Honey... with Milk
Honey is like a wonder tonic. A spoonful of honey acts to balance metabolic systems when ingested, and is a natural antibacterial. Cleopatra from ancient Egypt bathed in milk and honey for a flawless complexion. England’s Queen Anne used it on her hair for moisturizing and shine. Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture. With its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, it’s been touted for centuries to repair damaged, sensitive skin. Bacteria cannot grow in honey so the ancient Egyptians painted it on wounds to keep infections from forming. Smear some honey on your gums to help heal sensitive, sore mouths. You can make a classic old time smoothing lotion for extra dry skin by combining equal parts honey, lemon juice and any kind of vegetable oil (extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil are excellent), leave it on dry areas for 20-30 minutes and rinse off or jump in the bath and soak it off leaving skin soft and smooth all over. It’s also touted that if you take a spoonful of honey daily that is produced by bees in your geographical area, it will help you become immune to allergies of pollens since that honey is made directly from the pollens you’re affected by. Honey is good to take for a sore throat since it helps sooth and disinfect the throat. Taking honey daily can also help ward off arthritis and joint problems. Using honey to sweeten everything instead of sugar can gain you many health benefits while omitting the bad calories and dentist bills. See also under the category to the right “General Health” for information on apple cider vinegar and the ‘other wonder tonic’.
For more information on honey and vinegar: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Showing posts with label Hair Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hair Care. Show all posts
Is Your Hair in Good Condition?
Healthy Hair Tests
1. Put one of your hairs in a container of water and if it sinks, your hair is porous and dried out. If it floats, it’s hydrated because it can’t absorb anymore water (I just grab one that falls out on my sink counter and drop in the sink filled with water).
2. Grab a hair between your thumb and index finger of each hand and hold taut. Now pull on the hair a bit more and if it snaps immediately, it’s dry or damaged. If it bounces back into shape, it’s healthy. If it stretches but doesn’t break nor go back in shape, it needs some care for dryness or damage but is not completely beyond repair.
3. Try to thread a small needle with the end of your hair (not the end that came out of your scalp). If it snags in the needle eye, you have frayed, damaged hair or split ends.
Should you brush your hair 100 strokes a day?
Brushing too much can cause breakage especially if hair is not in best condition and can cause split ends. But it’s important to massage scalp and also distribute oils from the scalp down the hair shaft and brushing is the best way to do that. Be sure to use a natural bristle brush such as boar bristle which will cause less breakage and brush over scalp well to stimulate it and push oils down hair shaft but it doesn’t need to be 100 strokes. No more than a dozen strokes will do.
Dull Hair to Shiny Hair
When washing hair it’s as important to rinse, rinse and rinse again to remove all soapy residues from hair to prevent buildup or dullness. Take extra care when using natural home remedies like mayonnaise, avocado and egg to be sure you have all of it washed and rinsed out of hair so it doesn’t leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt. Rinsing in cold water will not prevent your hair from frizzing up but it will make your hair shinier by helping to close the hair cuticle. Frizz is a result of damaged hair or the elements like humidity.
1. Put one of your hairs in a container of water and if it sinks, your hair is porous and dried out. If it floats, it’s hydrated because it can’t absorb anymore water (I just grab one that falls out on my sink counter and drop in the sink filled with water).
2. Grab a hair between your thumb and index finger of each hand and hold taut. Now pull on the hair a bit more and if it snaps immediately, it’s dry or damaged. If it bounces back into shape, it’s healthy. If it stretches but doesn’t break nor go back in shape, it needs some care for dryness or damage but is not completely beyond repair.
3. Try to thread a small needle with the end of your hair (not the end that came out of your scalp). If it snags in the needle eye, you have frayed, damaged hair or split ends.
Should you brush your hair 100 strokes a day?
Brushing too much can cause breakage especially if hair is not in best condition and can cause split ends. But it’s important to massage scalp and also distribute oils from the scalp down the hair shaft and brushing is the best way to do that. Be sure to use a natural bristle brush such as boar bristle which will cause less breakage and brush over scalp well to stimulate it and push oils down hair shaft but it doesn’t need to be 100 strokes. No more than a dozen strokes will do.
