Search Results: Sabrina Perkins

Refresh Your Hair Color with This Rinse

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 2, 2015

Clove buds, more commonly know just as cloves, are not one of the more popular essential oils. Despite that it is by far one of the most useful essential oils to have around the house and used on the body. For over 2,000 years, the clove tree has been cultivated for a variety of uses from medicinal to beauty. The clove bud tree is native to Indonesia and a member of the Myrtaceae family. Three types of clove essential oils are derived from the three: clove bud oil, clover leaf oil, and clove stem oil. Oil produced from the leaves and stems have stronger chemical compositions and can easily cause skin irritations but the clove bud oil or Eugenia carophyllata is most often used in aromatherapy.

What is the composition of clove bud oil?

Cloves are high in fiber, minerals, and even vitamins. The component responsible for its powerful effects comes from eugenol, which is toxic against harmful organisms like fungus and yeast. Clove bud oil is 60 to 90% eugenol, which is a very potent fat-soluble antioxidant and anesthetic and antiseptic properties. Even with a valuable asset as eugenol in its composition, clove bud oil also possesses nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamins A, B-Complex and C. The oil is prepared by steam distillation and this remarkable oil blends well with basil, bergamot, cinnamon bark, clary sage, grapefruit, and lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, and ylang ylang essential oils.

Why use clove bud oil on your hair?

Many use clove bud oil for preventing hair loss, maintaining the hair’s luster, vibrant color, and hair conditioning. It however is perfect for the scalp because of its antifungal, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties, which will treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other scalp ailments when mixed with olive oil or coconut oil. The antioxidants of clove oil help to increase circulation in the scalp and in turn work to stimulate new healthy hair growth. Eugenol refreshes and enhances your hair’s natural color.

Sometimes we overuse products and create an unhealthy overused space by product buildup, dirt and, sweat. Cloves are natural and an easy solution for keeping the hair and scalp clean, which is why they are often formulated in shampoo, conditioner, and hair coloring agents. They are often used in DIY recipes and we have listed a few below.

Clove oil massages

Clove oil scalp massages are great ways to press the reset button on your scalp and to rid it of scalp conditions like dandruff and seborrhea dermatitis. Mix a few drops of clove bud oil with coconut or olive oil and massage it into your scalp. Once it has been applied allow to set for about 5-10 min. before massaging your scalp again. Cleanse hair with a mild or sulfate-free shampoo and condition and style as usual.

Clove hair color refresher

1 qt. water
1 tbsp. whole cloves (freshly ground in a spice grinder”>

Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add ground cloves and steep for 20 min. Strain tea through a fine mesh strainer and allow to completely cool. Apply clove tea after coloring hair and shampooing. This clove tea will bring out chestnut highlights and warm tones like red.

Clove oil/tea deep conditioner

Create clove tea as above or just use a few drops of clove bud oil. Add a few drops of the oil or the tea it into your favorite deep conditioner for an additional cleansing enhancement along with color conditioning of the hair. If DIY is not your thing, then we have got a few shampoos and conditioners with the potent properties of clove bud oil below.

"How Often Should You Do a Cholesterol Treatment?"

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 1, 2015

I cannot mention a cholesterol hair treatment without thinking of Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. Every relaxed woman I knew had it under her bathroom sink to repair and restore moisture in damaged and dehydrated hair from over-processing, over-heating, or over-styling your relaxed hair.

Fast-forward to today and there are more women going natural and abandoning their relaxed hair routines, techniques, and products, but is this necessary? Are not some of those products and techniques still relevant and beneficial to natural hair? IamMelanie from Curly Q&A wants to know more.

Question

How often should you do a cholesterol treatment? I mixed Queen Helene Cholesterol with jojoba oil last weekend and after I applied it, I put on a plastic cap and sat under a hooded dryer for 30 min. After I rinsed, my curls were very defined and my hair was super soft. I was wondering if I can apply a treatment every week or should I do it less? My hair isn’t damaged at all because I only wear protective styles and every weekend I deep condition so I guess the cholesterol is another deep conditioning but it is the first time overdone one since becoming natural last May.

Answer

You should use a cholesterol treatment as often as your hair needs it. How often you use a cholesterol treatment depends on your styling preferences, whether you color treated, and the ingredients in your cholesterol treatment. Cholesterol conditioners are rich in lipids or fats and are designed to repair and rehydrate your strands. There are three types of lipids found in the hair’s cuticle: ceramides, cholesterol, and 18 MEA. These lipids help the cuticle to lay flat by keep the hair cuticle in place. When the hair is damaged by chemical treatments, heat styling, or over-manipulation, the hair lipids are removed, causing the hair to become dull, dry, brittle, and lacking shine or luster.

Cholesterol treatments repair this damage temporarily by coating the hair with the lipids and transferring some of those fats and minimal proteins into the hair shaft to strengthen it. Now, many cholesterol treatments have mineral oil, lanolin, and even protein, but often the protein is towards the bottom of the list, meaning there is not a lot of it in the product. This can be used on all hair types and can benefit anyone with damaged strands.

Remember, this treatment is for dry, brittle, or damaged strands that have been exposed to chemical treatments, coloring, heat-applications, or the sun. If your hair is not damaged, there is no need to use it. Most women with relaxed hair back in the day (including me”> used this regularly because they were dealing with over-processed or damaged hair, but if you are relaxed or natural and your hair is not damaged there is no need for this type of treatment.

Most naturals steer clear of mineral oil and if you do too, then know that most but not all cholesterol treatments are formulated with mineral oil. Despite that many naturals continue to use it with no issues. Remember, do what works for you. One of the best things about cholesterol treatments is their price. They are usually $3-$4 dollars for a huge jar, which is more affordable than most deep conditioning treatments. Are you in the market for one? Well, here are some popular ones for you to try out.

Products with cholesterol

Have you used a cholesterol treatment since you have been natural and if so which one?

[prodmod]

5 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff

By Sabrina Perkins · Updated September 1, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Many feel dandruff stems from dryness, but according to dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, that is not the case. “It’s a common misconception that dandruff is caused by dryness; in reality, it’s usually due to an overgrowth of a harmless yeast.” In some people, “the yeast starts to feed on the excess oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, causing the skin cells to shed more frequently and clump into flakes.”

Other reasons for dandruff could be diet, skin irritations, psoriasis, eczema, and excessive, lack of, or improperly washing your hair and scalp. With a laundry list of reasons for a dandruff problem, it can be difficult to eliminate, especially if you are not aware of the cause. Many dandruff shampoos are often too harsh for curly hair. Many curlies are turning to natural forms of dealing with scalp conditions and it is only natural that we opt for natural methods as we rock our natural tendrils. I decided to get a professional opinion on the topics and enlisted the expertise of Dr. Kari Williams, trichologist and owner of Mahogany Hair Revolution.

