If you regularly soak and cook rice at home, you probably throw away the leftover “rice water” once you’re done. But believe it or not, rice water, the milky liquid leftover when you soak rice for several hours, offers a bunch of benefits for hair health and beyond — and rice water for hair isn’t the only use.

Not only may rice water promote hair growth and defend against hair thinning, but it also seems to offer benefits for those with sensitive and aging skin. Considering it can be made with two very inexpensive and widely available ingredients, water and rice, there’s little reason not to give it a try.

How to Use Rice Water for Hair

First and foremost, what is rice water, and why is beneficial? Rice water (sometimes called kanji) is a cloudy liquid made by soaking rice for a few hours.

Some rice water is also fermented, which means it has sit for longer and developed some beneficial compounds, just like other fermented foods.

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a grain that contains a number of nutrients. When rice is soaked in water, some of these nutrients are released into the liquid, which can then be applied to hair or your skin.

Rice water has been found to contain:

• Antioxidants, such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds
  compounds
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E
• Starches, polysaccharides and other carbohydrates
• Amino acids (the building blocks of proteins, which also help form and repair hair)
• Organic acids

Fermented rice water also has been shown in some research to contain a compound called inositol, a type of sugar molecule with free radical-fighting capabilities that may help protect hair breakage damage. Additionally, it contains the compound called pitera, a byproduct of yeast fermentation, which is associated with cellular renewal.

One study published in the International Journal of Science and Research concluded that “the fermentation process helps to preserve the product’s shelf life with anti-microbial properties and also increase the nutrient density, making the product’s natural ingredients more powerful.”

Overall, there hasn’t been a ton of research looking thoroughly at how well rice water for hair works. However, several available studies have found evidence suggesting that it can be beneficial for maintaining healthy hair (and potentially youthful-looking skin, too).

Benefits of using rice water for hair growth and appearance may include:

• Helping support hair growth
• Making hair shinier and more “lustrous”
• Rinsing hair of impurities without stripping it and drying it
• Softening hair
• Detangling strands
• Strengthening hair strands to defend against damage and split ends

Other Benefits/Uses

Aside from using rice water for hair, you can also use it to help support skin health. In fact, kanji has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system of medicine that has origins in Ancient India, as well as in Japan and Korea, for centuries.

What are the potential perks of using rice on your face? Uses of rice water for skin health include:

• Helping moisturize skin and reduce symptoms of eczema and skin dryness
• Decreasing dermatitis symptoms and irritation among people with sensitive skin
• Gently cleaning the skin
• Softening the skin and improving its texture and general complexion, including by “brightening” and tightening the skin and reducing appearance of pores
• Defending against signs of aging due to its antioxidant effects, including fine line and dark spots
• Increasing circulation to the skin

A 2018 study published in the journal Cosmetics found evidence that rice water has potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on skin.

In this particular study, 12 adults used a hydrogel containing rice water on their skin for 28 days. Rice water was shown to have antioxidant activity and elastase inhibitory effects, meaning it may slow formation of wrinkles.

According to the researchers, this makes it a suitable cosmetic and “anti-aging ingredient to be used as raw material for skincare applications.”

How to Make Rice Water

Here is a basic rice water recipe that can be used on your hair and face:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (ideally organic rice, whether white or whole grain/brown rice)
• 1 cup water (ideally use filtered water so the finished product is free of impurities)

Directions:

1. First rinse the rice well under running water for about a minute. Strain it to remove the water.
2. Add the rice and water to a bowl, and let it sit for several hours or more.
3. Strain the rice, and keep the water that is left over in the bowl.
4. Put the rice water in a glass far, cover it with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. This will allow fermentation to take place, in which beneficial microbes develop in the water.
5. Once fermented, put the jar in the refrigerator. Try using it within about one week.

You can use rice water directly on your hair or face or incorporate it into other products, such as shampoo or hair masks. You can also look for commercially sold products that are made with rice water, such as hair and skin care products that are manufactured in countries such as Korea and India.

How long can you leave rice water in your hair?

A popular way to use rice water for hair is as a cleaning hair rinse. Before shampooing your hair, add a generous amount to your hair, massage it in and let it sit for about three to five minutes. Then condition as usual.

You can also choose to use it more as a hair mask by letting it sit in clean hair for 20 minutes or longer before rinsing well.

How often should you use rice water?

Like other hair treatments, using rice water for hair once or several times per week may give you the best results. There’s no detriment to using it often or even every other day, so this is really up to you.

When using rice water on your on face, try spreading it on clean skin once you’ve already used a gentle cleanser but before applying moisturizer. This will help seal in moisture and soften skin.

You can do this once daily or several times per week depending on other skin care products you use.

You can also use some in a facial mask, face scrub or in a soaking bath. Depending on how you’re using it, consider adding other ingredients, such as coconut oil, almond oil or borage oil to boost moisture; lavender oil to soothe irritated skin; or aloe vera to reduce itching and promote healing.

How long does it take for rice water to grow your hair?

Using this ingredient on your hair likely won’t result in an immediate, noticeable difference in length — however, over the course of several weeks you may find that your hair feels fuller, thicker and more voluminous.

By preventing breakage it will help your hair grow in more healthfully. This way you can allow it to grow out for longer without needing to cut off split ends.

Risks and Side Effects

What are potential side effects of rice water on hair? Overall it seems to be very safe for most people to use, considering it’s made with simple ingredients like rice and water.

It’s generally non-toxic and non-irritating, and it’s even suitable for those with a sensitive scalp and skin. However, it can trigger irritation among people with allergies to rice.

To prevent an allergic reaction, don’t use products containing this ingredient if you have a known rice allergy.

Like other beauty products, use a small amount at first to test your reaction. Increase how much you use gradually depending on the results.

If you notice side effects like itching, redness, worsened irritation or increased dryness, stop using this ingredient. These may be signs that you’re not responding well due to issues such as yeast growth or an allergy.

Conclusion

• Rice water is a milky liquid made by soaking rice that contains nutrients including B vitamins, antioxidants, carbohydrates and amino acids. It’s long been used among Asian women to support hair and skin health, but there’s generally a lack of scientific evidence showing how effective it is.
• What is rice water good for? A popular use of rice water is for hair growth, but it can also be used on your on face for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Benefits may potentially include softening and strengthening hair, preventing breakage, managing eczema symptoms and skin dryness, and reducing formation of wrinkles.

Rice Water for Hair & Skin: Does It Really Work?

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• Author: Jillian Levy
• Total Time: 24 hr
• Yield: 1 use

Print Recipe

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Description

Does rice water for hair growth and skin health work? While there are limited studies on its efficacy, it does contain beneficial compounds.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (ideally organic rice, whether white or whole grain/brown rice)
• 1 cup water (ideally use filtered water so the finished product is free of impurities)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. First rinse the rice well under running water for about a minute. Strain it to remove the water.
2. Add the rice and water to a bowl, and let it sit for several hours or more.
3. Strain the rice, and keep the water that is left over in the bowl.
4. Put the rice water in a glass far, cover it with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. This will allow fermentation to take place, in which beneficial microbes develop in the water.
5. Once fermented, put the jar in the refrigerator. Try using it within about one week.

Notes

• You can use rice water directly on your hair or face or incorporate it into other products, such as shampoo or hair masks.

• Prep Time: 24 hr
• Method: Mixing

The post Rice Water for Hair & Skin: Does It Really Work? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Castor oil has been used for centuries in traditional beauty treatments for hair because of its beneficial fatty acids and vitamin E content. Today, it’s used in over 700 cosmetic products and remains popular as a natural remedy for various hair issues, including castor oil for hair dryness, breakage and castor oil for hair growth.

Castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. After being extracted from the seeds, the oil is filtered and steamed to remove ricin, a toxic component that could cause rancidity. What’s left is a vegetable oil rich in compounds such as ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, proteins, antioxidants and more.