Dull Hair to Shiny Hair
When washing hair it’s as important to rinse, rinse and rinse again to remove all soapy residues from hair to prevent buildup or dullness. Take extra care when using natural home remedies like mayonnaise, avocado and egg to be sure you have all of it washed and rinsed out of hair so it doesn’t leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt. Rinsing in cold water will not prevent your hair from frizzing up but it will make your hair shinier by helping to close the hair cuticle. Frizz is a result of damaged hair or the elements like humidity.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The Many Uses of Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has so many uses it's a great item to keep on hand in your pantry and it's very inexpensive. It can be used as a hair rinse to clarify product build up, makes hair shiney and helps control dandruff and oiliness. Also use it as a skin toner after cleansing your face instead of using high priced store bought toners. The antibacterial properties of vinegar help keep acne under control and rids skin of excess oil without stripping your skin of it's natural protectants since it has the same pH balance as your skin. Simply mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water (since straight vinegar can be too strong for skin and hair). Use on a cotton pad wiping over skin or pour over hair after washing and don't rinse. Since vinegar can be a bit drying, do not use on dry skin or dry/damaged hair.
Diluted vinegar can also be used as ear drops to help prevent ear infections. Soak your feet in vinegar water to reduce bacteria and keep feet odor free and prevent foot fungus from developing. It helps reduce the itch and sting of insect bites when poured over them. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, mix a shot of vinegar to a glass of water and drink all at once or sip throughout the day. It works on the principle of making your body more alkaline which fights the germs (bacteria cannot grow in alkaline environments). Eating a lot of carbohydrates makes your body more acid which in turn makes it more susceptable to germs that feed on it. Keeping your system more alkaline helps keep you healthy. There are even diets that use vinegar to help you lose weight. Ancient people traveling to unknown areas where they would be eating food they were unsure of, would first drink vinegar to protect their stomachs and keep from getting sick. Words of caution: Never ingest apple cider vinegar along with baking soda or even Alka-Seltzer. If you want to see what happens when the two are mixed, try mixing them in a bowl and imagine the eruption that would occur if that were in your stomach. Also, if you drink vinegar along with dairy products there is a chance it can curdle in your stomach and make you sick to your stomach if you tend to be sensitive. If you intend on drinking vinegar on a regular basis, the acidic properties of vinegar can eat away at tooth enamel over time. Use a drinking straw to sip it so it has little to no contact with your teeth. You can swish the vinegar solution around your mouth to help fight bacteria just don't do it continuously. For a trusted source of medical advice with information on your health and vinegar visit WebMD. They state that medical studies about the use of vinegar for treating cancer, blood pressure, obesity weight loss and diabetes is promising. Always keep in mind that vinegar should always be diluted since it's a strong acid.
Vinegar will safely clean your floors, windows, etc without damaging any surfaces and make them bacteria free. It removes soap residue and sticky labels. Remove wallpaper by wetting the wall with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Eliminate smokey and other odors by boiling water with a generous amount of vinegar added to create steam. Add a cup to your load of laundry to rid clothes of body odor and musty or sour smells of linens. Reduce the saltiness of soup or stew by adding about a teaspoon of vinegar. Soak sponges in vinegar to remove odor and disinfect. Clean drains by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar, let stand 5 minutes and run hot water. Mix equal parts flour and salt with enough vinegar to make a paste to polish metals or make a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar to get grime off pots and pans. Keep cut flowers fresher by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar to 1 quart water in the vase. For a great, inexpensive glass cleaner recipe, mix 1 quart water with 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup ammonia. And of course it's a natural preservative for food-when have you ever seen pickles spoil? Clean up pet urine accidents on carpet and other surfaces with vinegar which neutralizes the urine ammonia smell and helps keep pets from soiling the same area again. When you give your dog a bath, a vinegar rinse will keep their coat shiney and helps keep insects away. Cleaning musty smelling antiques with vinegar helps remove the bad odor. With all the uses of this cheap miracle liquid, be sure to keep a gallon on hand!
Apple cider vinegar has so many uses it's a great item to keep on hand in your pantry and it's very inexpensive. It can be used as a hair rinse to clarify product build up, makes hair shiney and helps control dandruff and oiliness. Also use it as a skin toner after cleansing your face instead of using high priced store bought toners. The antibacterial properties of vinegar help keep acne under control and rids skin of excess oil without stripping your skin of it's natural protectants since it has the same pH balance as your skin. Simply mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water (since straight vinegar can be too strong for skin and hair). Use on a cotton pad wiping over skin or pour over hair after washing and don't rinse. Since vinegar can be a bit drying, do not use on dry skin or dry/damaged hair.
