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Cherry Lola Treatment: Unlock Curls & Moisture in Hair (2024)

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cherry lola treatmentImagine stumbling upon a secret that could transform your curls and infuse them with life. The Cherry Lola Treatment, a concoction born from a happy accident, promises just that. With a blend of yogurt, baking soda, and liquid aminos, this DIY marvel has taken the natural hair community by storm.

Dive into the world of enhanced moisture, defined curls, and the allure of frizz-free hair.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cherry Lola treatment, created in 2009, enhances curls and boosts moisture using Greek yogurt, baking soda, and liquid amino acids.
  • Key ingredients include yogurt (moisturizing), baking soda (cleansing), and liquid aminos (boost curls and balance scalp pH).
  • The treatment process involves mixing ingredients and applying them to hair for 30-45 minutes, with variations and customizations possible.
  • Benefits include enhanced curl clumping, reduced frizz, nourishment, and shiny, vibrant hair.

Cherry Lola Treatment Origins

Cherry Lola Treatment Origins
The Cherry Lola Treatment, a DIY hair mask, was created in 2009 by a blogger and natural hair influencer known as Cherry Lola. It quickly gained popularity within the natural hair community for its ability to unlock curls and boost moisture.

This treatment, made from ingredients like Greek yogurt, baking soda, and amino acids, showcases the innovative ways individuals are addressing their hair care needs outside of commercial products.

Creation by Cherry Lola

With a nod to its creator, the Cherry Lola Treatment originated from the ingenuity of British YouTube blogger Cherry Lola, who shared her DIY hair moisturizing solution with the natural hair community in 2009.

This treatment quickly gained DIY popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness, especially among those with natural hair seeking moisture retention and curl enhancement.

  • Ingredient benefits: Utilizes common ingredients like yogurt, baking soda, and liquid amino acids, each offering unique benefits for hair health.
  • Moisture retention: Specifically targets low porosity hair, helping to hydrate and maintain moisture over time.
  • Curl enhancement: Aims to reduce frizz and enhance the natural curl pattern, making it a favorite for those looking to define their curls.
  • Treatment variations: Encourages experimentation with additional ingredients like apple cider vinegar or honey, allowing for personalized adjustments to suit individual hair needs.

Popularity in Natural Hair Community

Since its inception by Cherry Lola, the Cherry Lola Treatment has garnered significant attention within the natural hair community. It offers a DIY solution for those seeking to enhance the moisture and manageability of their curls.

Its cultural impact is undeniable, revolutionizing styling versatility for type 3 and type 4 hair.

Community feedback highlights its effectiveness in moisture retention and frizz management, especially for low porosity hair. This treatment has become a cornerstone of the maximum hydration method, showcasing the power and potential of DIY hair care in achieving luscious, well-defined curls.

Key Ingredients Explained

Key Ingredients Explained
In the realm of natural hair care, the Cherry Lola Treatment stands out for its unique blend of ingredients that promise to unlock the full potential of your curls and boost moisture.

At the heart of this DIY treatment are yogurt, baking soda, and liquid aminos, each playing a pivotal role in enhancing hair health.

Yogurt’s moisturizing properties, baking soda’s cleansing ability, and the strengthening power of liquid aminos come together to create a treatment that not only revitalizes your hair but also addresses various hair concerns, from frizz to lack of elasticity.

Benefits of Yogurt

One can’t overlook the multifaceted benefits of yogurt in hair care, as it’s not just a delicious snack but also a powerhouse for maintaining healthy locks.

Its probiotic benefits and lactic acid content enhance hair moisture, acting as a natural protein treatment.

Yogurt’s ability to reduce dandruff, strengthen hair, and balance scalp pH makes it indispensable in your hair routine.

Role of Baking Soda

Baking soda is commonly praised for its cleansing properties, but it’s essential to consider its effects on hair health. When applied to hair, baking soda significantly alters the natural pH level. The pH of hair and scalp is typically around 4.

5 to 5.5, creating a slightly acidic environment that helps fend off bacteria and maintain cuticle health. Baking soda, with a pH of around 9, shifts hair into a more alkaline state. This can cause cuticle damage, increased hair porosity, breakage, and a loss of moisture and shine.

While baking soda’s deep-cleaning abilities may seem beneficial, the potential risks, particularly with regular use, should be carefully weighed.

Importance of Liquid Aminos

Incorporating liquid aminos into your hair care routine can significantly enhance your hair’s health and appearance.

Bragg Liquid Aminos, rich in amino acid science, boosts hair curls and moisture.

Ideal for those with protein sensitivity, its high nutritional value and optimal absorption rate from dietary sources help balance the pH of your scalp during protein treatments.

Application Process

Application Process
When applying the Cherry Lola treatment, first mix together the baking soda, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, and silicone-free conditioner until you achieve a cool whip-like consistency.

Next, with undetangled hair, apply the mixture thoroughly and allow it to penetrate for 30 to 45 minutes before rinsing.

Now let’s discuss the key steps of mixing the ingredients and applying them to hair for optimal results.

