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Purity Terms

I believe that if we are armed with the right knowledge that we all can make wiser decisions that can benefit us as individuals. I have never been one to just "listen" to what people tell me, you gotta provide me with evidence. So today I came across a few contradicting YouTube video and decided to do some research on my own about the terms used to describe the purity of oils and which one is "better."

Unrefined: the oils are just that—left in their virgin state after pressing. These oils tend to be rich, robust and ‘true' in their flavors; also much richer in nutrients.

Pure Virgin: Virgin means the oil was produced by the use of physical means and no chemical treatment. The term virgin oil referring to production is different from Virgin Oil on a retail label

Refined: means that the oil has been chemically treated to neutralize strong tastes (characterized as defects) and neutralize the acid content. Refined oil is commonly regarded as lower quality than virgin oil; the retail labels extra-virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil cannot contain any refined oil.

I have used all types of Olive Oil and in my opinion....there was not a difference in my hair. Now this is specifically for my hair. There may be someone out there that can tell a difference with the different ways to press oil. It's good to know what I am and what I am not paying for.

Regime, Regimen, Regiment

Regime: The word regime (occasionally spelled "régime") refers to a set of conditions, most often of apolitical nature. It may also be used synonymously with regimen, for example in the phrases "exercise regime" or "medical regime."

Regimen: a regulated course, as of diet, exercise, or manner of living, intended to preserve or restore health or to attain some result.

Regiment: A regiment is a military unit, composed of variable numbers of battalions, commanded by a Colonel.

Hair Friendly Alcohols, Yes! They do exist!

When I first started on my better hair care journey I kept hearing over and over to stay away from products that contain alcohol. But to my discovery not all alcohols are bad for your hair. Here's the scoop:

There are a such thing as "hair friendly" alcohols. They are different from the ones that are found in various finishing sprays. These hair friendly alcohols are referred to as fatty alcohols They include: cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and myristyl alcohol.

Cetyl Alcohol: is a fatty alcohol that, at room temperature, takes the form of a waxy white solid or flakes. The name cetyl derives from the whale oil (Latin: cetus) from which it was first isolated. Cetyl alcohol is used in the cosmetic industry as a surfactant in shampoos, or as an emollient,emulsifier or thickening agent in the manufacture of skin creams and lotions.

Cetearyl alcohol: a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl andstearyl alcohols; It is used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent. It imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations. It is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products; it is an emulsifying wax, made by combining fatty alcohols from vegetable sources, such as coconut alcohol. It can also be made artificially. It is used in many cosmetics as an emollient, thickening agent, moisturizer, emulsifier, stabilizer, opacifier as well as a carrying

agent for other ingredients. It is a substitute for making lotions if you don't have emulsifying wax as well.

Stearyl alcohol: is a substance prepared fromstearic acid by the process of catalytic hydrogenation. It is a fatty alcohol. It takes the form of white solid granules or flakes which are insoluble in water, with a melting point of 60 °C and boiling pointof 210 °C; It has a wide range of uses as an ingredient in lubricants,resins, perfumes and cosmetics. It is used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in ointmentsof various sorts, and is widely used as a hair coating in shampoos and hair conditioners. Stearyl alcohol is even used as a liquid solar blanket in swimming pools by forming a molecule thick layer on the surface of the water and slowing the evaporation rate of the pool water.

Myristyl alcohol: also referred to as 1-Tetradecanol; used as an ingredient in cosmetics such as cold creams for its emollient properties.

Resources

How To Select A Moisturizing Conditioner

Fatty Alcohol

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Essential Oils Can Help Regrow Hair

A few months ago I came across this article in which some researchers conducted a study with essential oils and there role in hair growth. In the study 16 out of 35 patients experienced hair growth by using the essential oil blend created by the investigators. I think the results of this study are amazing and I am surprised that they have remained so quiet. Especially among the natural community. It would be great to experience growth from completely natural regimens instead of incorporating all of these products created in labs that promise growth. In the study the participants used a "blend of cedarwood (2 drops, 94 mg), lavender (3 drops, 108 mg), rosemary (3 drops, 114 mg) and thyme (2 drops, 88 mg) in a carrier oil mix of jojoba (3 mL) and grapeseed (20 mL). The placebo group used just the carrier oils. Subjects were taught to rub the oil into the bare areas of their scalp for two minutes each evening and then to wrap a warm towel around their head to enhance absorption."