Coconut oil

The health benefits of coconut oil are vast and that includes more than just hair. This edible oil extracted from the flesh of matured coconuts is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, amazing as a moisturizer and can penetrate hair better than many other oils. According to Dr. Williams, “the key ingredient in coconut oil that makes it effective in combating dandruff is lauric acid. This is a fatty acid that is antiviral and antibacterial. It can help decrease the inflammation caused by dandruff.”

Coconut oil and lime juice are a great combination to rid the scalp and hair of dandruff. Mix one part lemon juice to 2-parts coconut oil and massage into the scalp. Cover with a warm towel and leave in from 15 to 20 min. Shampoo or cleanse and style as usual.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil or Lavandural angustifolia is one of the most versatile essential oils in nature. Most commonly used for its relaxing effects on the body, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Lavender is revitalizing to the skin and hair. Dr. Williams adds, “this essential oil does not contain properties to fight dandruff but it is a healing agent, promotes hair growth, and softens the hair.”

Lavender oil and olive oil makes a great scalp massage oil to thwart dandruff. Mix 2 tbsp. of olive oil and 20-22 drops of lavender well. Apply to scalp and massage gently before covering with a shower cap. Leave on for 30 min. before cleansing with a gentle cleanser and style as usual.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil, also known as Rosmarinus officinalis, has been used since ancient times for a variety of purposes including culinary and medicinal. It has become popular in recent years because of its ability to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, and relieve respiratory problems. Rosemary has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities, which make it ideal for eliminating eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. Dr. Williams adds that rosemary “has anti-fungal properties that help it kill the yeast that’s associated with dandruff. It also helps to soothe the itching associated with some forms of dandruff.” Fight the dandruff then soothe your scalp!

Rosemary oil and your favorite carrier oil can make a perfect dandruff fighting massage oil. One drop of rosemary oil for every tbsp. of favorite carrier oil (coconut, olive, etc.”> and massage into scalp. Allow to sit for 20 min. to overnight. Shampoo and style as usual.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia comes from a plant native to eastern Australia. Used for hundreds of years as a natural cure for various health issues, this amazing oil can heal such common ailments from acne to athlete’s foot. Dr. Williams notes, “Tea tree oil is a gentle but highly effective anti-fungal and disinfectant that makes it great for fighting dandruff and soothing the scalp, Dr. Williams reminds us: “It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory so it soothes a dry, itchy scalp while also healing it. A natural germicide and antiseptic, this essential oil kills just about any germ associated with scalp and hair ailments.”

Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil create a potent mixture to rid your scalp of dandruff. Just a few drops of tea tree oil added to a few drops of eucalyptus oil and slightly warm prior to massaging on the scalp. No need for rinsing. You can even add few drops to dime-sized amount of shampoo and apply to several sections of your hair to relieve dandruff. Prior to implementing the CGM, I suffered from dandruff and once I started doing this method it disappeared

Olive oil

Olive oil is obtained from the fruit of olive trees. Curlies love olive oil or EVOO oils as it is unrefined and is the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. It has lower levels of oleic acid than other varieties of olive oil, but is does contain more of the natural vitamins and minerals found in olives. EVOO is an effective and natural moisturizer because it contains mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which help to coat the hair shaft and keep it protected. It possesses vitamins A and E to reduce the damage done by UV rays and hair care products and according to Dr. Williams, “Olive oil (is”> rich in oleic acid, which is an antioxidant that restores and rejuvenates the hair and scalp. The oil provides the scalp with added moisture that can reduce the flaking from dandruff.”

Merely take ½ to 1 cup of olive oil and warm on the stove. Massage onto the scalp and then wrap hair in a warm towel. Leave on for 45 min. up or overnight before shampooing and styling as usual.

The expert has spoken so go forth and destroy that dandruff with a vengeance.

Is Blow-Drying Your Transitioning Hair A No-No?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 1, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Transitioning hair is neither easier nor harder but merely a different way to leave chemical straighteners in your past and embrace a more natural method of hair care. Women who choose to transition are usually on the hunt for hairstyles and methods to make working with two textures easier. Damaging their strands is also high on the list of what not to do, so it comes as no surprise that many are leery on some popular straightening methods. Tanya.Bryant posed her question on our Curly Q&A section, and while she may not be transitioning, these tips can help her decrease the potential for thermal damage.

Question

I am 6 months natural. Am I supposed to let my hair air-dry now only or can I still blow-dry it?

Answer

Air-drying is always going to be less damaging than blow-drying. The combination of heat and tension with a comb attachment or brush can cause breakage along the hair shaft, especially at the line of demarcation. If blow-drying better enables you to style your hair, then try incorporating the steps below to protect your hair from further damage, as transitioning hair is fragile.

Deep condition

After cleansing your hair make sure to deep condition. Never skip deep conditioning when you cleanse your hair, as it moisturizes and strengthens the hair. Moisturizing treatments should always be done prior to any type of heat-styling or manipulation to your hair.

Heat protectant

Apply a heat protectant prior to using any thermal tools. Heat protectants are usually formulated with silicones, which coat the hair and reduce the potential for damage. Using a thermal protectant might not be necessary if you are only using cool air for your blow-dryer, but it is still necessary if you decide to straighten.

Lowest setting

Use the lowest or the coolest setting on your blow-dryer. Heat on transitioning hair can be the enemy, as it can rob your hair of moisture and may cause damage. To minimize that make sure you are using the lowest setting that will allow you to still blow-dry effectively without harming your curls. You can have a beautiful blow-out that is not bone straight, which is great if you love volume.

No high heat

Watch the temperature. This can be gaged by the current condition of your hair. Is your hair coarse, fine, color-treated, or damaged? The finer and more damaged the strands, the lower the temperature. If you are straightening, then the rule of thumb is usually nothing over 350 degrees. Coarser (not tighter”> textures can usually resists higher temperatures, but it should be monitored.

How To Blow Dry Transitioning Hair | Tension Method

JourneyToWaistLength gives a quick and easy way to successfully blow-dry your transitioning hair using the tension method on a cool setting. This gives her braid-out a uniform look from the relaxed and natural hair despite their very different textures. It is a great way to stave off tangles, dry your hair quickly and keep a gorgeous look for up to a week or longer.

These tips can be used by everyone who wants to limit their chances of heat damage, especially transitioners. Transitioning is a beautiful journey and we just want it to be positive and productive.

Soften Your Hair with Black Cumin Seed Oil & Honey

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 31, 2015

One the most revered medicinal seeds in history would be the black cumin seed. These seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to Asia. The seeds are dark, think, and crescent-shaped. They have been used for centuries in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and India. Black seed oil was even found in Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb, dating back to approximately 3,300 years ago.

Today black cumin seeds are commonly used as a seasoning spice in different cuisines across the world but historically they were used for medicinal purposes. They are also known as Roman coriander, black seeds, or black caraway. They are loaded with remarkable heath properties making it one of the most powerful medicinal seeds known to man. The seeds contain over 100 chemical compounds including the primary active ingredient crystalline nigellone.

What makes black cumin so special?

