I fell in love with a product that is (IMHO) ABSOLUTELY great at cleansing my hair in addition to other magnificent uses. I tell anyone who will listen about castile soap. My favorite brand is Dr. Bronner. Most likely, one can find it nearly everywhere.
My Pros:
1. Can be diluted
2. A little goes a LONG way
3. Multiple uses
4. Variety of scents and one unscented
5. Contains NO SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates)
6. Non-damaging to the hair
7. Awesome lather
8. Vegetable oil based, safe on our pipes
9. No Synthetic Foaming Agents, Thickeners or Preservatives
10. Comes in various scents: **Peppermint, Lavender, **Almond, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, **Unscented Baby-Mild, Rose and Citrus Orange
**denotes the scents I have personally tried (Almond is my personal favorite)
My Con:
1. Can be drying to the hair
Here's a link to the site and a couple of their FAQs: http://www.drbronner.com
INGREDIENTS: Water, Saponified Organic Coconut*, Organic Palm* and Organic Olive* Oils (w/Retained Glycerin), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils**, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
* FAIR TRADE Ingredients
** Available in Peppermint, Lavender, Almond, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Unscented Baby-Mild, Rose and Citrus Orange
All soaps are not only certified by Oregon Tilth to the same rigorous USDA National Organic Program standards that certify organic foods, but also are certified Fair Trade by the respected Swiss certifier IMO.
What does "Castile" mean? Is the bar soap also a castile soap like the liquid? What is the difference between the bar and liquid soaps?
In earlier centuries, an all-vegetable based soap was made in the Castile region of Spain from local olive oil. By the turn of this century, "Castile" had come to mean any vegetable oil-based soap, versus animal (tallow) fat-based soap. "Pure-Castile" is now also your guarantee that what you are using is a real ecological and simple soap, not a complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the waste stream during manufacture and slower biodegradability. Unfortunately, many synthetic detergent blends are deceptively labeled as "Liquid Soap" even when they contain absolutely no soap whatsoever.
Both our bar and liquid soaps are pure-castile, as they are all vegetable oil-based. The bar soap wrappers prominently state that they, too, are pure-castile, like our liquid soaps. The difference between the liquid and bar soaps is that the liquid soaps use potassium hydroxide to saponify the vegetable oils, versus sodium hydroxide used to make the hard bar soaps.
Do your soaps contain any foaming agents/detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Absolutely not. Our soaps are 100% true pure-castile soaps. The high foaming lather of our soaps is from their high coconut oil content, which makes a more luxurious and rich lather than any detergent can ever create. "Pure-Castile" is your guarantee that what you are using is a real ecological and simple soap, not a complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the waste stream during manufacture and slower biodegradability. Unfortunately, many synthetic detergent blends are deceptively labeled as "Liquid Soap" even when they contain absolutely no soap whatsoever.
There are tons of uses for liquid Castile soap. It is the perfect all-in-one cleaner. Liquid Castile soap is SUPERMILD & can simply do it all without fouling up the environment (biodegradable-or shall I say for all of our "GREEN" folks...very earth friendly).
Here's some examples:
Shampoo - Cleans your hair without stripping away the natural oils.
Shave - A few drops in your hand make a wonderful lather for a refreshing shave.
Body - Use directly (diluted or full-strength), on loofa, washcloth, sponge for an invigorating shower or bath.
Hand Soap - Gentle on you hands and tough on dirt.
Foot Soak – Add a capful in a foot soaker of warm water.
Bubble Bath/Baby Bath – Just add 1-2 caps full in running water for a luxurious bath; a gently safe way to bathe yourself or the baby.
Clothing/Diapers - Use it to clean a spot or your entire laundry. It leaves diapers fluffy and soft without any irritating residues.
Fruit Wash - A couple of dashes in water cleans pesticide residues off you fruits and vegetables.
Family Pets - The gentle way to groom your pets that brings out the natural luster of their coats (Personally I use the unscented on my 4-legged babies).
Jewelry Cleaner - Just add 1 Tbls. of soap to 1 cup of warm/hot water...makes jewelry shine.
General Use Cleaner - Its naturally powerful cleaning ability will get your floors, counters, bathrooms, and kitchen utensils spotlessly clean.
Travelers, Backpackers, and Campers - The perfect all-in-one cleaner. One soap simply does it all without fouling up the environment (biodegradable).