Diluted vinegar can also be used as ear drops to help prevent ear infections. Soak your feet in vinegar water to reduce bacteria and keep feet odor free and prevent foot fungus from developing. It helps reduce the itch and sting of insect bites when poured over them. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, mix a shot of vinegar to a glass of water and drink all at once or sip throughout the day. It works on the principle of making your body more alkaline which fights the germs (bacteria cannot grow in alkaline environments). Eating a lot of carbohydrates makes your body more acid which in turn makes it more susceptable to germs that feed on it. Keeping your system more alkaline helps keep you healthy. There are even diets that use vinegar to help you lose weight. Ancient people traveling to unknown areas where they would be eating food they were unsure of, would first drink vinegar to protect their stomachs and keep from getting sick. Words of caution: Never ingest apple cider vinegar along with baking soda or even Alka-Seltzer. If you want to see what happens when the two are mixed, try mixing them in a bowl and imagine the eruption that would occur if that were in your stomach. Also, if you drink vinegar along with dairy products there is a chance it can curdle in your stomach and make you sick to your stomach if you tend to be sensitive. If you intend on drinking vinegar on a regular basis, the acidic properties of vinegar can eat away at tooth enamel over time. Use a drinking straw to sip it so it has little to no contact with your teeth. You can swish the vinegar solution around your mouth to help fight bacteria just don't do it continuously. For a trusted source of medical advice with information on your health and vinegar visit WebMD. They state that medical studies about the use of vinegar for treating cancer, blood pressure, obesity weight loss and diabetes is promising. Always keep in mind that vinegar should always be diluted since it's a strong acid.
Vinegar will safely clean your floors, windows, etc without damaging any surfaces and make them bacteria free. It removes soap residue and sticky labels. Remove wallpaper by wetting the wall with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Eliminate smokey and other odors by boiling water with a generous amount of vinegar added to create steam. Add a cup to your load of laundry to rid clothes of body odor and musty or sour smells of linens. Reduce the saltiness of soup or stew by adding about a teaspoon of vinegar. Soak sponges in vinegar to remove odor and disinfect. Clean drains by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar, let stand 5 minutes and run hot water. Mix equal parts flour and salt with enough vinegar to make a paste to polish metals or make a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar to get grime off pots and pans. Keep cut flowers fresher by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar to 1 quart water in the vase. For a great, inexpensive glass cleaner recipe, mix 1 quart water with 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup ammonia. And of course it's a natural preservative for food-when have you ever seen pickles spoil? Clean up pet urine accidents on carpet and other surfaces with vinegar which neutralizes the urine ammonia smell and helps keep pets from soiling the same area again. When you give your dog a bath, a vinegar rinse will keep their coat shiney and helps keep insects away. Cleaning musty smelling antiques with vinegar helps remove the bad odor. With all the uses of this cheap miracle liquid, be sure to keep a gallon on hand!
How to Handle Problem Hair-Curly, Frizzy, Dry, Damaged or Oily
Curly, Frizzy or Dry, Damaged Hair
Avoid shampoos that are clear in color which contain little or no moisturizer. Choose a gentle, pearlized one instead and deep condition once or twice a week. Do a final rinse with cool water after shampooing to smooth and seal the hair cuticle. For styling frizzy, naturally curly hair try pure 100% aloe vera gel. It will help moisturize dry hair and works as a styling gel while making hair healthier. Products that coat the hair, help keep humidity from permeating and causing hair cuticle to swell. Avoid products with alcohol which dry and frizz hair. Gel products containing guar gum help give more control with styling and ridding frizzies. Keep blow drying to a minimum and when blow-drying, force the air in the direction of hair growth so you don't rough up the cuticle anymore then you have to. Always use a styling product that specifically protects hair during heat processes. To separate curls, after washing and towel drying hair, apply mousse and then spray hair with a non-aerosol hairspray all over, combing through then dry with a diffuser.
For hundreds more tips on handling problem hair types: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Oily Hair
Use plain or clarifying shampoos that are clear in color which contain mostly detergents and little moisturizer. Avoid shampoos that look creamy or pearlized in appearance, which contain oily ingredients and make the oil worse. The idea is to slow the production of oil being produced in your scalp. Don't over wash your hair which temporarily dries out oil glands causing them to produce even more oil in response. Avoid over brushing which stimulates the scalp into producing more oil, or over touching your hair since your fingers will leave more oil residue. If you do need to use conditioner, apply it only to the bottom half of hair or the ends.
