Okra - Slime and All!

When I was a teenager my Mother used to cook Okra for dinner, at least 2 to 4 times a week. Okra was a staple in our home - my favourite was Salt Fish, Rice & Peas and Okra.

Okra was known as our "super food" but to be honest with you I just couldn't get my mouth round with the nutrient rich mucilage (aka: slime) of Okra.

My Mom knew this and would fry the Okra especially for me.

The variations of Okra is endless but the most common are:

Green Okra *or*

Purple Okra of Africa

More childhood memories:

When we were kids, my elder brother would take the thick slime from overcooked Okra and flick it at me - the sting, when it landed on my skin, left an everlasting tingle that I still remember to this day.

If I knew then that it had topical hair loving benefits I would have asked him to flick the slime in my hair and then massage it into my scalp.

Here's a lovely picture of a gorgeous child at a restaurant in New York called Khartoum
(Khartoum 1197 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York)

The heading underneath reads

"Hager is one of many diners at Khartoum who enjoys sliming herself with okra.
photo: Jay Muhlin"
Source:
Village Voice

Anyway, back to Okra (inci: Abelmoschus esculentus *or* Hibiscus esculentus)

aka - Quimgombo, bhindi, Gombo, Okro, bindi, bamia, Lady’s Fingers, Ochro, Okoro, bamiya, and bamieh all from the annual, herbaceous shrub cultivated and originating from Africa.

Okra belongs to the Malvaceae (mallow) family of plants, the same group as Blue Malva, Hibiscus and Marshmallow.

History in the mixing:

"Okra was discovered around Ethiopia during the 12th century B.C. and was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians.

This vegetable soon flourished throughout North Africa and the Middle East where the seed pods were consumed cooked and the seeds toasted, ground, and served as a coffee substitute. With the advent of the slave trade, it eventually came to North America and is now commonly grown in the southern United States. You'll now see okra in African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Turkish, Indian, Caribbean, and South American cuisines."

Source:
Belly Bytes

Good for you on the inside:
Okra has the X-Factor but it doesn't need to sing and dance about it!

Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients.

• A great source of vitamin C.
• Low in calories (20 calories per one-half cup cooked, sliced okra)
• Fat-free
• A good source of vitamin a, calcium, fiber and vitamin c

Okra Nutrition (roughly half a cup of cooked Okra contains)
* Calories = 15
* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
* Protein = 1.5 grams
* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
* Vitamin A = 460 IU
* Vitamin C = 13 mg
* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
* Calcium = 50 mg
* Iron = 0.4 mg
* Potassium = 256 mg
* Magnesium = 46 mg

If only I could get my hands on some more Okra Oil:
I was provided with a small sample of Okra oil by one of my fair trade suppliers (who is one of the entrepreneurs that my company loans to via KIVA) located in the Caribbean.

This lovely oil has a greenish yellow colour, a pleasant odour and is high in unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic. Unfortunately, my fair trade supplier informed me that Okra oil does not have a long shelf life and that it's hydrogenated so that the oil can be used as margarine. What a shame..because the Okra oil is truly lovely!

Yes, WAY!!!
Did you know that you can use Okra effectively as a setting lotion, final hair rinse, natural hair gel and to rid lice. (I was once utterly incensed by a BBC breakfast program on lice where they said that for naturally curly & Afro hair the lice should be hot pressed out of the hair - since then I worked with my chemist/toxicologist and we discovered that Okra can in fact rid your hair & scalp of lice)

Setting Lotion Recipe:

Get Mixing:

1. Slice 2 to 4 Okra
2. Add the Okra to 150ml of boiling water.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of Organic Blue Malva or Organic Marshmallow herbs
4. Let the mixture boil up really good
5. Turn off the heat once boiled
6. Leave it to cool until it forms a slimy and gelatinous liquid.
7. Remove the boiled Okra & herbs from the liquid
8. Smooth the nutrient rich slimy gel into a clean and sterilized jar
9. Store in the fridge when you're not using it
10. Use within 2 to 3 days or add a synthetic preservative to increase it's shelf life.