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT the author of any of the following recipes. I found them by researching on the web. I chose to add them because some people prefer to make their own products and sometimes don’t know where to look for recipes; in addition to this, I am showing how the product can be “STRETCHED”. I have used some of the recipes for myself and FOR ME, they have worked exceptionally well. I am not responsible for your outcomes. Please remember…homemade shampoos will work differently for everyone. Try altering the ratios of ingredients if you are not happy with the results. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Do YOUR research.
Natural Shampoo Base Ingredients:
¼ cup water
¼ cup castile soap
½ teaspoon of (extra virgin) olive oil
5 – 10 drops of your favorite EO
Instructions: Mix together all ingredients and place into shampoo bottle.
Essential Oil Shampoo Ingredients:
½ cup water
½ cup fresh lavender
2 tablespoons of glycerin
½ cup Natural Shampoo Base
Essential Oils: 5 drops of ANY
Instructions: Mix water and lavender together into a heavy bottom pot and bring to a boil. Let boil gently for at least twenty minutes. Let cool slightly and add basic shampoo mixture and glycerin slowly to herbal mixture. Mix well. Pour shampoo into container and let stand for a few days to allow the mixture to thicken. Use as you would your regular shampoo.
Avocado-Jasmine Shampoo Ingredients:
½ cup Natural Shampoo Base
½ cup aloe vera gel
¾ teaspoon avocado oil
¾ teaspoon jasmine essential oil
Instructions: Mix together all ingredients. Place into a clean container preferably with a screw-on lid. Let mixture set for a few hours to allow to thicken and the scents to take hold. Work into hair as usual and allow to sit for several minutes. Rinse as usual and style.
Basic Shampoo for Normal Hair Ingredients:
¼ cup water
¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
½ tsp light vegetable oil
Instructions: Mix all ingredients until well combined. Store mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. Massage through wet hair and into scalp. Rinse well.
Scalp-Soothing Shampoo Ingredients:
3 bags chamomile tea
3 bags peppermint tea
1 cup water
2 Tbsp liquid Castile soap
1 tsp light vegetable oil
Instructions: Bring water to a boil. Steep all six tea bags for 20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Remove tea bags and add liquid soap and vegetable oil to brewed tea and stir until well blended. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Massage generously into hair and scalp. Rinse well.
Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry or Damaged Hair Ingredients:
¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
¼ cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp glycerin
¼ tsp light vegetable oil
Instructions: Mix all ingredients until well combined. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, and shake before every use. Apply liberally to wet hair and let sit a few minutes before rinsing well with cool water.
Lightening Shampoo for Natural Highlights:
¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup water
1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in saucepan over medium heat 1-2 minutes until heated through but not boiling. Cool to room temperature and strain out lemon zest. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Shampoo hair as usual, rinse well.
Herbal Shampoo for Dandruff Relief Ingredients:
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary
2 Tbsp fresh thyme
2 Tbsp coconut flakes
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
2 Tbsp of liquid Castile soap
1 tsp light vegetable oil.
Instructions: Bring water to a boil. Steep herbs and coconut flakes in boiling water for 20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and strain solids from water. Add other ingredients and mix until well combined. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Apply amply to wet hair and massage into scalp before rinsing well with cool water.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Carrier Oils
Has anyone ever wondered what some oils may be good for before you experiment with them? Well, here's some data I found awhile ago and thought I'd share the data and website...enjoy:
http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/carrieroils.asp
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see the What are Carrier Oils? article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.
Almond, Sweet
Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty
Texture: Slightly oily and absorbs semi-quickly
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow
Notes: Sweet Almond oil is a good all-purpose carrier oil and is moderately priced. It is cold pressed from the almond itself. Conditioning, emollient, softens and smoothes skin.
Apricot Kernel
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca
Aroma: Faint
Texture: Somewhat oily and absorbs semi-quickly
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow
Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.
Avocado
Botanical Name: Persea americana
Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty.
Texture: Thick
Color: Deep olive green
Notes: It may overpower a blend if not used in a small dilution. High in vitamins A, D, and E. It softens skin and aids in cell regeneration. It is often used in products for sensitive skin.
Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin to medium
Color: Light yellow
Notes: It is excellent in treating many skin conditions. Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small dilution with other carrier oils (often 10%). It goes rancid rather quickly.