Avoid shampoos that are clear in color which contain little or no moisturizer. Choose a gentle, pearlized one instead and deep condition once or twice a week. Do a final rinse with cool water after shampooing to smooth and seal the hair cuticle. For styling frizzy, naturally curly hair try pure 100% aloe vera gel. It will help moisturize dry hair and works as a styling gel while making hair healthier. Products that coat the hair, help keep humidity from permeating and causing hair cuticle to swell. Avoid products with alcohol which dry and frizz hair. Gel products containing guar gum help give more control with styling and ridding frizzies. Keep blow drying to a minimum and when blow-drying, force the air in the direction of hair growth so you don't rough up the cuticle anymore then you have to. Always use a styling product that specifically protects hair during heat processes. To separate curls, after washing and towel drying hair, apply mousse and then spray hair with a non-aerosol hairspray all over, combing through then dry with a diffuser.
For hundreds more tips on handling problem hair types: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Oily Hair
Use plain or clarifying shampoos that are clear in color which contain mostly detergents and little moisturizer. Avoid shampoos that look creamy or pearlized in appearance, which contain oily ingredients and make the oil worse. The idea is to slow the production of oil being produced in your scalp. Don't over wash your hair which temporarily dries out oil glands causing them to produce even more oil in response. Avoid over brushing which stimulates the scalp into producing more oil, or over touching your hair since your fingers will leave more oil residue. If you do need to use conditioner, apply it only to the bottom half of hair or the ends.
Hair Volume Plus Color
Volume Hair Conditioner with Color Added
Henna natural hair coloring, has been used for thousands of years. It makes hair shiney, conditioned and helps plump up the hair shaft making it appear fuller. You can do a version of henna coloring that will not last as long but adds some pizazz, shine and conditioning to hair. Choose a henna color closest to your own shade in powder form, or use colorless henna for volume without adding color. Mix henna using half the water as directed on the package. Add your favorite deep conditioner to the mixture in place of the other half of water. Apply to hair, working through hair well. Leave on hair following directions as indicated on henna package before shampooing.
For thousands of additional tips and information on Henna and other natural hair colorants: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Henna natural hair coloring, has been used for thousands of years. It makes hair shiney, conditioned and helps plump up the hair shaft making it appear fuller. You can do a version of henna coloring that will not last as long but adds some pizazz, shine and conditioning to hair. Choose a henna color closest to your own shade in powder form, or use colorless henna for volume without adding color. Mix henna using half the water as directed on the package. Add your favorite deep conditioner to the mixture in place of the other half of water. Apply to hair, working through hair well. Leave on hair following directions as indicated on henna package before shampooing.
For thousands of additional tips and information on Henna and other natural hair colorants: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Simple Hair Conditioning Recipes
Natural Hair Conditioning
For hair conditioning mask recipes, all you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry for very effective treatments. Mix ingredients well and work through hair concentrating on ends. Cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes before shampooing. For better penetration, apply heat or a steaming towel while conditioning.
For lots more tips, recipes and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Very Simple Hair Conditioner
1 part olive oil to 2 parts honey
Deep Hair Conditioner
1/2 a banana
1/2 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tablespoon each wheat germ oil and yogurt
Protein Hair Conditioner
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Avocado-Coconut Hair Conditioner
1 mashed avocado
1 cup coconut milk
For better penetration, heat blended ingredients in microwave for about 40 seconds. Test temperature before massaging mixture into hair.
For hair conditioning mask recipes, all you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry for very effective treatments. Mix ingredients well and work through hair concentrating on ends. Cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes before shampooing. For better penetration, apply heat or a steaming towel while conditioning.
For lots more tips, recipes and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Very Simple Hair Conditioner
1 part olive oil to 2 parts honey
Deep Hair Conditioner
1/2 a banana
1/2 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tablespoon each wheat germ oil and yogurt
Protein Hair Conditioner
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Avocado-Coconut Hair Conditioner
1 mashed avocado
1 cup coconut milk
For better penetration, heat blended ingredients in microwave for about 40 seconds. Test temperature before massaging mixture into hair.
