After revisiting my modified cherry lola treatment this weekend, I decided to officially induct this powerhouse treatment into my hall of fame. Known as a savior for low porosity hair, the cherry lola treatment is praised because of its powers of frizz reduction, moisture retention, and because it produces a shine factor that is out of this world. Though there are many variations of the exact recipe, my version of this hair smoothie consists of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, plain greek yogurt, and a moisturizing (silicone free) conditioner. (A word of precaution– I would not perform this more than once a month, as baking soda lifts the hair cuticle and can be a bit harsh on hair if used too often.)
You know me– everything in this recipe is eyeballed, rather than precisely measured. But it looks something like “2 parts yogurt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 part ACV, and a good dallop or two of conditioner.” The consistency will resemble cool whip once it fizzles and settles.
I apply it to dry hair and allow it to sit for about 30-45 minutes. I never detangle prior to applying it because this stuff literally melts tangles away. The application process is so enjoyable, not only for this reason, but because I see an immediate change in the way my curls clump together and a reduction in frizz. I am so upset with myself for taking an unintentional hiatus from this hair treatment for as long as I have, but I am VERY happy I’m back at it. Since my healthy hair journey began– through each natural-relaxed-back to natural, and so on– this has been the ONLY consistent, tried and true hair treatment that has worked for me.
My favorite part of the process is rinsing and seeing the magic it has worked. The camera does my curls no justice. My naked hair is left plump and delicious, with little to no frizz, and a crazy amount of shine. I’ve even gone without applying any product at all, a few times following this treatment. I followed through with a deep conditioning treatment and styled on damp hair.
All in all, the cherry lola treatment– or a modified version of it– is worth a try if you are experiencing frizz, dull or dry hair, and are in need of a BOOST. For me, it has been nothing short of a lifesaver. I am crazy in love.
I have to try this. The frizz be RUINING me….
Author
You will love it! Let me know how it works for your curls boo!
Can do it on wet hair?
Author
Hello love, thank you for commenting! Yes– I should have mentioned, I do this treatment on wet hair. Let me know how it works for you!! 🙂
Hello there! Glad to see that the treatment worked well! I wanted to know how often do you do the treatment, because I was wondering how safe would it be for low porosity hair to do this on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Thanks in advance! 🙂
Author
Hi love, thank you for reading! I have low porosity hair, which is why I think this treatment works so well for my curls– especially in terms of frizz reduction. I would LIKE to do the treatment every other week, but because I have other protein treatments I use as well, this one doesn’t make it into the rotation as often as I’d like. This treatment is mild, but I wouldn’t perform it as often as every week. Let me know how you like it, once you try!
Hi,
Thanks for blogging about your cherry Lola treatment. It sounds great and your hair looks good. Just out of curiosity… what is your hair type ? Is it 3 c, 4 a, 4 b or 4 c ? I would like to know if it will have the same effect on my hair texture.
Author
Hi love, thank you for reading!! The curl typing system is tricky for me, and I usually don’t refer to it. My hair is coily for the most part, but i have a few areas where the curls are looser. I have a lot of photos on my IG account, maybe that could be of some help? From what I’ve researched and heard from other curlies, the cherry lola method actually works on various hair types! 🙂
Hi do I need to wash my hair prior to doing this treatment ?
Author
Thank you for your comment– I’m sorry I’m so late getting back to you! I want to say I tried it before and after a wash (on separate occasions) and got similar results. I’m just so used to deep conditioning on freshly washed hair so that’s usually my method of applying it now.
Hey Jen,
I tried a modified version of this treament. I didn’t use yogurt because I didn’t have any. I used Bee Mine Beautiful deep conditioner, baking soda and ACV. You were not lying about the results. My hair was absolutley beautiful. Thx for sharing experience with us.
Author
Hi Cece! I’m so happy this treatment was good to your hair! I’ve been wanting to try Bee Mine products, thank you for reminding me!!
Hello, thanks for sharing your recipe. I want to know if 1 part of baking soda is the same as 1 cup of baking soda. Thanks
Author
I am so sorry for the delay in replying to your question Debbie! I’m hoping you didn’t proceed using one cup, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself! Lol. I usually start small (about a tablespoon) with the baking soda because it is so abrasive/harsh. I often adjust measurements as I go just to get the consistency I want. Good luck darling!
Thank you very much Jen, for your reply, I thought as much, lol, actually I’m planning to do it by Christmas Period. Thanks
Thanks Jen! I am looking for a way to help my daughters hair. She is 6 and loves to wear it down in her “Annie” hair style. From the new Annie movie with Jamie Foxx. I love to let her wear it down but after a day it look dry and frizzy and her dad complains about it. I cant wait to try these methods so she can wear her Annie hair more often.