DIY Olaplex Recipe

Olaplex has amassed a loyal following because of its seemingly magical ability to smooth, soften, and strengthen damaged hair. But at $30 for 3.3 ounces, it’s not the most budget-friendly product on the market. Not to worry, though, because TikTok clued us into an easy, inexpensive hack to DIY our Olaplex at home.  

The DIY Olaplex recipe calls for just two ingredients: water and flaxseed. You will boil down the flaxseed to create a gel that is to be applied to the hair. Flaxseed is jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which are incredibly nourishing. For the BeautyLeeBar touch, we added a few drops of mielle organics Rice Water Split End Therapy because it contains rice water—one of our favorite ingredients for strengthening hair and promoting hair growth. We also sometimes add The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density and CAMILLE ROSE Rejuva-Drops Grow Back Serum. These products Replenish and hydrate the scalp, Stimulate the hair follicles, reduce breakage and shedding for thicker, full hair, add strength and shine, and encourage healthy hair growth. Get the recipe below. 

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DIY Olaplex


Recipe Type: Hair treatment
Serving Size: 1 person/week’s use
Prep Time: 2 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 7 min

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Ingredients:
¼ cup flaxseeds
2 ½ cups water
mielle organics Rice Water Split End Therapy, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, CAMILLE ROSE Rejuva-Drops Grow Back Serum

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine flaxseed and water in a pot. The more flaxseed you use, the thicker the gel will be. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. When it reaches the consistency of egg whites, use a cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a container. Mix in a few drops of mielle organics Rice Water Split End Therapy, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, CAMILLE ROSE Rejuva-Drops Grow Back Serum. Apply the mixture to hair and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Keep the gel in the fridge for about a week for continued use.

WATCH: How to Refresh Knotless Braids

If your knotless braids are old and you’re wondering how to refresh them and make them look new again without having to redo them then, this is for you.

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In this episode of hair, beauty influencer Lee shares tips for reviving old knotless braids to look brand new.

She wrote:

It is very important to maintain your braids to make sure they last, are clean, and look fresh. Here is my routine on how to maintain knotless braids (small, large, or jumbo braids!)

Check out the video here:

Here’s what you need:

  • Mousse
  • A bowl of water or a spray bottle with water in it
  • Cotton pads
  • Edge control
  • Hair oil – it can be jojoba oil, tea tree, it’s really up to you
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Gel
  • Mini hair clips/pins are optional
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How -To

  1. Grab a cotton pad and lightly saturate it with water. Then use the saturated cotton pad to clean along the lines of your box braids. This will help remove any build-up from products used originally and dirt.
  2. After you have cleaned all the lines, mix your water with some leave-in conditioner and hair oil. Then spray this on your hair roots and massage in. Once this is done, tie the hair down so the natural heat from your scalp can work its magic and your hair follicles can soak them up for about 20 minutes.
  3. Apply some gel around the braid sweeping the hair towards the braid. Neatly making the parts clear and new again. You can secure it with a mini hair clip/pin if needed.
  4. When you’re all done, apply some edge control to your edges to sleek them down. Grab your mousse bottle and apply a generous amount to flatten any flyaway and finish off with hair spray.
  5. You can choose to tie the hair down for a few minutes after this to further secure it, but that’s about it.

When you’re done, your hair will look brand new and will last for a few more weeks. Go ahead and add something extra with beads, twists – your choice!

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For those of us who like to watch hair tutorials to get it right, here are more how to refresh your box braids video below.

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And if you still decide to loosen your braids, here are some ideas for your next hairstyle.

Why Knotless Braids Are All the Rage RN

Knotless braids are the rave in today’s hair fashion even though knotless braids have been around since the 2000s.Celebrities like Beyonce, Zendaya, Jhene Aiko, Kelly Rowland, and Keke Palmer, to mention a few, have all rocked this particular hairstyle in all its glory. Traditional box braids are beautiful, but they also demand high maintenance. With knotless braids, there is no such thing: they’re easy to style as well as maintain.

Knotless braids are your typical box braids but without the traditional knot that is started at the base or root of the hair. Unlike traditional braids, which typically add extensions at the root, knotless braids begin with your natural hair and then extensions are fed in further down the braid.

Because knotless braids do not begin with a knot, there’s very little tension on the scalp, thereby lessening the soreness that braids usually have, thereby allowing you to leave the salon headache-free. It’ll prevent tension bumps that occur when the hair follicle is inflamed, which causes a red sore to arise! Another major benefit of knotless braids is that you can style your hair and sleep comfortably straight after the appointment, without any pain!