These chemical components, especially the fatty acids, allow for the many castor oil benefits for hair. When massaged into the scalp and strands, the oil has moisturizing, soothing and circulation-stimulating properties, making it a useful home remedy for many common hair-related issues.

Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth and More

Studies suggest that castor oil benefits the hair due to its high content of ricinoleic acid and other fatty acids, amino acids, flavonoids, vitamin E and minerals. Here’s how you can use castor oil for hair growth and more.

1. Hydrates Hair

Research shows that the fatty acids in castor oil, especially ricinoleic acid, make it an excellent hair and scalp moisturizer. Rubbing the oil into hair strands helps reduce dryness and breakage, and massaging it into the scalp improves dandruff and eases itchiness or irritation.

2. Improves Hair Texture

Just like coconut oil for hair, castor oil can leave your hair smoother and shinier. It works as a natural detangler and has been proven to reduce hair felting, a disorder that causes hair to become entangled and matted, creating a hard stony mass that resembles a bird’s nest.

3. Reduces Hair Breakage

Castor oil has hydrating and nourishing properties, helping you avoid hair breakage and damage. The fatty acids in the oil have enhanced penetration, making them able to provide a soothing, strengthening effect in the hair follicles.

4. Promotes Hair Growth

Research shows that the ricinoleic acid in castor oil may treat hair loss in men by balancing prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production, which affects hair growth.

Castor oil also improves blood circulation to your follicles, helping your hair grow. For this reason, the oil can also be applied to your eyebrows for hair growth.

5. Improves Scalp Health

Castor oil has moisturizing and soothing properties, allowing it to ease dryness and irritation of the scalp. It also works as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing agent.

Studies indicate that the ricinoleic acid in castor oil protects the scalp and shaft of the hair from fungal and microbial infections.

How to Use

When choosing castor oil for hair at the store, opt for a pure, cold-pressed product from a high-quality brand. Castor oil can be used on your hair strands, scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes.

It can be used on your skin, too, and may help reduce acne, aid wound healing and provide hydration.

To use castor oil on your hair, follow these steps:

1. Section your hair so it’s easier to apply the oil evenly.
2. Take a small amount of castor oil, and warm it up in your palms. Then, starting from the ends, gently massage the oil into your hair, working your way up to the roots.
3. Distribute the oil evenly. Then cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to keep the oil from dripping.
4. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper penetration.
5. When you’re ready to remove the oil, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
6. Repeat this process once or twice a week or as desired to achieve optimal hair texture and health.

When using castor oil for hair, be sure to start with only a small amount because too much can make your hair greasy. In addition to boosting overall hair hydration with this type of treatment, castor oil can be applied to hair as a detangler or frizz smoother.

Castor oil can be paired with various other ingredients to enhance its benefits for hair (and skin), including:

• Essential oils: Add a drop of a soothing essential oil, such as lavender, rosemary or peppermint.
• Coconut oil: Combine castor with coconut oil for its moisturizing properties, which can help hydrate the hair and improve its shine and softness.
• Jojoba oil: Like coconut oil, jojoba has nourishing and soothing properties when applied to the hair and scalp.
• Vitamin E oil: Vitamin E oil is a great antioxidant and scalp soother, which can help repair damaged hair and improve its texture.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has moisturizing properties that can help soothe dry scalp and relieve itchiness or irritation.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair and improve its appearance.

Risks and Side Effects

It’s possible to experience an allergic reaction to castor oil used topically, which could result in redness, irritation and swelling. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately, and consult your health care provider if the symptoms don’t improve within a few hours.

It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any new product to your hair or skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. To do this, simply apply a few drops of castor oil to one small area of your skin to ensure there are no adverse effects.

Keep castor oil away from your eyes. If you are using it on your eyebrows, start with a very small amount, and be extra careful not to get the oil into your eyes.

Conclusion

• Castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and contains a number of chemical compounds, such as ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, proteins and antioxidants.
• Castor oil benefits hair by providing hydration, soothing hair strands, relieving scalp dryness and irritation, boosting circulation, and promoting hair growth.
• To use castor oil for hair growth and more, section your hair, and apply a small amount of oil evenly, starting from the ends and working your way to the scalp. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and then wash it out.

The post Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth (and More) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There’s no doubt about it, we all want a luxurious, full head of hair. Although hair loss is most commonly associated with men, women also suffer from this problem — and sadly hair loss in women is a lot less acceptable in society today.

According to the American Hair Loss Association, women actually make up 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers. Such a common problem among both and women, it’s unsurprising that so many people look for hair loss remedies far and wide.

Have you noticed more hair in your brush lately than you used to see, or is you hair falling out in clumps? Do you look in the mirror and see scalp where you used to see only hair?

Losing anywhere from 50 to 150 hairs per day is considered normal, but when you start losing more than that it becomes problematic, not to mention visibly noticeable. What’s really behind your hair loss, and how can you treat the cause, not just the symptoms, with effective hair loss remedies?

It’s common for hair loss sufferers to turn to hair replacement surgery and topical hair loss products in hopes of regaining their full heads of hair — or at least some of what once was. But is that the best course of action to take with hair loss? When it comes to any problem, the first step is to find the root cause.

Let’s talk about the real causes of hair loss and what you can start doing today to naturally stop and hopefully reverse your hair loss. For starters, there are many foods and vitamins for hair growth that won’t break the bank but can really make a difference. There also are many other natural hair loss remedies like rosemary essential oil that have been shown to work as well as conventional topical products.

Causes of Hair Loss

There are typically four main causes of hair loss:

• Heredity (family history)
• Hormonal changes
• Medical conditions
• Medications

The medical term for a loss of hair is alopecia, and there are two main types. First, alopecia areata is the diagnosis when the your body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out. Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited hair condition in which there is hair thinning and then it eventually falls out. This is the genetic hair loss known as male or female pattern baldness.

Hormones in both men and women are responsible for many body processes. When it comes to hair, hormones play a significant role. Hormones can play a part in the hair pattern found on your head as well as the rest of your body. Hormonal changes and imbalances that affect hair growth can be due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause as well as thyroid problems. The good news is that hormone-related hair loss is typically temporary, and normal hair growth will return once hormonal balance returns.

If you’re a mother, you probably recall during pregnancy how full your hair was. Many women say that the times when they’re pregnant are the times when their hair looks its best. And then you undoubtedly remember the aftermath of those months of gorgeous hair. All the hair that should’ve fallen out little by little now comes out in huge amounts of hair loss in just a short period of time. This is called telogen effluvium. This occurs in 40 percent to 50 percent of women, and it’s due to the change in hormones during pregnancy. Thankfully, it’s only a temporary hair loss.

The hormones that we speak about when it comes to hair loss are the group of hormones called androgens. The three types of androgen hormones are testosterone, androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone, more commonly known as DHT. All of us have heard of testosterone and probably associate it with the male “macho” hormone. In fact, both men’s and women’s bodies contain all three of these hormones in some amount, and their imbalance can contribute to hair loss in both sexes.

Related: Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth (and More)

Male vs. Female Hair Loss

By the age of 35, 66 percent of American men have some amount of detectable hair loss. A high percentage, right? By the age of 50, about 85 percent of men have significantly thinning hair, according to the American Hair Loss Association.

The cause of hair loss in men is due to the hair follicles’ sensitivity to DHT (5α-Dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a male androgen hormone that causes follicles to shrink, resulting in a shorter life span and decrease hair production. Normally after hairs fall out another hair starts to grow from this same follicle, but if DHT levels are high, hair growth decreases. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia in men) follows a pattern of a receding hairline that progresses to an “M” shape and then continues to the familiar “U” shape.

Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia in women) is characterized by thinning on the top or the center of the head. Female hair loss is generally due to high levels of stress, hormone imbalance, thyroid conditions or toxic exposure. Women are actually most likely to suffer from hair loss due to hormones. Think pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills and other hormonal changes that women so commonly go through. Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonally related health problem that can contribute to hair loss from the scalp but unwanted hair growth in undesirable places. 

Research also shows that there might be a male equivalent of PCOS related to male hair loss. One study found that men with premature male pattern baldness had hormonal profiles similar to women with PCOS and they also had significantly higher insulin resistance. This shows how proper hormone balance in men is also important to health, specifically hair health.

Best Foods for Hair Growth

The good news is that with lifestyle changes to reduce stress, dietary improvements and the use of other natural hair loss remedies, you can begin to stop hair loss.

A whole foods, nutrient-rich diet is crucial to supporting healthy hair growth. There are many foods that help hair growth, but these are some of my personal favorites:

• Organic foods — Choose these foods because they’re free of chemicals. Chemicals can act as endocrine disrupters interfering with hair growth.
• Pumpkin seeds — Pumpkin seeds are one of the top foods high in zinc, which is necessary for healthy hair health. Research has also shown that a zinc deficiency is linked with hypothyroidism and hair loss.
• Wild-caught fish — Wild-caught fish like salmon are high in omega-3 fats, which decrease inflammation while supporting hair growth and hair thickening.
• Green tea — Green tea helps promote detoxification and contains antioxidants that promote hair growth. It also may stop the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
• Super seeds — Chia, flax and hemp seeds are high in fiber and healthy fats that can help aid hair growth.
• Bone Broth — High in protein, collagen and amino acids, bone broth the perfect food for encouraging healthy hair growth.
• Caffeine — Yes, not technically, a food, but caffeine has been show to spur hair growth. According to research, caffeine stimulates hair shafts and helps them grow faster, by damping down the effects of DHT, a substance that infamously slows hair growth.

Foods to Avoid

There are also foods that I recommend eliminating or avoiding as much as possible like:

• Trans fatty acids — Unhealthy fats like trans fatty acids have been shown to increase inflammation and production of DHT, which can cause hair loss. Stay away from hydrogenated oils like corn oil and soybean oil, which are loaded with trans fats.
• Sugar — Sugar plays a role in hormones imbalances, contributes to insulin resistance, increases DHT and causes inflammation, all of which can lead to hair loss.
• Processed foods — Foods that are highly processed are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium so they’re very counterproductive to healthy hair growth.
• Alcohol — Alcohol can increase inflammation and cause liver toxicity, leading to hair loss. Heavy drinking as well as smoking have both been linked to increased risk of hair loss.
• Caffeine — Wait, didn’t I say the opposite above? Yes, in small amounts, organic coffee and tea can be beneficial to hair health, but you don’t want to overdo it because too much caffeine can cause dehydration, hormone imbalances and even production of DHT.

Best Supplements for Hair Growth

1. Protein powder from bone broth (1–3 servings daily depending on body weight and individual needs): You can also get your daily dose of bone broth from a protein powder. Bone broth powder is rich in protein, collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin and key minerals often missing in the average diet. These vital nutrients support and promote healthy hair growth as well as a wide range of additional health benefits.
2. Collagen protein (1 to 3 servings per day): As one ages, the body’s internal collagen production slows down. Consuming more collagen via collagen supplements can support your body’s own collagen production and help with natural hair growth
3. Saw palmetto (320 milligram daily): A natural DHT blocker that can greatly improve hair growth.
4. Pygeum (100 milligrams 2x daily): Addresses the cause of hair loss by blocking DHT binding sites and improving prostate health.
5. Pumpkin seed oil (8 grams or 1 tablespoon daily): Inhibits DHT formation throughout the body and contains fatty acids that support thick hair.
6. Fish oil (1,000 milligrams daily): Fish oil helps reduce inflammation and thicken hair.
7. Aloe vera juice (1/2 cup 2x daily and shampoo): Aloe vera juice can help naturally thicken hair.
8. Ashwagandha (500 milligrams daily): Adaptogen herbs like ashwagandha help your body adapt and deal with stress, balance hormones and reduce cortisol levels (also known as the aging hormone), which all help encourage healthy hair growth.
9. Rhodiola (500 milligrams daily): Another awesome adaptogen herb to fend off stress and foster hair growth.
10. B-Complex vitamins (1 tablet daily): B vitamins aid in healthy stress management. Biotin or B7 helps thicken your hair naturally and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) supports your adrenal glands.
11. Zinc (8 milligrams daily for women/11 milligrams daily for men): One of the signs of a zinc deficiency is hair loss. Zinc also boosts your immune system and helps repair your gut.

Essential Oils for Stimulating Hair Growth

Wondering how to regrow hair naturally? You can use essential oils to make some of best topical home hair loss remedies.

• Rosemary is one of the top essential oils when it comes to enhancing hair thickness and growth. Rosemary oil is believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulate hair growth. Research even shows that rosemary oil appears to work as well as minoxidil, a conventional topical hair loss treatment.
• Spikenard oil is known for promoting the growth of hair and slowing down the graying process of graying. A 2011 animal study found that spikenard oil showed positive effects on hair growth activity. When using spikenard extract, there was a 30 percent reduction in the time it look for the hair to grow back on the tested rats, which makes it promising for human use. (5)
• Lavender, thyme, cedarwood, sage and peppermint are other great options that may help increase scalp circulation. One recommendation to stimulate new hair growth is to combine three to four drops each of peppermint, rosemary and sage in one tablespoon of olive oil (I also recommend coconut oil or jojoba oil). Then you simply massage the mixture gently into the area(s) of concern one to two times each day.

You may also want to my Rosemary, Cedarwood & Sage Hair Thickener, which is an essential oil triple threat against hair loss.

Conventional Hair Loss Treatment

There are several options when it comes to conventional treatment of hair loss, all of which come with significant side effects unless you opt for a wig or hair piece. The most common conventional hair loss remedies include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical or oral hormones and steroids, hair transplants, and hair restoration surgery.

An example of very commonly used and conventional topical treatment is minoxidil. One of the most well-known versions is Rogaine. Conventional hair growth products like Rogaine are available without a prescription and can be used by both men and women. Finasteride is an oral medication for hair loss in men only and requires a prescription. Both minoxidil and finasteride do not get to the root of hair loss and only work to regrow hair as long as you use these medications. Once you stop using them, the hair growth, if any, will stop.

Surgery is another conventional option that’s more costly and invasive. First there is hair transplantation surgery, which takes hair from another area of the scalp where hair is growing well and moves it to a balding or thinning area. This surgery is most commonly performed for male pattern baldness. Only around 5 percent of female hair loss sufferers are said to be good candidates for hair transplant surgery. This is due to the fact that unlike men who tend to lose hair in concentrated areas, women typically experience hair loss all over their scalps.

Hair restoration surgery is another conventional treatment option and can be done in a few manners. One way is to remove bald scalp and bring the hair-producing scalp closer together to reduce the area of balding. Another form of surgery involves putting devices temporarily underneath the scalp to stretch the areas currently producing hair so that decreases the area of balding. There is also scalp flap surgery, which takes a piece of scalp producing hair and surgically puts it where there is balding.

Precautions

When it comes to conventional treatments for hair loss, there are a lot of possible side effects you should be aware of before using any of these options. Make sure to read warnings carefully and take them into serious consideration because a lot of the side effects are quite serious.

For example, serious side effects of minoxidil products like Rogaine can include unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, tiredness and difficulty breathing.

Side effects of finasteride may include impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, abnormal ejaculation, swelling in your hands or feet, feeling faint, headache, runny nose and skin rash.