Nearly all of the medicinal potency comes from the essential oils while in its truest form and the oil is more effective than the seeds. The oil is loaded with cuminic acid, cymene, dipentene, limonene, phellandrene, and pinene. More components of this amazing oil would be thymoquinone, beta sitosterol, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, copper, and zinc just to name a few.

How does black cumin essential oil benefit hair and scalp?

With all the potent properties in black cumin seeds, it is no wonder it has amazing benefits for one’s hair and scalp. The seed oil acts as a natural moisturizer that rids your hair and scalp of dryness. It lubricates and protects the outer layer of your hair and scalp with its richness in fatty acids and amino acids that maintain the lipid barrier on your hair. Here are a few of the ways your hair can benefit from black cumin seed oil:

Seal your split ends

Black cumin seed oil stimulates hair growth and helps the appearance of split ends. The amino and fatty acids will provide a protective layer on the hair, which protect the strands and help to temporarily diminish split ends. Sealing your ends with this oil will help seal and soften them while also eliminating frizz.

Calm your scalp

Black cumin seed oil is high in antioxidants like thymoquinone, which can fight off free radicals that damage your scalp and hair. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties will protect your skin, hair, and scalp year-round from the dryness of winter to the scorching sun in the summer. Those same anti-inflammatory properties help calm rashes and inflammations that affect the scalp like eczema and psoriasis.

Soften your hair

Not only healing the scalp, this rich oil will soften and condition your hair. Black cumin seed oil and coconut oil together can stave off dryness on your entire body. Just take 1 teaspoon of black seed oil and 1 cup of coconut oil and massage over your entire body once a week for smoother skin instantly. Use the mixture to massage on your scalp to do the very same thing.

You can also use this to create a potent hot oil massage. Warm 2 tablespoons of the oil, massage into your scalp, and rub the remaining oil into your hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly with warm water. There is no need to shampoo after this treatment. The oil is great alone or coupled with other oils for superb DIY treatments. We have one below for your scalp, but if you prefer using products with stellar ingredients we have some below as well.

Black seed oil and honey scalp treatment

1 teaspoon of black seed oil
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of honey

Mix ingredients well before applying the mixture to your freshly washed hair and scalp. Cover your hair and let the treatment set for 30 minutes before shampooing and styling as usual. This soothing treatment will calm your inflamed scalp while fighting off dandruff and eczema. It can be used anywhere skin conditions occur on the body.

Products with black cumin

[prodmod]

Calm Your Agitated Scalp with this Berry

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 26, 2015

Just when you think you have known about every fruit on the planet, something pops up ready for you to devour and appreciate. I love blueberries and their antioxidant power is well-documented, but I was quite intrigued to hear about a distant yet similar cousin. The bilberry has been used medicinally for centuries as a food. Related to the blueberry and native to Northern Europe, the bilberry is a perennial shrub that grows about 166 inches in height and has sharp-edged, green branches and black, wrinkled berries. The berries are ripe during late summer and although it looks like and tastes quite like the blueberry, it is also related to the cranberry and huckleberry.

If you have ever had whortleberries and cream in England, then you had a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich bilberries. Along with huckleberries, bilberries are quite popular with hikers along with forest animals and birds. So, what do hikers and forest animals know that we don’t know?

Benefits of Bilberry

What is the secret ingredient that makes bilberry so boss? Well, it is not a secret at all but rather the key compounds called anthocyanosides, which are flavonoids. Anthocyanosides, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center, help build strong blood vessels and improve circulation to all areas within the body. Just like their cousin the blueberry, bilberries have antioxidant properties and they are rich in tannins (acts like an astringent”>, which also have anti-inflammatory qualities that are perfect for an agitated scalp.

Bilberry extract for hair

We are all trying to age gracefully but some age related breakdowns occur regardless of our fight. There are age related breakdown of the micro capillary circulation around the hair follicles and is an important factor in hair health deterioration. Bilberry extract has been shown to improve the micro capillary circulation and strengthen collagen throughout the body including the hair. This is a great attribute as we age because according to Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, collagen after 40 is no longer being produced. Collagen and elastin fibers begin to break down but bilberry extract inhibits enzymes that can cause collagen degradation.

As you can imagine, this anti-aging property is perfect for the skin as well and why many face moisturizers and lotions utilize bilberry extract for that very reason. Bilberry extract serves as an effective moisturizer and exfoliant. This cooling herb tones the skin and scalp with its natural astringent qualities that can soothe an inflamed or irritated scalp while nourishing the scalp.

We also worry about the damage free radicals can cause on our skin, scalp, and hair, but bilberry is an excellent source of antioxidant properties to help prevent or even reverse the damage to cells by those free radicals. Your follicles are nurtured by the blood flowing from your scalp to your hair and this blood flow delivers the necessary nutrients your hair needs for optimal growth and quality. Bilberry supplementation boosts blood circulation to not just every other part of the body but to your scalp, giving your hair follicles the proper nutrients they need for optimal hair growth and strength.

How to use it

Bilberry tea is a popular drink for many wanting to maintain a healthy vision from the anthocyanosides, but it is also a way to benefit from the antioxidants, tannins, and skin nourishment by drinking. If other means of consuming this quality herb we have a few items below you may want to try.

[prodmod]

How to Detangle Your Transitioning Hair

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 25, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Transitioning is just one of the ways to go natural. Working with two different hair textures may discourage some, but for many it was a blessing and a wonderful way to transform into their natural selves. The line of demarcation tends to create problems during styling, washing, and detangling.

Nevertheless, we are seeing more women embracing their natural texture while holding onto their length and they are making it work successfully. It just takes a few pointers in the right direction, and what better place to get that help than the Curly Q&A section! Levysamantha had a question on how to handle her tangles during wash day and it was a good question because many women find themselves in the same boat needing a little guidance.

Question

How do I keep my natural and relaxed hair from becoming a tangled mess when I wash it? I’m only about three to four months post relaxer while I only use heat on my hair once a month and when I wash it becomes a dry, tangled, and unmanageable mess.

Answer

You just need patience, tons of conditioner, more patience, a wide tooth comb, and sprinkle a tad more patience and sectioning. There are tried-and-true methods to detangling your transitioning hair but the point I want to drive home is applying patience to your method. Remember that Rome was not built in a day and learning to work with two textures will not happen in that time frame either. I have listed the best ways to handle those stubborn tangles without damaging or yanking out your hair.

Patience

Yes, detangling is a chore. It can be time-consuming and tiring, but it is a vital component of textured hair care. Now, there are numerous high points but with anything in life there are ups and downs. Detangling requires you to take your time so do not try to do this if you are in a hurry. You do not want to break your hair by rushing, so try and do this when you have the proper time to complete it correctly.

Work in sections

You will need at least four but you may choose more sections, especially in highly tangled areas. Working in sections allows you to better manage your hair as opposed to causing breakage and increasing frustration. Working in sections allows you to twist up or braid the finished sections out of the way so you can focus on the next section. The object is to work each section by fully removing all the tangles prior to moving onto the next section of hair.

