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Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth
Supplements such as biotin, silica and iron can help grow healthy hair, prevent thinning hair and may even reverse greying.
Topical hair treatments are often less effective than building strong hair from the inside by dietary means. Ideally hair growth vitamins and minerals should be obtained through diet via whole foods: but if this is not possible or the severity of the problem merits supplements, capsules or liquid supplements can be obtained. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking supplements, as some are unsuitable in the case of pregnancy or various medical conditions, or in conjunction with other drugs.
Biotin (Vitamin H) for Hair Growth
Few people are actually deficient in biotin, which occurs naturally in bacteria in the gut. Nevertheless, therapeutic doses of biotin – also called Vitamin H or B7 – are necessary to achieve benefits in hair health and rapid growth. It is difficult to overdose on biotin – many supplements come in 500 microgram capsules.
Biotin is useful for those who want their hair to grow faster: some claim it can even reverse premature greying if the greying is caused by marginal biotin levels. Biotin can be taken alone or in conjunction with other B-vitamins. The latter may be a good idea if you lead a stressful lifestyle – B vitamins help to prevent stress, which is a cause of hair loss!
Silica to Strengthen Hair
Silica is a trace mineral which Westerners often lack due to a denatured diet. Organic produce such as rice, oats, sunflower seeds and potatoes provide dietary silica: capsules are also available. Silica is a large component of the many “Hair, Skin and Nails” vitamins available.
Iron to Prevent Hair Loss Due to Anaemia
Anaemia-related hair loss is the most common form of hair loss. Iron supplements may help the condition, but some find they produce constipation or nausea. Some iron supplements are also more bioavailable than others. Ideally, anaemia should be prevented by eating haem iron from red meats and organ meats. Non-haem iron is less easily absorbed by the body, but can be obtained from dried fruit, tofu, beans and lentils, and of course iron-fortified breads and cereals. Cooking in a cast-iron pot is another way to ensure iron levels stay high: trace amounts of iron enter the food as you cook.
To maximise the iron you ingest, eat iron-rich foods with foods containing vitamin C and avoid calcium-rich foods for a few hours around your iron-rich meal.
Protein-Rich Foods for Hair Growth
Hair is made of keratin, a form of protein. Eating a protein-rich diet helps provide the building blocks to make hair, resulting in thicker and stronger locks. Protein in the form of red meat also helps prevent anaemia, providing your hair with a two-for-one dose of goodness.
Nettles to Prevent Hair Loss
According to Nettles Online, “Nettle Root Extract has been used successfully in Europe as an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in treating [hair loss] …5-alpha reductase is a key component in turning testosterone into DHT, the substance that causes the atrophy of hair follicles” (Hair Loss Causes, sourced 9 September 2009). Hence, capsulised neetle root is sold as a treatment for thinning hair. Nettle products are also used as a topical treatment to produce strong, shiny hair.
As hair reflects a person’s general state of health, people with a healthy diet will naturally tend to have stronger and shinier hair. Smoking, stress and genetics also play a part in hair quality. How Fast Does Human Hair Grow? addresses a few of the issues which can affect human hair growth. Gentle Hair Care Techniques discusses ways to minimise physical and chemical damage to hair in your haircare routine.
Herbal Hair Care- Natural Receipes
Herbal Hair Care
Try These Natural Recipes At Home For Healthier Locks
© Aimee Hughes
While we typically turn to our herb gardens to embellish a salad or a savory sauce, these little delights can do wonders for the hair.
Herbs contain chemical compounds that can help restore the hair’s natural balance and shine. Specific herbs target particular problems. Chamomile, for instance, promotes hair growth while burdock root reduces hair loss. The following recipes are excellent ways to take care of your hair without turning to over-the-counter synthetic products which are loaded with toxic ingredients. Pampering ourselves naturally will promote healthy hair as well as whole body health.
Ginger Hair Oil
For this oil, you will need one teaspoon of grated fresh gingerroot and ¼ cup organic sesame oil. The ginger hair oil treatment stimulates hair growth while alleviating dandruff and boosting the scalp’s circulation. It will leave your hair smelling faintly of ginger, a very pleasing scent. Place the grated ginger inside a piece of cheesecloth and gently squeeze ¼ teaspoon of the juice into the sesame oil. Mix the oil and juice together with a fork until blended thoroughly. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave on for ten minutes before shampooing.