Cocoa Butter
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has a chocolate/cocoa aroma. The cocoa aroma is less noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate. Breaks into pieces.
Color: Yellowish tan.
Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams. It is from the cacao bean and is used to hold moisture in the skin.
Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin
Color: Medium yellow.
Notes: Evening Primrose is excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly.
Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.
Texture: Thin
Color: Virtually clear and has an almost unnoticeable tinge of yellow/green.
Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemicals remaining. It has a lower shelf-life and goes rancid rather fast. Grapeseed oil should be stored in an amber bottle and in a cool dark area to reduce the chance of rancidity.
Hazelnut
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.
Texture: Thin
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: It is a good choice for those with oilier skin.
Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis
Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.
Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.
Color: Yellow.
Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a more expensive oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life and is the closest to the skins own naturally occurring oils.
Kukui
Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana
Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.
Texture: Thin, absorbs well
Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.
Notes: It is excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is a more expensive oil, but tends to go rancid rather quickly.
Macadamia Nut
Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Aroma: More fragrant than many other nut oils and has a very sweet, nutty aroma.
Texture: Thick
Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: It may overpower a blend if not used in a small dilution.
Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells somewhat like olives).
Texture: Heavy and rather oily.
Color: Light to medium green.
Notes: It may overpower a blend if not used in a small dilution. It is cold pressed from the olive itself and is great to retain your own natural moisture. Is an excellent softener for the skin.
Peanut
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae
Aroma: Very light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Thick
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is a good choice in massage blends.
Pecan
Botanical Name: Carya pecan
Aroma: Very light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Medium thickness
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: May go rancid quickly. It should be stored in an amber bottle and in a cool dark area to reduce the chance of rancidity.
Rose Hip
Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta
Aroma: Mild, earthy aroma.
Texture: Light
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Sesame
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum
Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent.
Texture: Mildly thick
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Shea Butter
Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii
Aroma: Nutty, fatty.
Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature.
Color: Off-white/cream.
Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams. It is derived from an African nut and is also known as Karite Butter. It is extremely gentle to the skin and is very moisturizing.
Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Aroma: Faint and sweet.
Texture: Thin
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined oil.
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.
http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/carrieroils.asp
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see the What are Carrier Oils? article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.
Almond, Sweet
Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty
Texture: Slightly oily and absorbs semi-quickly
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow
Notes: Sweet Almond oil is a good all-purpose carrier oil and is moderately priced. It is cold pressed from the almond itself. Conditioning, emollient, softens and smoothes skin.
Apricot Kernel
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca
Aroma: Faint
Texture: Somewhat oily and absorbs semi-quickly
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow
Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.
Avocado
Botanical Name: Persea americana
Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty.
Texture: Thick
Color: Deep olive green
Notes: It may overpower a blend if not used in a small dilution. High in vitamins A, D, and E. It softens skin and aids in cell regeneration. It is often used in products for sensitive skin.
Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin to medium
Color: Light yellow
Notes: It is excellent in treating many skin conditions. Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small dilution with other carrier oils (often 10%). It goes rancid rather quickly.
Cocoa Butter
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has a chocolate/cocoa aroma. The cocoa aroma is less noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate. Breaks into pieces.
Color: Yellowish tan.
Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams. It is from the cacao bean and is used to hold moisture in the skin.
Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin
Color: Medium yellow.
Notes: Evening Primrose is excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly.
Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.
Texture: Thin
Color: Virtually clear and has an almost unnoticeable tinge of yellow/green.
Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemicals remaining. It has a lower shelf-life and goes rancid rather fast. Grapeseed oil should be stored in an amber bottle and in a cool dark area to reduce the chance of rancidity.
Hazelnut
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.
Texture: Thin
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: It is a good choice for those with oilier skin.
Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis
Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.
Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.
Color: Yellow.
Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a more expensive oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life and is the closest to the skins own naturally occurring oils.
Kukui
Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana
Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.
Texture: Thin, absorbs well
Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.
Notes: It is excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is a more expensive oil, but tends to go rancid rather quickly.
Macadamia Nut
Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Aroma: More fragrant than many other nut oils and has a very sweet, nutty aroma.
Texture: Thick
Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: It may overpower a blend if not used in a small dilution.
Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells somewhat like olives).
Texture: Heavy and rather oily.
Color: Light to medium green.
Notes: It may overpower a blend if not used in a small dilution. It is cold pressed from the olive itself and is great to retain your own natural moisture. Is an excellent softener for the skin.