Use a wide-tooth comb

A wide-tooth comb allows you to detangle efficiently, remove shed hairs, and minimize damage in one fell swoop. Now, you can find any number of them at cheap prices just about everywhere, but the quality may be subpar, breaking and causing split ends from prominent seams. There are some live saver combs: Ouidad Double Detangler and Hercules Sagemann. Both are superior combs that several naturals rave about for proper detangling with snagging or breaking.

Slippery conditioner

Tangles require water and a slippery conditioner or oil. Favorites like Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner pack a powerful punch in the slip department without killing your wallet. They are excellent choices for detangling prior to shampooing on wash day, but they are just two on a long list that many naturals love.

Slather each section liberally with your conditioner and remove the tangles using your fingers and the wide tooth comb starting from the ends to the roots. Spray each section with water before you apply the conditioner to remove those stubborn knots. You can even add some olive oil to really get the hair moisturized before placing a cap on after detangling each section and allowing it to sit on your hair for 15 to 30 min. prior to shampooing.

Sometimes seeing it being done is better so watch as Michelle B shows you her detangling process using all the tips mentioned above.

How To Easily Detangle Transitioning Hair

The bottom line is to not get so frustrated that you rush through it and do more damage than good. You want to effectively detangle without damaging so that you’re washing, conditioning, and styling becomes easier. Take it slow, remember this is only temporary and enjoy your transition.

10 Protein-free Shampoos

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 25, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Our curls, coils, and waves need a proper balance of moisture and protein. The source of moisture is water. Internally, water keeps our bodies well-hydrated, supplying sufficient moisture for proper hair growth. It also help means the hair can maintain optimal elasticity and suppleness. Our hair is actually 90% made up of a hard protein called keratin. Proteins allow our bodies and cells to function properly and that includes our bones, muscles, hair, and skin.

Why go protein-free?

Too much moisture causes the hair to feel mushy, making it difficult to hold a curl or style. Too much protein causes brittleness and breakage. Neither is ideal for the hair, but too much protein can cause more damage and breakage. Too often curlies are not aware they are adding protein to their hair sometimes on a daily basis. Many of our favorite hair products contain protein and if we use them fairly often we can be creating a protein overload. Most curlies can use a protein treatment around twice a month, monthly or even less but anything more than that and you are setting yourself up for damage. Protein can be found in treatments, stylers, moisturizers, conditioners and even shampoos and many products do not even mention them on the front of the package so you have to do some consumer digging.

How to avoid protein overload

The best way to ensure you are not getting more than your hair needs is to look at the ingredients in your hair products. That is the number one way to know what you are putting in and on your hair. When it comes to shampoos, we want effective products that clean as gently as possible to keep our strands moisturized and tangle free.

That can occur without the presence of protein so we wanted to give you a list of the top ten protein-free shampoos so you can cleanse your hair without worrying if that shampoo is doing double-duty on protein.

As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

Sometimes we need to rejuvenate those curls, so As I Am Curly Clarify Shampoo will get rid of the gunk without sulfates and proteins. It removes dull, residue-ridden strands and replaces them with moisturized manageable strands. Water, coconut, amla, and tangerine get the job done without harming a hair on your pretty head.

Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

Curlies with gentle yet effective shampoos and Curl Junkie does not disappoint with this sulfate and protein-free shampoo. Silk amino acids and green tea extracts add shine and moisturizing softness to even the driest, dullest strands.

CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo

Got gunk? Get curls! Curls clarifying shampoo revitalizes dull, limp hair without causing tangles or stripping the hairs much needed natural oils. Allow Mother Nature’s grapefruit and pineapple extracts to nourish and cleanse with a gentle purpose.

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Moisture Shampoo

A line making waves in the curly girl sector, boost your hair’s moisture with Eden BodyWorks moisture shampoo. No parabens, sulfates, proteins, or silicones to worry about. Just cleanse naturally and effectively making washday pleasant and productive!

Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo

Get luxurious lather but not at the expense of your hydrated curls. The Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo is gentle enough for face and body but was made to cleanse and hydrate your coils, waves, and curls. No proteins, sulfates, parabens, or silicones to worry about; just an effective, cruelty-free gentle shampoo.

Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo

Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo will remove the gunk without removing the moisture. This shampoo is on nature overload with mandarin orange, marigold flower, white willow bark, and sea kelp that cleans your scalp and hair while maintaining maximum moisture.

Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo

If you love lather but not the stripping it can cause, then the Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo is the perfect shampoo for your tresses. Add shine, manageability, and product removal without harming your strands. Get your scalp balanced and revitalized for healthier hair.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo

SheaMoisture is at it again for finding the right mix of cleansers that moisturize and stabilize your hair’s environment. Water, coconut oil, and African black soap will rid your hair and scalp of dryness, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis all while sulfate and protein-free. Soothe your scalp and calm the itch and irritation gently yet powerfully.

TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Defining Shampoo

Curly hair does not need to mean frizzy hair. TIGI Catwalk created a marine enriched shampoo that smooths the cuticle to stave off frizz. Sparkling white lotus, seaweek, and sea fennel work wonders without the sulfates or proteins.

Bee Mine Botanical Moisturizing Shampoo

Bring hydration back to your curls with Bee Mine Moisturizing Shampoo that removes dirt, grime, and product residue but never removes moisture. Sulfate and protein free, this shampoo will not strip your curls nor weigh them down. Simply clean, hydrate and give your strands a makeover of moisture.

[prodmod]

The Benefits of Allantoin for Hair & Scalp

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 24, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Nelly

Not every beauty ingredient is well, beautiful. Many come from exotic fruits or flowers like allantoin. This natural chemical compound is produced by many organisms, bacteria, and plants. It is the main active ingredient in comfrey root. Allantoin is also just as effective and can be obtained synthetically as a white and practically odorless crystalline powder. This non-toxic, non-allergenic ingredient, both in nature and in the lab, is good for your skin and hair because it is an emollient, anti-irritant, skin-protectant, and all-around water-increasing asset with a wonder-power.

1. Soothing the scalp

This naturally soothing, anti-irritating skin protectant would be amazing with just those three attributes, but it also has the ability to increase the water content in the skin (scalp”>. By stimulating leukocytosis (raised white blood cell count”> in the application site (skin”>, it enhances lymph fluid circulation. This is one of the reasons it is so widely used as a treatment of carbuncles, burns (including sunburns”>, scalds, acne, psoriasis, eczema, abrasions, and for the treatment of wounds.

Allantoin is an active ingredient in comfrey root that has anti-inflammatory properties. Allantoin is often added to shampoos for fighting dandruff while sanitizing and healing scalp conditions. In shampoos it is often combined with coal tar to treat scalp conditions outside of dandruff like psoriasis, seborrhea, and eczema. It soothes the scalp with the anti-inflammatory properties and coupled with the moisture retention abilities, allantoin will moisturize and soften irritated and flaky scalps.