With hair transplant surgery, it’s important to know that it does not give you an instantaneous perfect head of hair. It’s common for the hairs to fall out of the grafts right after the transplant, and then they don’t regrow for about three months.

Possible side effects and complications from hair replacement or transplant surgery include pain, temporary numbness or tightness, bleeding, infection, swelling of the face, scarring, poor growth of grafts, and an unnatural appearance of the transplanted hair.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have any ongoing health concerns, make sure to speak with your doctor before using any conventional or natural hair loss remedies. You should also make sure that your treatment option does not interact with any current medications or supplements. In addition, combining natural and conventional treatments (like minoxidil with essential oils) may cause unwanted side effects.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss is typically more than just an annoying physical problem. For many people experiencing hair loss, the daily suffering is very real and takes a huge toll on them in many ways. Research has shown that hair loss can cause “dramatic and devastating emotions in patients, which can negatively impact their self-esteem, body image, and/or self-confidence.”

Your hair loss might not make you look like your ideal self, but it’s important to keep things in perspective because going downhill mentally and emotionally over your hair loss will only contribute to, rather than help, your problem. There is no doubt that lowering your stress will help the state of your hair (and your life) so try to reduce the negative self-talk for the sake of your hair health as well as your total body health.

If you’re a woman experiencing hair loss, it’s an especially good idea to have your thyroid health evaluated to see if hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism could be at the root of your hair troubles. Experts concur that the hair on your head is an indicator of your overall health so what you do to improve your overall health can have a direct positive impact on your hair.

I know it can be frustrating to lose your hair, but don’t lose hope. With a healthy diet and lifestyle along with consistent use of natural hair loss remedies and a dose of patience, it’s truly possible for your hair to grow faster and thicker in the near future.

The post How to Stop Hair Loss: Best Foods, Supplements & Tips appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Zinc pyrithione has been used topically for inflammatory skin conditions for more than 50 years. It has become one of the most common ingredients for improving issues like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Today, it’s added to a range of skin and hair products, including shampoos, face washes and creams. Look at the ingredient list of any product made to fight fungal or bacterial infections that affect the skin and you’re sure to see this common and impressive ingredient.

What Is Zinc Pyrithione? (Plus Types)

Zinc pyrithione (also called pyrithione zinc or ZPT) is known as a “coordination complex” of zinc and pyrithione. It’s used as an ingredient in skin care and hair products because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

ZPT is found in several skin and hair products, including the following:

• Zinc pyrithione shampoo: Shampoos containing ZPT is used for the ingredient’s anti-dandruff properties. It helps kill fungus or bacteria that causes red, itchy and flaky scalp.
• Zinc pyrithione face wash: Because of its antimicrobial properties, pyrithione zinc face wash helps improve acne and relieve symptoms of skin issues, such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
• Pyrithione zinc soap: Like face washes, body soaps medicated with pyrithione zinc have antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis affect areas of the body beyond the face, like the upper chest, back, neck and groin. For these issues and others caused by inflammation, ZPT soap may be helpful.
• Pyrithione zinc cream: For rough patches on the skin or dry skin caused by conditions like psoriasis, ZPT cream can be used for its moisturizing effects.

Benefits/Uses

Pyrithione zinc can be used daily as an ingredient in an over-the-counter or prescription product. If it causes dryness to the scalp or skin, rotate using the ZPT product with a non-medicated product.

The top benefits and uses of pyrithione zinc include:

1. Has Antibacterial Effects

Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology indicates that the particles in ZPT interact with surface fungal and bacteria cells to control their population. By fighting the growth of these invaders, ZPT improves conditions that impact the skin and scalp.

2. Works as an Antifungal Agent

ZPT is the most widely used ingredient in medicated shampoos and soaps because of its powerful antifungal effects. Research shows that pyrithione zinc is delivered as a micro-particle into the inner layers of skin, allowing it to inhibit fungal activity and improve inflammatory skin conditions, such as fungal acne and dandruff.

3. Reduces Dandruff

A 2018 study published in Scientific Reports found that ZPT inhibits the growth of M. restricta, a fungus that commonly causes dandruff. Researchers found that pyrithione zinc treatment significantly reduced the expression of enzymes that’s activity contribute to the survival of these fungi on human skin.

ZPT also proved to improve dandruff by increasing cellular zinc levels.

4. May Improve Hair Growth

A controlled trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that 1 percent pyrithione zinc shampoo improved hair growth when it was used daily for 26 weeks. Researchers believe that this may be due to ZPT’s antifungal and antibacterial effects.

5. Soothes Skin Irritation and Itchiness

Research indicates that ZPT inhibits the growth of fungus and antimicrobials that cause uncomfortable skin conditions. It helps relive itchiness, redness and irritation that often come with inflammatory conditions, like fungal acne, dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

6. Regulates Oil Production

Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can cause skin dryness and oiliness at the same time. By inhibiting the growth of yeast that causes this condition, ZPT helps regulate oil production in the skin and improve the greasiness that can be associated with it.

Risks and Side Effects

Pyrithione zinc is commonly used in over-the-counter products, including shampoos, creams and soaps. It’s considered safe when used topically in normal, recommended amounts.

There are some possible side effects when using ZPT, including redness and a burning sensation, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes and nose. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using the product immediately.

Do not swallow ZPT, and if you do, contact your health care professional.

Pyrithione Zinc vs. Selenium Sulfide

Both pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide are commonly used in anti-dandruff shampoos because of their antifungal properties. Selenium sulfide inhibits the growth of yeast on the skin, including the scalp. It’s available in shampoos and body products both over the counter and as a prescription.

Compared to ZPT, selenium sulfide is known to be stronger and can be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Conclusion

• Pyrithione zinc is known as a “coordination complex” of zinc and pyrithione.
• It’s used as an ingredient in skin care and hair products because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
• ZPT is most known for its use as an anti-dandruff agent. It soothes the scalp, inhibits the growth of fungus and improves the overall appearance of your hair. It can also be used on the face and other parts of the body that are affected by inflammatory skin conditions.

The post What Is Zinc Pyrithione? Plus Why It’s Used for Skin and Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There’s more than one emollient out there. In fact, there are several natural emollients that you probably already use for your skin care routine.

Emollients are mainstays for dry, cracked and damaged skin. They are almost always used in moisturizers because they lock water into the skin while providing a protective barrier that keeps irritants out.

So what is an emollient, and why is it used in beauty products?

What Is an Emollient?

An emollient retains skin moisture while providing a barrier that protects it from irritants. Emollients are used in skin care and cosmetic products to soothe and hydrate the skin, make it softer, and improve conditions that cause dryness, itching and redness.

Emollients work by forming a thin hydrophobic film on the surface of the skin that repels water and prevents the loss of moisture. This is a different effect than that of humectants, which attract water vapor to moisturize the skin.

The major ingredients are similar, consisting of petrolatum, paraffin, glycerin, and plant-derived butters and oils. The lipids (or fats) in these ingredients fill the tiny cracks found in dry skin, smoothing out the surface.

Formulators use a combination of these ingredients to create skin care and cosmetic products meant for skin hydration. While people may think of an emollient as a moisturizer, and they use the terms interchangeably, an emollient is actually one ingredient used in a moisturizer in order to lock water into the skin.

Emollient Types/Varieties

Not every emollient affects the skin in exactly the same way. Some contain more fats or oil, while others work better to provide a skin barrier.

You’ll find emollients in many forms, such as creams, serums, lotions and ointments. The thicker and more fat-based the formula, the more it will serve as a barrier.

Some of the top emollients are:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains fatty acids with soothing properties, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E that neutralize free radicals that contribute to aging, and enzymes with anti-inflammatory effects. It’s often used in skin care products to improve skin irritations and burns, hydrate the scalp, and treat cold sores.

