This Texas humidity is just not working with my hair. I need my definition back.
The weather was particularly humid yesterday–it reached 80%!–so I just knew I had to take some preventative measures and give my curls a sweet treat before heading out for the day. I tried the famous coconut milk and honey hair smoothie.
Confession: I didn’t follow the recipe 100 percent; I used what I found in my pantry. This is my modified version, based on what I’ve heard works well for my coarse, 3c curly hair:
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of raw honey
Why it is supposed to work
Coconut milk, as it pertains to the world of natural hair care is intended to be an organic scalp clarifying treatment; it’s usually applied before actually washing the hair (known as a pre-poo”>. An inflamed, sensitive scalp will benefit from the antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral properties of coconut milk. It also contains Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that is also found in mother’s milk. This makes a coarse curl pattern lay down and feel soft to the touch. Coconut milk conditioner curly hair, helping it to retain a great amount moisture days after washing.
Greek yogurt is used as a deep conditioner on its own because of its incredible penetrating feeling for highly dense, thick curly hair. It adds shine to hair that appears coarse or dull. Surprisingly, this thick ingredient also provides a nice amount of slip for easier detangling. Greek yogurt restores weakened hair that has endured unfortunate results from either heat styling, chemicals, environmental damage, or a combination of the three. It’s high in proteins that are needed for bouncy, strong curls.
Raw honey is a natural humectant, so it’s meant to provide a barrier from the atmosphere’s moisture penetrating my hair and raising the cuticle. Using this lastly should result in a shiny, smoother head of hair that reflects light particles more willingly, giving me lustrous and healthy-looking curls. Honey also balances the scalp’s pH, which is perfect for those who regularly use oils in their regimen. It gets rid of deep buildup and removes the greasy, heavy feeling that styling products can leave on unwashed hair. Honey also lessens the chance for dandruff for naturals with naturally dry and flaky scalps.
How I applied the smoothie
1. I coated the entire can of coconut milk over my entire head of hair, focusing on my crown, since that’s where I deal with the most frizz.
2. After letting it sit on its own for about 5 minutes, I added my next layer of moisture and conditioning with a cup of Greek yogurt.
3. To finish, I sealed the properties of the above two ingredients with a thin layer of raw honey. I focused pouring it along my edges.
Continuing showering and my regular morning routine, I allowed the mixture to penetrate my hair in total for about 30 minutes. I didn’t use heat, but I placed a cap over my head to trap in the moisture after letting the shower steam work its magic. Afterward, I co-washed lightly with DevaCurl Decadence One Condition Ultra Moisturizing Milk Conditioner and ran a handful of Oyin Handmade Hair Dew over my canopy to further prevent frizz.
What actually happened
My curls felt softer and lighter, but were not defined at all. Considering the high humidity levels, I’m not sure if that was the main factor in why my hair pretty much fro’d up the minute I walked outside. Still, I do feel a noticeable amount of airiness that I don’t usually feel on a wash-and-go–even a day after using this DIY deep conditioning hair smoothie.
Will I try this recipe again?
Perhaps I’ll try the ingredients isolated, like I have in the past. Or I can use them and then twist my hair for more hold and definition that will last through the never-ending humidity that Texas is blessing my hair with.
photos of yours truly, courtesy of Monique Rodriguez