2. Skin regeneration

It actually promotes and accelerates cell proliferation or improving skin regeneration. It is keratolytic, which means it causes keratin to soften giving the skin or scalp a softer feel. According to WebMD, allantoin is used to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly and itchy skin. Dry skin is caused by a loss of water or moisture and allantoin breaks down the keratin in skin and allows moisture to be trapped or retained.

3. Elasticity and soft hair

Allantoin improves the elasticity and softness of hair while giving it a slight glossy effect and why it is often added to conditioners and hair sprays. Being keratolytic, allantoin helps moisturize hair and scalp and softens keratin, which allows the scalp and hair to hold onto moisture. Keratin is an extremely hard protein, so by breaking it down or softening it, moisture is allowed to be retained in the hair and scalp.

4. Remove scalp flakes

Being keratolytic also allows allantoin to dissolve the materials that hold skin cells together and enables the outermost layer of the scalp to shed or slough off more easily which creates a smoother scalp surface. This makes it easier to remove inflamed, flaky, irritated skin cells. Allantoin makes it easier to remove that flaky scalp while moisturizing and soothing the new scalp underneath and retaining moisture. It makes sense why so many hair and skin products have this amazing ingredient.

Products with allantoin

Hair products with allantoin are by no means only limited to shampoos, so we’ve shared a few of them with you and it is no wonder many are loved by curlies.

Follow Nelly (picture above”> here: Muse Uniform and Instagram [prodmod]

Dry Scalp? Eat These Foods

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 21, 2015

There are far too many vitamins for me to know them all by name or what they can do. They are important, even vital components within our lives, because the human body either does not produce enough of them or not at all. Learning what we need and what our bodies are lacking is essential to a healthy foundation, because vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in small quantities to sustain life. Do not let the “small quantities” fool you. Go without that small quantity for a long time and a deficiency could occur and cause havoc with your harmonious well-being. There is a delicate balance to the human body and either by food, the environment, or a supplement, we need vitamins in our bodies.

What is niacin?

Niacin or B3 is one of eight B vitamins. B vitamins help the body convert food (carbs”> and fuel (glucose”> into energy. According to the Mayo Clinic, niacin helps the body use fats and proteins and is necessary for a healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes. This water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and because of this our bodies need a continuous supply of this vitamin in our diet.

Niacin can be found in:

dairy products
eggs
fish
lean meats
nuts
dates
poultry

A deficiency in niacin can cause digestive problems, inflamed skin, and mental impairment while large doses of niacin can cause increased blood sugar, liver damage, peptic ulcers, and some skin rashes.

Niacin helps the body to maintain good blood circulation, a healthy robust skin condition and normal functioning of the brain including memory power. Its most important is lowering high cholesterol levels by raising our HDL or good cholesterol, which picks up excess bad cholesterol in the blood and takes it back to the liver for disposal.

How the niacin “flush” helps your hair

When many discuss niacin and hair, they are talking about the niacin “flush” one may experience when taking niacin (high-density lipoprotein”> supplements. The “flush” is a result of capillaries widening, allowing for better circulation of blood to the entire body. The flush is a rush of blood to the scalp and the increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Because of its circulation-boosting properties, it boosts the thickness of hair strands and increases moisture as niacin increases water content in skin, staving off dryness, and aging.

The flush is a rush of blood to the scalp and the increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.

Niacin will improve the health of your scalp. It also locks in moisture and prevents dandruff and dry hair. Niacin is also one of the necessary vitamins within the B family that specializes in DNA repair and that even includes scalp and hair repair. Whether damaged from processing or from disease, niacin can aid in rebuilding dry, damaged scalp and hair. A malnourished scalp has less ability to recover from styling and environmental stresses in our daily lives. From combing to coloring to UV rays, our hair gets frequently manipulated and maintenance requires cleansing, conditioning, and sometimes vitamin supplements if your doctor says you are deficient in nutrients like vitamin B.

Niacin or vitamin B3 is often found in hair care products for locking in moisture to increasing blood circulation to the scalp, so we shared a few that you may have tried or thinking about giving a try. If you choose to take supplements make sure to not overdo it (consult a physician to determine the correct dosage”> and know that plenty of foods contain niacin. Nothing will ever beat eating well-balanced meals!

Products with niacin

[prodmod]

Avoid Protein Overdose with These Protein-free Moisturizers

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 17, 2015

In order for our hair to be healthy, we need to have a balance between moisture and protein. Our hair is made of a hard protein called keratin and even though protein is the backbone of hair, too much of it can make the hair feel brittle.

If you are moisturizing your hair often then it is important to check the ingredients – does your moisturizer contain protein?

If it does, depending on how frequently you moisturize your hair, you may be giving your hair too much protein. If you moisturize daily with a moisturizer that contains proteins and you find that your hair is feeling brittle and dry, then you may want to decrease your use of that moisturizer and opt for a protein-free daily moisturizer instead. Here are 8 protein-free moisturizers that are popular in the curly community.

Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion

The Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion is formulated with a lot of things but protein is not one of them. A little goes a long way with this hair moisturizer that is formulated with slippery elm and sunflower seed oil that nourish, add shine, and detangle in one fell swoop.

As I Am Moisture Milk Daily Hair Revitalizer

Slept on curls bounce back with a vengeance with the water, beet root, soybean oil, and sweet almond oil in this daily hair revitalizer by As I Am. Fight the frizz and add glammed shine and moisture to manage any bad hair day with this amazing hydrating hair moisturizer.

Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk

Camille Rose allows your hair to drink in milky moisture without protein, sulfates, silicones, and parabens. This hair milk does a hair body good! Get bouncy, frizz-free coils and curls in this lightweight nature-infused goodness.

EverButter Buttermint Smoothie Moisturizing Crème

Go for the moisture boost with EverButter Buttermint Smoothie that has raw shea butter, raw mango butter, coconut oil, and glycerin. Quench your hair’s thirst with this hair and body moisturizing crème. Get a proper moisture balance without proteins. Protein-free 650x365 2

Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Moisturizing Hair Whip

Darcy’s luscious moisturizing cream will work wonders on your strands for adding moisture with the water, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, and ucuuba butter. This is great for your entire body, as it revitalizes your skin and adds shine and softness to your hair.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream

Shea butter, aloe vera gel, argan oil, and allantoin make this hydrating hair cream super-duper. Gain intense moisture from this hair cream that will also nourish your scalp. Scented with that famously loved Lavender Vanilla Karen’s Body Beautiful fragrance is known for.

Oyin Handmade Greg Juice

The oil-free and herbal-infused Oyin Greg Juice will leave your hair feeling like a champ. Shavegrass leaf, lavender buds, nettle leaf, and chamomile flower to moisturize, detangle, and refresh dry, thirsty hair. Perfect for a daily pick-me-up without weighing your hair down.

MyHoneyChild Coconut Hair Milk

Tame frizzy hair with water, coconut butter, glycerin, and EVOO from the MyHoneyChild Coconut Hair Milk. Your hair will be smoother, hydrated, and shine all without an oily residue.