Optional:
Add a little freshly squeezed lemon juice or your favourite essential oil to the mix

Other tid-bits I found whilst perusing the net:
Written by Rosy Vohra

"For adding bounce to your hair, boil horizontally sliced okra until the brew becomes maximally slimy.
Cool it and add a few drops of lemon and use this as the last rinse and see your hair spring back to youthfulness and jump. It also leaves hair very soft and moisturized for days!"

My next blog entry will be all about CHOCOLATE!!!

My favourite hair and skin care ingredient - like as if you didn't know - all you have to do is look at the home page of my website.

..but why CHOCOLATE!!!

February is the month of Valentines and March is the month of Easter.
I thought that it would be a perfect excuse to dribble a little choc-love around the World (wide-web).

Until next time Happy Mixing all!

Come Gel or High Water!

Oooohhhh OK.... I just couldn't wait to start blogging again so here's my New Year's gift to you all.

My version of what I consider to be the BEST (and most cost effective) peel off face mask and foot spa gelly bath EVER!




Manufacturers:
Super Cook

Make your own nourishing Peel Off Face Mask OR have a Spa gelly foot bath for under £1.60 GBP/$3.20 USD with VegeGel

OR

You COULD buy seaweed powder for £3.85GBP/$8.70USD BUT it's not easy to use that much I can assure you..

Vege-Gel is easy to use and even easier to get!
It's available at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury, Asda and most UK grocery shops.


Vege-gel is BRILLIANT!
Not just for cooking but for your skin.

Ingredients are as follows:
Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, Dextrose, Potassium, Calcium Acetate.

Carrageenan (seaweed)
"carrageenan interacts with human carotene to give soft skin and silky hair. In hand lotions and shampoos, carrageenan not only thickens the product but also promotes healthy skin and hair. In addition, carrageenan is a natural product and can be incorporated into formulations which rely on natural ingredients for their promotion."
See previous blog entry on Irish Moss


Locust bean gum
(ceratonia siliqua)

"Derived from the seed of the carob tree; humectant, moisturizer and smoothing. Locust bean gum: Locust bean gum is obtained from the seeds of the carob tree, an evergreen species indigenous to semi-arid areas of Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. It acts as a thickener and water-control agent in various foods. "





Dextrose
"Another name for glucose, a simple sugar (monosaccharide) generally obtained by the hydrolysis of starch. Dextrose has water-binding properties for the skin and forms an important component of the cell's membranes and ceramides. Ceramides are naturally occurring skin lipids (fats) - major structural components of the skin's outer structure."
Source:
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1126–1136


"Ceramides are necessary for the skin's water-retention capacity as well as cell regulation"
Source:
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261–271


Potassium






A mineral found in many of the foods you eat.



Calcium Acetate
"E263 Calcium acetate [Preservative] [Acidity regulator]"
Occurs naturally
Source:
http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e263.htm

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Recipe Time:

Peel-Off Face Mask
1 packet Vege-Gel gelatin (£1.60 per box of 4 x 25g sachets (prices may vary from Tesco))
150 ml of an cold water infusion (free from the tap)

Your choice of herbs to infuse in the hot water:

Organic Hibiscus









Rich in AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) great for ageing or damaged skin.
Excellent for the restructure of the top layer of skin giving it a healthier appearance.




Organic Lavender Buds








Great for all skin types because it balances sebum secretion, helps
to soothe and regenerate tissue cells. Used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cleanser, toner and detoxifier.





Organic Rose Buds







Rejuvenates tissue cells & cools the body leaving a lovely floral scent.



Organic Chamomile flowers & buds








Strengthens skin tissue. Reduces swelling & pain of the skin & mucous membranes. An effective herb for the treatment of eczema, skin rashes, acne, excessive acne, rosacea & allergic reactions.





Organic Nettle








An astringent used to soothe itchy, irritated skin. Also purported to increase circulation and deliver nutrients to skin cells.





Organic Burdock Root








A very effective treatment for the relief of acne, dry skin and eczema.



