Home Remedies for Hair Care!

With this humidity, our hair is the first to drop. And our comb keeps ending up in clusters of hair and the entire process becomes heartbreaking. Home remedies are a natural and inexpensive way to treat and cure common disorders. Let's try some simple remedies for attaining beautiful and lustrous hair.

Beautiful and healthy hair boosts up our beauty and confidence. But chaotic and deskbound lifestyles give us an excuse for ignoring hair, which bring about common problems such as dry hair, dandruff, graying, hair loss and split ends.

Here are some simple home remedies with natural ingredients that will bring back life to damaged hair.

• Regular massage with mustard, coconut or almond oil for 15 minutes twice a week will strengthen and rejuvenate your hair. Following the massage, go for a “steam-towel-wrap” for 10-15 minutes.
• Soak multani mitti (Multani Mitti is Fuller's earth. You can find it is small local stores or one of those weekly markets. It look likes clay and is kind of creamish in color except that its hard, sometimes even in a brick form) in water overnight. Mix into it 2 tablespoons of curd and a few drops of lemon. Apply this paste over scalp and hair and leave for an hour. Wash off with water. It is a very effective home remedy for softening hair and imparting a lustrous shine.
• Take 3 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) and heat it. Mix into it a teaspoon of finely powdered almond. Massaging the scalp with the same will strengthen hair roots and give them a natural luster.
• Mix equal amounts of almond oil and castor and warm it. Massaging the same into scalp once a week, will beneficial for hair loss.
• Prepare a natural conditioner by mixing a cup of curd and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. This treatment is also effective in curing dandruff.
• Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in 2 tablespoon of mustard oil and apply over the scalp. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Follow this treatment twice a week for curing dandruff.
• Take 3 tablespoon of coconut oil and warm it lightly. To it, add a teaspoon of camphor and massage the scalp. This is another effective remedy for treating dandruff.
• Eating 3-4 teaspoons of sesame seeds every morning gives nourishment to the hair.
• Add 6-8 drops of lemon juice to an egg. Beat well and apply on your hair followed by washing with a herbal shampoo. 
• Use a very mild shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. Make sure to rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.
• Massaging with aroma oils once a week reduces hairfall and makes them soft and silky. Rosemary oil and titri oil can also be used.
• Add few leaves Hibiscus (China rose) to a glass of water. Heat it. The juice of a lime should be squeezed in the sieved mixture and it should be applied to the hair before shampooing.                           
• Use lavender or lemon shampoo if your hair are oily and if dry, use titri oil or rosemary shampoo too.
• Rinse hair with lemon juice or vinegar
• Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze lightly. Cover your hair with this for 10 minutes and do try this for almost a week.
• Dry peels of lemon and oranges should be used. This will maintain soft and silky hair and also removes dandruff from the scalp.
• Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily and have a high protein diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
• Mustard oil boiled with henna leaves is useful for the healthy growth of hair.

These home remedies are effective in keeping hair problems at bay, but there are other important factors one should take care of. Always eat a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, sprouts and whole grains. Maintain hygiene and brush your hair daily with a comb with widely spaced teeth. Don’t comb when hair are wet. Avoid use of dryers, synthetic hair colors and dyes. Do exercise and meditation to remain healthy and stress-free.

Tips For Healthy Hair During The Winter!

We all know that the cooler temperatures and the fewer hours of sunlight can cause several hair problems. Snow, rain, and icy cold make hair brittle and dry. Did you know indoor heating can be as damaging as spending the afternoon under a hair dryer?!

Eventually all of these factors can give you split ends, dry frizzy hair, static electricity, soften the keratin of the hair and weaken your hair(it may break all together)

Somehow girls who aware of the importance of using conditioner in the summer months because of the heat and the sun, forget that from December to March, indoor heating can dehydrate your hair. But don't worry. No matter what's causing your hair woes, you can take the protective steps to insure your hair does not get damaged.

Here are some winter hair care tips:

• The hair gets more damage from blowing it dry than other heat styling tools so try to wash it the day before so it can air dry, then in the morning you can use a curling iron or flat iron to style it. It really saves it.
• Condition your hair every day but only wash it a few times a week. Besides saving time, this will keep your hair from drying out too much.
• Hot Oil Treatments: Grab some Extra Virgin Olive Oil  or Castor Oil, it will help heal your hair from daily wear and tear. Apply directly to damp hair, and put on a plastic cap and/or a hot towel. Hello, hair repair!
• Take a warm/cool shower vs a hot one. This will help lock in the moisture and give your hair extra shine. Hot showers tend to dry out and damage your hair as well as your skin.
• Try wearing styles that don’t need much maintenance. You might be tempted to run your fingers through your hair and comb your hair throughout the day. Leave your hair alone! The extra manipulation can cause an increase in shedding as well as those annoying split ends.
• Trim your hair regularly: The best way to get rid of split ends is to do it yourself! Take some hair shears and attack the split ends about 1/4 inch above the splitting. Many women with perfect hair never have split ends because they make it a priority to get their hair trimmed, or trim it themselves, every 6-8 weeks.
• Water, Water, Water: During winter the temperature drops and sweating is less; that is the reason we have less desire to drink water. However, there is no change in the functioning of our systems; we must become more careful during winter about drinking enough water and fluids( for Hair and Skin)