If you have protein in your daily moisturizer and your hair feels perfectly healthy, then by all means continue using it. But if you’re not happy with the brittle look and feel of your curls, then the ingredients label of your moisturizer is one useful place to look.

[prodmod]

Your TWA is Sexy, Here’s Proof

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 10, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

It is not easy for everyone to embrace their natural hair when they first go natural. Hey, I’ve been natural for ten years this September and I vividly remember struggling with how to rock my natural curls. When you factor in not knowing how to care for your hair, which products to use, and managing two different textures, you can see the anxiety one may have with wearing it out at all. That is partly why we see so many newly naturals rocking wigs, weaves, and braids. Sure many are just waiting for your hair to grow out but many secretly are just not sure about rocking that natural hair. It comes as no surprise when Lasohndra.Si took to our Curly Q&A for some answers and help on how to rock her hair now that she’s got a TWA.

Question

I want to wear my mini afro but I’m scared it’ll be ugly what are some tips on starting back natural?

Answer

Girl, own your beauty and rock that TWA! Ok, I know my answer is super simplified and does not acknowledge the apprehension many feel first time going natural. I get it. I was there and what got me through it was an amazing support system, creativity, and determination to stay natural. That was ten years ago so there are more ways to get through going natural like actual hair products and videos for all our hair types, and natural hair inspiration everywhere. Sometimes we need a little help when going natural because if you want to do it but do not know where to start, then a helping hand or in this case, video will make all the difference in the world. Sometimes, there is no better proof than seeing it with your own eyes and showing you where to start!

I’ve found five videos with 11 styles that will give all newly naturals with varying lengths of TWA solid styles that look great and allow your transition into natural hair less stressful. Your hair is never ugly. It is always glorious so let’s show you just how hot you and your hair can be!

Defined Twist Out on Short (TWA”> 4c Natural Hair

EyesOnMyPrize shares how she creates a sexy and simple twist-out on an ultra-short TWA. You get a start to finish tutorial that ends up with a super cute twist-out that can be achieved on all hair types with either the same products or others great for twists. I love how you can accessories this look with a headband or hat. Great for a night out look too.

7 TWA Hairstyles

I love this video and for good reason. RyMingTahn shows us how you can rock your TWA in the most fashionable and cute ways without a ton of money or time. From different styled hats to cute headbands to a bandana, she created bad hair day alternatives that require a little creativity and accessories. Perfect for ultra-short TWA or longer as every style is quite versatile and used by all naturals with varying hair lengths.

A Curly ‘Fro tutorial

If you can twist and roll, then you got this style covered. Sadora Paris is a marvel with her personality and hairstyles and her curly fro tutorial is quick, easy, and perfect for getting defined curls that will only get bigger and better as they get older. What I love about this style is you can pick out the curls a little, a lot or just allow them to find their own way out of their rolled style. This is definitely a style for a newly natural who is not sure how to rock her TWA. The cold wave rods are in several sizes from the itty bitty to super big so no worries on finding one to roll your TWA on.

How to Style Short Hair (TWA & Pixies”>

If you are ready to think outside the box, then Shameless Maya is the rock star for you! She is spunky, funky, and stylish, so open your mind to some very sexy and special takes on a short TWA. Unusual headbands and cute earrings are always a winner and she even rocks a tiara! Yes, I said she was spunky. She knows that accessories are not just on your ears and head. She makes you realize you have got shoulders, a jawline makeup and personality so work it. You will love her looks to death!

How I style my TWA (Side Part”>

A side part never looked so good! ImShineStruck shows how a simple side part is actually a style for your TWA. With water, a curly butter, control paste and some hair clips she turned her old wash and go into a stunning side part that can be achieved on the super curly or coily hair. You would be surprised what a part can do!

So, I hope you see just how beautiful your hair can be with a TWA of any hair type and length.

The Benefits of Dragon Fruit Juice for Hair

By Sabrina Perkins · Published July 30, 2015

There is an abundance of beauty in nature and a wealth of exciting fruits and vegetables that can bring vitality and exquisiteness to our hair. An increasingly popular fruit that is making waves in the health and beauty community is being hailed the tropical superfood. The pitayla, or dragon fruit, is being hailed as the fruit to devour for health and beauty and this fruit from a cactus that grows in tropical and subtropical areas. This beautiful fruit with dazzling flowers has intense shape and vivid colors with a dark red, yellow, or pink skin.

This fast growing perennial is widely distributed from south Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Israel, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, but it is believed to have originated in South America. The vibrant colored skin is a thin rind, but inside are hundreds of tiny black seeds inside a white, magenta, or pink flesh full of nutrients.

What makes dragon fruit so right for our bodies?

Well, it is full of goodness for your entire body and that starts with its richness in vitamin C, but it also has vitamins B1, B2, and B3. It has calcium, iron, and phosphorus, high in dietary fiber and phytoalbumins, which contain antioxidant properties. Dragon fruit is filled with those tiny black seeds and they are not only edible but also an asset to the fruit and to us. The seeds are extremely high in polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6 and it contains carotene. This fruit is blood sugar regulating and an immune boosting asset to your diet.

What makes dragon fruit so great for our hair?

Just about everything mentioned for benefiting your body will also benefit your hair. The fatty acids are excellent supporters for healthy hair with the Omega 3s keeping your hair lustrous and shiny while the Omega 6s stimulate hair growth. Those Omega 3s are also vital to our body’s production of collagen and collagen helps each strand of hair maintain its thickness. Unfortunately, as we age this delivery slows down, so this is very important for our aging hair to get this type of help.

How to use it

Dragon fruit is great for softening color-treated or chemically-treated tresses. Apply dragon fruit juice on your scalp and hair for 15-20 minutes before shampooing for scalp calming benefits from the antioxidants. This in turn increases blood circulation and good blood circulation allows oxygen to get to the hair follicles for proper growth. Dragon fruit also has niacin, which dilates the blood vessels and allows for better circulation of blood to nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

Dragon fruit can benefit your hair whether you consume it or use it in hair products. Here are some popular hair products that contain this tropical fruit.

Here is a tasty and healthy dragon fruit smoothie pumped with protein, iron, and vitamin C that will benefit your skin, hair and body.

Dragon Fruit-Blueberry Green Smoothie

via Incredible Smoothies

1/2 cup dragon fruit, peeled
1 gram of chia seeds, soaked for 5 min.
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach
4 ounces unsweetened almond milk

[prodmod]

If You Drink Alcohol Regularly, Your Hair Needs This

By Sabrina Perkins · Published July 27, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Lychee or Litchi chinensisand originates from China and can be found in most Southeast Asian countries. As a member of the Soapberry family, Sapindaceae, the Lychee tress is a dense, round-topped, slow-growing evergreen. It is native to low elevations in southern China and flourishes along rivers and near the seacoast. It has been praised and pictured in Chinese literature from the earliest known record in 1059 A.D.

