Monday, November 22, 2010

Healthy Hair Tips: Scalp Massage 101


Scalp massage 101

Watch video at the bottom on the article

Hi I am back today to share some information on scalp massage with you. I have been practicing massage and holistic health therapies for the past 5 years. I put this video together because I am currently embarking on a natural hair care growth journey and wanted to share with you guys some of the benefits scalp massages play in hair growth.

What is massage?
Massage the act of kneading rubbing and putting pressure on the skin with your fingers and hands can provide many benefits for the body. The biggest benefit to massage is increased blood circulation at the surface of the skin. This benefit, and many others, is why many individuals suffering from premature hair loss or other hair problems turn to scalp massage for help. 

The Benefits of Scalp Massage

A correctly done scalp massage can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, increase relaxation, decrease stress, condition the scalp, and boost the strength of the hair roots. The kneading pressure when applied to the scalp warms the skin and opens up blood vessels to increase blood flow and boost circulation.

-         Increased blood circulation which means the hair follicle will receive more of the nutrients which necessary for hair growth
-         The rubbing or kneading motion promotes relaxation. This lowers the stress level hormone in the body which in turn will promote hair growth.
-         If a hair oil is used during scalp massage the oils will aid in conditioning the scalp, hair shaft and root lessening the chances of brittleness, hair strand breakage, and split ends.

How to Choose a  Massage Oil for Scalp Massage

Scalp massage Oil should be chosen based on the hair ailment that you are trying to treat.

-         Almond Oil- If you have brittle hair that is prone to breakage and split-ends you can use.
-         Sesame Oil- To nourish the hair shaft and skin.
-         Lavender oil- is also a great choice for thinning hair since its properties help stimulate the hair growth process and balance oil production.
-         Coconut oil- helps slow down the hair shedding process.
-         Rosemary Oil- stimulates hair follicles to produce new hair growth while inhibiting the natural shedding process.
-         Since good circulation is a key component in the natural hair growth process, scalp massage is a very enjoyable way to fight the problem of premature hair loss. For boosted relaxation benefits you can schedule this treatment at a salon or enlist a friend for help

How to Correctly Perform Scalp Massage
While any stimulation to the skin of the scalp can increase circulation, a properly done scalp massage can deliver all of the benefits needed for increased hair and scalp health.Begin by choosing a massage oil that is appropriate for your particular hair problem. Warm the oil by
placing a small amount in a dish and placing that dish over a bowl of hot water. Dip your fingers into the oil and apply it to your scalp by using your fingers to part different section of your hair. Once your scalp is covered in oil you can begin the massage.
For the most benefits begin massaging your scalp at the hairline above your forehead and work your way back to the base of your skull. Use medium pressure while moving your fingers in a tight circular motion in order to promote relaxation and thoroughly condition the scalp and hair. Once you have reached your neck, begin the process again for the sides of your head by massaging from above the temple to the back of your head.
Once you have massaged your entire scalp with circular motions you can begin the process again, only this time use a little more pressure and more vigorous movements. This step in the massage will increase circulation for better blood flow and help remove dry or dead skin cells that can inhibit hair growth. Once the massage is finished leave the oil on your hair for at least thirty minutes to get the best conditioning benefits. After thirty minutes wash and style your hair as usual.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Organics Texture My Way Curl Keeper Review


Here is the review 
The Product
Bottle size:- 12oz
Product Characteristics:- Creamy, light pink in color, light fruity fragrance

Here is my experience with this product:-

My hair texture and type: primarily 4A, with some 3c and 4B. I have a medium texture hair (not too coarse, not fine)

Pros
- It made my hair feel moisturized when initially putting the product in
- It made my hair feel smooth and silky when initially putting the product in
- Hair smelt great after application

Cons
- The moisture did not last for very long
- Hair felt dry a couple minuted after application
- Can cause build-up because of the silicone in it.

Would I recommend this product?
Not sure. If would basically be based on what a particular individual is looking for in a product
Here is the list of ingredients