HAIR LOSS AND THINNING IN WOMEN
What to do for your thinning hair:
For many women, hair loss and thinning is not from inheritance, but related to temporary or reversible conditions such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, excessive stress, major surgery, chemotherapy or infections. Even dieting, vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, and some drugs will cause hair loss. Over processing hair with chemicals or pulling hair back too tight can also cause it to fall out. Find out what the underlying problem that is causing the loss in order to correct it. In the meantime, don’t sleep with your hair pulled back tight, treat it with tender care and try using any of the following to help with regrowth: Make a strong tea of any of the following herbs and pour over just washed hair as a final rinse leaving it in hair to dry: Chamomile, catnip or burdock root. For thin hair, avoid long hair, cutting hair in a shorter style. A blunt cut will make your hair appear thicker at the ends and bangs can help mask the look of thinning hair around the forehead. Rogaine for women is also very useful for getting hair to grow back. Exercise will speed up your metabolism, circulation and blood flow, having an effect on hair growth as well. Oil of Rosemary is also good for massaging into the scalp to increase circulation and help hair growth.
For many women, hair loss and thinning is not from inheritance, but related to temporary or reversible conditions such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, excessive stress, major surgery, chemotherapy or infections. Even dieting, vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, and some drugs will cause hair loss. Over processing hair with chemicals or pulling hair back too tight can also cause it to fall out. Find out what the underlying problem that is causing the loss in order to correct it. In the meantime, don’t sleep with your hair pulled back tight, treat it with tender care and try using any of the following to help with regrowth: Make a strong tea of any of the following herbs and pour over just washed hair as a final rinse leaving it in hair to dry: Chamomile, catnip or burdock root. For thin hair, avoid long hair, cutting hair in a shorter style. A blunt cut will make your hair appear thicker at the ends and bangs can help mask the look of thinning hair around the forehead. Rogaine for women is also very useful for getting hair to grow back. Exercise will speed up your metabolism, circulation and blood flow, having an effect on hair growth as well. Oil of Rosemary is also good for massaging into the scalp to increase circulation and help hair growth.
"Swimmer's Hair" and "Green Hair"
Avoid "Swimmer's Hair" and “Green Hair”
Many head for swimming pools for recreation and relaxation, while others use pools all year for physical fitness, and thus the problem of pool chemicals turning hair (specifically, blonde and color-treated blonde or highlighted hair) an undesirable shade of green. What causes this discoloration in most cases is copper, a metal that may be present in pool water (even in your tap water if your local municipal water supply has a detectable level of copper), and also from copper in anti-algae pool treatments or other pool treatment chemicals, even from copper pipes that supply the pool's water. If you color-treat or perm your hair, residual amounts of the chemical ammonium chloride react with copper in pool water, forming copper ions that attach to the hair shaft and causeDiscoloration (the green color shade on hair is copper oxidizing on your hair-just like a copper roof turning green over time). A long time myth has been that the chlorine in water is the cause of green hair. The chlorine has nothing to do with creating the tint but it will definitely dry and damage your hair and skin. Chlorine can change hair color with it’s bleaching properties to lighten hair (particularly hair that is already light) or dull the color of dyed hair. To prevent the green, you want to reduce the build-up of metals on your hair by using shampoos that contain the chelating agent EDTA (ethylenediamene tetracetic acid), a common additive to shampoos and fairly easy to find. Most every shampoo labeled "clarifying" or "anti-residue" contains EDTA and removes build-up. A special "swimmer's shampoo" isn't necessary, though these generally contain chelating agents anyway, so they do work.
The best but not too attractive option is to always wear a bathing cap while swimming. Tucking your hair into a rubber cap will reduce contact with pool water, so no damage occurs. Applying a leave-in conditioner before the bathing cap makes applying it easier (less hair pulling) and also serves as a conditioning treatment; as your scalp releases body heat, it will be trapped under the bathing cap, allowing the conditioner to penetrate hair better. An alternative to wearing a bathing cap, and help minimize damage from chlorine and avoid green cast to hair from copper in pool water:
*Soak hair with clean water before entering pool water so hair does not soak up as much chlorine and chemicals, and rinse again after exiting the pool, never allow pool water-soaked hair to dry.
*If you own a swimming pool, talk to your pool supply store about chemical treatments that can be added to the water to make it less acidic, (acid encourages copper release from metal pieces due to corrosion). Your local pool supply store can also test your pool water to determine the presence of metals and make suggestions on how to get them down to an acceptable level.
*If you swim regularly, use as little heat-styling on your hair as possible and avoid brushing too often, which causes further damage. Be sure to use an emollient, or leave-in conditioner, for at least the ends of hair, and be sure to keep hair protected while outdoors by wearing a hat or scarf whenever possible. Do regular deep conditioning treatments. When you combine the damage pool water can do to hair, with the drying damage from the sun, you can quickly put your hair into a state of severe distress that will resemble straw.