Peanut
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae
Aroma: Very light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Thick
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is a good choice in massage blends.
Pecan
Botanical Name: Carya pecan
Aroma: Very light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Medium thickness
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: May go rancid quickly. It should be stored in an amber bottle and in a cool dark area to reduce the chance of rancidity.
Rose Hip
Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta
Aroma: Mild, earthy aroma.
Texture: Light
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Sesame
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum
Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent.
Texture: Mildly thick
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Shea Butter
Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii
Aroma: Nutty, fatty.
Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature.
Color: Off-white/cream.
Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams. It is derived from an African nut and is also known as Karite Butter. It is extremely gentle to the skin and is very moisturizing.
Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Aroma: Faint and sweet.
Texture: Thin
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined oil.
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.
Journaling Hair Experiences...
Have you ever done something great to your hair and can't really remember each and every step to get the same result?
Write it down while the information is FRESH in your head or shall I say ON your head. This is easier said than done.
So I will make a deal with myself, each time I see that I have done something that really works with my haircare regimen, I will blog the data...
DISCLAIMER:
ANY and ALL information I share is based upon MY personal experiences. In no way, am I responsible for your hair results. The purpose of me sharing my experiences is to hopefully help others just as others have helped me. CURRENTLY, I am not a licensed hair stylist and do not claim to know what's best for anyone's hair but my own. The hair concoctions/recipes I share are a compilation from many different resources from my multiple and extensive web research. I am not and will not EVER claim to be the inventor or innovator of the various recipes I share from my research. I will do my best to provide the links and names of those I remember. My experiences will be my own. Many of the recipes I have tried will, most likely, have been tweaked to work with my own haircare. If I create a recipe I will say it is my own, and be more than willing to share the data, just as those I've learned from in the past. I will also do my best at providing measurements, but please be warned, I rarely measure when I cook, and the same goes for my hair recipes. Last but not least, I will update my disclaimer when I see fit.
Theresa
I'll try to keep this as an "on-going" jounal...
Write it down while the information is FRESH in your head or shall I say ON your head. This is easier said than done.
So I will make a deal with myself, each time I see that I have done something that really works with my haircare regimen, I will blog the data...
DISCLAIMER:
ANY and ALL information I share is based upon MY personal experiences. In no way, am I responsible for your hair results. The purpose of me sharing my experiences is to hopefully help others just as others have helped me. CURRENTLY, I am not a licensed hair stylist and do not claim to know what's best for anyone's hair but my own. The hair concoctions/recipes I share are a compilation from many different resources from my multiple and extensive web research. I am not and will not EVER claim to be the inventor or innovator of the various recipes I share from my research. I will do my best to provide the links and names of those I remember. My experiences will be my own. Many of the recipes I have tried will, most likely, have been tweaked to work with my own haircare. If I create a recipe I will say it is my own, and be more than willing to share the data, just as those I've learned from in the past. I will also do my best at providing measurements, but please be warned, I rarely measure when I cook, and the same goes for my hair recipes. Last but not least, I will update my disclaimer when I see fit.
Theresa
I'll try to keep this as an "on-going" jounal...
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair
Here's an article I found on WebMD. Pretty interesting... http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/top-10-foods-for-healthy-hair
(I will share that I consume 9 of the 10 suggested items on a weekly basis. I have a hard time downing the oysters unless they are cooked. Besides I knew eating healthy helps you from head toe, but that's cool to know it LITERALLY helps the mane on our heads!)
When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count -- it’s what you put in your body, too.
By Hilary Parker
WebMD FeatureReviewed by Louise Chang, MD "Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.
"Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. "If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out."
If you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have rope-thick tresses -- no matter what you eat -- but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, say nutrition and hair experts.
And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.
"Even though you can find beauty supplements on the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible," Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in Vallejo, Calif., tells WebMD. "In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, has been linked to hair loss."
Read on for the 10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.
Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon
When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."
Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.
Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables
Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.
Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.
Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans
Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?
Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.
Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts
Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.
Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.
Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry
Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.
"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.
Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.
Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs
When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.
Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains
Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.
Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters
Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?
The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.
If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.
Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.
Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.
Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.
The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair
When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.
"An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy," Giancoli says.
If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.
"Crash diets can affect the hair cycle," Mirmirani tells WebMD. "Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet."