Herbal Spritz
Rub sage leaves and rosemary leaves between your fingers to release their oils. Then place the herbs in a pot and add a pint of cold water. Cover. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow herbs to steep, still covered for three hours. Once cool, strain the herbs and pour mixture into a spray bottle. Spritz dry hair until it is saturated, then massage into scalp and comb through. Don’t rinse. Use two or three days in a row for optimal results. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Herbal Rinse for Dry Hair and Dandruff
You will need 8 ounces of floral water or herbal infusion and two 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. In this treatment, lavender floral water can be used or you can create your own herbal infusion. Simply take fresh or dried herbs and pour hot water over them, about two to three tablespoons per cup, to make a strong infusion. Obtain a good organic apple cider vinegar and pour into a wide mouthed glass jar. To one quart of vinegar, add one to two handfuls of herbs. Set in the sun for a few weeks, shaking daily. For dandruff, use lavender, rosemary, and basil.
Herbal Rinse for Oily Hair
Ingredients needed include one pint of boiling water, one tablespoon vinegar, and one teaspoon each of burdock root, calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, lavender flowers, lemongrass and sage leaves. Pour boiling water over herbs and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and add vinegar. Pour over scalp and hair as final rinse after shampooing. Leave on without rinsing out.
General Herbal Hair Care Tips
Sage is excellent for weak hair, while rosemary enhances dark hair. Chamomile promotes healthy hair growth, as does catnip. Burdock root promotes hair growth and helps keep hair from falling out. For extra body, create a setting lotion by mixing 2 ounces lemon juice with 5 drops rosemary essential oil. Comb into hair and relax!
Article Courtesy of Aimee Hughes
Essential Night Time Routine for Natural Hair
Essential Night Time Routine for Natural Hair
Three Things You Must Do Before Sleeping
© Kimberly Ward
These bedtime procedures are a necessity for keeping natural hair in optimum condition
Along with the appropriate moisturizer, shampoos, conditioners and treatment methods, doing the right things before you sleep is important to ensure your natural afro or curls is well looked after.
Twists or Corn-rows Before Bed
Natural hair doesn’t need to be wrapped (using a comb or brush to sweep the hair around the head into a mound) before bedtime because it doesn’t need to be kept straight. The best way of preserving shape and keeping hair strands together is to twist the hair in sections or plait it in corn-rows.
The smaller the twist, the tighter the curls in the morning once they are loosened, but generally dividing hair into fist-sized sections and twisting (by diving each section into two and twisting gently but firmly until you reach the tip) is adequate, as are corn-rows plaited from the front to the back of the head. Both styles keep the hair in shape rather than splayed out all over your head.
In the morning, separating the twists or corn-rows with your fingers is preferable to combing it out. The less use of combs and brushes the better as these can pull out natural hair which is very delicate.
Moisturize Both the Scalp and Ends
Natural hair, especially the ends, needs more moisture than other types of hair. Dry ends lead to breakage so keeping both the scalp and tips well-oiled at night is a must. Light oils (olive or avocado oil works well) are better than thicker ones like Pink Oil, which can just sit on your hair and make it lank and heavy.
Sparse oiling of the scalp followed by a bit more for the ends of each of your twists is recommended before bed time. The average sleeping time of six to eight hours, and the lack of harmful interference from sunlight or winds means nightly moisturizing is the best time for giving your hair the nutrients it needs. Repeat the light oiling for both the scalp and ends in the morning.
Silk Scarves and/or Silk Pillowcases
As you sleep, your hair rubs against the pillow and against itself which can also lead to breakage. This rubbing can be reduced with the use of a silk or satin pillowcase because these are made from softer materials that’s kinder to hair than cotton. The hair oils you’ve put in is also more likely to remain on your hair if you use silk or satin pillowcases.
Because natural hair doesn’t need to be wrapped, you can twist and sleep without a scarf, provided you’re sleeping on a silk or satin pillow case. You may, however, choose to wear a scarf as extra protection, and it’ll also ensure smoother hair in the morning.
There may be other night time routines you find work well for your hair, but doing these three things regularly goes a long way in managing natural hair.
Article courtesy of Kimberly Ward…
Top Natural Hair Care Products Under $15
Many new naturals are left with a counter full of products for relaxed hair that no longer work on their newly chemical free tresses. One of the most common questions I hear is: “What products will keep my natural hair soft and moisturized?” Well below are a few fav’s that are easy on the pockets and easy to use..