For much more information on hair care and removing ‘swimmers green tint’: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Many head for swimming pools for recreation and relaxation, while others use pools all year for physical fitness, and thus the problem of pool chemicals turning hair (specifically, blonde and color-treated blonde or highlighted hair) an undesirable shade of green. What causes this discoloration in most cases is copper, a metal that may be present in pool water (even in your tap water if your local municipal water supply has a detectable level of copper), and also from copper in anti-algae pool treatments or other pool treatment chemicals, even from copper pipes that supply the pool's water. If you color-treat or perm your hair, residual amounts of the chemical ammonium chloride react with copper in pool water, forming copper ions that attach to the hair shaft and causeDiscoloration (the green color shade on hair is copper oxidizing on your hair-just like a copper roof turning green over time). A long time myth has been that the chlorine in water is the cause of green hair. The chlorine has nothing to do with creating the tint but it will definitely dry and damage your hair and skin. Chlorine can change hair color with it’s bleaching properties to lighten hair (particularly hair that is already light) or dull the color of dyed hair. To prevent the green, you want to reduce the build-up of metals on your hair by using shampoos that contain the chelating agent EDTA (ethylenediamene tetracetic acid), a common additive to shampoos and fairly easy to find. Most every shampoo labeled "clarifying" or "anti-residue" contains EDTA and removes build-up. A special "swimmer's shampoo" isn't necessary, though these generally contain chelating agents anyway, so they do work.
The best but not too attractive option is to always wear a bathing cap while swimming. Tucking your hair into a rubber cap will reduce contact with pool water, so no damage occurs. Applying a leave-in conditioner before the bathing cap makes applying it easier (less hair pulling) and also serves as a conditioning treatment; as your scalp releases body heat, it will be trapped under the bathing cap, allowing the conditioner to penetrate hair better. An alternative to wearing a bathing cap, and help minimize damage from chlorine and avoid green cast to hair from copper in pool water:
*Soak hair with clean water before entering pool water so hair does not soak up as much chlorine and chemicals, and rinse again after exiting the pool, never allow pool water-soaked hair to dry.
*If you own a swimming pool, talk to your pool supply store about chemical treatments that can be added to the water to make it less acidic, (acid encourages copper release from metal pieces due to corrosion). Your local pool supply store can also test your pool water to determine the presence of metals and make suggestions on how to get them down to an acceptable level.
*If you swim regularly, use as little heat-styling on your hair as possible and avoid brushing too often, which causes further damage. Be sure to use an emollient, or leave-in conditioner, for at least the ends of hair, and be sure to keep hair protected while outdoors by wearing a hat or scarf whenever possible. Do regular deep conditioning treatments. When you combine the damage pool water can do to hair, with the drying damage from the sun, you can quickly put your hair into a state of severe distress that will resemble straw.
For much more information on hair care and removing ‘swimmers green tint’: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Old Time Early 1800's Hair Tonic Recipes
Old Time Hair Tonic Recipes from the Early 1800’s:
OIL TONIC TO MAKE HAIR GROW AND CURL
½ Pint olive oil
1/8 oz. each oils of rosemary and origanum
Mix well and apply freely.
Note: Olive oil and rosemary oil are quite common to find. Origanum is easily obtained from any store that sells essential oils and is an oil with antifungal, stimulating tonic properties. Since this mixture would be very oily, the recommendation is for use as a deep conditioning treatment with steam before shampooing.
SHAMPOO TO MAKE HAIR CURL
2 lbs common soap
3 pints spirits of wine
3 oz. potash
Cut the soap in small pieces and melt all ingredients together, stirring it with a clean piece of wood; then add a quarter of an ounce each of essence of amber, vanilla and nervoli and mix well. Use as a shampoo.
Note: These are quite old recipes and difficult to find such ingredients as 'common' soap which could be no more than harsh detergent or lye soap. The name potash comes from the English wording Pot and Ash. Ashes from burned hardwood trees would be used to make lye, which could either be used to make soap or boiled down to produce valuable potash. So you can see this recipe was primarily just soap-and not necessarily good quality soap. Spirits of wine is merely rectified ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol - defined as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel...that doesn't sound good. I don't recommend doing what early Americans did to curl their hair with this recipe.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
OIL TONIC TO MAKE HAIR GROW AND CURL
½ Pint olive oil
1/8 oz. each oils of rosemary and origanum
Mix well and apply freely.