To read the entire research article: Click Here

Essential Oils Can Help Regrow Hair

by Richard N. Podell, M.D.

In The News: Telogen Effluvium

Hair Loss Caused By Stress

by Carol Kyle

Hair loss caused by stress is medically termed Telogen Effluvium.

Very interesting article. Click the title above to read.

Know your stuff: Oil Sheen ingredients

I remember how I used to coat my tresses in oil sheen back in the day. Attempting to make my hair shine like gold because of course if your hair is shiny, it must be healthy.....not. Too bad I learned this lesson the hard and costly way. Using oil sporadically and lightly may be okay for your hair but overdoing it can lead to dryness and breakage.

Ingredients commonly found in oil sheen:

C13 14 Isoparaffin: mixture of hydrocarbons (mineral oils) derived from petroleum, and is used in cosmetics and personal care products primarily as an emollient, and also considered a thickening agent or gelling ingredient

Citronellol: used in perfumes and insect repellents and as a mite attractant

Hexyl cinnamal: is a common additive in perfume and cosmetic industry as aroma substance.

Hydroxycitronellal/Hydroxycitronellol: used in the creation and/or manufacturing of fragrance and flavor concentrates of all types

Isobutane: used as a refrigerant, as a propellant for aerosol cans and foam products

Isodecyl Oleate: made from decyl alcohol and oleic acid. Decyl Oleate is made from straight chained decyl alcohol, while Isodecyl Oleate is made from branched chain decyl alcohol

Linalool: naturally-occurring terpene alcohol chemical found in manyflowers and spice plants with many commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent

Propane: derived from other petroleum products during oil or natural gas processing. It is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, barbecues, portable stoves and residential central heating

Simmondsia: nique among plants in that its seeds contain an oil which is a liquid wax

Fragrance (Parfum): self explanatory

It seems that most of the ingredients are used for fragrance. Okay your hair smells great but what else? Keep in mind that this ingredient list is by no means all inclusive. There are some natural oils in a few oil sheens but there is also mineral oil and petroleum in them. The last thing you want to do is block out the much needed moisture that natural hair craves.

Some natural products that can give you the same shiny effect of oil sheen:

Sweet Almond Oil

Honey

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

I personally prefer sweet almond oil for amazing shine. I'd rather avoid the risk of dryness and breakage.

Protein in your diet

The nutrients that we take into our body are reflect by our outward appearace. If you indulge in a lot of healthy snacks and drink lots of water, more than likely you will have that healthy glow. However, if you take in a lot of junk....you get the picture.

Over the summer my husband and I began to workout and part of our work consisted of us drinking protein shakes. During this time I was also trying to discover the best hair care regimen for me. I began to look at different protein treatments and I am so glad that I did my research before I put one of those treatments on my hair. Too much protein will make your hair hard and brittle. Since I was drinking protein shakes daily, I was getting way more than my recommended daily value. When you intake too much of anything it gets absorbed into your body and/or excreted out. So basically, my hair got it's protein through my nutritional intake.

Hair is a protein so if your diet is rich in protein that will often result in better hair growth.

Protein Shakes:

1 Cup of fresh fruit (your choice)

1 Scoop of protein powder

1 squirt of lemon juice (optional)

1 tablespoon of honey (or more to taste)

1-2 cups of plain yogurt

Yummy quick delicious breakfast. There are many variations of making protein shakes but this is just how I preferred mine every morning. Now that it is getting cooler....I need to look into other options.

How well do you really know your hair? Part 1

Do you know the structure of your hair? Basic knowledge of hair will help you choosing how to care for your hair. With basic knowledge you may be able to eliminate a lot of trial and error from your natural hair journey (and save some money).

Human hair in good condition is surprisingly strong - one hair can hold the weight of a chicken’s egg. It is a hard, fibrous substance. We have to be very careful how we treat it because, unlike skin, it is not alive and cannot repair itself. Therefore, we need to correctly maintain its balance of protein and moisture to keep it in good condition.