Eat healthy to give your hair the right amount of vitamins. I'm sure most of us eat sugary/junk food during the winter to get more energy. But our hair is made of proteins, make sure that you eat a balanced diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet will ensure better-looking hair.

5 Easy Steps to Get that Holidays Glow!

This holiday season, you can look and feel your best with few steps to your lifestyle and just a little bit of willpower. It is all about keeping the body balanced, hydrated and properly rested. With these easy steps, you can maintain a healthy glow, manage your figure, and have more energy and joy.

1. Hydrate

We have all heard the messages. Our bodies need water. During the holidays if you make this a priority it will help your energy levels, your appearance and your waistline. When you feel the urge to snack, ask yourself if maybe your hunger pans are actually due to dehydration.
Drink green tea. Studies suggest that the compounds in green tea called catechines appear to speed up the rate at which calories are burned. It is also loaded with antioxidants and isn’t as dehydrating as other caffeinated beverages.

2. Pick 3 System

The last word anyone wants to hear during the holidays is diet. Remember that any diet that recommends the elimination of one of the macronutrients- proteins, carbs or fats- is not a viable method of eating that can be sustained, nor does it have a foundation in health and wellness. In fact, radical and fad diets actually hinder future weight loss by slowing down the metabolism. So don’t diet, just be mindful.
For each meal, envision your plates divided into three sections: one third whole grains and vegetables; one third protein; and the other third fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, nut butters, butter. Whole fruits are always a top choice as a treat. Cut your alcoholic beverages with seltzer and eat something small before going to a party.

3. Daily Detoxification

If we can keep the body eliminating our excesses we’ll feel and look out best. Time now to stock up on Brassica family vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), high fiber cereals and bars, as well as acidophilus-rich yogurt, plus water and herbal teas.

4. Rest and Reflect

It seems there is never enough time in the run up to the holidays. Sometimes we need to know when enough is enough. Adequate rest gives the body a chance to properly digest and heal. Keeping stress in check is one of the best beauty secrets out there.

Take time for you. You know what you like to do in your “down time”. Whether it is reading, doing cross-words or taking a bath, gather any supplies you will need now and schedule in the time for you. Your body will thank you.
Also, make sure you plan time to get fresh air. It is the best pick-me-up. The air might feel chilly at first but within 20 minutes you can return home from a brisk walk revived and ready to tackle the next festive gathering.

5. Supplement where needed

Most of us do not think ‘health, nutrition and exercise’ when we think ‘holiday’. Certainly, there are times when we will veer off the nutritional path to wellness on occasion and that is okay. Just be aware that there are supplements and functional foods for days when we are less than perfect in the nutrition category. For many, they can be an inexpensive nutritional insurance policy.

Create a fabulously festive look
Luckily, it’s never been easier to create a fabulously festive look with a minimum of fuss. To learn how, we checked in with makeup artist at Beauty Mark in Yaletown, who created a sleek but sexy look that works for a variety of skin tones, ages and social events.

Here’s how to get this season’s best makeup look in 9 easy steps:
1. Skin
Start prepping the night before the event by applying a hydrating mask to your face. It will create a nice, natural luminosity, making pores appear smaller, smoothing out skin tone and providing an all-over glow.

2. Nails
A festive manicure will put holiday sparkle at your fingertips without the risk of looking garish. What’s especially fashionable right now are dark and unconventional hues like green, blue or metallic.“The trend is to have one highlight nail.”

3. Hair
When it comes to hair, it’s all about tousled, sexy glamour, think messy updos, lazy curls and easy accessories:

• Try a ballerina bun, Classically prim ones ruled the runways, but Gwen Stefani’s messy bun is rock-star cool—go with what feels right for you! To do it fast, tease hair on top, then smooth it all back into a ponytail; secure with an elastic. Twist and wind hair around, pinning as you go.
• Slip on a Headband.
• Clip It Half Up: Make a side part, then pull the top and front sections of your hair back with a glitzy barrette.
• Tease That Pony: Give your sweet standby style a little edge: After pulling your hair back (no need to be neat about it), run a fine-tooth comb up and down the length of your hair to rough it up and create that fun, fuzzy effect. It’s that easy.
• Curl Just the Front: Make playful waves: Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create a couple of spirals in the front sections of your hair only. Comb through with your fingers. Done!

