequently).

Clean Hair & Healthy Follicles
If you look after your scalp – keep it free of dirt and debris (dead skin cells) through regular washing, and light oiling (if that floats your boat) – your hair follicles will remain healthy (i.e. uninfected by bacteria, unimpeded by surface debris etc) – healthy follicles support healthy hair.


Overall result:
More volume or thicker/fuller looking hair (More healthy strands of hair, less dandruff or gunky stuff on the scalp; fresh smelling hair.

Moisturised & Conditioned Hair:
If you moisturise your hair (with water, herbal infusions (water or creams)) and then seal in this moisture by applying oil, cream or butter to the tips (ends) of your hair – the active ingredients (including essential oils) may penetrate the hair shaft (if they contain penetrative agents such as coconut oil or olive oil).

They can also coat the hair shaft to provide a protective barrier against environmental debris (especially in the case of silicones and mineral oil).


Overall result: hair is conditioned and may feel softer and look shinier.

Note: If you apply certain essential oils blended in jojoba (one of the few carrier oils scientifically proven to penetrate the skin and potentially the hair follicles) to the scalp the beneficial properties in the active ingredients  or essential oils can be delivered to the deeper layers of skin and in some cases to the follicle which may in turn stimulate growth. NB there is some debate as to whether or not the chemical compounds in these ingredients will be absorbed by the bloodstream when applied in this manner.

Credit: UK Food Standards Agency

If you eat a balanced diet (very important to include something from all the essential food groups) and then supplement with hair loving vitamins such as Iron, Zinc, Vitamin Bs (including Biotin), Omega-3,   and Vitamin D you will be nourishing your hair from the inside out.

Your body will absorb the essential vitamins and the broken down compounds will be delivered to your follicles and the skin cells of your scalp etc via the circulatory system.


Overall result: your hair will become stronger (from the root first and for any subsequent new growth)– having been fortified internally before it even appears above your scalp, and if your hair growth cycles were previously sluggish or retarded – growth can be stimulated, repairing your hair from the inside out (new growth only).

Applying creams and potions to your hair in order to enourage GROWTH will be ineffective if it is not combined with good nutrition and/or vitamin supplements, exercise and water.

So - to summarise again:

1. Healthy Scalp, health follicles, healthy hair: wash and condition regularly.
2. Low Manipulation & Protective Styling: treat your hair like cashmere and handle with care.
3. Moisturise and Condition properly: hydrated hair is less dry, less brittle and less likely to break off.
4. Eat Well: moisturising and nourishing your hair from the inside is the best way to grow long strong hair.

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WELCOME TO THE TAPESTRY OF ME....

These are my words and this is my journey, from 'there to hair'! My life, the lessons learned in and through love and loves ones; and my hair affairs. 

http://lovelifelocks.blogspot.com

Tell Me About: Clarifying Shampoos

If you are going to use a clarifying shampoo - please limit its use to no more than once a month. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove excessive build-up from the hair and will therefore strip it of its natural oils: overuse/misuse can be incredibly drying and therefore damaging to your hair especially if your hair does not have excessive build-up to begin with!

Tell Me About: Sulphate Free Shampoos

If you desire stronger, longer hair: avoiding harsh chemicals and practices which promote hair breakage (such as rough combing, the use of elastic bands etc) will go a long way towards helping you reach your goal.

Your choice of shampoo is just as important as the frequency with which you clean your hair and HOW you clean your hair (i.e. shampoo or co-washing).  Shampoos that contain harsh sulphates/sulfates should be avoided as they strip the hair unnecessarily, and may either contain additional chemicals or mineral oil in an attempt to 'fix' this or lead you down the path of buying additional products to help restore moisture to your hair.  Instead of having to continually repair, replenish or replace what has been stripped away, why not put your best foot forward and avoid stripping it out in the first place?

The best type of shampoo for your hair (virgin or processed) is a gentle, moisturising shampoo - if you can find one containing natural products - even better! If you can't find something suitable then at least try to find a product that does not contain the harsh sulphates such as :

• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• TEA Laureth Sulfate
• TEA Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

The following sulfates are gentle and will not damage your hair:

• Polyoxethylene Fatty Alcohols
• PEG 80
• Sorbitan Laurate
• Decyl Polyglucose
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Sodium Myreth Sulfate
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate* (some natural hair wearers find SLES too drying and prefer to avoid both SLS and SLES)

Next time you're out shopping for shampoo, check the ingredients and not just the indications (such as  'moisturising shampoo for dry hair') before you part with your hard earned money.

Want to know more? Read the useful articles below:
SLS, a chemical analysis in layman's terms by Killer Strands
SLS in Shampoos - The Real Story - by Jason Cosmetics