Method of the mixture:

For the herbal infusion
Add up to 10grams of herbs
Boil hot water
Pour over the herbs
Let cool in the fridge until extremely cold.
Strain the herbs from the liquid and discard/chuck the used herbs in the compost heap.
(Mother nature will love you for it)

For the Vege-gel
Add one (1) Vege-gel sachet to the cold liquid herbal infusion
Bring to the boil to thicken up - you can do this in the microwave in 10 second intervals or on the stove top for two to five minutes max.
Allow the Vege-Gel-Herbal-Infusion mixture to cool to a temperature that is suitable for your face and neck.
Apply to face and/or neck with clean hands.
Let dry completely, then peel off.


Suggestions:
Rinse face with warm water
Apply a little Organic Andiroba Oil to face and neck to seal in moisture.

Organic Andiroba Oil (15ml sample - £3.25)
A very light but rich oil that contains a group of natural alpha hydroxy acids (a collagen booster and skin conditioner). Currently being used as a natural oil base for many anti-wrinkle creams like Aveda & Oil of Olay.


Other suggestions:
The Cleopatra Treatment
Variations of the Vege-Gel face mask
Instead of an herbal infusion you could add Organic Coconut Milk (less than £1.50 from Tesco or Waitrose)

The Essentials
In addition to the herbal infusion you can add your favourite Organic Essential Oils to the mixture.


Spa Gelly Foot Bath
4 packets of Vege-Gel gelatin (£1.60 per box of 4 x 25g sachets (prices may vary from Tesco))
750 ml of an cold water
Bring to the boil to thicken it up - you can do this in the microwave in 10 second intervals or on the stove top for two to five minutes max.
Allow the Vege-Gel mixture to cool to a temperature that is suitable for your tootsies
Apply your tootsies to the mixture and chill.. no..no.. wait a minute.. wiggle those tootsies in the mixture..go on... you know you want to..

Next Entry - my favourite home made hair setting lotion for naturally curly hair.

Have a Happy Home-Made-Mixing New Year everybody!!!

Hello all!
Just to let you all know that Ingredient Junkie will be returning to Blogger in 2008 - so keep on checking in OR simply go to https://anitagrant.com and check out the Free Tips & Tricks section!
Happy Holiday Mixing!

Apologies for extra long, long, long, delay but I've been really busy hard at work making Yummy hair & skin care goodies.

The Mixtress's life is never dull that's for sure!

I just wanted to let you all know that:
1) I haven't forgotten you.
2) The Life of a Mixtress will be relocating to a new site at the end of November 2006 (more details closer to the time)

WHY?
..because it's easier to share all my recipes with you from the new site AND it will give you all a chance to see what I've been up to over the past couple of months..

When is the next blog entry?
The next blog entry will be from the new location !!!

In the meantime:
Keep on mixing everyone and have fun!!!

As I walked into my village Fish & Chip shop, the owner said ..
"Hello Love... what can I get you?"
...
my reply..
"A bottle of your finest Malt vinegar, please, it's for my hair."

Oh the shock - horror expression on his face was.... PRICELESS!!!

Obviously he didn't know that vinegar has been dubbed a "Beauty Bargain in a Bottle".


Vinegar contains minerals & trace elements like potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, vitamins C, E, A, B1, B2 and B6, beta-carotene and Vitamin P (bioflavonoids).

Acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids and roughage (made up of potash, starch or apple pectin - in the case of Apple Cider Vinegar).


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It's ALL good!

Apple Cider Vinegar (aka: ACV or cider vinegar) made from - yup you guessed it - cider apples. It's often unfiltered and has a brownish-yellow coloured liquid.



Coconut and Cane Vinegars which are very common in India, the Phillipines and Indonesia.
Coconut Vinegar is made from the sap of the coconut whereas Cane Vinegar is made from the sap of the sugar cane. Both are used in cooking, both have a cloudy white appearance and a sharp acidic taste.
Honey Vinegar also known as honeygar, it's a blend of apple cider vinegar & anti-bacterial Manuka honey.



Beer Vinegar created from beer brewed in the Netherlands, Germany & Austria. The flavour depends on the type of beer, hops & barley used and of course where & how it's made.



Chinese black vinegar which is made from a combination of rice, wheat, sorghum and/or millet with an inky black colour.



Fruit vinegar which is an infusion of whole raspberries, blueberries, figs, blood red oranges & pears added to red wine vinegar.



Sweet & Savoury Herb vinegars are an infusion of whole herbs, such as thyme, basil, chamomile, rose buds, lavender, rosemary or oregano.