(I will share that I consume 9 of the 10 suggested items on a weekly basis. I have a hard time downing the oysters unless they are cooked. Besides I knew eating healthy helps you from head toe, but that's cool to know it LITERALLY helps the mane on our heads!)
When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count -- it’s what you put in your body, too.
By Hilary Parker
WebMD FeatureReviewed by Louise Chang, MD "Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.
"Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. "If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out."
If you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have rope-thick tresses -- no matter what you eat -- but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, say nutrition and hair experts.
And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.
"Even though you can find beauty supplements on the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible," Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in Vallejo, Calif., tells WebMD. "In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, has been linked to hair loss."
Read on for the 10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.
Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon
When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."
Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.
Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables
Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.
Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.
Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans
Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?
Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.
Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts
Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.
Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.
Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry
Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.
"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.
Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.
Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs
When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.
Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains
Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.
Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters
Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?
The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.
If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.
Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.
Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.
Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.
The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair
When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.
"An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy," Giancoli says.
If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.
"Crash diets can affect the hair cycle," Mirmirani tells WebMD. "Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet."
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Beer Rinses for Hair
I stumbled across some information today that I tried on 12/28/2009. I deep conditioned from a Henna Gloss. (posting about that later...promise) The information I found was about using beer to provide body & shine for the hair. Hmmmmm....Interesting. Amazingly, this is NOT a new hair strategy. The process is to wash & condition your hair as normal, and follow with pouring the beer on your hair, letting it rest for 3 to 10 minutes and rinse (just go through your normal shower process). There is one exception to the rinsing out, supposedly beer is great as a setting lotion. Beer has also been discovered as a good heat protector when using heated tools. Who woulda thunk?!
Don't mangle your hair when you do this, just let the beer run down the shaft of your hair & through your hair, & do so without scrunching your hair. Rinse completely and style as normal. When your hair dries it should be soft and shiny. Dark beer works the best for a bath but you can use light beer too. Beer contains herbs known as hops which are natural astringents that have a beneficial tightening effect on the scalp. Hops are present at a very low level and are not in contact with your skin long enough to have a measurable effect. Beer contains alcohol which is good for removing dirt and grease from hair. The cleansing power of the relatively low amount of alcohol in beer pales in comparison to shampoo. (i.e. shampoo and condition as normal.)
Anywho...here's a website I found & the recipes available: http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/beerrinse.htm
Simple Beer Rinse
Once a month use a can of flat beer after shampooing. Choose a beer that does not have a strong odor. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the flat warm beer on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Cider Vinegar & Beer Rinse
1 oz water
2 teaspoons Cider Vinegar
1 ounce of flat Beer
5 drops Rosemary essential oil (optional)
Mix all ingredients together. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the rinse on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Jojoba Oil and Beer Conditioner
1 cup warm beer
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
Mix all ingredients together. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the conditioner on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Jojoba oil is non-greasy and adds shine to your hair while beer adds body.
Beer Styling Tonic
Beer is a very good setting lotion. It makes hair look healthy and shiny, and gives blown dried hair increased vitality, resilience, and hold. Spray a little beer into your hair using a pump bottle after shampooing, just before you dry and style your hair. You can store the beer for a week or two if you keep it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator.
Tips from the site:
• The proteins from the malt and hops found in beer coat, rebuild and repair damaged hair.
• Beer's natural ingredients tighten the cuticle of the hair shaft and give hair a beautiful shine.
• Most people do not smell the beer after the hair has dried.
• If you love a beer rinse, but do not like the scent, take 1 cup of Chamomile tea that has already been boiled and cooled, and pour it slowly throughout your hair.
My personal experience:
• Shampooed with castile soap.
• Henna glossed my hair.
• Soaked 2 chamomile tea bags in beer.
• Allowed beer to breathe at room temperature.
• Rinsed out gloss until the water ran clear.
• Rinsed with a cheap moisturizing conditioner (2x if necessary)
• Towel dried hair.
• Applied deep conditioner and placed a plastic cap on my head.
• Sat under dryer for 1 hour.
• Rinsed conditioner in shower.
• Applied beer rinse; let set for 5 or so minutes.
• Rinsed hair with cool/cold water to seal the hair shaft.
My personal results:
• My hair was shiny & soft. (Not sure if it was the beer &/or cold water, because I use that method each time I condition)
• I did like the way my hair felt even though I forgot to add the jojoba oil.