Note: Olive oil and rosemary oil are quite common to find. Origanum is easily obtained from any store that sells essential oils and is an oil with antifungal, stimulating tonic properties. Since this mixture would be very oily, the recommendation is for use as a deep conditioning treatment with steam before shampooing.
SHAMPOO TO MAKE HAIR CURL
2 lbs common soap
3 pints spirits of wine
3 oz. potash
Cut the soap in small pieces and melt all ingredients together, stirring it with a clean piece of wood; then add a quarter of an ounce each of essence of amber, vanilla and nervoli and mix well. Use as a shampoo.
Note: These are quite old recipes and difficult to find such ingredients as 'common' soap which could be no more than harsh detergent or lye soap. The name potash comes from the English wording Pot and Ash. Ashes from burned hardwood trees would be used to make lye, which could either be used to make soap or boiled down to produce valuable potash. So you can see this recipe was primarily just soap-and not necessarily good quality soap. Spirits of wine is merely rectified ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol - defined as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel...that doesn't sound good. I don't recommend doing what early Americans did to curl their hair with this recipe.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Simple Rinses for Shiny Hair
Hair Shine Rinse
To get shiny hair, after rinsing out shampoo, pour a glass of natural brewed regular tea (preferably cold) over hair and towel dry or substitute a rinse of 1/3 apple cider vinegar to 2/3 water. Or just rinse hair (very thoroughly to remove all soap residue) in cold water which helps close down the hair’s cuticle, leaving a smoother, shinier surface to hair. Hot water rinsing opens up the hair cuticle making it look rougher and less shiney. Apple cider vinegar has the same pH balance as your skin and hair and is a natural clarifier, removing product buildup, detangler and gives hair shine. Be careful about using on very dry or damaged hair since it can tend to be a bit drying. Chamomile tea is a good rinse for blond hair giving it shine and highlights.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
To get shiny hair, after rinsing out shampoo, pour a glass of natural brewed regular tea (preferably cold) over hair and towel dry or substitute a rinse of 1/3 apple cider vinegar to 2/3 water. Or just rinse hair (very thoroughly to remove all soap residue) in cold water which helps close down the hair’s cuticle, leaving a smoother, shinier surface to hair. Hot water rinsing opens up the hair cuticle making it look rougher and less shiney. Apple cider vinegar has the same pH balance as your skin and hair and is a natural clarifier, removing product buildup, detangler and gives hair shine. Be careful about using on very dry or damaged hair since it can tend to be a bit drying. Chamomile tea is a good rinse for blond hair giving it shine and highlights.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Natural Covering of Grey Hair and Care
Covering Grey Hair and Care:
-For brunettes, boil potato peels in water, strain, and cool. Use the strained water as an after-shampoo rinse to darken grey hair.
-Sage will return grey to normal color gradually when used regularly over a period of time. Simmer 1 part dried sage with a little rosemary in 4 parts water for a half hour, then let steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour over clean hair daily. Leave on until hair is dry, then rinse out. Once your hair returns to the shade you want, use it once or twice a week.
-Make a strong tea of hollyhock (blue-purple flowers) or betony to remove yellow cast from grey hair. Also try using a clarifying shampoo to remove the yellow which could be coming from mineral deposits in your water. Or the yellow could be from overheating your hair with heat appliances which can burn and discolor hair. Use lower heat settings when styling. When hair turns gray, it becomes coarse and is prone to yellowing from pollution, smoke, sunlight, etc. Switch to shampoo and conditioner that is made especially for graying or white hair. Shampoos with a violet base will brighten hair and help eliminate the yellowing. Avoid red shampoo which will turn grey and white hair pink. The more gray or white your hair becomes, the more difficult it is for hair color to cover it and the more noticeable the roots appear as they grow in. Stay away from trying to color gray hair too dark, instead go with a color a little lighter than your natural color and use lighter streaks or highlights so the gray roots growing in will appear less noticeable and require fewer touchups. You also loose the warmth of color around your face as you gray so use a little more color on your face to balance out the lack of color in your hair, especially if you have pale or fair skin. For lots more tricks, recipes and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
-For brunettes, boil potato peels in water, strain, and cool. Use the strained water as an after-shampoo rinse to darken grey hair.