These vinegars can be made at home all you have to do is add a couple of sprigs of fresh or dried herbs to store-bought wine or white distilled vinegars. This will usually leave you with a light colour.







Malt vinegar which is the result of grain, softened by steeping in water and then allowed to germinate. Germination causes the natural enzymes to become active.



White Wine Vinegar created through the acetous fermentation of a selected blend of white wines. It's clear and goldish with a distinctly acidic taste and an aroma.

Rice or Rice Wine Vinegar obtained from the fermentation of sugars derived from rice.





Red wine vinegar, which is created by the fermentation of a selected blend of red wines.



LAST BUT NOT LEAST IS..


Balsamic Vinegar of Modena in Italy which are made from the white sugary Trebbiano grapes. The grapes are cooked and then matured by a long and slow vinegarization process of natural fermentation and aging. This process takes place in a series of casks made from different types of wood from around the region. Balsamic Vinegar has a dark brown colour, with a distinct, complex and sharp acidic flavour.

I have yet to use Balsamic Vinegar in my hair or on my skin but when I do I will provide an update and more importantly a recipe!







.. and I'm sure there's more..

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Tried & Tested:

1. Use either Apple Cider Vinegar OR Coconut Vinegar as a final hair rinse to get rid of scalp build up to help remove the sticky stuff that commercial (SLES or SLS layden) shampoos can leave behind.

2. Use undilluted Beer Vinegar to cure toe nail fungus (eeekkk!!! - I know but it worked for a friend of mine)

3. Add one-half cup of Sweet & Savoury herb vinegar to warm bath water for softer skin and a cleaner bath tub!

4. To relieve dandruff add a few tablespoons of Honey Vinegar or Honeygar, a dash of Organic Nettle or Horsetail herbs and half a cup of warm water to a bowl.
Stir well for 10 minutes, strain and pour the liquid on your hair.
Massage it well into your scalp
Wait a few minutes, then rinse & wash hair as normal.
After a few days you'll notice the dandruff disappear.

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Here are some more hints, tips & recipes:

My favourite blast from the past is the Honey Rose & Vinegar Hair Rinse - which can be used as a pre OR post rinse to restore the natural pH balance & rejuvenate your scalp.

Suitable for all hair types.

60ml of Apple Cider Vinegar OR Coconut Vinegar
945ml of Water
10g of Dried Pink Rose Petals & Buds (add more if you wish)
1 drop of honey (add a few drops more if you wish)

Prep Time: 20 mins

What you will need:
* 1 Large Pyrex jar or bowl
* Cling film
* 1 Clean & dry glass Jar with lid
* 1 Strainer
* Kettle to boil the water

1. Put the Dried Pink Rose Petals & Buds into the bowl & add Honey
2. Boil the kettle. Once boiled pour the hot water over the Rose & Honey mix, then add the Apple Cider Vinegar.
3. Stir the mixture, cover the bowl with cling film and let steep for 10 minutes or until cool.
4. When the mixture has cooled sufficiently strain the herb from the liquid into the jar.
5. Pour the liquid over the scalp allowing the mixture to saturate your hair, message gently for 2 minutes
6. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles
Only make enough for 1 rinse and use it FRESH on the day you make it.

NOTE:
Keep your eyes closed when using the Honey Rose & Vinegar Hair Rinse also do not use if you have broken skin.

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You're healed!

Smooth a little Honeygar on cracked, dried skin to help it heal.

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Dishwasher Love..

Just put one cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run for one cycle. Do this monthly to reduce soap build-up on glassware.

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A spot of Tea or Coffee, perhaps?

If you're a tea or coffee drinker and you have a dirty tea or coffee pot simply boil 1 part water and 1 part vinegar in your tea or coffee pot and while the liquid is warm wipe away the stains.

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Don't make a spectacle of yourself..


Use a drop of vinegar on a cotton cloth to clean your eye glasses.

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Antz and I don't mean the movie!


Last month we were over-run with Ants. So in the morning before hanging the clothes out to dry I poured vinegar all around the back garden doors and the results were brilliant. I just bent over and watched those pesky critters approach the house and then retreat.

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Laundry duty..