4. Foundation
Unless you plan to spend time under high-definition cameras, your foundation should just even out your complexion, not cover everything in a layer of beige. Think “smooth glow,” not “matte mask.” “I would choose an illuminating foundation,You want more of a dewy complexion. It’s even more important with older skin. The more matte you go, the more it will settle in the fine lines.”

5. Brows
It’s time to create a frame for all this holiday beauty by grooming the eyebrows. If your  brows are already well shaped, use a little brow gel and a fine brush to tidy them up, then a pencil to fill them in.

6. Eyes
“If you’re doing a strong lip, you want to keep the eyes neutral,”. Since this season is all about the bold lip in deep, intense hues, that means avoiding competing colours on the eyelids. Instead, think definition and shimmer. Try a soft gold shadow all over eyelids, then sweep a subtle highlighter under the browbone and in the corner of the lid to open the eye. “This shiny gold colour is very simple and it works on many, many skin tones,” noting that it is soft enough to work on older skin as well as younger. The key is to go for “glow” rather than “sparkle.” Finish the eye makeup by adding further definition with liquid back eyeliner and a touch of black mascara.

7. Cheeks
Brush a soft, natural-looking pink blush on the apples of cheeks, just enough to create a healthy glow. The key with blush is to avoid bright clown spots and stripey ’80s contouring; rouge should be applied so subtly it is barely noticeable at all.

8. Illumination
Indeed, more important than colour is illumination. This is a subtle way to add brightness and “a nice glow” to skin of all colours, conditions and ages, without looking overdone.

9. Lips
Finally, the finishing touch and the holidays’ big impact look: the beautiful, bold lip. Start by brushing a lip scrub overyour lips to remove any dry flakes. “It’s essential because in winter, our lips are drier,” Then apply a deep purple lipstick to the lips. “A lot of people recommend a lip liner, but I say you can go without, The shade for the season is this nice plummy wine colour. It works on so many skin tones as well as a porcelain complexion.”

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Castor Oil And Hair Growth.

A lot of people ask this question about castor oil as whether this oil helps hair growth. This question is mostly asked by those who are facing hair loss and thinning problems. The truth behind castor oil and hair growth is that ‘it can surely help a lot’. In fact many people have been using castor oil to treat their hair loss problem and have even got positive results too.

Use of castor oil is a natural way to make your hair grow healthier and thicker. This oil has got many medicinal and curative uses that make it effective in healing the body as well as maintaining beautiful and healthy hair. So, if you are facing hair problems such as hair thinning and hair loss, it is time to get a castor oil and get advantage of its benefits.

What is castor oil?

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant and has been used since time immemorial for a variety of conditions and complaints, including hair and skin care. It is regarded as valuable oil due to its myriad uses. This popular hair oil is a colorless to very pale yellow liquid with mild or no odor or taste. When you touch castor oil, it is thick and sticky in nature. Due to the ability of this oil to absorb fast and easily into skin and scalp cells, it is one of the popular ingredients in most skin and hair products.

Benefits of Castor oil for hair growth

Regular use of castor oil on your hair roots and scalp has got many benefits such as:

1. Stimulates Hair Growth: When it comes to hair growth castor oil works in two ways. When you massage with castor oil it stimulate the hair follicles and encourage new and faster hair growth. Also as castor oil gets easily soaked in to the root of the hair, it interacts with the hair follicles and encourages them to grow additional hair.
2. Conditions Scalp: Regular use of castor oil is must as it conditions the scalp and existing hair. This helps in making your hair healthier and even the texture of your hair gets better. Healthy hair strands appear thicker than unhealthy hair strands and thus with use of castor oil you will become proud of your thicker hair.
3. Strengthens Hair: Each and every hair strand becomes stronger with the regular application of castor oil. When your hair is stronger it stays in the follicle for a longer period of time. Thus, there will be less hair breakage and hair loss. Broken hair strands can make hair appear thinner but with castor oil you will not be facing any such problem.
4. Prevents Hair Loss: Due to the anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid available in castor oil it also helps in preventing hair loss. When you apply castor oil on to your scalp it protects the scalp and hair from infections that can cause hair loss.
5. Solves Dryness: The omega-9 fatty acids available in castor oil moisturize and nourish the hair and prevent the scalp from drying. Regular application of castor oil to your scalp and roots can make dry hair turn into soft and shiny tresses within months. Dry scalp is one of the many reasons behind hair loss and other hair related problems.
6. Solves Dandruff Problem: When you apply castor oil onto your scalp it cleanses the scalp thoroughly without leaving it dry and flaky. It removes the dirt and bacteria that clogs the scalp, which is the primary cause of dandruff and hair fall. Dandruff is caused by too much sebum production in your scalp and it can be controlled by the anti-bacterial property of castor oil is also vital in curing dandruff, which is caused by too much sebum production in your scalp.
7. Cure Scalp Infections:  As castor oil has got healing properties, it can even be used to cure scalp infections and other side effects brought about by chemical treatment. This will prevent your hair from becoming brittle and will promote hair growth.
8. Acts as Lubricant: Castor oil also works quite effectively as a lubricant for the hair. Natural lubricants that our body produces have a difficult time reaching the hair. Castor oil helps to maintain a healthy amount of lubrication and assists in keeping hair from getting tangled.
9. Brings Shine to Hair:  As castor oil is humectants in nature it draws moisture into the hair and skin. Applying castor oil on hair will make it soft, shiny and strong. It also helps in hiding the appearance of frizzy, damaged, and split end hair. With regular use of castor oil your hair will not develop split ends.
10. Stops Graying Hair: When your hair is treated with castor oil regularly, your gray hair will vanish soon. It has been found that dark hair growth appeared in place of grey hair, after massaging the scalp regularly with the oil.