Carol’s Daughter
Carol’s Daughter is one of the most prominent names in natural hair care products, and with good reason. The company produces high quality, nature based products for hair and skin. Recently, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and others invested 10 million dollars in the company, which has led to an expanded product line and more advanced website.
My favorite Carol’s Daughter product is Healthy Hair Butter, which is a soft creamy hair dress based in shea butter and almond oil, with lavender, ylang ylang, and rosemary essential oils. It smells heavenly, enhances the natural coil of the hair, and keeps it soft. It also provides a gentle hold that will keep your style in place all day. Apply a small amount to damp hair and massage in for best results.
Other Carol’s Daughter products to try: Tui Hair Oil, Hair Milk
Healthy Hair Butter – $12.50
Tui Hair Oil – $8.00
Hair Milk – $10.00
http://www.CarolsDaughter.com
Oyin Handmade
Oyin Handmade is an up and coming natural hair and skin product producer, which is quickly gaining popularity among naturals. The company’s down to earth presentation and personal touch account for much of its appeal – but the products are also unique and what’s better, they work!
initially tried a sample of Greg Juice on my locs, and it was the first product that was able to keep my ultra dry hair moisturized. It is based in spring water, glycerin, and aloe, and kicked up with an essential oil blend that will have your hair smelling great and feeling soft. The product is free of carrier oils, so it is a great alternative for those who find that oils don’t work well with their hair. Greg Juice also works best when sprayed on damp hair, and a little goes a long way.
Other Oyin Handmade products to try: Honey Hemp Conditioner, Shine & Define Styling Serum
Greg Juice – $9.00
Honey Hemp Conditioner – $9.00
Shine & Define Styling Serum – $5.50
http://www.OyinHandmade.com
Burt’s Bees
Take one look at the funny looking guy with the scruffy beard on most of Burt’s Bees products, and you may not guess that this line of products works great for black natural hair. Upon closer inspection, the line includes several products that are well suited for the chemically challenged.
The Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar is perfect for those of us with thick hair and a lot of it. It provides much better control than liquids that end up all over the bathtub floor, and allows you to get into all the little nooks and crannies between your coils, locs, or braids. It’s 99% natural, and the peppermint acts as a scalp stimulator and aromatherapy experience all in one. You may need to use this shampoo bar a few times to get the full effect, as it will gradually remove all of the product build up that may be in your hair. It will leave your hair just about squeaky clean, so follow up with a light oil to rehydrate your coils.
Other Burt’s Bees products to try: Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo and Conditioner
Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar – $6.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo – $8.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Conditioner – $8.00
http://www.BurtsBees.com
When you are newly natural, you may have to try many different products to find out what works best on your unique tresses. This process can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. Look at it as a fun and exciting part of your natural journey – the above suggestions are a great place to start. Try purchasing sample packs from websites or stores, so that you can try small quantities of various products as you determine what works best for you. Visit http://www.Nappturality.com’s Swap and Sell Board for discounted or free-to-swap products. Enjoy, and try not to become a product junkie!
Trader Joe’s Peppermint Castile Soap is da bomb!!!!!!!!
Trader Joe’s Peppermint Castile Soap
Features All Natural
Body Wash
Children’s hand soap
Cleansing
Fragrant soap
Hand Soap
Hydrating soap
Liquid Soap
Mild soap
Moisturizing soap
Multi purpose soap
Organic
Paraben free
aromatherapy
I’ve been using Trader Joe’s Peppermint Castile Soap for about 3 weeks. Not only is it very affordable – under $3.00 per 16 ounces, but I love the fresh peppermint aroma and the lather it produces. BONUS!! It’s mild enough to use as a facial wash, body wash AND a shampoo. This product is also mild enough for use with babies and children. I like it so much I actually wish I’d known about it years ago. Trader Joe’s Peppermint Castile leaves me feeling clean and invigorated after my shower.
Upon further research of Trader’s Castile, I found you can use this soap for numerous things: to make a natural household cleaner, to make a natural bug and spider repellant, for washing delicate clothing and for shampooing pets. I haven’t yet tested these other uses but am planning to soon.