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a popular emollient that’s used in creams, balms, body butters and hair masks. It’s rich in oleic acid, a fatty acid that softens skin and reduces wrinkles.

Shea butter can also be used to moisturize the scalp and hair, helping alleviate dandruff and provide a protective layer from irritants.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil for skin contains three fatty acids that possess disinfectant and antimicrobial properties: capric, caprylic and lauric acid. These fats help prevent moisture loss through the skin’s pores, enhancing the skin barrier function.

Coconut oil also contains powerful antioxidants that reduce signs of aging because they fight free radial damage.

4. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil provides fats, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C and E. It promotes cell turnover and protects the skin from toxins and free radicals.

Rosehip oil is commonly used to reduce the appearance of age spots, help with conditions like eczema and stimulate collagen production.

5. Urea Cream

Urea cream is a go-to for dry, rough and even cracked skin. Urea is actually part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor — it’s a component of the epidermis.

Synthetic urea is manufactured for topical creams to enhance skin integrity, smoothing out cracks and locking in moisture.

6. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is an extract from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It has become known as the gentler alternative to retinol, commonly used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s an emollient that has nourishing, anti-inflammatory effects and helps soothe rough, damaged skin.

7. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is an ultra-hydrating emollient that has become a popular ingredient in commercial beauty products. It’s high in fat, like coconut oil, which allows it to prevent skin dryness and peeling.

Cocoa butter also contains polyphenols that help reduce signs of aging and improve skin elasticity.

8. Squalane Oil

Squalane oil is created from an antioxidant that makes up about 12 percent of the skin’s sebum. It’s high in fatty acids that’s able to penetrate and soften the skin.

Squalane oil face serums are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fight acne and as an eczema treatment.

9. Beeswax

Beeswax is an excellent skin hydrator that’s rich in vitamin A and has anti-inflammatory effects. It has antibacterial effects and can be used to improve conditions like diaper rash, psoriasis and eczema. It may also help clear acne and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

10. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil forms a protective oily layer on the skin’s surface that keeps the moisture in, thereby soothing rough patches and irritations. Jojoba is also considered noncomedogenic, meaning that it doesn’t clog pores.

In addition to being used as a skin hydrator, jojoba serves as an alternative to shaving cream, helps get rid of dandruff and may speed up wound healing.

Benefits

1. Improves Dry, Cracked Skin

Emollients are most commonly used for their moisturizing effects, and studies show that they are indeed beneficial for helping the skin retain moisture.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology indicates that emollients help break the dry skin cycle and maintain the smoothness of the skin. People with dry, flaking and cracked skin can benefit from applying an emollient topically to the area of concern.

Another study published in Nursing Older People found that for aging skin, emollient therapy can help reduce both dryness and loss of the skin’s barrier function.

2. Reduces Signs of Aging

Research shows that emollient products are able to improve photodamage and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. One study found that applying fatty acids to the skin improved hydration, barrier function and skin pH. After 28 days of treatment, a lipid-containing moisturizer significantly reduced wrinkles and improved texture.

3. Relieve Skin Irritations

Emollients are commonly used in the treatment of several dermatological conditions and skin irritations.

A 2018 study published in PLoS One concluded that emollients worked as a preventative tool for infants at high risk for developing atopic dermatitis.

Research also indicates that emollients have anti-inflammatory activity, provide relief from irritation and may improve skin disorders, including psoriasis, keratinization and xeroderma.

How to Use

Emollients are available in many forms. You’ll find them in just about every skin moisturizer, including ointments, creams and lotions.

To use an emollient, you simply apply it to clean skin, usually once or twice daily.

You can also use an emollient on your scalp and hair. Simply massage it into your scalp and tips of your hair strands. Depending on the product, it’s rinsed out afterward or serves as a leave-in moisturizer.

Want to make your own moisturizer with an emollient. Try this Homemade Lotion Frankincense, Lavender and Peppermint Oils.

Risks and Side Effects

There are several types of emollients available, and they are often combined with other ingredients in a skin care product. While applying an emollient topically is considered safe for most people, it is possible to experience side effects, such as irritation, redness and stinging. If you notice any of these adverse effects, stop using the product immediately.

Conclusion

• An emollient retains skin moisture while providing a barrier that protects it from irritants. Different types are used in skin care and cosmetic products to hydrate and soothe the skin.
• Emollients are used to moisturize the skin, improve eczema symptoms and other skin disorders, reduce wrinkles, and make the skin softer.
• Looking for an emollient to use at home? Try coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, beeswax or urea cream, just to name a few.

The post What Is an Emollient and How Does It Benefit Your Skin? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When you think of mango, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the sweet yellow-orange flesh of the fruit that instantly brings you to the tropics. You may be surprised to learn that there’s more to mango than that. The woody kernel in the center of the fruit is jam-packed with healthy fats and nutrients that are extracted to make creamy mango butter.

Like popular shea butter, mango butter can be used on hair and skin for its moisturizing effects. It has a creamy, buttery consistency at cooler temperatures and becomes a light, odorless oil when rubbed into the skin.

Once you know a little bit more about this body and hair care ingredient, it’ll become one of your favorite DIY recipe ingredients.

What Is Mango Butter?

Mango butter is what you get after cold-pressing the fats from mango’s kernel, which creates a creamy butter that can be used on the skin and hair. It has almost no aroma, so it can easily be used as a base in DIY body care recipes or all by itself.

What really makes mango butter special is its nutrition content. It boasts natural antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids.

It’s known for its light texture that doesn’t leave your skin or hair feeling greasy.

At cooler temperatures, mango oil remains solid, but when it warms or is rubbed into the skin, it becomes a protective oil that’s often used as an alternative to cocoa butter.

Benefits

The benefits of mango butter for skin and hair come from its nutrient profile and nourishing effects. Here’s the rundown:

1. Moisturizes Skin and Hair

Mango butter has a semi-solid consistency, but it quickly melts into a rich oil when it touches the skin. It has a lighter texture than many other vegetable oils or butters, so it won’t leave you feeling greasy.

It does, however, hydrate both skin and hair, soothing dry areas. It provides a protective barrier, keeping bacteria and environmental chemicals from entering your pores.

2. Helps with Skin Repair

The nutrients in mango butter have healing properties, so it can be used to promote skin repair and provide skin protection.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that a foot cream made with mango butter was able to completely repair worn and cracked skin in human volunteers. Researchers found that the ingredient works as an effective emollient that provides skin protection.

3. Features Antioxidants

The antioxidants found in mango butter help reduce free radical damage that can lead to early aging. Research indicates that oil extracted from mango kernel has a greater phenolic content than many commercial vegetable oils.

Applying it to your skin helps minimize the impact of environmental stressors, like UV rays and pollution exposure that can cause fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.

4. Doesn’t Clog Pores

Mango butter works as an emollient that provides a protective barrier on the skin, but it won’t clog your pores, so fear not of breakouts. In fact, the butter melts into a light oil that doesn’t leave you feeling too oily.

It’s considered non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog pores and can be used on all skin types. It also has a very mild, even non-detected smell, so people who are sensitive to certain aromas may prefer this one over other options.

5. Reduces Hair Breakage

The nourishing fatty acids in mango butter help reduce hair breakage that naturally occurs overtime and when hair becomes dry. The fats in mango oil seal hair strands and protect it from environmental damage.

It protects your hair from the damage caused by blow drying or using a hot iron, too.

You can also massage it into your scalp to prevent dandruff, flaking and irritation.

How to Use

Use mango butter the same way you should shea or cocoa butter. Simply scoop a pea-sized dollop, rub it into your hands and apply it to your skin.

Rub it into dry or damaged areas in circular motions, especially after bathing or using a cleanser. You can apply other skin products, like makeup, after the butter has been absorbed.