The outer covering of the fruit is a bumpy, rough, pink colored rind that is easy to peel. Inside is the creamy, white fleshy juiciness of the fruit that has a sweet and tangy flavor. The center contains a single glossy brown inedible seed inside the pulp. Lychee is a succulent fruit with a slightly acidic fragrance and flavor that is comparable to grapes, but fragrance, sweetness, and beauty pale in comparison to the health benefits this amazing fruit has to offer.

Health benefits of the lychee fruit

Lychee fruit is jam-packed with minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. There are vitamins B6 and C, folate, copper, niacin, potassium phosphorous, riboflavin, manganese, and magnesium.

Folate plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells to help carry the oxygen to the hair follicles and if you intake alcohol regularly you will need that extra folate according to Harvard School of Public Health. It is also best to get that extra folate from a healthy diet, so adding lychee fruit to your diet will be a smart addition.

Folate plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells to help carry the oxygen to the hair follicles and if you intake alcohol regularly you will need that extra folate
Harvard School of Public Health

It is an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein, making it commonly used for weight loss, boosting the immune system, and lowering one’s blood pressure to only name a few. Lychee has more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C so your immune system gets a massive boost in antioxidant compounds that will stimulate the white blood cells. Sounds great but what can all that do for your curls?

The benefits of lychee fruit on hair

Yes, it is a healthy fruit for the body but does any of that translate into healthier hair? Without a doubt, this fruit is a major asset for our hair. Let’s start with the over-abundance of vitamin C. Vitamin C maintains the integrity of micro-circulation and that means it makes sure that your hair follicles get enough blood supply to stimulate hair growth, keeping the hair healthy and strong. It will improve hair growth and fight off dandruff. The niacin plays an important role in the production of blood flow and energy while the vitamin B6 forms red blood cells, which supply the necessary oxygen to your hair follicles. This allows the follicles to stay healthy and get the nutrients they need to grow. Niacin keeps your skin hydrated and that most certainly includes your scalp.

Lychee also contains oligonol, which is a polyphenol with low molecular weight that has lots of antioxidants. It improves blood circulation and protects skin and scalp from ultraviolet rays.

6 products with lychee

If you are sold on this remarkable fruit and its incredible properties than you will love to know quite a few products have them in their ingredients so you harness the benefits easily.

[prodmod]

Are Faux Locs Damaging Your Hair?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published July 24, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Vic Styles

Faux locs are a sexy and stylish protective style that allows you to see how you would look if you decided to rock real locs. Faux locs are a protective style that creates the illusion of real locs by winding extensions around sections of your own hair. They are growing in popularity and as more women rock them, some are finding out there may be concerns on whether or not they are damaging to one’s own hair. So I wanted to find out if this lovely and hot style is worth the beauty or too damaging to take the plunge? I hate to sound like a story on Dateline discussing the dangers of the latest and the greatest, but are some women finding faux locs may be harming their tresses? Well, yes, some are but while there are plenty who do not it is only fair to see what all the hype on the damage is? Some women are having a hard time adjusting to the extra weight of the added hair, since the style requires double the hair compared to a braid. Many assume that after they are installed that she would get used to them within a few days, but she did not and actually suffered neck and back pain. From hair? Yes, from hair! nine bags of hair compared to her regular four bags when she had her hair braided in the past was just too much for her to handle. Extra strain on your scalp with the added hair can cause excessive tension. I’ve had long box braids before and never suffered from extra tension but I did suffer from thinning edges, which is a result of poor installation and/or not giving my hair a break. I cannot fathom what double the hair on my head would have done to my edges. When you figure the length of time you have them in, styling, flipping them around (of course you will, who wouldn’t”>, you can see how the strain may be too great for your hair and especially your edges. If kept in too long your hair could naturally lock. This can happen with braids or a sew-in too, so this is more about protective styles but it needs to be mentioned. Worry less about saving money by keeping them in longer than you should and more about the health of your hair.

Watch

Conclusion

Faux locs are no more damaging than any other hairstyle that adds hair to your own hair with too much tension on the scalp. You cannot neglect your own hair and assume that no further maintenance is necessary. Your own hair must still be cleansed, moisturized, and conditioned.

You must also understand that there is more hair on your head than a normal application of added hair and length is a factor when getting them installed. The longer the locs the more tension will be applied to your scalp. If you already have damaged hair then adding that extra hair may not be a good idea and that goes double for thinning edges as that extra tension will only make your edges worse. This style is not a good idea if your hair is already damaged.

Aside from those precautions, this is an amazing and gorgeous style that is no more damaging than any other style if you practice proper hair care. Know what you are getting into and crave versatility. Enjoy your faux locs!

Follow Vic (pictured”> here:

Vic Styles and Instagram

Allergic to Soap & Shampoo? Try this All-Natural Substitute

By Sabrina Perkins · Published July 22, 2015

Soapnuts or reetha are actually not nuts; they are just the dried fruit. Soapnuts are small and round and may contain from one to three seeds. They fruit when dried and turn into a hard brown shell that resembles an acorn and the fruit is sometimes called soapberry or soap berry nuts. The berries are the fruit from the soap nut tree (Sapindus mukorossi“> and the tree is primarily found in the Himalayas although they can be found all over the world.

Traditionally used by the natives to cleanse their clothing, bodies, and hair, the nuts are grown and harvested organically, pitted, and dried in the sun and the treasure of this nut is in the shell that contains saponins. Saponin is a natural substance or surfactant that produces a soaping effect and is an all-natural glycoside with a distinctive foaming characteristic. Soap nuts are 100% hypoallergenic, as they are fruit and not actual nuts.

Why do people use soap nuts?

Well, for one they are an excellent alternative for persons allergic to chemicals in detergent soaps and they are also used in Ayurvedic treatments for eczema, psoriasis, and some fungal conditions. They are affordable, all natural, and can be used to clean just about anything. Yes, that also includes hair. If you are all about all-natural products then soapnuts will clean your house, body, and hair for much less than any brand on the market.

Benefits of soapnuts for hair

To be completely accurate, they are great for your hair and body, so consider trying them as body washes too! They contain vitamins A, D, E, and K so they add shine and smoothness. With its natural anti-bacterial properties they are great for skin and scalp infections like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. They are also anti-fungal, so they can be used for ringworm on the body or scalp and soap nuts have natural conditioning properties, which are perfect for persons with sensitive skin and nut allergies.

They are also great for curlies who have neglected shampoo to consistently co-wash. While they clean effectively, they are not drying like shampoo and you will be left with softness and manageable tresses instead of tangles. They have natural moisturizing and conditioning properties that are great for your dry skin and scalp.

How To Wash Your Hair Without Shampoo Using Soapnuts

Vita from VitaLivesFree shares her quick and simple video on how she cleanses her hair with soapnuts! She shows you how to make the shampoo from start to finish and then she shares how she uses it as her shampoo.