To brighten those whites add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

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Grease just ain't the WORD!


To remove grease from clothing just dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over the greasy spot.

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Tights or Hose?

For longer-lasting pantyhose or tights (as we called them over here) add one tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

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Get Fresh!

Make your own airspray by mixing two cups of White Wine vinegar with one cupful of your favourite crushed herbs like lavender, cloves, pine needles, ginger, cinnamon etc.. Place the ingredients in a saucepan and boil gently for 10 minutes then leave to cool.
Pour into a large jar with a close fitting lid.
Leave to stand for three weeks. Strain and add the mixture to a spray bottle or atomiser
Use it in the same way as you would with any other commercial air spray.

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Treat your achy, breaky feet!

Dilute one part ACV to five parts water and use it as an antiseptic to soothe achy blistered feet or better yet - use the same combination as a foot soak.

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Out of the sun..

Cool down a painful sunburn by gently applying full strength vinegar to your skin.

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Flower Power!


Excellent for fresh cut flowers
add 2 tablespoons of vinegar & 1 teaspoon sugar to 150 ml of water.

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Listen up..!

For clean ears dip a cotton cloth in a mixture of ACV and distilled water and wipe around your ears and you're sqeaky clean again.

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THE best Steam Clean you'll ever have!
Loosen the daily dirt and grime.
Suitable for Oily skin types

Floral Facial Steam & Tone
Enough boiled water to fill half of a large Pyrex bowl
10g / 0.35oz of Organic Rose Petals & Buds
10g / 0.35oz of Organic Chamomile Flowers
10g / 0.35oz of Organic Lavender Buds
1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

Prep Time: 20 mins

What you will need:

* 1 Large Pyrex jar or bowl (3 litre bowl if possible)
* 2 Big cotton balls
* 1 medium to large towel
* 2 small plates
* Kettle to boil the water


1. Place 2 cotton balls in a little Apple Cider Vinegar & cold water leave one out and place the other in the fridge or freezer
2. Take a teaspoon of dried Organic Chamomile & Organic Rose OR dried Organic Lavender & Organic Rose
3. Put it into the Pyrex bowl.
4. Boil some water
5. Carefully pour the hot water over the herbs
6. Hold your head over the bowl & drape a towel over your head. Allow the herbal steam to open your pores to loosen oil & dirt.
7. Lightly pat your skin with the Apple Cider Vinegar cotton ball that was left out, making sure that you avoid the eye area.
8. Then take the Apple Cider Vinegar cotton ball that was chilling in the fridge or freezer and pat your skin to close the pores avoiding the eye area.

Overtime this natural toner will even out your complexion and prevent unsightly breakouts.

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I'm on holiday but I'll be back with some more recipes as we look at the benefits of milk & honey on your skin and in your hair. In the meantime don't forget to visit our sponsors & get mixing!

OK Let's SPARTY!

..here are my top 5 homemade spa recipes for August..
(or until I mix up some more yumminess ;O) )

Chocolate Milk Bath Soak - Decadence for your body


Ingredients:

235 grams of Either Dried milk powder OR Coconut milk powder
145 grams of 100% Pure Organic Cocoa Powder
145 grams of Bicarbonate of Soda
100 grams of Cornstarch 5 drops of Essential oil(s) of choice (Optional)
An old glass milk bottle or glass jar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Pour all the ingredients in a bottle or jar & cover
Shake the dry ingredients.
Add the Essential Oils and shake again
Cover and let sit for 30 mins.
Add 100 to 200 grams of your Chocolate Milk to your hot bath water & enjoy.
As your skin just drinks in the moisture leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

Cleopatra move over!!!

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Detox Seaweed Wrap:

This is a great way to replenish lost nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, protein, vitamins, amino acids, and more.

Seaweed is a great detoxifier - try and use fresh seaweed but powdered and dried are just as good.