When using mango butter for hair, rub a dime size of butter into your hands, and massage it into the ends of your strands. If you have a dry, flaking scalp, rub a small amount into the area.

You can use it for pre-poo treatments, too. Pre-pooing involves applying hydrating oils or butters to your hair and letting it sit for 30 minutes before shampooing. This helps keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Recipes

Mango butter serves as an alternative to shea and cocoa butters and can easily be swapped in to DIY body care recipes. You can use it as a base in body butter or hair mask recipes.

For instance, combining it with jojoba oil and lavender essential oil makes for a nourishing skin moisturizer.

Try using ½ cup of mango butter instead of shea butter in this Homemade Body Butter Lotion recipe.

Wondering what other skin and hair care ingredients mix well with mango butter? You can combine it with:

• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Apricot oil
• Argan oil 
• Olive oil
• Aloe vera gel
• Beeswax
• Vitamin E oil
• Gentle essential oils (like lavender and frankincense)

Risks and Side Effects

Mango butter is generally safe for topical use. Although it is sometimes consumed, the extraction process may be done at high temperatures that alter the oil’s chemical composition, so sticking to topical use only is recommended.

If you experience redness, itchiness, burning or irritation after using mango oil, discontinue use immediately. People who are allergic to mango should not use the butter, as it’s directly extracted from the fruit’s kernel.

Conclusion

• Mango butter is made by cold-pressing oil from the fruit’s kernel. It becomes a hard, creamy consistency at low temperatures and turns into a light oil when heated.
• The butter or oil is used to promote skin repair, moisturize dry areas or nourish hair strands. It can also help reduce scalp flaking and serves as a protective barrier, working to prevent damage to your hair and skin.
• Using mango butter is easy. It can be applied directly to your skin or hair or combined with other nourishing ingredients, like coconut oil and lavender essential oil.

DIY Mango Body Butter Recipe

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• Author: Ethan Boldt
• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Yield: 20 applications

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Description

The nutrients in mango butter have healing properties, so it can be used to promote skin repair and provide skin protection.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup mango butter
• ⅛ cup jojoba oil
• ½ cup coconut oil
• 20 drops essential oil (lavender oil or tea tree oil are good choices)
• medium-sized glass jar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Put mango butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil in glass bowl, then place that bowl in sauce pan that is filled with water. Do not allow any water to get into the bowl.
2. Heat stove to medium and mix oils together. Whisk until completely melted.
3. Remove the glass bowl from the stove and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add the essential oils and whisk again.
4. Once mixed, put in refrigerator for an hour or until solid.
5. Remove from the fridge. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy.
6. Fill container with body butter mixture and store at room temperature.
7. Apply it after taking a shower or bath, when your skin is still wet. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 5 min
• Method: Hand mixer

Keywords: mango butter for skin, DIY mango body butter

The post Mango Butter for Skin Repair, Healthier Hair & More appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Who needs a hair mask? Well, it’s great for just about anyone, but can definitely offer hair health benefits for anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun, pool or adds color or other chemical products to their hair.

For example, if you color your hair at the salon or at home, giving your hair and scalp a good mask treatment on a regular basis can help take care of those unruly strands. (Just like certain vitamins boost hair health.)

You may be thinking that your daily conditioner can do just as well, but because the conditioner just sits on the surface of the hair briefly, it can’t get to the cuticle, which is where the benefits occur. And if you are concerned about existing split ends, a hair mask treatment can make a difference. A haircut is part of the solution, but regular treatment can help those split ends retain moisture and be less noticeable.

What Is a Hair Mask?

First, let’s be clear that it isn’t something you wear on your head. But it is something you put on your hair, and it can help you have the locks you’ve longed for. A hair mask is a mixture of hair friendly ingredients that you apply to your hair and allow to remain for period of time before washing out, all in an effort to improve the health of your hair.

A hair mask application is an easy and simple way to improve shine and manageability while providing nourishment to the cuticle, and it can be done right at home.

Common Hair Damage

To better understand, let’s learn a little bit about hair. Hair is a structured network consisting of the cuticle, cortex and medulla. The medulla is usually found in coarser hair like grey hair, thick hair and beard hair, and may have a lot to do with split ends.

The cuticle contains overlapping scales known as keratinocytes. Some people have thicker layers of cuticles, whereas others have thinner layers. Those with thinner layers are more prone to breakage.

You have probably heard about hair having protein. It is true. Beneath the membranes of the cuticle cells are three layers that contain proteins, some of which are responsible for the absorption of water and the hair’s ability to repair damage formed by such chemicals as hair color products.

The cortex contains the mass of the human hair and is comprised of protein and melanin as well as a matrix of fibrous structures called macrofibrils. When hair goes through different processes from cosmetic dyes, to perms and even hair straightening, it affects the strength of the hair and its ability to stay healthy. These products and processes can cause major damage such as split ends or cracks to the cuticle. And keep in mind that most shampoos out there contain a ton of chemicals too.

It’s clear that excessive and repeated chemical treatments, poor grooming habits such as using shampoos and conditioners with chemical-laden ingredients, environmental exposure, and even poor management of hair ties and brushing techniques can produce changes in hair texture that cause that frustrating hair breakage, tangling and frizzing.

Consider this a DIY hair mask for damaged hair but also for any type of hair.

How to Make a DIY Hair Mask

To make this DIY hair mask, it is easiest if you use a blender, though you can use a bowl and whisk. Let’s start by placing the hair-benefitting coconut oil and avocado in the blender. For curly hair, you may want to try the olive oil per the ingredients list above.

If you are using the whisk method, you will need to soften the coconut oil first by slightly heating it. Coconut oil has long claimed reign as the king of oils for just about everything from whitening your teeth to zapping those zits, but it’s also the perfect ingredient for a hair mask. Coconut oil works because it’s high in fatty acids, which provide much needed nourishment and moisturizing for the scalp and hair. Studies have shown that coconut oil reduces hair breakage, possibly because it penetrates the hair follicle.

For the curly headed, olive oil is an emollient that can penetrate the hair. Olive oil is great for curly hair because it is naturally lightweight, allowing it to provide moisturizing without weighing down curls.

Avocado has long been used for improving the condition of the hair by moisturizing — and why this hair mask works well for dry hair. The avocado is known as one of the most nutrition-packed foods on the planet, and it can benefit hair health. Avocados contain a fair amount of vitamins B and E, which can help protect and strengthen hair deep down to the cellular level.

Now that you have blended the oils and avocado, add the egg and honey for the DIY hair mask. Eggs are probably no surprise since they have been used to promote healthy hair since the 1940s, but what makes them so great? Eggs are jam-packed with lecithin and protein, two attributes that can help strengthen and moisturize your hair. And because egg yolks are great at binding all of the ingredients, it helps provide an evenly applied mask.

A bonus is the sulfur they contain, which may help reduce dandruff. And, of course, honey can add to the emulsifying feature that the eggs provide, but it goes well beyond that. Raw honey is a humectant attracting moisture from the air. It’s antibacterial, containing lots of antioxidants, which leads to healthy scalp and hair all while sealing moisture and adding shine.

Now that you have blended all ingredients, let’s add the last ingredients for your DIY hair mask: rosemary and lavender essential oils. Rosemary oil may assist in hair growth due to how it promotes cell division while dilating blood vessels. This action stimulates hair follicles that encourage new hair growth. Additionally, studies have shown an increase in healing of the scalp due to microcirculation.

Lavender essential oil is great for hair, and like rosemary, may even help with hair growth, as indicated in an animal study.

Once you have combined all ingredients into your blender, blend again making sure they are well combined. To apply, dampen your hair, then apply the mask evenly throughout, making sure to cover all of the hair, especially the ends.

Once you have applied it, cover the hair with a shower cap or towels so that you do not get it on your clothes. If you have long hair, tie it up first, then cover it. Allow the mask sit for 45 minutes to an hour. Wash out the mask with a natural shampoo and conditioner. For best results, try applying this mask once a week.