Well, castor oil is versatile and is an all-around solution for different hair problems. Castor oil is not just for simple hair problems like frizzy locks, dandruff, or split ends, but also for serious hair problems like hair loss and damaged locks.

Where to buy castor oil?

Castor oil can be found in most good health food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies or you can even order your bottle online. Before buying castor oil, check the label properly to make sure it is cold-pressed and hexane-free. Avoid refined, adulterated oils which can clog the skin’s pores. Using the unrefined or purest form of castor oil for hair will give your best results as the oil will be in its natural state. Cold pressed castor oil is tasteless and odorless when pure. A bottle of castor oil can serve you for a long time because the thickness of the liquid requires you to use it in very small amount.

Best way to use castor oil:

Looking at the manifold benefits of castor oil for healthy hair, it is important that you also start using this popular hair oil. But before using castor oil for hair growth, it is essential to know how to use castor oil. Here is a step-by-step process of using castor oil:

• Always invest in good quality castor oil to enjoy its benefits. Using your fingertips, apply castor oil to your roots and scalp.
• When applying castor oil make sure it is evenly distributed on the scalp properly.
• The oil should be applied on the roots and scalp. Avoid using the oil into your hair as its thick consistency may be hard to wash out.
• After applying castor oil, cover your hair with a towel.
• Allow castor oil to stay in your hair for at least 15 to 20 minutes or allow it to set overnight.
• Wash your hair with a mild shampoo to remove the castor oil.
• Follow the process once a week for two to three months to see the results.

Note: You can also mix castor oil with other oils such as grape seed oil to minimize the thick consistency and unpleasant smell of the oil.

To conclude, castor oil is a wonderful oil to use for hair treatments and the benefits to your hair are astounding and well worth it. But, for those who are facing hair problems, it is essential to understand that using castor oil on your hair is just one of the strategies to encourage hair growth. For healthy hair growth there are many other factors too that need to be considered such as a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, proper hair care, using the best quality hair products and so on. When every condition is meet it will help you grow your hair back longer, thicker and stronger.

Have A beautiful Night! :)

Marjoram Health Benefits!

Native to the Mediterranean region, marjoram grows primarily in Sicily, and one of its cities, Marjoram, is named after it. The residents of Marjoram hold the belief that marjoram had the power to banish sorrow. In addition, marjoram has sacred associations in the Hindu religion and was found to be of considerable use in the middle Ages, especially to preserve and disinfect meat that was less than fresh.

Because marjoram is considered to have the most fragrant essential oil among all herbs, it is widely used in aromatherapy, and also as a warming and soothing message oil to provide relief for muscular ache. Its healing properties include: fighting asthma; headaches; and soothing the stomach and digestive tract. This soothing herbal flavor can be enjoyed as a tea by sprinkling water over a few sprigs of marjoram.

In addition, the leaf of the marjoram has been used to loosen phlegm. It acts as a decongestant and useful in bronchitis, sinusitis and sinus headaches. Used as a tonic for the nervous system, marjoram is believed to be more calming than oregano, as it is used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and stress; especially environmental. One of the components in marjoram is the flavonoids which have sedation qualities which help to relieve insomnia, tension headaches and migraines.