• The chamomile tea REALLY changed the smell of the beer. (concoction smelled more like Victoria’s Secrets Champagne & Strawberries body lotion)
• Next time I am gonna try it as a setting lotion with my two-strand twist. (Add to this post about that later.)
• My hair didn’t smell like beer once my hair dried.
• I will use this again.
Additional Tips & Warnings
• It is important that you don't use very warm to hot water when rinsing out the beer and the chamomile tea or else you will not see the benefits of this recipe.
• You should always do a cold water rinse because it seals the hair shaft and makes your hair shiny. It also prevents split-ends and tearing of the hair.
• Chamomile tea will change the color of your hair with repeated use. It will lighten hair, adding highlights or brassiness.
• Use care doing this if you have already colored, straightened or relaxed your hair.
• Do not use any of these recipes if you are allergic to chamomile or beer.
Don't mangle your hair when you do this, just let the beer run down the shaft of your hair & through your hair, & do so without scrunching your hair. Rinse completely and style as normal. When your hair dries it should be soft and shiny. Dark beer works the best for a bath but you can use light beer too. Beer contains herbs known as hops which are natural astringents that have a beneficial tightening effect on the scalp. Hops are present at a very low level and are not in contact with your skin long enough to have a measurable effect. Beer contains alcohol which is good for removing dirt and grease from hair. The cleansing power of the relatively low amount of alcohol in beer pales in comparison to shampoo. (i.e. shampoo and condition as normal.)
Anywho...here's a website I found & the recipes available: http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/beerrinse.htm
Simple Beer Rinse
Once a month use a can of flat beer after shampooing. Choose a beer that does not have a strong odor. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the flat warm beer on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Cider Vinegar & Beer Rinse
1 oz water
2 teaspoons Cider Vinegar
1 ounce of flat Beer
5 drops Rosemary essential oil (optional)
Mix all ingredients together. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the rinse on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Jojoba Oil and Beer Conditioner
1 cup warm beer
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
Mix all ingredients together. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the conditioner on your hair and work it through. Rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Jojoba oil is non-greasy and adds shine to your hair while beer adds body.
Beer Styling Tonic
Beer is a very good setting lotion. It makes hair look healthy and shiny, and gives blown dried hair increased vitality, resilience, and hold. Spray a little beer into your hair using a pump bottle after shampooing, just before you dry and style your hair. You can store the beer for a week or two if you keep it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator.
Tips from the site:
• The proteins from the malt and hops found in beer coat, rebuild and repair damaged hair.
• Beer's natural ingredients tighten the cuticle of the hair shaft and give hair a beautiful shine.
• Most people do not smell the beer after the hair has dried.
• If you love a beer rinse, but do not like the scent, take 1 cup of Chamomile tea that has already been boiled and cooled, and pour it slowly throughout your hair.
My personal experience:
• Shampooed with castile soap.
• Henna glossed my hair.
• Soaked 2 chamomile tea bags in beer.
• Allowed beer to breathe at room temperature.
• Rinsed out gloss until the water ran clear.
• Rinsed with a cheap moisturizing conditioner (2x if necessary)
• Towel dried hair.
• Applied deep conditioner and placed a plastic cap on my head.
• Sat under dryer for 1 hour.
• Rinsed conditioner in shower.
• Applied beer rinse; let set for 5 or so minutes.
• Rinsed hair with cool/cold water to seal the hair shaft.
My personal results:
• My hair was shiny & soft. (Not sure if it was the beer &/or cold water, because I use that method each time I condition)
• I did like the way my hair felt even though I forgot to add the jojoba oil.
• The chamomile tea REALLY changed the smell of the beer. (concoction smelled more like Victoria’s Secrets Champagne & Strawberries body lotion)
• Next time I am gonna try it as a setting lotion with my two-strand twist. (Add to this post about that later.)
• My hair didn’t smell like beer once my hair dried.
• I will use this again.
Additional Tips & Warnings
• It is important that you don't use very warm to hot water when rinsing out the beer and the chamomile tea or else you will not see the benefits of this recipe.
• You should always do a cold water rinse because it seals the hair shaft and makes your hair shiny. It also prevents split-ends and tearing of the hair.
• Chamomile tea will change the color of your hair with repeated use. It will lighten hair, adding highlights or brassiness.
• Use care doing this if you have already colored, straightened or relaxed your hair.
• Do not use any of these recipes if you are allergic to chamomile or beer.
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