My Favorite DIY Recipes for My Long, 4c Hair

While the natural hair community is booming with lots of products that are organic, paraben-free and sulfate-free, it is still bursting at the seams with mixtresses who create their own hair remedies. It sure does not hurt to mix up your own hair treats once in a while. In fact, many well established brands began right at home by mixing up ingredients that proved to produce great results. These three DIY recipes are easy to make and are budget-saving.

DIY Moisturizing Conditioner

This conditioning mix is great for naturals who suffer from dryness, because it is loaded with natural emollients and moisturizers. Honey and glycerin are humectants while Greek yogurt and olive oil contribute to locking in the moisture in your strands.

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. pure vegetable glycerin
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl with a hand or stand mixer. Whip for 3-5 min., ensuring that all ingredients are well mixed. Transfer your mixture to a mason jar or any other recycled bottle of your choice. After shampooing your hair, apply your conditioner to the length of your hair. Begin at your ends as these as the most delicate and prone to damage. Allow the conditioner to sit on your hair for 20 minutes covered with a plastic cap. Your body heat will aid in the further absorption of the product, leaving your hair fully hydrated. Rinse off thoroughly and continue with your regimen.

DIY All-Natural Detangler

This recipe here has been a lifesaver for me. It melts away my knots and tangles. The secrets to its effectiveness are the emollients. Each ingredient adds lubricating properties to this mix.

• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 2 Tbsp. glycerin
• ½ Tbsp. coconut cream

Mix your ingredients in a bowl. Make sure that they are fully mixed for an even consistency. Apply to the length of your hair, saturating your strands from root to ends. Wear your plastic cap and leave the mixture on for 25-30 min. This allows the concoction to settle into your strands. The high moisture content will soften your strands and make them supple.

DIY Moisturizing Leave-In Spritz

Many naturalistas commit to spritzing their hair at least once a day, in order to give their strands an extra moisture boost. I’ve found this particular recipe as effective as a leave-in mix.

• ¼ cup-water
• 2 Tbsp. aloe vera juice
• 1 Tsp. glycerin
• 1 Tsp. olive oil

Pour the ingredients into your spritz bottle. This mix is great for when your hair is feeling dry or crunchy. Whether you are outside playing a sport or simply running errands in hot weather, this spritz will give your hair added moisture.

What are your favorite DIY recipes? We’d love to know! What ingredients work best for your hair, and which don’t?