RECEIPE:
Peppermint Patty Shampoo
8 oz Trader Joe’s Peppermint Castile Soap
2 tablespoons of safflower oil or Evoo
2 tablespoons of organic honey
1 tablespoon of jojoiba oil or vitamin E oil
Pour all indgreidents into a bottle, shake well to mix all the products, shampoo hair as usual. ** shake well before each use, store in a cool, dark cabinet**
Tyra Banks Reveal Natural Hair
Tyra Banks reveals natural hair
(UKPA) – 4 days ago
Tyra Banks will reveal what her hair looks like without styling, wigs or extensions.
The former supermodel has a hair-themed show to kick off the fifth series of her US programme in an attempt to reassure women who have insecurities about their hair.
On showing off her hair, she said: “It’s just me coming straight out of the shower with wet hair – my hairdresser’s going to do my hair live on stage.”
She aims to reassure them about how attractive their hair is naturally and “ask them to be brave enough to show it to everybody on national television,” Tyra said.
The Tyra Show – the title now uses only her first name – last week won a Daytime Emmy Award in the talk show-informative category.
Tyra also will be front and centre for the new run of her series America’s Next Top Model, which debuts in the US this week.
This time around, women who are under five ft seven – generally scorned as short by the fashion industry – are being considered.
“I feel like it’s my calling to open up stereotypes of beauty,” Tyra said.
http://www.tyrabanks.com(Tyra Banks)
Copyright © 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
GARLIC & ONIONS AS A HAIR LOSS REMEDY
Garlic can also be good for our scalp and hair, as well as for our body.
Garlic stimulates the flow of blood to the scalp and help remove any harmful toxins, which is an important consideration in caring for the growth of our hair and in helping to prevent hair loss.
Adding a garlic extract to shampoo can help to strengthen hair and stop any breakage, while at the same time, adding good body to the hair and a nice gloss.
If you have dry hair or maybe an itchy scalp, a garlic extract type of shampoo will give you relief from many of those nasty symptoms.
An hour before bedtime, slice open a clove of garlic and rub it on the hair loss area. Wait for an hour then massage the scalp with olive oil. Put on a cap and go to bed. In the morning, shampoo your hair. Repeat this remedy for a few weeks, and hopefully hair will stop falling out and re-grow.
Onions are recognized with healing qualities include their antibacterial, cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing powers. Onions contain a number of important minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins C and B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and germanium. Onion also has a high sulfur content. Sulphur is a mineral present in every cell in our body, with its greatest concentration in hair, skin and nails. It has often been called the “beauty mineral” and the “healing mineral” because of its ability to promote circulation and decrease inflammation. These qualities also lend to the theory that adequate amounts of sulphur can jump-start hair growth in people with deficiencies. High amounts of sulphur in onions make them particularly effective in regenerating hair follicles and stimulating hair growth. In addition, naturally-concentrated sulphur compounds have been proven to show additional hair-restoring.
Hair loss remedy with onion – apply freshly-squeezed, raw onion juice directly onto the scalp, massage deep into the scalp and hair roots. Left on the scalp for about half-an-hour before shampooing. Do these treatments everyday. In most cases, regular onion treatments will result in dramatic improvement of hair thickness within just several months. Since onion juice restores hair follicles and improves scalp circulation, it will help to promote the strong-hair growth.
Salon Spotlight: Ada’s Hair Braiding Salon
Ada’s Hair Braiding Salon
6429 Landover Rd
Cheverly, MD 20785-1402
(301) 583-0430
Its the weekend before back to school and I’d promised my daughter she could get her hair braided. I had no idea how taxing the task would be to find a salon. I started calling salons Monday and I was not impressed by the lack of customer service and the inability to answer basic questions ( i.e. what price does your corn rows start? Is the price the same for a child vs. an adult, etc). It was very annoying for me to call salons and there was no answer, I left messages as instructed- no return phone call, I emailed a few salons requesting an appointment- NO RESPONSE. I had almost given up on getting her hair braided when I mentioned my problem to a co worker and she recommend Ada’s Salon. I went back to my desk and immediately called Ada expecting the same or similar treatment I’d received from other salons. I was pleasantly surprised. She took the time to answer all my questions, and fit my daughters appt at the last minute. I arrived at the salon 20 minutes early- and it was PACKED- a sign of good business. Ada greeted me, she told me someone would be with me shortly. 5 minutes later the braider came over, introduced herself, ask me if I knew what style I wanted for my daughter. I’d picked out a style on the Internet and I brought a copy of that picture into the salon. The stylist looked at the picture twice and pretty much copied the picture braid for braid. The entire style took 2 hours to complete. I was most happy that I learned of a new style called ” feed in braids” aka ” no- knot braids”. You start the cornrow without adding any extensions. You add the hair in the middle or towards the end of the cornrow. This method gets rid of the usual bump at the beginning of a weaved-cornrow and gives the appearance of a natural cornrow. Ada’s fee for this style on my daughter was $65.00 ( a bargain considering others quoted me $80- NO STYLE). My daughter is loving her hair, and we will re visit the salon again for all of our braided hairstyle needs.