Mixing the Ingredients

To begin the Cherry Lola Treatment, combine 2 cups of Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of Bragg Liquid Aminos in a bowl, mixing until you achieve a smooth, consistent texture.

  1. Experiment with ingredient variations like adding avocado for extra nourishment or raw honey for additional moisture.
  2. Customize the recipe with a spoonful of unsulfured molasses to enhance shine or a dollop of deep conditioner for increased slip.
  3. For optimal application, consider moisture techniques such as layering with apple cider vinegar to balance scalp pH.

Applying to Hair

Once you’ve mixed the Cherry Lola treatment to a consistency resembling cool whip, it’s time to apply it evenly to your hair, ensuring thorough coverage from roots to ends.

The ingredient ratios are crucial for the treatment’s texture, which promotes application ease and detangling effects.

As you work the mixture through your strands, you’ll notice the ease with which tangles release.

After 20-40 minutes, the rinse process will reveal hair that feels hydrated, paving the way for healthy hair growth and strength.

The PH Case

The PH Case
Moving from the application process, it’s crucial to understand how the Cherry Lola Treatment impacts hair’s pH balance. When you’re mixing ingredients like baking soda with yogurt and liquid amino acids, you’re not just concocting a potent moisturizing treatment; you’re also playing with the pH levels of your hair.

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, and your scalp health depends on maintaining a balanced pH. Typically, hair’s natural pH hovers around 4.5 to 5n5. Baking soda, however, is alkaline, which means it can raise the pH level of your hair, leading to a hair transition that mightn’t always be desirable.

While a higher pH can brighten hair and help with color retention, it can also cause the cuticle to lift. This might give you those loose curls you’re after, but it can also leave your hair vulnerable to damage.

On the flip side, a balanced pH can reduce dandruff and keep your scalp in top condition. It’s a delicate balance, one that requires careful consideration to maintain your hair’s integrity and health.

The Moisture Debate

The Moisture Debate
The Cherry Lola Treatment has sparked a significant debate around moisture and hair health, particularly for those with low porosity hair. While it’s celebrated for its ability to hydrate and reduce frizz, concerns about the potential damage from baking soda, such as increased dryness and breakage, can’t be ignored.

If you’re considering this treatment, weigh the benefits of enhanced moisture against the risks to your hair’s integrity.

Benefits for Low Porosity Hair

You’ll find the Cherry Lola Treatment particularly beneficial if you have low porosity hair, as it’s designed to enhance moisture retention and manageability. This innovative approach targets hair porosity, ensuring your strands absorb and retain hydration effectively.

It’s a game-changer for those battling protein sensitivity, as it improves curl definition without the risk of hair damage or breakage.

Plus, the yogurt’s anti-fungal properties promote a healthy scalp environment. Ideal for bleached hair, it restores moisture balance, leaving your locks lusciously defined and resilient against external stressors.

Risks of Dryness and Damage

Using baking soda on your hair can increase its pH, leading to dryness and damage. It can strip the cuticle, making hair vulnerable and unable to retain moisture. This can result in brittle strands that are prone to splitting, breaking, and losing elasticity.

To maintain a healthy pH balance, consider using apple cider vinegar rinses instead. Apple cider vinegar can help cleanse hair of product and oil buildup, restore shine, and protect color. It’s important to deep condition regularly, focusing on moisture retention to keep your hair healthy.

Limit the use of baking soda to clarify buildup, and always follow with ample conditioning to prevent damage. By taking these preventive measures, you can enhance the softness, sheen, and curl formation of your hair, ensuring its lasting vibrancy.

Frequency and Caution

Frequency and Caution
While the Cherry Lola Treatment can enhance moisture and curl definition, caution is advised as overuse may lead to increased porosity and potential hair damage due to the pH-altering properties of baking soda.

Your hair type impacts how frequently you can safely indulge in this treatment. For those with type 3 curls, a bi-monthly routine is recommended, while type 4 hair may require more frequent applications.

Moisture retention is a significant benefit of this treatment, but maintaining cuticle health is equally important. Baking soda, a key component, can lift the hair cuticle, which, if not managed properly, can result in high porosity.

This means your hair might start to lose moisture as quickly as it absorbs it, leading to dryness and breakage.

To mitigate these risks, always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. This step is vital for restoring moisture balance and ensuring that your hair remains strong, resilient, and ready to turn heads with its natural shine and reduced frizz.

Personal Experiences

Personal Experiences
You’ve likely heard about the Cherry Lola Treatment, a DIY hair care solution that’s been buzzing in the natural hair community. If you’re considering trying it out, you might be curious about how it actually performs in real life.

While some swear by its moisturizing and curl-enhancing benefits, others express caution, particularly regarding the potential hair damage from baking soda.

Have you tried the Cherry Lola Treatment yourself? Share your experiences and whether you’ve found it to be a curl savior or if you’ve opted for safer alternatives.

Author’s Skepticism

Although the Cherry Lola Treatment has garnered attention for its potential benefits, I’ve decided against trying it due to concerns about the inclusion of baking soda. The debate around baking soda’s role in hair care is a contentious one. While some praise its cleansing properties, the increased risks associated with its alkaline nature can’t be ignored.

