Category: haircare tips

Natural Hair Loss Remedies

Posted on by Editorial Team

Hair loss, or androgenic alopecia, has been a concern for many individuals, and it’s not just a male problem. About 40% of those suffering from hair loss are women. Recently, there’s a lot of interest in seeking effective hair loss remedies that are more naturally based with fewer side effects.

There are many natural remedies that have been claimed to help with hair loss. Some of these remedies have more scientific evidence to support them than others. Below are just a few examples of natural ingredients that have shown promise for those who struggle with hair loss (alopecia).

Remedies with scientific results

  • Biotin: Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a B vitamin that is important for hair growth. A study found that participants taking biotin supplements anywhere from 2 to 6 months saw a significant increase in hair growth. The results pertain mainly to those who have a Biotin deficiency, so get your biotin level checked before spending money on supplements.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in higher concentrations in fish oil, wheat germ and borage oil. They have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce hair loss. A study found that taking fish oil supplements for 12 weeks led to a significant increase in hair growth in people with hair loss. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6-month supplementation with omega 3, 6 and antioxidants resulted in thicker, healthier hair.
  • Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including hair loss. A study found that taking saw palmetto supplements for 24 months led to a significant increase in hair growth in 38% of the participants.
  • Rosemary Oil: This aromatic essential oil was shown to be as effective as Monoxidil 2% after 6 months, according to a randomized controlled study reported by the National Institutes of Health. Pure Rosemary oil is very concentrated, however, so it’s best to add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut or sunflower oil before applying it to skin or scalp.

Other Hair Loss Tips

There are many natural remedies that have been claimed to help with hair loss. Some of these remedies have more scientific evidence to support them than others.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for hair loss. There can be many causes of hair loss; only androgenic alopecia is covered here. In addition, what works for one person may not work for another. If you are concerned about hair loss, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

Here are some general tips that may help to slow further hair loss:

  • Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Get enough protein, iron and zinc.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Get stress under control.
  • Protect your hair from the sun and other environmental damage.
  • Use gentle shampoos and conditioners.
  • Avoid excessive hair styling.

(Disclaimer; this article is not an attempt to provide medical advice or treatment. If you have concerns, please seek treatment from a licensed medical professional.)

natural hair care blog post

Natural Hair Care

Posted on by Editorial Team

For the vast majority, it’s our crowning glory. The natural hair care product market was valued at almost $9 Billion in 2019 and is expected to continue it’s upward momentum. Savvy consumers and new technologies are fueling the growth, as well as issues such as ingredient sensitivities and heightened awareness of the environmental impacts of their product choices.

Hair anatomy

A strand of hair consists of three layers – the innermost medulla, the cortex and the cuticle. The cortex, or middle layer, is where pigment resides, and it contributes to the flexibility of the hair shaft. We’ll be focusing on the outermost layer, or cuticle, for the purposes of our discussion. This is the layer that takes the most abuse.

Our hair consists primarily of keratin protein which is made up of 18 amino acids. It also contains lipids (like sebum) which provides hair with lubrication. The hair shaft itself is not “alive”, which is why it’s so difficult for us to reverse any damage done to the hair.

The cuticle consists of a layer of overlapping cells, which forms a protective layer over the cortex. Frequent use of chemicals is the primary cause of damage to the hair shaft. Things like bleaching, dying perming, heat styling, exposure to pool chlorine and other ingredients can damage the cuticle, leaving it torn, and leaving hair dry and brittle. It’s important to tailor your haircare routine to your hair type. Check out this informative Healthline article on hair types.

Products to avoid

Healthy hair, no matter how curly or how straight, has a closed cuticle – that is, the overlapping cells lie flat. There are many products and ingredients that can damage the cuticle;

  • hair dyes (even “natural” ones like henna can dry out hair)
  • chemical relaxers (anything that breaks chemical bonds is not good)
  • chemical perms (same as above)
  • high-heat styling tools (standard blow dryers and straightening irons)
  • direct sunlight
  • pool chlorine
  • salt water

Products that penetrate the cuticle like hair dyes and perms can cause the cuticle to raise up, making hair rough and prone to breakage. Heat styling can remove moisture from the hair, making it dry and brittle. There are also many hair care products on the market that contain ingredients that do not benefit hair; ingredients like

  • sulfates (e.g. sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate) which strip oils from hair
  • silicones (which can build up and leave hair drier)
  • alcohols
  • mineral oil
  • perfumes (containing hundreds of ingredients like parabens and formaldehyde)

It’s important to read product labels and to know what you’re putting on your hair and scalp, especially if you are allergic to many ingredients. The bottom line is that, much like your skin, you want to use products that provide benefits to your hair without side effects.