Precautions

Most have no problem using any of these ingredients; however, if you notice any irritation, stop using immediately. One or more ingredients could cause an allergic reaction. Also, be careful avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. Make sure your essential oils are 100 percent certified organic for best results.

DIY Hair Mask Recipe

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 min
• Yield: 1 application

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Description

To make this DIY hair mask, it is easiest if you use a blender, though you can use a bowl and whisk. You start by placing the coconut oil and avocado in the blender. For curly hair, you may want to try the olive oil per the ingredients list above.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (for curly hair: 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon coconut oil)
• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Place coconut oil and avocado in the blender. (For curly hair, you may want to try the olive oil per the ingredients list above.)
2. If you are using the whisk method, you will need to soften the coconut oil first by slightly heating it.
3. Add the egg and honey and blend.
4. Add the rosemary and lavender oils and blend.
5. To apply, dampen your hair, then apply the mask evenly throughout, making sure to cover all of the hair, especially the ends.
6. Once you have applied it, cover the hair with a shower cap or towels so that you do not get it on your clothes. (If you have long hair, tie it up first, then cover it.)
7. Allow the mask sit for 45 minutes to an hour.
8. Wash out the mask with all-natural shampoo and conditioner.
9. For best results, try applying this mask once a week.

Notes

Double the recipe if you have very long hair.

Keywords: diy hair mask for damaged hair, diy hair mask for dry hair

The post DIY Hair Mask for Damaged Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Did you know that shea butter for hair has been used for centuries, including by well-known beauties like Cleopatra and the Queen of Sheba?

Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree, or Butyrospermum parkii. The outer shell is removed and the nuts are crushed and roasted into a butter that’s rich in fatty acids. Today, shea butters are extracted using cold-pressed methods. They are smooth in texture and will soften in your hands, making it easy to spread on your scalp and locks.

It has an impressive nutrition profile, with fatty acids and vitamins that boost the overall health of your hair. So if you haven’t tried it already, consider the benefits of shea butter for hair hydration, improved texture and repair.

Benefits for Hair

Shea butter contains oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. It’s also rich in vitamin E and vitamin A. These fatty acids and vitamins lend to the many benefits of using shea butter for hair.

The top benefits for hair include the following:

1. Works As A Hydrator

Shea butter works as a hair and scalp conditioner that can help to heal in moisture and alleviate dandruff. Simply apply a small amount from your roots to ends, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, and then wash your hair as usual. This will add moisture to the area and lock it in with a protective barrier.

Research shows that shea butter is effective for general skin care and scaly, dry skin, which is due to its moisturizing, soothing and nourishing compounds.

2. Softens Locks

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which has nourishing, healing and moisturizing properties. Plus, the fatty acids, including oleic acid and linoleic acid, will help to soften your hair while adding shine.

3. Serves As A Barrier

Products containing oleic acid are often used on the skin for wound healing and damage repair, but what about using it on your hair? Research suggests that the oleic acid in shea butter serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, while providing a layer of protective fatty acids that product your hair and scalp from damage.

There’s also research showing that linoleic acid, another fatty acid in shea butter, improves hydration and serves as a barrier on the skin and hair follicles.

4. Eases Irritation

Research suggests that the fats in shea butter have anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to relieve irritation. Applying it to an irritated scalp may help to ease redness, itchiness, flaking and any other issues related to inflammation in the area.

The vitamin A in shea butter helps to protect skin cells on the scalp and is known for its ability to promote wound healing and skin regrowth. It’s often used to reduce dryness, infections and irritation.

5. Promotes Hair Growth

Using a shea butter mask or conditioning treatment on your scalp and hair may help to promote hair growth. Linoleic acid has shown to improve thinning hair and promote healthy growth.

The vitamin E you get when using shea butter for hair also promotes growth by boosting circulation to the scalp and reducing environmental damage due to its antioxidant properties. Research indicates that vitamin E helps to protect against free-radical damage that impacts hair health.

Recommendations for Hair Types

Shea butter for hair works on all hair types and textures, but it should be used differently for the best results. People with thinner hair may find that using it regularly can weigh down their locks or create a greasy look. For thin air, very small amounts at the tips is best or using the butter for an occasional hair mask or conditioner.

Shea butter is best for people with thick, coarse, naturally curly or frizzy hair, and it’s excellent for dry or damaged hair, too. It can be used 1–2 times weekly as a conditioning treatment, or as needed. If it very high in fatty acids, so can cause greasiness if used in excess.

How to Use

You can purchase hair products that are made with shea butter or buy it separately. The amount of product you should use will vary depending on your hair health and texture, but here are some recommendations to get you started:

Shea Butter Hair Mask

Use shea butter for your weekly moisturizing hair mask. Before going into the shower, warm a dollop (start with a quarter size and increase if needed) of shea butter in your hands until it begins to melt. Then work it into your scalp and hairs, from roots to ends. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes and or put on a shower cap and let the mask sit overnight. Then wash your hair as usual.

Styler

To smooth your hair and tame frizz without the use of products with synthetic or irritating ingredients, try a small amount of shea butter. Rub it into your fingers and gently apply to areas that need shaping or taming. You can also use it for a sleek ponytail or bun.

Shea Butter Pre-Poo

Pre-pooing or pre-shampooing with shea butter is a great way to boost hydration, softness and shine. To pre-poo, massage shea butter into your hair one section at a time, covering all of it with a good coating. Then brush your hair with a wide tooth comb and let the butter sit for about 30 minutes. After that, wash your hair as usual with a gentle cleanser. You can do this as needed, but try for about once a week if your hair is feeling dry or damaged.

Simple Recipe

Want to make your own shea butter for hair recipe? Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Combine about 3 ounces of unrefined shea butter and one ounce of oil (coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil or almond oil) in a large bowl.
2. Put the bowl over a sauce pan of shallow boiling water to use the double boiler method.
3. Let the shea butter melt (which will only take a few minutes) and remove the mixture from heat.
4. Mix the oils together and put it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
5. Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture until it has a light, fluffy texture. This may take up to 10 minutes.
6. Add the butter into a clean glass jar and cover. Use as needed.

You can use this whipped shea butter on your hair anytime. By whipping it, you’re making it easier to spread into your hair and adding additional healthy fats.

Precautions

Shea butter for hair is considered safe. People who are allergic to tree nuts may be sensitive to products made from the shea tree, so it’s always safest to do a patch test on a small area of skin to rule out any sensitivities. If you experience itching, redness, dryness or irritation after using it, discontinue use immediately.

Final Thoughts

• Shea butter comes from the shea tree and is used for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
• It naturally contains fatty acids including oleic acid and linoleic acid, along with vitamins A and E.
• Is shea butter good for hair? Yes, because it promotes better texture, improves hydration, smooths out frizzy hair, and restores damaged locks.
• Use it as a hair mask weekly or as a natural styling agent.

The post Shea Butter for Hair Improves Hydration and Texture appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you’re using a skin or hair product for its moisturizing properties, it likely contains a humectant. Humectants are water-attracting ingredients that draw moisture to the outer layer of skin, helping relieve dryness and improve complexion. You’ll find them in cleansers, creams, serums and balms.

If you are looking to enhance your natural skin care ritual, learn a little more about humectants and which ones are best for your skin and hair needs.

What Is a Humectant?

A humectant is a moisturizing agent that locks moisture into your skin and hair.

Humectants pull water from the second layer of skin, called the dermis, and bring it to the top layer, called the epidermis. This keeps the outermost layer well-hydrated, improves complexion and smooths out fine lines.