Promoting healthy digestion and treating simple gastrointestinal disorders, such as loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea and flatulence is another benefit in using marjoram. Much like the herb peppermint, it is said to soothe minor digestive upsets and colic. The flavonoids may also promote healthy arteries and heart by preventing cholesterol buildup and improving blood circulation. It is also thought to help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Containing anti-inflammatory properties, marjoram can be used internally or externally. It alleviates aches and pains and when used externally, aids in the reduction of toothaches, muscular pain, bruises, arthritis, sprains and stiff joints. Used internally, it eases severe stomach cramps, spasms and painful menstruation. Marjoram stimulates perspiration, which also helps to rid the body of toxins through the skin. Moreover, this quality helps in the reduction of fevers, and helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

On the culinary side, marjoram makes excellent stuffing for chicken and turkey roasts. It makes an attractive garnish for bean and pea soups, and enhances the flavor of carrot and squash when cooked with it. It also works well with cheese and egg dishes. Marjoram is considered to be one of the rare herbs whose flavor intensifies when dried. It is also used in homemade sausages and meats that are to be cured or smoked. Marjoram also works well in combination with other herbs in spice blends. Marjoram is most definitely a major health benefit.

More Uses

• Marjoram oil has a warming action and calms emotions, relieves anxiety as well as stress and helps to calms hyperactive people. It has good muscle relaxant properties and the pain killing properties are useful for rheumatic pains as well as sprains, strains and spasms, as well as swollen joints and painful muscles.
• It is great for treating delayed, painful or scanty monthly periods as well as menstrual cramps.
• Its oil may also be used with hyperactive children to help provide a mild form of sedation to clam them down. This would be best achieved by means of a room fragrance by placing a few drops in an oil burner.
• A few drops of the oil in unscented lotions or boiled into pure water helps to strengthen, soften and soothe ones hair,feet and body.
• Marjoram can be used in control of hormones and soothe the nerves
• It's also has an effective role in controlling and burning fat in the body which leads to lose weight effectively and significantly It can help manage cravings and feelings of hunger, and it can also address some contributors to weight issues such as stress, anxiety and depression

How To of use
Put two teaspoons of dried marjoram  in a cup and then pour hot water and cover it for a quarter of an hour and then drink it.
Caution:
Although it is non-toxic, avoid during pregnancy.

Top 5 Things That Damage Your Hair!

You cannot really restore you damaged hair. Despite what products say, you can only help its appearance but this should just be done while you are in the process of growing the damaged hair out.

Before you can grow your hair out into a healthy state, you need to understand what causes damage in the first place. If you do not, you will just damage the new hair before you can get rid of the already damaged hair.

• The number one ways that hair is seriously damaged is through chemical processing. I am not saying that you cannot have highlights, colors, straighteners, or perms applied to your hair. If you do choose to alter you hair chemically, it is best to stick with only one process. Of these processes, the best to choose are the ones that can have future chemicals applied to new hair growth only. Colors and highlights are best for this. If you are currently perming your hair to help with control, you will probably find that highlights give you quite a bit of control over your hair. With color and highlights, you will be able to have your stylist apply future chemical treatments to the new growth only. This is also true of straightening processes, but the chemicals involved in straightening are generally harsher overall. This determination is argued by some because highlighting is essentially a bleaching process, which can be very damaging. However, highlights do not affect every hair on your head, leaving a vast amount of healthy, unprocessed hair. Straightening affects every hair with the chemicals used. What you must understand about chemical processes and damage is that repeatedly putting chemicals on the same part of your hair creates a vicious cycle of chronic damage. This is compounded by the various heated tools that you use to style your hair, harsh shampoos and styling products, and a multitude of environmental factors.

Damage can also come from many different things, including:

• Excessive brushing and tearing of the hair (this can also come from constantly pulling it back in rubber bands).
• Too much heat. You've heard the drill before. Keep your use of the blow dryer and the curling iron to a minimum.
• Sun damage. Skin isn't the only part of your body that needs protection from UV rays. Summer sun worshipers are especially at risk for hair damage, but UV rays damage your hair every time you step outside into daylight-even in the winter. No, you don't need to wear a hat everywhere you go, but definitely be conscious of the sun's rays and cover up if you're going to be out in the sun for a while.
• Over-washing. Yes, washing your hair too much can dry out your scalp, cause flakes, and lessen the natural oils on your head that protect your hair's roots.

Now that you understand the importance very discriminating about chemical processes, you need to know some of the ways you can protect your hair on a regular basis. Following is a variety of ways that you can help prevent further damage to your hair, not all of them will apply to you, so use as many as you can.

• Do not blow dry your hairth any more an absolutely necessary. If you can let it air dry completely, do it. If you do have to blow dry, use a thermal protector prior to blow drying. Use the coolest setting possible to achieve your style.
• Use pH balanced shampoos and conditioners that are very moisturizing; for conditioners, also look for one with UV protection.
• Eat foods that are rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids (the good fat), choose organically grown and raised products, and eat less processed food.
• Using a natural boar hair brush, brush your hair thoroughly every evening, brushing the scalp well while you do this. Brushing like this distributes the natural oils along the hair and massages the scalp.
• If your hair is wet (or damp), only use a wide toothed comb on it. Brushes and combs with thin, narrow teeth cause serious breakage, especially in damaged hair.