Oils and natural hair care

We’re great believers in the benefits of using plant-based oils to nurture hair. Oils penetrate the cuticle to add vital lipids and help slow down moisture evaporation. A few oils that have been shown to nurture dry, brittle hair include Olive, Avocado, Argan and Jojoba oils. Hot oil treatments have been used for quite some time to nourish dry, chemically treated hair. They work well as a treatment mask under a cap or mixed with your regular conditioner. (Before using a new carrier oil, it’s good to test it on the skin to be sure that you won’t get an allergic reaction. This is especially true about nut oils like coconut, almond and kukui nut.)

Dry oils came on the market as a multi-purpose solution for skin and hair. They are absorbed quickly with minimal residue. Some common oils used in dry oils include sunflower, safflower, jojoba, rosehip, olive and others. They can be applied without the need to rinse them out and they add antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, as well as leaving hair with a subtle sheen. They’re great when you are looking for a lightweight oil for regular use. An example is our All Purpose Organic Dry Oil. It’s great on hair, but many customers use it as a post-shower body oil or cuticle oil.

Other natural hair care tips

If you’ve been going “natural” and have avoided things like hair dyes, perms and blow drying, then you may not need to do much. But if you’re like many of us, you’ve spent lots of time and money covering grays, blow-drying and straightening your hair, with resultant damage. If the damage is severe, it may be necessary to cut off the damaged hair and start with virgin hair. For example, does your hair look “fried” with lots of breakage and split ends? Does it feel “mushy” when wet? If so, it may be best to get a good cut.

For the rest of you, seek out hair care products with naturally-derived ingredients that have a proven track record. You can begin your journey with this natural haircare product article by TheGoodTrade.com. Applications containing keratin can help. You can also try these natural hair care tips to keep your hair as healthy as possible:

  • When outdoors, wear a wide brimmed hat – sunlight can literally bleach the hair. This will dry it out.
  • When coming out of the pool or ocean, rinse hair out right away. Or before going in, apply olive oil to the hair to help keep chemicals from being absorbed.
  • Avoid using too many products at a time. If hair becomes dull, use apple cider vinegar or beer before shampooing with a sulfate-free shampoo.
  • Use a satin cap or pillow case in the bedroom. It will reduce surface friction while you sleep, keeping the cuticle intact and preventing static cling.
  • Avoid elastic hair ties or metal clips in the hair. They put stress on the cuticle and, if used often, can pull hair at the root, resulting in traction alopecia. The same goes for teasing and wet-combing.
  • Drink plenty of water. Our bodies need it, and our hair benefits from it, too.
  • Eat a healthy diet that includes adequate protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If supplements are needed, try Vitamin E tablets. (We like plant-derived ones.) Extreme diets, sudden weight loss and certain diseases can cause hair to fall out. If this happens often, see your doctor.
  • Exercise regularly. This does more than put the rose in your cheeks. Increased circulation benefits the scalp, which makes your hair look better.
  • Control stress and anxiety. Constantly touching or obsessing over your hair can become a habit, and can be controlled with professional help. If you tend to over-wash the hair, this can dry it out.

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/natural-hair-care-products-market

Haircare mistakes and curly hair

Haircare Mistakes And Curly Hair

Posted on by Editorial Team

Which haircare mistakes to we tend to engage in? A lot can depend on your hair type and lifestyle. For those with curly hair, a little TLC is often required due to the nature of the curl strands and their susceptibility to damage. Wavy and curly hair are created by the presence of an oval hair follicle. Curly hair is softer and more susceptible to breakage. It also tends to have less sebum present, making it drier. Hence, it’s important to know which practices can negatively impact on curly locks, and what to do instead. Below are some of the most common haircare mistakes.