The percentage of protein in hair is between 83% and 87%. The percentage of moisture is about 3%. The balance is made up of sugar, salt and trace elements. If this essential balance is maintained, the hair will stay healthy and strong. It will be in good manageable condition, soft to the touch and with a natural shine.

The outer structure of the hair shaft consists of a collection of transparent layers of interlocking scales, which are collectively known as the cuticle. Most people have from 7 to 11 of these transparent layers all wrapped around the delicate inner part.

The delicate inner part of the hair shaft consists of a collection of spring like fibers that are coiled around each other and suspended in a glutinous material known as a fatty acid. This is where the moisture and hard and soft proteins are found.

The outer root sheath of the hair follicle encloses the inner root sheath and hair shaft.

The inner root sheath of the hair follicle is located between the outer root sheath and the hair shaft. It is made of three layers: Henle's layer, Huxley's layer, and the cuticle.

Cuticle: the outermost part of the hair shaft.

Cortex: located between the hair cuticle and medulla.

The hair matrix produces the actual hair shaft as well as the inner and outer root sheaths.

Papilla: large structure located at the base of the follicle, made up mainly of connective tissue and a capillary loop, cell division is either rare or non-existent.

References

http://www.tintsofnatureusa.com/about_haircolor.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_(hair)

Why I Love Being Natural

I ♥ my natural hair because I like to play in the rain

I would rather spend my money on shoes rather than trips to the salon

I ♥ my natural hair because "What God gave me is just fine" (Thanks India Arie!)

I love being able to jump in the shower, "wash", and then "go"

I ♥ my natural hair because relaxers looks like a scary process

My style options are limitless, anything you can do I can do better!

I ♥ my natural hair because I love driving with the windows down

I stand out in a crowd, no more cookie cutter girl, my definition is unique

I ♥ my natural hair because I was born this way

Healthy Hair is Good Hair

The entire year of 2009 I have been focusing on the health of my hair. Today I used coconut for the first time and I loved it. That got me thinking about how much more of an effort I have been putting into the overall health of my hair instead of styles and length. Looking at before and after pics really encouraged me. In 2005 my hair looked dull and brittle-not to mention, look at those ends! In 2009 I am still not where I want to be but my hair feels softer, looks healthier, and my ends have more intact ones vs splits.

I didn't realize how much time had passed since I first started taking pics of my hair for a FOTKI album. I have been through a lot of trial and error since that time. The internet and discovery of all those hair care sites has been dangerous. Be careful of who you take your advice from. I tried some "treatments" that left me feeling like my scalp and hair were going to slide right off and plop on the floor. The best advice I can give is to listen to your hair and give it what it asks for and not what someone tells you to do. Especially if that person has never seen or touched your hair. Remember what works for one may not work for another. Don't be afraid to keep your routines simple, trying suggestion after suggestion will only slow down your learning process about what your needs and likes. I hope my super simple information helps someone out there. I know my blog is not filled with tons of treatments, regimens, and products but that is because I don't believe in putting so many different elements into a hair care routine. Simple is working for me. The proof is in the pudding!

In The News: Can Lasers Stimulate a Hair-Growth Spurt?

IMO, this is the craziest "theory" I have heard in a long time...you decide.

Do Laser Combs Work?

Story Highlights:

• A number of companies sell handheld, low-intensity lasers for home use that are intended to stimulate hair follicles, typically three times a week for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Scientists say that low-level lasers are safe and likely do act on cellular compounds that can spur hair growth.
• It's best to try the laser before your hair follicles are too damaged, doctors say. "If you've got a shiny bald head it won't do anything,"
• The only home laser device cleared for hair growth by the Food and Drug Administration is the LaserComb, which claims to increase hair growth in men.
• researchers found subjects using the LaserComb for 26 weeks saw an average increase of 17 hairs per square centimeter, or 7%, compared with a decrease of nine hairs in a control group using a sham device.
• So far the only side effects reported with the lasers have been itching and tingling of the scalp.

In the News: Food and Hair......my two fav loves!!

