DIY: The Hairy Truth

Photo credit from blackgirllonghair.com

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies...

Although we love those beautiful flowing tresses on our head, we can't seem to equate this same feeling to hair in other places on our body. Most of us choose to wax it, pluck it, or even Nair it... Though we participate in these in various rites of passage, often times these activities cause us a sense of pain and embarrassment. Isn't there another way to deal with our hairy woes without making a trip to the electrologist? I present you with a simple DIY hair-be-gone solution. All you will need is a 2% Iodine solution and Baby oil. (I will provide you with the exact amounts later on in the post) Granted, treating your unwanted hairy areas with this iodine mixture will not be a permanent solution; however, it will offer a cheap alternative to the conventional. 

Here is what you will need

1 TBS of Iodine, 1 cup of Baby oil, 1 spray bottle for application

Instructions

1. Mix the ingredients together inside of a spray bottle
2. Apply the mixture to unwanted hair and rub mixture evenly over the area.
3. Let the mixture set for 5 minutes and gently wipe the area with a damp wash cloth.
4. Apply skin lotion to the treated area for moisture.

What you have left is smooth and silky skin.Enjoy!

Let the Al Fresco fans know how you fared with this Do it Yourself solution. We love to hear from you!

PS. If you are interested in finding out more uses for Iodine check this out.

Life is beautiful: A finale

I just want to continue to break barriers and to show the industry and the world that beauty is diverse, and you don't have to be a certain stereotype to be beautiful.

Joan Smalls 

Life is Beautiful

We have to get back to the beauty of just being alive in this present moment.

Mary McDonnell 

Life is Beautiful

No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they’re pretty, even if they aren’t.
Marilyn Monroe

Life is Beautiful

Everything has beauty, 

but not everyone sees it.

- Confucius

DIY: "Hair Block" Edition

As summer is winding down, everyone is getting ready for that daily grind we call "Fall". Our minds are no longer dreaming of soft summer breezes and sand between our toes. Instead our focus shifts to our first day jitters and fall pattern knits. But before you throw out your sunblock and flip flops, I am sending you a little reminder that summer doesn't officially end until September 22nd.  

That means that we must take the same precautions in protecting ourselves for the sun's blaze. Standard sun care includes sun screen to the face and other exposed extremities. But did you know that sun care also includes your hair? Prolonged sun exposure induces the disintegration of your hair's natural protein keratin. This destruction causes the hair to become frizzy and unmanageable. 

There are several ways to protect your natural tresses from keratin destruction. One is to apply sun screen to your hair. Yes, to your hair! 

At first I didn't believe it either. It wasn't until I saw the endless list of hair care products. Each one boasting the various levels of SPF (Sun Protector Factor)within. Though there are many different products, I found that majority of them were very over priced. In addition I found that the only benefit to them was the SPF. Thus I decided that it would be easier to create my own "Hair Block". How hard could it be? It seems to be just sunscreen and water. Now before you slather up your hair with globs of sun screen, check out this DIY recipe.

Here is what you will need:

3 Teaspoons of Sun Screen (SPF 15 to 25)

Note: The higher the SPF the more greasy the mixture will become

3 teaspoons of  hair conditioner/leave-in conditioner

(My Favorite Mixed Chicks)

1/2 Cup of Water

& 1 large Spray Bottle

Mix the ingredients together in the spray bottle and give it a good shake. Use the mixture for reapplication throughout the day. 

If using sun screen in your hair still sounds like a crazy notion than check out some of these pre-manufactured products such as Aveda Sun Care Veil

For more "Hair Block" ideas check out Urban Bush Babes

Let Al Fresco fans know how you fared. Did this recipe transform you tresses from dry to fab? Did it fall flat? Or did you find something even better? Let us know!

Life is Beautiful

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
Unknown