What Are the Benefits of Knotless Braids?

  • They Serve as Protective Styles: If you want to take a break from styling your hair while still protecting it, knotless braids are the right choice.
  • They Are Painless: As I have mentioned before, traditional box braids require a tight hold on the hair roots which causes pain. Knotless braids do not require a tight grip and, as such, are painless.
  • A Natural Look: Because of how they’re installed, knotless braids give a seamless natural look.
  • They Are Low Maintenance Styles: Knotless braids only require that you oil your scalp/hair roots at least every three days to prevent dryness.
  • They Last Long: You can keep them in your hair for as long as you want. However, I advise that you only keep them in, for 4 – 8 weeks.
  • They’re Easy to Take Out: All you need to do is snip out with scissors where your hair stops on the extension and then begin to loosen the braids.
  • No Tangles/Knots in Your Hair Afterward: Since knotless braids do not start at the base of your hair, they don’t leave it all tangled up at the roots. So, you don’t lose much hair when you’re taking them out. Hey, there’s a reason they’re called “knotless”. In all, knotless braids don’t damage the hair.
  • allow me to retain all my new growth and protect the older parts of my hair.
  • enables me to moisturize my hair and scalp without issue, and cleanse and care for my scalp.

Possibly the only downside of having knotless braids is they don’t necessarily last as long as other braids tend to – four to six weeks. Hair Stylist explains that the longer you leave them in, the more hair damage can occur if they’re not taken care of properly, or if the braids are heavier. It is always a great idea with any hairstyle to give your natural hair a break. If you are someone who braids your hair back-to-back, this can eventually take a toll on your strands and cause breakage or damage

It’s important to take care of them with oils and nightly wrapping.

Another thing to keep in mind is knotless braids take longer to install than other braiding techniques as you’re consistently stopping to add extra hair.

The best way to keep your knotless braids healthy is by wrapping them up every night before bed and oiling the scalp to maintain moisture. Here are our favorites: Camille Rose MINT CONDITION BRAID AND SCALP SPRAY $12, Mielle Rosemary and Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil $10, Tea Tree Oil $3, Jamaican black castor oil $7, Shea Moisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Hair Rinse $13 …. just to name a few!

Don’t Want to Braid Your Hair? Do This Instead

You may love braids but don’t want to add extensions to your hair because of certain reasons best known to you. However, you can still rock braids on your head as though you braided them into your hair. How? Get a braided wig! Braided wigs are easy to wear, and the fun part is you can take them off and put them back on whenever you want! The best part? No one will even notice!

Do you like knotless braids? Ready to join the knotless box braid gang? Let us know in the comments below.

3 MILK-INFUSED HAIR MASKS TO TAKE YOUR HAIR FROM DRAB TO FAB

Cleopatra was right! Legend has it that the Egyptian empress bathed in milk to keep her skin and hair looking, well, like a queen. Containing protein, amino acids, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, milk can do wonders for your dull and brittle hair. Since your consumption of milk is limited to your morning coffee, and you can’t go filling bathtubs with milk, there’s another way to treat your tresses with milk…hair masks!

We have three DIY hair mask recipes made with milk and other hair-loving ingredients that you can try out and get healthy and flawless hair…

Milk + Honey

In the Bible, milk and honey represent prosperity in the Promised Land.

The solution to all your hair woes is in this one hair mask. A popular homemade remedy, the mixture of milk and honey works like a charm. Antibacterial honey fights scalp infection, excess oil, and dryness while milk makes your hair soft and smooth. Mix two tablespoons of honey into one cup of raw milk and mix well. Apply this mixture onto hair and leave it be for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat weekly.

Milk + Banana

Dry hair got you down? Make yourself a banana milkshake! No, we aren’t kidding. Blend one ripe banana and half cup milk for an ultimate dry hair solution. Milk and banana are both extremely moisturizing and will nourish your mane from root to tip. Apply this mask on your hair and leave it on for half an hour before washing it off with a mild shampoo. Repeat this twice a week for soft and luscious hair.

Milk + Eggs

Eggs are the shine-boosting ingredient you’ve been missing from your hair care routine. Combine it with nutrient-rich milk, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for silky and lustrous tresses. Break two eggs in a bowl, add half a cup of milk, and whisk. Add some lemon drops and mix well. Apply the mask on your hair and let it stay for 30-40 minutes. Wash with a sweet-smelling shampoo. Do this once a week for naturally glossy hair.