The Cheapest Place to Buy Shea Butter and 5 Other Natural Hair Essentials

I saw the title of this post over on one of my favourite blogs Black Girl With Long Hair. I didn't really read it because obviously it is an American blog so I wouldn't be able to buy at any of the shops they listed! So I thought I would do a London version :) Hopefully it's helpful, I've had a regimen for just over 2 years so I have developed a bit of knowledge about where to buy things from.
BGLH hair essentials was:

1. Raw Shea Butter: I'd personally go to Amazon.co.uk there is a lot of choice and delivery tends to be cheaper than other online hair product shops. Just a warning majority will come solidified if you want it in a liquid form you would have to melt it. Even better is you can choose the quantity you want, be sure to read  reviews (another bonus!) before purchasing. Here is 250g of shea butter for £7.18 including postage and packaging.

It may sound silly but one of the best places to find hair products cheaply is abroad. Remember my Suave bargain? I know when I go to Ghana Easter 2013 I will definitely pick up some Shea Butter.

2. Jojoba Oil: Again I'd suggest Amazon I've previously purchased Castor Oil from there and it was definitely organic. £6.60 for 100ml (including P&P). The same item is also sold on Ebay, same price.

3. Henna: I agree with BGLH on this one, henna is not something you want to play with. Once you use it is hard (mostly impossible) to remove. The cheapest places I've seen Henna are local Indian shops or even butchers (yes butcher shops- just ask!).

4. Apple Cider Vinegar: I'd have to go with Ebay on this one. It is about £7 for 500ml-1litre, don't forget to check their feedback score if it isn't 99% or above I wouldn't order from them.

5. Vitamin E Oil: The best place to buy this in my opinion is Holland & Barrett, £6.89 for 100ml, shipping is £1.99, there's a few Holland & Barretts around so you can also go instore

6. Storage Containers: This is an easy one- either the 99p shop or Poundland (where you can often buy 3 for £1/99p). Alternatively when you finish one product don't throw the container away, keep it and you can store other products in it- this is also beneficial if you need to go travelling soon.

If you would like to read about why each product is beneficial for your hair I will link the post again, just click here

I'm off to Jamaica! Packing my hair products...

Hi guys I am off to Jamaica from the 18th August and I am sooo excited! I have scheduled blog posts while I am away and also afterwards I will post a blog with some holiday photos :) It was quite important for me to ensure I have my hair products with me so here is what I am taking:

 Left to Right: Giovanni Leave In Conditioner, Shea Moisture Shampoo, Castor oil with Olive Oil and my conditioner mix (Tresemme Naturals and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose).

 

I am also taking my Hairveda Whipped Cream Ends Hydration sample from British Curlies which I reviewed here

Travel Bottles are a great solution for packing hair products for a trip. I purchased two for just over £2 from Boots, they can also be purchases from Superdrug. Usually in the Summer they have offers, also if you are a reader from outside of the UK I know Ebay and Amazon also sell travel bottles.

If you would like to see how I packed my hair products for my holiday last Summer click here

Bargain Buy!

Coconut Oil, £3.99 500ml Ebay

:)

My Favourites (Inspired by FromShortToLong)

I have been on my hair journey for 9 months now (time flies!) I started out shoulder length, it's relaxer day on Tuesday *dances* (I am still debating whether to do do it myself or get it done at the salon, but length check pics will be taken) and I thought this may help any "newbies" out there. This is just my favourites so far on my hair journey.

Oils/Butters:Coconut Oil: I seal with this daily - love it!
Jamaican Black Castor Oil : I use 2x weekly on a clean scalp to promote thick hair growth
Wishlist: vatika oil and argan oil

Shampoos:Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo: basically sulfate free and cheap! This is my staple I use 1x week.

Conditioners:Tresemme Moisturising conditioner is what I'm using at the moment 1x week but there may be better ones out there. I want to try Herbal Essence's LTR or Aussie Moist. I'm still searching for that staple conditioner hmm

Leave-In:Herbal Essence LTR- I use after each wash, so 2x week
Wishlist: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In

Moisturizer:Elasta QP Mango Butter- LOVE it! I use daily.

Styler:
I might find a serum/styler, I only use Elasta QP design silk for hold/heat protectant when flat ironing, does the job. Although oils in my opinion do the same job as serums.

Tools:My wide tooth comb- definitely an essential!!!
My GHD straighteners- I use no more than 1x month for my heat pass, they are £100+ ($150+) well worth it, received it as a birthday present 7 years ago and still going strong

Current Regimen:
Pre-poo then shampoo wash 1x week then protein DC
Co-wash 1x week then moisturising DC
Moisturise and seal daily
Use heat no more than 1x month
Use leave-ins after each wash
Clarifying shampoo 1x month
Protein treatment 1 week pre-relaxer
Relax every 10-12 weeks
Planning to incorproate my ayurverdic powders 1x fortnight and DC with them
Protective style (ends protected i.e buns) 4x week minimum