I was supposed to working on an assignment with school when I came across this:
Foods for Healthy Hair

Foods that can encourage hair growth....like I need an excuse to eat. I love food and now I think I love it even more, LOL. According to the article, there are foods that you can eat that will result in healthier longer hair. For those that want the important points, here is the cliff notes version:

"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." And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.
Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon
Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables
Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans
Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts
Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry
Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs
Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains
Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters
Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots
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.

Essential Facts for Essential Oils

Almost every natural healthy hair care "addict" has heard about the use of essential oils. There are so many that can be hard to keep up with them all. I listed just a few of the top mentioned oils and their functions.

Basil - is a beneficial herb that stimulates and promotes hair growth, massaging with this oil promotes healing, health, and improves scalp circulation which, in turn, promotes hair growth. Basil is good when used together with fenugreek and ivy burdock herbs. Basil is used in many shampoos and conditioners that are designed for scalp health.

Burdock: It helps with skin, scalp and hair cell renewal. It also helps to stimulate blood flow to the root of the hair. Burdock Root Essential oil is also supposed to help with hair loss in both men and women.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek has long been used for stimulating blood flow especially to minor capillaries such as those that feed the hair root. Fenugreek makes for a great topical application like in shampoos, conditioners and in hair tonics. Fenugreek for hair care is an excellent choice especially for those that are having problems with hair growth. Fenugreek also compliments sage, lemongrass, lemon peel, burdock and ivy extract.

Lavender can be used in any type of hair product as it does a good job of soothing the scalp and the hair. Effects: Soothing, Relaxing. Aroma: Middle note. Scent: Sweet, Herbal, and Fruity combines well with: Bergamot, Geranium

Myrrh: Myrrh is not typically used in hair care products. If it is then Myrrh is typically used for those have greasy hair and those that want a more purified scalp. It is used in very small quantities.

Peppermint: Peppermint helps to stimulate blood flow to the root of the hair. This helps the hair to receive proper nourishment and to grow correctly. It is a great for hair that is growing slow or hair that is thinning. Peppermint makes the scalp tingle and this is what stimulates the blood flow to the hair. This stimulation can help with hair loss and thinning hair in women and men.

Rose Essential Oil: We love the smell of Rose and love the way that it feels in the hair but the only problem with rose for hair products like shampoo is that it costs a lot of money for rose essential oil.

Tea Tree Oil: Works daily to get to the heart of dandruff other scalp conditions that can be helped with Tea Tree oil as it works to purify the scalp. It is often included with Jojoba oil for hair as the two are used to deep cleanse the scalp. Tea tree oil works extremely well for those that suffer from scalp psoriasis and scalp dandruff.

Thyme essential oils and herbs for great hair! Thyme is often used is deep cleansing shampoo and works well when used with even the mildest cleansing agents. It works well when combined with other anti oily scalp products such as Thyme and sage.

Ylang ylang - Ylang Ylang is from the first part of the distillation process, and is considered by most to be the best. This essential oil has properties: aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, anti-infectious, anti-seborrheic, antiseptic, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, regulator, sedative, stimulant, and tonic. Historically, it has been used for cosmetic and hair care, skin diseases, and to prevent fever and fight infections. Is also used to soothe insect bites. Ylang Ylang blends well with lavender, sandalwood, rosewood, jasmine, vetiver, opopanax, bergamot, mimosa, cassie and rose. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and a few cases of sensitization have been reported.

Rosemary - has effect in stimulating the hair-bulbs to renewed activity and preventing premature baldness.

Arnica - A hair rinse prepared with arnica extract has been used to treat alopecia neurotica.

Sage - A strong infusion of sage used as a hair rinse may darken hair color and help reduce hair loss.

Bay - helps your hair grow. If you have dull hair, this essential oil can restore it, also well for dandruff problems. For stimulating your hair health you can add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you regularly use.

Jojoba oils – great to use as a carrier oil, has healing properties for damaged and breaking hair.

If you do not have a local store in your area that sells essential oils, they can easily be purchased online: Buy Essential Oils

Resources

Aromatherapy At Home

Ezine Articles

List of more Essential Oils