Aqua (Water)- Good for hair, makes it pliable
Propylene Glycol-  Humectant. This is a clear, colorless, thick liquid, penetrates the skin better than glycerin
Polyquaternium-37- Used to keep down fly-aways due to static electricity,it can build up in your hair with repeated use,
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate- Used as a conditioning ingredient. It works by preventing water loss.
Dicaprate- Emulsifier (a thickening agent that helps bind different ingredients together)
PPG-1- An organic solubilixer of perfume oils and emulsifier.
Trideceth-6-  Emulsifier (thickening agent).
Panax Ginseng Root- it is stimulating for the circulation and may help increase regrowth in certain individuals
Hydrolyzed Glycine Soja Protein (Soybean)- safe for use in hair, Hair Conditioning Agent, antistatic, humectant.
Silk Amino Acids- protein, penetrate the hair to strengthen, rebuild & nourish chemically damaged hair without weighing it down or causing buildup.
Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean)- emollient and conditioning agent
Glycerin-  humectants -retain moisture
Dimethicone- This is the name for a group of silicones. May cause build up.
Cetyl Alcohol- Common ingredient used as an emollient, thickener, and keeping the product mixed together
Stearalkonium Chloride-  A plant-derived ingredient, it reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on hair, and is a good conditioning agent.
Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride- safe to use, film form, antistatic agent. Can cause build up
Acrylamide Copolymer- Film-forming/ plasticizing polymer. Can cause build up.
Lanoline Oil- is a fat from wool bearing animals. May clog pores
Zea Mays Oil (Corn)- conditioning agent good for dry hair
BHT- (butylated hydroxythaluene)
A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidation of oils in cosmetics. Some reports of allergic reaction.
BHA- Beta-hydroxy acid, has the same effect as alpha hydroxy acid
Methylparaben- a preservative, may cause irritation
Propylparaben- a preservative.
Fragrance- can be natural or synthetic
CI 17200 (Red 33)- colorant, may cause allergic reaction
CI 42090 (Blue 1)- colorant

:) 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Hair Sheen review



Ingredients

Mineral Oil- Used as a lubricant in cosmetics, made from Petroleum. It's transparent, colorless, tasteless and odorless. When applied, it stays on top of the skin, leaving a shiny and protective layer

Isobutane- is a hydrocarbon gas; used as a propellant in aerosolized products.

Olive Oil- Excellent moisturizing plant oil. It can penetrate the hair's cortex, so it may make hair stronger

Vegetable Oil - it can condition your hair

Lanolin Oil- Emollient, very thick substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep. Can be pore clogging

Tocopherol Vitamin E- Considered an antioxidant superstar. Protecting the skin barrier's oil (lipid) balance during the cleansing process

Extracts of Aloe Vera- has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities and moisturizing.

Horsetail- Plant extract that has a high tannin, alkaloid, and nicotine content, which can have skin-constricting properties and be irritating to skin

Nettle- may have anti-inflammatory properties. Growth stimulating properties

Chamomile- is a good hair conditioner and, if used all the time

Dimethicone Copolyol- Dimethicone copolyol is derived from silicone, which is from silica. Unlike most silicon derivatives, it is soluble in water and combines regularly with inorganic oils and waxes.

Myristyl Myristate- has thickening properties, is very comedogenic and can cause breakouts

Propyl Paraben- Preservative. occurs as a natural substance found in many plants and some insects, although it is manufactured synthetically for use in cosmetics

Fragrant Oils- can be natural or synthetic

Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde- s a common additive in perfume and cosmetic industry as aroma substance. It is found naturally. is a class B allergen according to DIMDI classification. It is also an irritant in concentrations higher than recommended.

Lilial- is a chemical compound which is used in cosmetic preparations i.e. skin care lotions (for external use only). It can sometimes act as an allergen and may cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals

D'Limonene- is the major component of the oil extracted from citrus rind

Linalool- is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol chemical found in many flowers and spice plants with many commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent (floral, with a touch of spiciness).

Lyral- Fragrant chemical compound. Can cause allergies

Alpha Iso Methyl Ionone- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone as a flavoring agent for direct addition to food.

Pics of my natural hair before adding the Braid extensions


Braid Extension Updates

Braid Extentions to Retain hair length

I've embarked in a challenge to maintain my hair length through out my natural hair care journey.

Ive been natural all my life however have not taken the time to really take care of my natural hair.

My inspiration came one day from browsing Youtube and the internet and watching fellow natural hair gurus talk about natural hair. So i decided to change a couple of thing i currently and place more emphasis in taking better care of my hair.

It gives me realy please ur in sharing what i am doing with my hair to achieve my healthy hair goals.

i am a Holistic health therapist by profession and decided to use some of my expertise of helping myself as well as other persons learn about how to take care of hair.

I am also obsessed with skin and body care..so look forward to my videos and blog posts on those as well

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Grow Afro Hair Long w/ Braid Extensions



I stumbled upon this website that offers great tipss for growing natural hair long with Braid Extensions.

The trick is, the braids its self does not grod hair long but rather it enables you to retain length.

Here is the website

http://www.growafrohairlong.com


Let me know if you have any questions

Understanding Hair Growth Part 1