Baking soda has the potential to disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and compromised moisture retention. My personal experiences and research have led me to seek alternative methods that promise to nourish and strengthen hair without such risks.

Incorporating liquid amino acids into my routine, for instance, offers a safer path to achieving the desired moisture and health for my hair.

Alternative Approaches

After considering the potential risks associated with the use of baking soda on hair, let’s explore alternative approaches that you can take to achieve similar benefits without compromising your hair’s integrity.

  • Scalp Health Implications: Opt for gentler, pH-balanced ingredients that maintain scalp health without the harsh effects of baking soda.
  • Styling Versatility Impact: Incorporate natural oils and butters for styling that enhance moisture and elasticity, offering a wide range of styling options.
  • Ingredient Modification Ideas: Experiment with replacing baking soda with apple cider vinegar for a milder cleansing effect, potentially reducing the risk of overuse and preserving hair’s natural moisture.

Amino Acids for Hair Health

Amino Acids for Hair Health
You’ll want to use amino acids for hair health as they penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen and moisturize. These are essential for healthy hair growth and repair. They can improve moisture retention, reduce breakage, and add shine.

Bragg Liquid Amino contains amino acids including Alanine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, and PCA. Studies have shown that amino acids can improve hair moisture, strength, and color retention. They work by nourishing the hair and improving the lipid glue that bonds cuticle layers.

Protein treatments are a great way to incorporate amino acids into your hair care routine. Mix Bragg Liquid Amino with a conditioner or moisturizing deep conditioner. You can also add heat to enhance penetration.

Why It’s So Good

Why It

Benefits:

  • Enhances curl clumping
  • Reduces frizz
  • Nourishes hair from within
  • Results in shiny, frizz-free, and vibrant hair

    Mechanism of Action:

  • Baking soda gently lifts the hair cuticle
  • Facilitates the penetration of other ingredients
  • Nourishes hair from the inside out

Immediate Results

Witness the transformation with the Cherry Lola Treatment, as your curls reclaim their definition and moisture is sealed in. Within minutes of application, you’ll notice a remarkable improvement in your hair’s texture and appearance.

  1. Frizz Reduction: Baking soda gently lifts the hair cuticles, allowing the yogurt and liquid aminos to penetrate deeply. This action smooths the hair shafts, reducing frizz and flyaways.
  2. Enhanced Moisture: The yogurt’s lactic acid and the liquid aminos’ amino acids work together to hydrate and nourish your hair. This combination helps porous hairs retain moisture, leaving your curls soft, supple, and bouncy.
  3. Improved Curl Definition: The yogurt’s anti-fungal properties help to balance your scalp’s pH, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth. As a result, your curls become more defined and voluminous, showcasing their natural beauty.

Shine and Frizz Control

  1. You’ll witness a dramatic reduction in frizz and an unparalleled shine. The Cherry Lola Treatment works wonders in taming unruly hair, leaving you with luscious, frizz-free curls that radiate a healthy glow.

This remarkable treatment not only beautifies your hair instantly but also has long-term positive effects. With regular use, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your hair’s overall health and vitality.

If you’re looking for a homemade alternative to the Cherry Lola Treatment, consider incorporating Bragg’s Liquid Amino Acids into your hair care routine. This versatile ingredient is packed with essential amino acids that nourish and strengthen hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.

Experiment with different product recommendations and ingredient substitutes to find the perfect combination that suits your hair type and needs. The Cherry Lola Treatment and its variations offer a transformative hair care solution, empowering you to unlock the full potential of your curls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Cherry Lola Treatment suitable for all hair types and textures?

The Cherry Lola Treatment is particularly effective for low porosity hair.

It helps increase moisture levels.

However, it may not be suitable for all hair types and textures.

Especially if your hair is highly porous or prone to dryness.

Can the treatment cause any allergic reactions or skin irritations?

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, do a patch test before applying the treatment to your scalp.

Discontinue use if you experience any irritation or allergic reaction.

Did you know that 80% of women experience hair damage due to improper storage of hair treatments?

Avoid this fate by storing your Cherry Lola Treatment in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This will keep your treatment fresh for up to 3 days.

Is it necessary to detangle hair before applying the Cherry Lola Treatment?

Detangling before applying the Cherry Lola Treatment is not necessary.

The treatment itself melts away tangles during application, leaving your hair tangle-free and luscious.

Are there any other alternative ingredients that can be substituted for baking soda in the Cherry Lola Treatment?

If the baking soda in the Cherry Lola Treatment raises concerns, consider substituting it with milder alternatives.

Like cornstarch or arrowroot powder, these options provide gentle cleansing without the potential harshness of baking soda.

Conclusion

Like a warm embrace enveloping your curls, the Cherry Lola Treatment offers a transformative journey towards luscious, frizz-free tresses.

Its unique blend of yogurt, baking soda, and liquid aminos empowers you to unlock the full potential of your natural beauty.

Embrace the power of this DIY marvel and witness the radiant transformation of your hair.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.