Tips:
Now that you know the things you have to do in order to truly have healthier hair once you have the damaged hair grown out, you can use the following tips to attempt to camouflage the current damaged hair. I sat attempt because extremely damaged hair cannot be camouflaged; it will look damaged no matter what you try.

1. Take a tiny amount of your pH balanced moisturizing conditioner in the palm of your hand, run water into your cupped hand and vigorously rub the conditioner, mixing it with the water. Keeping this thoroughly wet, scrunch it onto the ends of very wet hair. Then scrunch a spray styling product designed to smooth curls into the hair. Allow to air dry.
2. Less effective, but still useful are the glossers which are actually a very light oil sprayed through an extremely fine mist. These should be applied to dry hair as a general rule.
3. Do not believe marketing ploys that claim that these products restore or repair your hair. All they do is camouflage the damage.

 Enjoy Your Day! ^_^

Protect Your Hair During Summer!!

Summer is, for most people, the time to hit the beach, the pool and bask in the sun. However, the salty water, the chlorine and the sun itself can prove to be harsh on your hair. The following are a few tips to keep your hair healthy during the summer:

• Choose products that are labeled as “replenishment” or “moisturizing” as these are designed to put moisture back into dry hair.
• You can use jojoba oil to soften your ends and prevent frizzies
• If you normally use hot hair tools such as blow dryers, straightening irons, electric curlets, etc., consider giving your hair a break and letting them air dry naturally. You can braid your hair while it is still wet and it will air dry into beautiful waves, perfect for summer! But if you really can’t help but blow dry everyday, use a leave-in conditioner that protects from frizzies and heat at the same time.

• For sun exposed or sun damaged hair, you might want to try performing regular deep hair conditioning treatments
• For extra treatment, you can also apply a deep conditioner to damp hair and wrap it in plastic wrap or a shower cap just before bedtime. Allow the deep conditioner to soak into damaged hair sections overnight for extra repair and re-moisturizing benefits.
• We know the importance of sunscreen for our bodies, but let us not forget about our hair AND scalp! Literally protect your tresses from the sun.
• A very chic hat or a colorful umbrella can also protect your head from the direct heat of the sun.

• Stylish accessories are attractive and a must-have for summer, but make sure you choose accessories that will not damage or tear your hair leading to split ends. Try ponytail holders without metal closures, barrettes with smooth edges, etc.
• For the summer months, consider being gentler to your hair and switch to hair care products that are as all-natural as possible. Keep in mind that chemicals such as alcohol and formaldehyde tend to aggravate dryness. Whenever possible, try to finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticles and impart a natural shimmer and shine.
• Finally, let us not neglect the fact that the food you eat generally affects your hair's well-being. A good summer diet must include vitamin B5 which is found in eggs, fresh vegetables and mushrooms. Experts recommend a healthy mix of folic acid, silica and biotin to promote healthy hair growth. Water is also our body’s best friend. In the summer months we lose lots of fluids via continual sweating so to replenish our water reserves, we must drink plenty of fluids.

Have a beautiful weekend! :)

Olive Oil for Wrinkles, Hair and More!

Did you know that olive oil was originally used medically and cosmetically? Olive oil was considered a necessary ingredient to create perfumes, cosmetics, and ointments. In its pure state, olive oil contains large amounts of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. These act as antioxidants protecting hair and skin from damaging free radicals.

• Olive Oil for Wrinkles

Olive oil has been used topically to prevent wrinkles since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, including the famous King Tut, used olive oil as an emollient to soften skin

Olive oil treatment for wrinkles

     Method

You can take olive oil orally, by eating a green salad with an olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Taking olive oil this way also gives you the benefit of the antioxidants and anti-inflammatories contained in dark green leafy lettuce. There are many other ways to incorporate olive oil into your diet, but putting it on salad is probably your healthiest alternative.

You can also use olive oil topically:

First, steam your face by boiling water, pouring it into a bowl, and then draping a towel over your head to make a steam tent. Steam for five to 15 minutes.

Second, Massage olive oil into damp skin.

Why It Works?
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which makes up about 25 percent of the fatty acids in the skin. Monounsaturated fat helps the skin to resist damage caused by oxidation. Olive oil is also high in vitamin E, which many health practitioners consider to be the most important fat soluble vitamin in the body. One tablespoon of olive oil contains almost nine percent of the RDA for vitamin E. Olive oil is high in other antioxidants as well, including polyphenols. Olive oil also contains oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory.

Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil, which has lower acidity than other varieties. If you are using olive oil in cooking, be careful not to overheat it.

Sales of skin and hair care products are a multi-billion dollar business and growing. Many of the latest “miracle in a jar” options are marketed as high-end, but costly, solutions to everyday challenges: how to keep skin moisturized, hair healthy, and facial skin free of wrinkles. Some of the most popular products, promoted as “natural” solutions, even incorporate olive oil as a key ingredient in their formulas.