Shampooing too often

As mentioned before, curly hair tends to be drier. This can also extend to the scalp. Therefore, it’s not necessary to hit the shampoo bottle every day, or even every other day. A lot depends upon how active you are and what condition your curls are in. According to the experts at Ouidad , it’s ok to wash or co-wash your hair between 1 and 3 times per week. As a general rule, the drier your hair and scalp, the less often you should wash it.

Using the wrong shampoo

There are a mind-boggling number of shampoo formulas out there, and it’s important to use one that is tailored to your hair type. If your hair is extra curly, it will benefit from an extra-moisturizing formula. Or opt for what is called co-washing (conditioner-only washing). Most conditioners contain a few cationic surfactants (cleansers) like benhetrimonium chloride, which remove dirt without stripping the hair. If your hair and scalp tend to be dry, this may be the best option for you. Also avoid shampoos containing a lot of foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate and cocamide DEA, which can cause allergic reactions and tend to be drying. Believe it or not, you don’t need lather to get hair clean. If in doubt, read the ingredient labels before buying. For a list of common shampoo ingredients read this Newsweek article.

Using the wrong styling products

It’s important for people with curly hair in particular to use styling products. They help with frizziness, dryness, tangling and other issues. Even if you air-dry your hair, it’s a good idea to add protection and definition with styling products. However, the wrong styling products can wreak havoc on your hair. For example, styling gels containing alcohols can dry out your hair. Opt for alcohol-free cream formulas that add definition and shine. Another problematic ingredient is silicones. On the label, they usually end in -one or -oxane. They are synthetic polymers that create slip and providing some heat protection. While not all silicones are created equal, they all do have a tendency to build up on your hair, ultimately leaving it dry and dull. They are hydrophobic, which means they are hard to wash out. You’ll then need a clarifying shampoo to remove them, which causes more drying, and on and on. This is especially true for thick silicones like dimethicone. It’s a cycle that you just don’t want to get into.

If you still want to use silicones, opt for a water-soluble one like cyclomethicone.

Not protecting your hair from the elements

Whether or not you color your hair, this is a common mistake that can really cost you down the line. Things like heat, humidity, chlorine, and ultraviolet light have an especially strong impact on curly hair. Aside from avoiding pools and sunlight, there are few things that you can do before hitting the pool or the beach. Yes, you can apply your barrier sunscreen to hair. Usually the ingredients found in sunscreens for the skin are ok for the hair, too. (Yes, you should be using sunscreen on your skin, too.) You can also try products containing oils like jojoba, carrot seed oil, red raspberry oil, almond oil, and shea butter. These ingredients provide natural sunscreen protection. Look for brands like Alba Botanica, or take a look at our All Purpose Dry Oil. If you don’t have any products available, wear a hat.

Too much heat styling

Let’s face it, we all life hectic lifestyles that often necessitate quick hair drying. However, it’s important that we give our curly hair a break from heat styling whenever possible. Even with a diffuser, hair dryers can damage the hair cuticle and dry out curly hair. Sometimes we can avoid heat styling by getting the right haircut. Also buy the best blow dryer you can afford, usually an ionic or ceramic hair dryer, or a combination of both. They tend to cost more than regular hair dryers, but it’s worth it to get less frizz and a shorter drying time. However, air drying is best for curly hair. The right styling product can make your curly hair wash-and-go.

Over-manipulation of hair

Again, a good haircut makes over-manipulation of hair less likely to occur. One should also never comb out curly hair when it’s dry. Use a conditioner or cowash that detangles and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently. Separate tight curls with the fingers if possible. Don’t over-brush.

Not protecting your curls while you sleep

It’s so easy to protect your curly hair at night. Just buy a satin sleep cap or a silk pillow case. The fabric helps to reduce friction, reducing damage to your curls while you sleep. Also avoid wearing tight bands or other restraints in your hair while you sleep. Curlers are a no-no! A silk pillowcase is also kinder to your face.

References:
http://coveteur.com/2019/03/29/silicone-hair-products/