Ingredients:
225 grams of seaweed (either powdered Kelp or dried Irish Moss)
An infusion of:
3 stalks of Fresh Lemongrass
14 grams of Fresh Ginger root (grated)
475 grams of water (spring or distilled)
These 2 herbs have invigorating and antiseptic properties that are great for skin and both have a pleasant spicy-citrus scent. Large beach towel(s) Plastic wrap or cling film


Prep Time: 20 minutes


Method:
* Take the Fresh Lemongrass & Ginger root & put it in a big ol' mug or Pyrex jug boil some water
* Pour the hot water over the Fresh Lemongrass & Ginger root and cover
* Let it brew for at least a few minutes
* Strain Lemongrass & Ginger with a strainer so that you only have the nourishing infused liquid
* Pour the strained infusion over the dried seaweed
* Use enough water to make a thick paste.

Fill your bath tub with hot water this is to heat the bath tub, leave the water in the tub for at least 15 minutes.
Drain the bath tub.
Place the large beach towel(s) inside the tub.
Place the cling film inside the large beach towel(s)
Place yourself in the bath & begin to cover your body with the seaweed mixture. Wrap the cling film & large beach towel(s) around you, then cover with an additional large beach towel(s).
Close your eyes & relax for 20 to 25 minutes.
Unwrap & rinse with warm water.

Dry yourself & enjoy the silky soft feeling!

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Eucalyptus & Rose Bud Bath

If you've had a hard day or a grueling work-out, this bath will help to relieve sore muscles, headaches and/or the first stages of the common cold.

Prep Time: 10 mins or less


Ingredients:
Drizzle 14 grams of Baking Soda to your bath water.

Then sprinkle a pinch of each of the following herbs into your bath:
Dried Organic Rose Buds
Dried Organic Eucalyptus
Dried Organic Peppermint
Dried Organic Sage
Add 5 drops each of Eucalyptus & Lavendar essential oils


Slide in & relax for as long as you want!

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Pineapple Face Mask for dry skin

The active enzyme in Pineapples, cleanses and rejuvenates dull, dry skin while the Papaya gently exfoliates dead skin cells.

Ingredients:
1 Slice of pineapple cut into chunks & with the skin on
28 grams of Organic Papaya oil
1 drop of Honey (optional)

Prep Time: 15 mins

Blend the ingredients until smooth.
Spread the mask with your finger tips over your face & neck area using upward strokes.
Avoid the eye area.
Relax from 15-30 minutes - preferably lying down. Remember don't fall asleep! When the mask has dried, rinse off with warm water.

Then say HELLO to the youthful glow sealed with the fruit scent of Pineapple.

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Cool as a Cucumber Face Peel

To help heal sunburn & puffy, irritated skin.

Ingredients:
1/2 small Juiced Cucumber
10 grams of Dried Organic Chamomile Flower
10 grams Dried Organic Lavender Flower
1 packet Unflavored Gelatin
or
5 grams of Arrowroot
255 grams of water

Prep Time: 15 mins

Boil the water over a low heat Combine dried Organic Chamomile & Lavender
Let it brew for at least a few minutes Strain with a strainer Stir in the juiced cucumber
Add the gelatin or arrowroot until it's dissolved.
Refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
Spread over your face with your finger tips (avoiding the eye area) & allow it to dry for 20 minutes.
Peel off and rinse with warm water then seal in the pores with a splash of cold water
Pat dry and enjoy!



On Monday the 21st of August we'll be getting down right vinegary...
By the time I'm done you'll be looking at vinegar in a whole new light...
See ya then & Happy Mixing!

Going to the pool for a swim this summer?

Well before you take a dip here's a tip

As a child, I remember my Mother (retired Nurse) saying to me, "Now, remember to take some Club Soda with you & rinse your hair with it real good before & after your swim, ya hear!"

Yes, it is best to wet your hair before swimming to slow down chlorine absorption but instead of using tap water - get some Club Soda and rinse your hair with that before and after your swim - regardless of your hair type, straight, short, colour treated, curly, coily, wavy etc...

Why? ... The Chlorine used in swimming pools forms a copper-rich bleach, Club soda neutralizes this bleach and washes it out of your hair before it can turn greenish, dry & brittle. Not just that but it is also best to avoid products that contain metallic salts as this mixed with the Chlorine can disturb the natural oil (sebum) production of the scalp and may lead to instant dryness, itchy scalp & coarse split ends.

For further information about copper in swimming pool water click here

Enjoy your dip & don't forget our Spa date in a weeks time!
(see previous blog entry for details)