Shampoo Bars: Cleanse Your Hair Naturally and Inexpensivenly
Most liquid shampoos on the market include an array of synthetic ingredients. Lather isn’t necessary for a shampoo to clean well, but consumers typically expect shampoos to lather well. If it doesn’t create rich lather, they don’t think the product cleans all that well. The dilemma is that few all-natural ingredients exist that provide ample lather. Most liquid products contain synthetic lathering agents, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commonly abbreviated as SLS. SLS draws moisture from the skin and can cause dryness and irritation. This is especially of concern to those with psoriasis, eczema, dry skin or scalp conditions.
A Shampoo Bar resembles a bar of vegetable based soap, but it is formulated especially for hair. One of the many advantages of Shampoo Bars is that they can be formulated using all-natural ingredients including vegetable oils, vegetable butters, essential oils and other nutritives especially beneficial to the hair and scalp. They also tend to lather well.
The Advantages of Shampoo Bars
Shampoo Bars frequently contain all-natural ingredients.
They tend to lather better than all-natural liquid shampoos.
They don’t require preservatives. Having said that, they can go rancid over time. It is recommended that you use your Shampoo Bars within six months of purchasing.
They are convenient for use while traveling, camping or for keeping in your locker at the gym.
Shampoo Bars are easy to pack and modest in size.
They won’t leak like liquid shampoos can and can be included within carry-on luggage without breaking any current TSA regulations for carry-on items.
Shampoo Bars last a long time. In comparison, they are less expensive to use than liquid shampoos.
The Disadvantages of Shampoo Bars
It takes a little longer in the shower to cleanse the hair using a shampoo bar (Tip: Follow the How to Cleanse Your Hair Using a Shampoo Bar section below).
The lather of some shampoo bars is a bit trickier to fully rinse out of the hair (This can be minimized by following our advice below).
If you often have overnight guests that do not bring their own personal selection of shampoo, they may feel awkward about using a Shampoo Bar on their hair.
How to Cleanse Your Hair Using a Shampoo Bar
Over time, you will most likely develop your own hair cleansing style that best suits your hair type and length of your hair. Start, however, by following these guidelines:
After you enter the shower, rinse your hair well.
Rub the shampoo bar directly onto your hair, working your way from your scalp down to the ends. Repeat until you have fully covered each section of your hair.
Massage your scalp and hair until a good lather forms.
Rinse the shampoo out of your hair.
Repeat.
Conditioning/Clarifying Your Hair Inexpensively
Combine 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water to create a clarifying rinse.
After you have shampooed your hair, pour the clarifying rinse over your hair and scalp so that it has completely covered each section of hair from root to ends.
Rinse.
Your hair will not smell like vinegar after you blow it dry or allow your hair to naturally dry.
Tips for Purchasing Shampoo Bars
Have fun shopping for handmade shampoo bars. The packaging, visual appeal and aroma of shampoo bars can range from the simple and extend into the extraordinary.
Look for shampoo bars that include the ingredients and type of oils that are used. Shampoo Bar makers are not required to list the ingredients they use in their soaps, but many do. Ingredients that include the word “fragrance” are made with synthetic fragrance oils. Those that include oils in the format of “Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil” are made with essential oils derived directly from natural botanicals.
Because shampoo bars are made using vegetable lipids (oils and butters), the bars can go rancid over time. It is best to plan to use the soaps that you purchase within six months. In stores, watch out for shampoo bars that have dusty labels or appear old. Avoid purchasing or using shampoo bars that contain orange spots. Those orange spots indicate areas of the shampoo bars where the natural oils have turned rancid.
The Lupie Chick Project 
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