Vitamins A and E in Olive Oil really help repair and renew skin that has been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution, and other modern-day environmental hazards – like cigarette smoke and fast food. These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state.

• Skin Moisturizer

Whether applied to face or body, olive oil will penetrate deep into the skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple. Used either as a night cream or daily moisturizer, it is best applied to damp skin, when water can help reduce any feeling of greasiness.

Some people have also suggested that a little lemon juice mixed with olive oil can provide a more bracing and refreshing feeling.

• Exfoliator

If dry and scaly skin is a problem, mixolive oil and sea salt in a rub and massage it into the affected area to slough off dead skin and enrich the healthy layer beneath it. Or add a few tablespoons of olive oil with a drop or two of lavender essential oil in a bath. This is a luxurious way to relax, soothe and moisturize the whole body.

• Nail and Cuticle Care

Extra virgin olive oil makes the perfect, simple solution for dry nails and cuticles. Simply rub a few drops into the cuticle area and around the nail. Cuticles stay plump and moist, and nails respond with a natural shine.

• Eye Makeup Remover

Just a drop or two of extra virgin olive oil on a cotton pad is all it takes to gently and effectively remove eye makeup without irritating the delicate skin around the eye area. The biggest added advantage is that when used consistently, olive oil can soften the skin around the eyes and smooth out wrinkles.

• Hair Care and Olive Oil

When used on hair and scalp, olive oil can be considered two products: a deep conditioner and a dandruff controller. After shampooing, massage a mixture of equal amounts of olive oil and water into your hair. Leave on for 5 minutes, then shampoo and rinse. Your scalp will benefit from healthy conditioning; your hair will respond with more shine and strength.

Have a Beautiful Day Everybody!

Free Ways to Stop Your Hair Fall Naturally

When you start finding your hair strands floating under the shower after shampooing or when you find that your comb has more hair than your head, there is a pretty good chance that you are facing the problem of hair loss. It's one of the most painless yet psychologically painful ailment that afflicts us. Falling hair is a condition that affects both men and women. If left unattended, this condition can worsen and result in permanent hair loss leading to baldness. Therefore it is very important to find a solution for your falling hair as early as possible.

The root cause for falling hair is both hereditary and hormonal.The solution for falling hair can be a combination of medicines as prescribed by the doctor and good nutrition coupled with good grooming.
Identify the factors for falling hair before looking for a solution for your falling hair. The cause varies form individual to individual. It could be any one of the below mentioned causes or a combination of factors that lead to falling hair:

Stress, hormonal imbalance, lack of balanced diet, lack of iron which can lead to anemia and a reduction of red blood cells, irregular sleeping patterns ,ailments like Typhoid, nutritional deficiency especially Folic acid, effects of Chromotheraphy, treatment for cancer and pregnancy or wrong choice of hair-care products.

Some of the solutions for falling hair can be found at home.However, there is no quick fix solution to falling hair. Regular and timely care is the only lasting solution to falling hair.

• Limejuice can be applied to the scalp and allowed to dry for some time before taking a head bath. This will arrest fling hair by keeping the scalp clean and healthy.
• You can also apply a paste of Fenugreek seeds soaked overnight and apply it all over the scalp. Allow it to sink in for about an hour before taking a bath.
• Applying coconut milk all over the scalp is also another effective solution for falling hair. Using castor oil as hair oil regularly will also help in preventing hair from falling.
• Overuse of hair dyes, hairdryer and curling iron can aggravate the problem of hair loss, leading to baldness. Hence, do not use such products on a regular basis, if you are facing the problem of excessive loss of hair.
• In case you are coloring your hair on a regular basis, be sure to leave a gap of at least 6 to 8 weeks between each session. This will prevent hair loss. Let your hair turn gray naturally. After all, it is better to sport gray hair than baldness!
• Tight hairstyles such as braids, buns and ponytails can also lead to hair loss. The best way to prevent hair loss is to adopt easy hairstyle.
• Hair follicles are made of protein.Eat a diet rich in protein. Include protein-rich food such as low-fat cheese, eggs, almond, beans sprouts, fish, seafood and yogurt in your diet. Soy milk and tofu are smart additions to the diet, as they are enriched with protein.
• Calcium is another important nutrient for strengthening the hair follicles and roots in your scalp. Hence, include food rich in calcium in your diet.
• The next thing to a balanced diet is sound sleep. Do not compromise with seven hours of sleep, make sure that you sleep enough and on time.
• Hair care products should be chosen carefully, because they would directly affect the growth of your hair. Never use harsh shampoos, conditioners or stylizing products, because they would have a negative effect on the growth of your hair on account of prolonged use. If any such product causes hair loss, visit a dermatologist and some products that are suitable for your hair.
• Alcohol and tobacco are the root causes for majority of hair loss problems. Quit habits such as smoking and consumption of alcohol.
• Another important dietary need are essential fatty acids, found in foods like walnuts, canola oil, fish, and soy."This is just an observation, but I believe there are many people who may have a sub-clinical lack of omega 3 fatty acids , these are 'good' fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may actually play a role in healthy hair," says Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a nutritionist at NYU Medical Center.
• Saw Palmetto has been shown in some small studies to be effective for preventing hair loss in some men. It was first used by the American Indians to treat and maintain healthy hair and skin.
• Nettle root may not only stave off baldness, but may actually regenerate hair growth.
• Vitamins: Your mother told you they were good for you, but you may not know they're good for your hair too. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant which promotes healthy production of sebum in the scalp.Vitamin E stimulates circulation. Good blood circulation in the scalp is important in keeping hair follicles productive. The 'B' vitamins contribute to melanin, which gives hair its healthy color and also stimulates blood circulation
• Try rubbing your scalp with garlic juice, Onion Juice or Ginger Juice(you can either of one out of three, Do not mix any of two or three). but if your head gets wet you will be able to smell it
• Try rubbing your hair with henna.
• Practise Meditation. Most of the times, the root cause for hair loss is stress. Meditation can help in reducing that and restore hormonal balance
• Massaging your scalp can be of immense benefit. Get good stimulating scalp massage oil and massage your scalp twice a week.

