The Mandy Mix FAQ

In 2014 I wrote a post about a South African hair growth mixture I had discovered. The recipe consists of (ye olde faithful dutch remedy brand) Lennon’s bergamot essence, bay rum and an ampoule of placenta. The idea is to mix half the bottle of bergamot, half the bottle of bay rum and mix it into your shampoo with the ampoule of placenta. I found that the concoction actually worked but a) it made my hair feel like straw and b) how many times does a natural actually shampoo her hair anyway!? So I did another post and changed up the recipe a bit to make it work for my hair. I called it Mandy’s hair growth mixture, affectionately dubbed #TheMandyMix by South African naturalistas. I haven’t posted much about the recipe since then but 90% of you are completely happy with the recipe, 5% acknowledges that it works but hate the smell and 5% feels that the concoction makes your skin itch*. I have received so many questions over the years and I will attempt to answer a few of them in this post.

 

 

 

1.Where did the mixture originate?

I have absolutely no idea but from my findings nurses use to give it to chemo patients. It is a mystery to me.

2. Can I put it on my child’s hair?

I have personally used it on #TheKid’s hair when she was about 8. I think this is all up to you. A good idea is to add the ingredients to their deep conditioner.

 3. What are the ingredients of “The Mandy Mix”?

I added half a teaspoon of castor oil and some aloe water to the recipe. Castor oil has hair growth properties and aloe is a natural conditioner. It softens the hair and it has anti-itch properties. 

4. How big should my spritz bottle be?

I use a 500ml bottle. 

5. Can I use aloe gel from a tube or plant?

Yes, absolutely. Aloe in its purest form is always better. 

6. Which aloe water should I use?

The best one is Nature’s Choice. Look for aloe water that does not contain sucrose or fructose. It needs to be as pure as possible.

7. The mixture makes my hair hard. What should I do to change it up?

Try adding less aloe water/juice. 

8. Can I add other/more oils?

The mixture was always a guideline. I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. You can absolutely add your own oils if you feel that the mix still dries out your hair or the castor oil doesn’t work for you. I have heard people mix it with shea butter, argan and coconut oil. Choose an oil/oils that work for you. 

9. Does it thicken the hair?

It works for thickening your hair, hair loss, hair lustre and growth. It really is a miracle mix.

10. Does it work on relaxed hair?

It works on any and all hair. 

11. My scalp is sensitive, can I still use it?

Try a small section first. If your scalp gets irritated, stop using it immediately. 

12. Can I use bergamot essential oil?

Essential oils are more potent and always need a carrier oil (eg. coconut oil) when you use it on your body. I would personally stick to the essence, it’s much lighter. 

13. It’s Winter and I don’t want to wet my hair. Can I use the mixture any other way?

Yes, mix the bergamot essence, bay rum, placenta and castor oil in your conditioner to deep condition your hair once a week. Add the aloe water/juice/gel to your final rinse water. 

14. Where do you store the mixture?

It is best stored in the fridge. Tip: Keep the aloe in the fridge and use as necessary during Winter. 

I hope this answers all or most of your questions.

I will be updating the FAQ’s regularly. If you have more questions please comment below.

Have you tried Mandy’s Mix? What was your experience with it?

(*Disclaimer. If itching, breakage or a rash occurs, stop using the mixture immediately. I am not a chemist or an expert. I can only inform you about what works for my hair)