-Sage will return grey to normal color gradually when used regularly over a period of time. Simmer 1 part dried sage with a little rosemary in 4 parts water for a half hour, then let steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour over clean hair daily. Leave on until hair is dry, then rinse out. Once your hair returns to the shade you want, use it once or twice a week.
-Make a strong tea of hollyhock (blue-purple flowers) or betony to remove yellow cast from grey hair. Also try using a clarifying shampoo to remove the yellow which could be coming from mineral deposits in your water. Or the yellow could be from overheating your hair with heat appliances which can burn and discolor hair. Use lower heat settings when styling. When hair turns gray, it becomes coarse and is prone to yellowing from pollution, smoke, sunlight, etc. Switch to shampoo and conditioner that is made especially for graying or white hair. Shampoos with a violet base will brighten hair and help eliminate the yellowing. Avoid red shampoo which will turn grey and white hair pink. The more gray or white your hair becomes, the more difficult it is for hair color to cover it and the more noticeable the roots appear as they grow in. Stay away from trying to color gray hair too dark, instead go with a color a little lighter than your natural color and use lighter streaks or highlights so the gray roots growing in will appear less noticeable and require fewer touchups. You also loose the warmth of color around your face as you gray so use a little more color on your face to balance out the lack of color in your hair, especially if you have pale or fair skin. For lots more tricks, recipes and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
All Natural Hair Color and Highlights
Natural Hair Coloring and Highlights
Natural hair rinses work over a period of time giving subtle color and highlights. To clean damp hair, pour any natural color rinse over hair a dozen or more times catching the excess liquid in a large bowl or bathroom sink as it runs off, and pouring it over hair repeatedly. Since these work gradually, they won’t give you immediate results so give them time to make changes in your coloring.
For Brunettes:
Natural hair rinses work over a period of time giving subtle color and highlights. To clean damp hair, pour any natural color rinse over hair a dozen or more times catching the excess liquid in a large bowl or bathroom sink as it runs off, and pouring it over hair repeatedly. Since these work gradually, they won’t give you immediate results so give them time to make changes in your coloring.
For Brunettes:
Cook an unpeeled potato in boiling water. While liquid is still warm, dip a paint brush or cotton ball in the cooking water and saturate hair, being careful not to get any on skin. Leave on hair for 20-30 minutes and rinse.
For Blondes:
Make a strong tea from saffron, turmeric, calendula, mullein, privet, yellow broom, or any yellow blossomed herb or flower will add color and highlights for blondes. Or try bringing to boil 4 tablespoons of chopped rhubarb in 3 cups hot water then simmer 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and pour over hair after shampooing. To restore hair that was once blonde, mix equal parts of licorice root and oat straw and add a little saffron. Cover with water, bring to boil, then simmer to make a strong tea. Strain and use as a rinse after shampooing, soaking hair, do not rinse out.
For Redheads:
Use a strong tea from rosehips, calendula, or red hibiscus.
For more recipes and ideas on natural hair coloring and care: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
For more recipes and ideas on natural hair coloring and care: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Dandruff Treatments
DANDRUFF
For dry scalp, do not use products like Head and Shoulders which dry your scalp and hair even more compounding the problem and it can strip hair color as well. Avoid products that contain alcohol which are drying such as hairsprays or hair gels, or shampoos that contain a lot of detergent. Shampoos that produce a lot of lather have a lot of detergent; less lather means less detergent. Some of the flaking may be product build up on your scalp so make sure you’re giving your scalp a good massage and use a clarifying shampoo, or massage in 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 parts water as a natural clarifier and style without rinsing. If you see oily gray or yellow tiny balls that clump together, or very powdery, fine flaking, you may want to consult with your doctor first. If you have white flakes, large or fine, it's usually dry scalp dandruff or product buildup and treatable yourself.To treat dandruff yourself, try one or more of the following remedies:
1. Make strong tea from fresh or dried rosemary or thyme and let steep 24 hours. Use daily as hair rinse, massaging into scalp without rinsing out then style as usual.
2. Mix one part each apple cider vinegar, vodka, and water with a drop of tea tree oil. Apply to hair after shampooing and don’t rinse.
3. Massage aloe vera gel directly into scalp 15-30 minutes before washing your hair on a regular basis.
4. Massage baking soda into scalp or rinse hair daily in a cup of water with a tablet of Alka-Seltzer dissolved in it. This makes the scalp more alkaline which helps control dandruff.
For more dandruff information and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
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