Major benefits of scalp Massage oil

o It conditions and lubricates the scalp and resists developing dandruffs, which minimize the chances of hair thinning in women.
o Stimulated blood circulation in your neck and scalp area impend hair growth
o It strengthen the hair root, minimizing the chances of hair fall
o It protects the hair from adverse factors like scorching sun and harsh climates
o It replenishes damaged hair
o It prevents the hire from splitting ends.

Don't forget:
"The same foods that are good for your body and your health overall are good for your hair''

Natural Ways to Lighten Your Dark Hair!

It seems like being blonde is an obsession today. The hair color has been popularized by Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe among others. In the past people went through some extraordinary measures to turn their hair blonde. Even today, many of the hair bleaches and dyes that are sold can be harsh and damage your hair. It would be nice if there was a more natural approach to achieving golden tresses. Fortunately there is!

Lemon juice and Sitting in the Sun:

• Take a spray bottle and fill it with water. Add some lemon juice. Start with about an ounce or so. You can always add more for a second treatment.
• Spray your hair where you want it to be lightened. You can do your whole head or spray selected strands for highlights. Be careful not to get the spray in your eyes or on your clothes.
• Relax in the sun until your hair is dry, usually about a half hour. In colder weather a hair dryer can be used, usually about 10 or 15 minutes.
• If you’re looking for blonde highlights, but don’t want to bother with complicated mixtures and smelling like a lemon, consider the most natural way to lighter hair: sitting out in the sun. Of course, protect your skin with sunscreen and place a towel over exposed parts of the body. Simply lie face down and spread out your hair to greet the sun.

Lemon Juice and Chamomile Tea: To enjoy a mild bleaching effect, mix chamomile tea with lemon juice and use as a rinse.
Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Add nutrients and shine to your lightened hair by adding olive oil to lemon juice, which helps to fight hair damage.

Honey: Honey contains natural Hydrogen peroxide. Iron in honey oxidizes the oxygen free radicals released by the hydrogen peroxide.

Method for lightening hair color with Honey:
Mix 3/4 cup honey with 1/12 cups regular hair conditioner
Apply to damped hair. Wrap hair in saran wrap or a plastic shower cap.
Let sit for up to 8 hours, then rinse.

Warnings

• Start out with a smaller amount of lemon juice or chamomile If it doesn't lighten your hair enough add more and do a second treatment.
• Don't get into your eyes or use if you are allergic to lemons.
• This only works on blonde and light brown hair.
• On red hair, if you tried these remedies the result with be orange instead of blonde.So Don't use them!

Using these home remedies to lighten hair naturally before you resort to the bottle of chemicals. Your body and your hair will thank you.

Note:
Henna Is Great for Your Hair...
In a way, any mention of henna is inappropriate in this post, because it will not lighten hair. Yet good-quality henna will safely allow dramatic color changes. A blonde can quickly become an enticing brunette or red head and brunettes can either become and a total redhead or add gorgeous red highlights to her hair. However, there is no way to bleach hair with henna ...in other words, a brunette will not become a blonde with henna.The really great news about henna is that it is wonderful for your hair, as long as as you are using good-quality henna. In fact, colorless henna is recommended for the health of your hair and the resulting ‘henna hair’ is stronger and more beautiful than it was before. How cool!