Wondering if this is a good book for Indian Hair Care?

[gmdiaz]

I am wanting to learn more about Indian hair care. . .but don't want another "magazine" type book. You know, lots of pretty pictures but little substance?

I saw this book for sale and wondered if anyone here has it or has read it.

Beauty Secrets of India: From Ayurvedic Techniques to Exotic Adornments by Monisha Bharadwaj

[Aisha25]

I cant help you with the book as I never follow any I just follow it as it is my routine:D Indian hair routine is mainly using herbs to wash oiling and braiding everyday with the occasional hair pack and hennaing to give moisture and protien;)

[gmdiaz]

Thank you, Aisha! Your hair is to die for, beautiful!

From what I can tell, at this point in my early research, there are only a few main herbals:

Aritha
Amala
Shikakai
Kalpi
Brahmi
Neem Leaf
Multani

Is that basically correct?

Of these, how should I start? Shampoo? Rises? Conditioners?

What about these is better than just using premade products. lol

[gmdiaz]

Adding:

I already do light and heavy oilings: jojoba, coconut and just got camellia oil but haven't really given that a full go.

[Aisha25]

Mainly used ones are amla shikakai hibiscus in the south for cleansing, aritha is sometimes used as well. If your going to start I suggest going slow one by one,so ask yourself what does your hair need? Is it dry or need protein?? ARe you having hair fall or just need improving? Then after you know what your hairs need then I can tell you more.

[gmdiaz]

My hair needs TONS more moisture! But is in otherwise very good condition. I'd like to get rid of the poof and frizz and find silky smooth locks instead.

Here is a photo my husband took at the beginning of this month. I'll be using this as my "before" photo. lol


http://www.splynda.com/Yellowrose/Jaspy_Boomer/unbrushed_36_030309.jpg

Thank you for your advice! I appreciate it.

[sahiba]

Is this your natural colour , its beautiful .And I love the thickness and the length. I'm sure oiling , braiding , henna and LHC will make it more beautiful. :)

[gmdiaz]

Is this your natural colour , its beautiful .And I love the thickness and the length. I'm sure oiling , braiding , henna and LHC will make it more beautiful. :)

Yes, this is my natural hair color. . .but it's fading to silver grey. You don't see it soooo much when my hair is down, but when I pull my hair up, it really shows.

I am seriously considering leaving it to go silver or treating it to henna. Too scared to make a decision about that yet.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I've already learned so much here!

[gmdiaz]

This is unbrushed and air dried. . .suppose I've typed my hair correctly?

[Catladyintown]

Hi gmdiaz you hair is beautiful.:) I would use coconut milk and coconut oil for moisture. Aisha knows a lot about the Indian herbs. She has been a great help to me.:)

[gmdiaz]

Thank you, catladyintown,

I've got the coconut oil and have been using it (after the picture was taken) but coconut milk on my list!

I love the coconut oil!

[Aisha25]

I would say your hairs looks beautiful. Maybe do some hair packs,with coconut milk,if your hair like honey use it if not you can use yoghurt some egg yolks oilings and just be gentle. You dont really need to switch to herbs,unless of course your scalp is sensitive to SLS then I would suggest herbal washings but if not then no need to change anything drastictly ok:) Heres a good starter just light scalp oiling with coconut oil and then right before hair wash do some nice moisturising treatment for an hour then wash off with diluted shampoo if that is what you use already:). If you change to much at once your hair wont like it ;)
ETA: Also when you use things like yoghurt or milks you can add them all together alittle amounts mixed with conditioner or oils that way your hair doesnt just get protien or just moisture it gets both

[gmdiaz]

Oooh, great ideas.

I am guessing you use a plain yougurt. Ours usually comes in little tubs of about 6 ounces. And then mix in two egg yolks, maybe a couple of spoonfulls of honey, maybe a bit of my regular conditioner? Let is sit on the hairs for an hour or so. . .then just rinse out and shampoo?

I'll try that today. . .coconut oil first. . .then the hair pack.
I've got lots of stuff to work with around here.


Then I'll photo so you can all see the results. . .

Thanks!

[Aisha25]

Yeah that sounds good. I say use more conditioner than yoghurt, like maybe 1 tablespoon of yoghurt that way its not to much at first. When you do the yolks make sure no white is in there that way you dont have white chunks in your hair lol

[gmdiaz]

Would it be awful to use Vanilla Yougurt? ROFLOLOL

That's all I've got.

[Aisha25]

lol Its ok you dont need it not important

[gmdiaz]

I ended up mixing one egg yolk, no egg whites. . .double checked to be sure. . .
Three BIG tablespoons of vanila yogurt
Three BIG tablespoons of honey
Four or five drops of jojoba
and a bunch of conditioner (Garnier Fructis - Sleek & Shine)

It blended up really well, very smooth and creamy. . .smelled great!

I'll be rinsing it off in about fifteen minutes and will finger comb and let hair dry without touching it.

Photos to follow.

[Aisha25]

I hope it turns out good lol vanilla yoghurt I hope it will be ok:pray:

[gmdiaz]

Well, it FEELS amazing. . .super super super soft. . .so slippery soft, I can barely keep a hair fork in my usual up do.

After washing. I added a little more jojoba and a little leave in conditioner. . .Sunsilk Hydra TLC.

It doesn't feel overconditioned and I haven't noticed more shedding, so why do you think my ends look thinner? *ack*

http://www.splynda.com/Yellowrose/Jaspy_Boomer/unbrushed_Hair-Pack_032709.jpg

[rach]

looks much shinier

[mellie]

It is a beautiful book, I bought it for myself and then liked it so much I bought another for my mom. The only recipe I actually use from it is the one for soapnuts; but I use that recipe every day! :-) But, there is a lot of substance to it, actually, and a ton of recipes.

You should get it, it is a really gorgeous book and fun to read.

[Remy]

Hi Mellie!
Does your book mention a herb called Kapoor Kachli? I found it on an indian shop site the other day, and it is supposed to be very good for hair, plus it leaves a great scent.... has anyone heard/ used it?

[gmdiaz]

Well, I ordered the book. LOL

And a case of coconut milk (24 cans for 30.00)
And another jar of coconut oil (under 10.00) from Vitamin Shoppe.

Amazon had them all for very good prices and free shipping.

Gonna go research Kapoor Kachli

[gmdiaz]

Some info about Hesh Brand, Kapoor Kachli Powder:

Hesh Kapoor Kachli Powder is a boon for those who want thick, lustrous hair and keep it that way for a long time. The powder made into a thick paste that is used to wash the hair. Regular use promotes hair growth by stimulating the roots. It may also help to make your hair thick and lovely. Moreover, the powder also lends a pleasent purfume to the hair, which lasts for a long time.

Briefly Hesh Kapoor Kachli Powder has the following advantages:

- Stimulates hair roots and promotes hair growth
- Maintains hair texture
- Lends a pleasing perfume to the hair.

Ingredients: Kapoor Kachli Powder

How to use:

1. Take the required quantity of powder, add little water, mix well and make a thick paste.

2. Gently massage rotating the fingertips

3. Wait 30-45 minutes

4. Wash thoroughly with water.

Repeat as necessary.

Ayurvedic Product - Made in India.