ancient blends
This post is dedicated to the glorious products created by Yendys Nefer-Atum Auset Ma'at, founder of The Cowrie Shell Center and Ancient Blends Apothe'Care located in Brooklyn, NY.
Since I began my loc journey at the top of my second pregnancy with Khemennu (December 2019) — I have never loved my hair more. and by loved, I truly mean nourished, anointed and cared for each individual strand on a daily basis.
My loccing process was natural, just allowing my hair to —be—
I washed it one morning and decided not to comb it again.
The first year was a lesson in the ultimate self-care because in order to receive the treasure of beautiful locs, I had to fully embrace each stage — the starter loc stage, the baby loc stage, the teenage stage, and the adult stage — which almost 3 years later I am juuust arriving at (maybe).
It was not an overnight process or one day transformation by any means, but for that I am so grateful. I always knew I wanted to loc my hair, but never considered when it would actually happen. I was wearing faux goddess locs for about 2 years prior and though I loved how they looked externally — internally it was as if I had not earned the true privilege of carrying that crown.
To this day, my hair care products are simple —
rose water spray
raw aloe plant
hollywood hair bar growth serum
rice water spray
ancient blends
trader joe's tea tree shampoo
When in the states I use the heritage brand rose water and in Senegal I use Eau de Rose Laino that I find in the pharmacies. I keep this in the fridge and spray my hair every morning like I’m watering my plants. To make it last longer I split between 2 bottles and add water.
The aloe leaf I either purchase from the grocery store or go get from the plant outside. I slice the leaf and apply it directly to my hair, rubbing the pieces all over my scalp and squeezing the gel into my locs followed by a palm roll (my version of a retwist).
To protect my edges during postpartum I began using hollywood hair bar extra strength growth serum. I use the 4oz bottle monthly on a morning/bedtime routine and it keeps my edges nice and fluffy.
While in Senegal I began making my own rice water spray, generally I prepare the spray on a full moon and let it sit until the new moon to soak my hair 2 days in a row. For the recipe I watched several youtube videos on the subject and created my own blend. Thai rice, grapefruit peels, and lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils — stored in a glass mason jar until I transfer to the spray bottle.
Lastly, I use Ancient Blends 'Sacred' Hair, Scalp and Beard Oil and Re-hydrating Moisturizing Hair Oil Mist — every day. Oiling my scalp is definitely one of my most sacred daily rituals. One I look forward to each morning while I get my mind right for whatever is coming my way.
My favorite thing about these oils is how silky they leave my hair feeling. I never have a feeling of residue, build up or greasy leave behind of any kind. Just a sense of being deeply moisturized.
I also use the Ancient Blends on Heru and Khemennu’s hair — both have natural baby locs — as well as their father who has had locs for over 15 years.
I must also give credit to the ocean.
The salty cold water of mama NUT has done wonders for my hair. Combined with the extra pure strength of the sunlight beaming directly on my scalp… is a mighty powerful combination.