Soapnut Shampoo via Wellness Mama

5 soap nuts (I got mine here”>
3 cups of water
5 drops lavender essential oil (optional”>
1 small muslin bag

What to Do

Place soap nuts in a small muslin bag and place the bag in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 min. After the 20 min. simmer, add 1 cup of water and allow to simmer for 10 more min. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Squeeze out the bag until it suds and then rinse with cool water and squeeze into the pan again. Store in a glass jar in the fridge until use. Massage a small amount in to hair and let sit for 5 min. Rinse well. Can also be used as a soothing wash for skin, especially in those with eczema and psoriasis.

Soapnut dandruff treatment

1 Tbsp. soap nut liquid
1 Tbsp. coconut oil

Massage mixture into scalp for a few minutes and allow it to sit for from 15 to 20 min. Shampoo with pre-made soap nut shampoo and style hair as usual.

Why Patchouli Oil is a Triple Threat for Scalp Conditions

By Sabrina Perkins · Published July 22, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Essenpure

Wildly misunderstood, patchouli oil is more than a fragrance for hippies, deodorants, perfumes, and incense. It is popular due to its strong and earthy fragrance, medicinal properties, and mood-lifting nature. Patchouli or Pogostemon cablin originated in Southeast Asia, but the cultivation of the perennial herb is extensive in lower tropical jungles. Patchouli grows to 3 feet high and has a strong stem with delicate hairy leaves. The oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation and harvesting occurs several times a year.

Patchouli essential oil is one of the few oils that does not oxidize and diminish in therapeutic and aromatic quality over time, but rather improves with age just like a fine wine. Often associated with hippies from the 1960s, it is either a much loved or much hated fragrance that is earthy and quite strong.

Health benefits of patchouli oil

Patchouli oil has extensive has many medicinal properties that are beneficial to the human body and mind. It is an antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, and tonic substance just to name a few. Used in aromatherapy to uplift mood and drive away disappointment, it also relaxes tension in the vast majority of people. It is helpful for most skin types from dry skin to oily/acne prone and it is also a natural insecticide and adding a few drops to lotion or spray is great as a natural insect repellant.

Patchouli oil for your hair and scalp

Patchouli oil is a triple threat against scalp ailments because it is an antiseptic, astringent, and fungicide. All three properties are amazing for mild to severe scalp conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. Patchouli not only relives wounds (including in the scalp”> rather quickly, but it also prevents wounds from further infections. It soothes inflammations and protects wounds as an antiseptic and is quite effective at inhibiting fungal growth like ringworm or tinea. For the DIYers, a few drops of patchouli essential oil are great for scalp ailments like eczema and psoriasis. Here are a few simple recipes:

Patchouli oil scalp scrub

2 drops of pure patchouli oil
1 Tsp. baking soda
1 application of sulfate-free shampoo

Mix the shampoo, patchouli oil, and baking soda in a small bowl and blend well. Apply to hair and scalp and massage gently in circular motion. You can continue to wash hair with the mixture before rinsing well and styling as usual. This is a great recipe for exfoliating and soothing the scalp.

For oily hair

I know it may seem hard to believe but there are some curlies who have oily scalps due to an overproduction of sebum. Adding 2-3 drops of patchouli oil to a nickel-sized amount of unscented shampoo and cleansing your hair will help to alleviate the extra oil on your strands and scalp.

For dandruff

Much like tea tree oil, patchouli is very effective for simple dandruff. Mix patchouli oil with a carrier oil and gently massage the scalp. Unlike tea tree oil, the smell is more pleasant and need not to be washed off immediately after use.

This Oil Has More Slip than Everyone’s Favorite Detangler

By Sabrina Perkins · Published July 20, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Marshmallow root is highly lauded in the curly community as a favorite for its slip and ability to detangle knots. But there is a little-known extract that has even more slip. Comfrey extract or Symphytum officinale is actually one of the best-known healing herbs of all times. This perennial shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia is fond of moist soils. It has a thick hair stern and grows between 2-5 ft. tall with purple, white, or blue flowers that are densely arranged in clusters. It has been used in folk medicine throughout Europe and North American and is widely cultivated as a garden medicinal due to its highly popular reputation for healing various internal and external wounds. Comfrey extract can be derived from the roots, leaves, or entire plant.

What makes comfrey so special?

Well, its components of course! It has active constituents like allantoin, which is a cell proliferant, rosmarinic acid, tannin, mucilage, vitamin B-12, protein, and zinc. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the tannins, rosmarinic acid and allatoiin are all substances to help skin regrow.

Because of this, oral comfrey products have been banned in the U.S. and many European countries, but it can still be found in creams and ointments for applications to the skin. Despite being safe for skin, those toxic substances can be absorbed by the skin so even with the creams and ointments they should be used for a short period of time.

A helpful reminder is to only use it externally, never on broken or abraded skin, and within a short time period.

Comfrey benefits for hair

Comfrey root is great for hair because it has healing properties and is chock-full with minerals, vitamin A, B-12, and antioxidants. It is superb at preventing dryness because the presence of attantoin not only stimulates skin cell proliferation, but it is also an excellent exfoliant that will soften skin cells. It is the backbone of the soothing and anti-inflammatory component of comfrey and actually makes hair softer.

Comfrey is helpful for hair growth because it has gamma linoleic acid, a omega-6 fatty acid, that helps stimulate skin and hair growth, which is why many cosmetic companies use comfrey. Comfrey also has more mucilage than marshmallow so it will soften, detangle, and add shine to strands as mucilage is the slip master and always a benefit for hair.

Comfrey also has more mucilage than marshmallow so it will soften, detangle, and add shine to strands as mucilage is the slip master and always a benefit for hair.

Comfrey has great polyphenols like caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid. Caffeic acid is one of the most effective antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that will help with scalp irritations. Chlorogenic acid is anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, which is highly beneficial for scalp ailments like dandruff and eczema. Rosmarinic acid is anti-inflammatory that can relieve an irritated scalp, so these three polyphenols alone will soothe an ailing scalp quite effectively.

Major benefits to hair

Softens hair
Adds slip to tangles
Adds shine to hair
Soothes an irritated scalp

Comfrey can be a skin or hair wash or salve for an irritated (but not broken”> scalp. Here are a couple of DIY hair rinses that utilize the benefits of comfrey’s components to relieve the scalp while adding shine and softness.

Comfrey Hair Rinse

1 Tsp. of dried comfrey
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 cup of boiling water

Place herbs in a heat-resistant bowl. Pour boiling cup of water over herbs before adding ACV or lemon juice. Mix and allow to steep, covered for 10-15 min. Strain and allow to cool before pouring over freshly washed hair.

Comfrey Scalp Soothing Rinse

3 (or more”> tbsp. dried comfrey
3 cups of boiling water

Place herbs in a heat-resistant bowl. Pour boiling water over them and allow them to steep for eight hours or overnight. Strain and either use cold or gently warm to desired temperatures before slowly pouring rinse over your head. Massage into your scalp and hair but keep a large bowl under your head to capture liquid and reapply. Repeat several times and either rinse out or keep in and style as usual.