You’ll see a humectant as an agent in:

• cleansers
• lotions
• creams
• face masks
• eye creams
• serums
• lip balms
• frizz serums
• foot balms

Types and How They Work

Humectants work by attracting water and drawing it into the skin or hair in order to maintain healthy hydration. Some humectants for skin work as exfoliators that remove dead skin cells and debris first, leaving you with a smoother complexion and allowing for cell turnover.

There are several types of humectants, and studies show that they all work a little differently, so it’s important to know the differences before using a product on your body. The most commonly used humectants include:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of acids derived from plants and animals. They are used in skin care products for their anti-aging properties, which help smooth the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells and debris, and improve cell renewal and texture. You’ll find AHAs in face washes, toners, creams, lotions, peels and serums.
• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is part of a group of compounds called salicylates. Its structure allows it to be oil-soluble, which means that it can penetrate through our oily, lipid layers of skin to help unclog pores and remove dead cells. In addition to its uses in skin creams, ointments and serums, salicylic acid is also used in shampoos to exfoliate the scalp and improve dandruff.
• Urea: Urea is a naturally occurring waste product that’s produced on the skin when the body breaks down proteins. It’s part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor because it keeps hydration balanced in the most outer layers. Synthetic urea is used as a humectant in topical creams and cosmetic products. The best known urea cream available in urea 40, which is used for extremely dry and cracked skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating substance that’s produced naturally by the body. It’s found in the greatest concentrations in the skin and helps retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity and flexibility. It’s used as a humectant in body care products and available in supplement and eye-drop forms.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is a natural compound that comes from animal fat or vegetable oils, such as palm, coconut or soybean oil. It’s used most in skin products, such as soaps, creams and serums. You will also find glycerin in condiments and commercial baked goods.
• Caprylyl glycol: Caprylyl glycol is an alcohol that’s derived from caprylic acid, which comes from coconut oil, palm oil and cow’s milk. Although glycol occurs naturally, it’s often synthetically produced to be used in body and hair care formulas. It’s often used as a skin hydrator in moisturizers, face masks and other cosmetics.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is the jelly-like substance that’s found in the inner part of the plant. It has soothing, nourishing and moisturizing effects on the skin and hair. Aloe vera is often used as an ingredient in products made to improve dried scalp, burns, rashes, wounds, dryness and skin irritations.
• Honey: Honey is a natural humectant that has nourishing, soothing and antioxidant properties. It helps fight wrinkles, dandruff, psoriasis, diaper rash and infections. You’ll find honey in cleansing milks and masks, creams, lotions, shampoos, wound-healing ointments, and after-sun balms.

Related: Polyglutamic Acid: A Powerful Moisturizer That Reduces Signs of Aging

Benefits

1. Boosts Hydration

Humectants attract water and help prevent moisture loss, thereby serving as excellent hydrators. Humectants for hair and skin are best known for their moisturizing effects and ability to leave skin softer and smoother.

A study published in Skin Research and Technology found that a humectant-rich formula made with 15 percent AHAs and 15 percent urea effectively relieved xerosis (abnormal dryness) on the feet without weakening the skin barrier function.

2. Serves as Skin Barrier

Humectants help fill in cracks and dry, rough skin with water, which serves as a barrier and won’t allow harmful substances to enter the skin.

A 2017 study involving 20 healthy women concluded that a formula containing 1 percent hyaluronic acid and 5 percent glycerin significantly improved skin hydration and skin barrier function for up to 24 hours after use.

3. Removes Dead Skin Cells

Many humectant ingredients work as exfoliators that reduce dead skin cells, debris and pollutants. These humectants help unclog pores and remove buildup that can leave your skin looking dull.

They can be used on very rough, cracked and dry areas as well, including the heels of your feet.

Research highlights how some humectants, such as AHAs, work to increase cell renewal, while improving skin firmness and elasticity.

4. Boosts Wound Healing

Some humectants help support wound healing because of their soothing properties. Honey, for instance, has been shown to condition the skin, reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress, which is why it’s often used in dressings for wounds and burns.

5. Reduces Fine Lines

Because of their “plumping” effects, humectants smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Consistent use of a gentle product containing a humectant will hydrate the skin and help reduce signs of aging.

Risks and Side Effects

It’s not uncommon for synthetic humectants to be used in skin and hair products because they are cheaper to produce and can prolong the formulas’ shelf lives. Synthetic humectants help hydrate the skin, but they don’t provide the skin with nutrients and may draw so much water from the second layer of skin that it causes dryness.

It’s ideal to choose a product from a trustworthy company that’s made with natural ingredients.

The beauty of humectants is that they attract water from the environment, but if you’re in a very dry area, they’ll use the moisture from within your skin and bring it to the surface. Using a product with an occlusive (like shea butter) can help lock that moisture into the skin so you don’t experience dryness.

Humectants are generally well-tolerated, but if you experience adverse effects from a product that contains a humectant, discontinue use immediately.

Dosage and How to Use

Many times, humectants are not the active ingredient in a product. A humectant is used to provide better consistency and help hydrate the skin and hair, but it probably won’t be at the very top of the ingredient list.

Some humectants, like caprylyl glycol, are used “behind the scenes” in formulas to serve as stabilizers and preservatives, too.

Typically, products containing humectants are used once or twice daily. You don’t want to over-apply these ingredients, especially on dry days, because they can actually cause dryness if there’s little moisture in the air.

Applying a product containing a humectant while your skin is clean and still slightly damp can enhance its effects.

What to Look for in a Product

When you’re looking for a humectant product, the first thing to consider is your specific skin or hair goals. Do you want to promote hydration, rid the skin of dead skin cells, fight fine lines or get rid of dandruff?

There are so many types of humectants, so you’ll want to choose the ingredient that’s perfect for your needs.

• Best for dry skin: Aloe vera, urea, honey, glycerin
• Best for clogged pores: Salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids
• Best for fine lines and wrinkles: Caprylyl glycol, hyaluronic acid
• Best for dandruff and dry hair: Salicylic acid, honey, caprylyl glycol, aloe vera

As always, choose a product that’s made by a reputable company and contains all-natural, gentle ingredients. Avoid products that are made with preservatives or fragrances, as they may cause adverse reactions or make skin issues worse.

Sometimes, humectants are paired with occlusives in skin care formulas. While humectants attract water and draw it from the second layer of skin, occlusives provide an oil or lipid barrier on the outer surface of the skin so hydration isn’t lost. Some commonly used occlusives are shea butter, mineral oil and lanolin.

Conclusion

• A humectant is a moisturizing agent that locks moisture into your skin and hair, using water from within the skin or the environment.
• There are several types of humectants for hair and skin, so choosing a product with the right ingredients for your needs is important. Some of the most commonly used humectants are aloe vera, honey, alpha hydroxy acids, glycerin and urea.
• Formulas containing humectants are typically applied one to two times daily or as indicated on the product label. It’s best to apply humectants when your skin is still slightly damp and there’s moisture in the air.

The post What Is a Humectant? How It Benefits Your Skin & Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Most of us know dandruff as that flaky white stuff found on the scalp or, more embarrassingly, on the shoulders of your nice black sweater. The tough part is knowing how to get rid of dandruff. That’s something that most of us, frustratingly, do not know.

Dandruff is more common than you may think, as most of us have had it at some point in our lives. It is the result of the overproduction of dead skin, but it can also be caused by numerous other factors — such as winter air that produces dry skin, a vitamin-deficient diet and harsh chemicals found in unhealthy shampoos, even dandruff shampoos that are supposed to reduce the flakes!

Fortunately, you can get rid of dandruff, the right way, and it won’t lead to increased hair loss or products that lead to an itchy head. Essential oils, DIY scalp masks, foods, supplements and more help treat dandruff.

Use these natural remedies to make those white flakes a distant memory. Read on to learn how to get rid of dandruff naturally.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin disorder that is estimated to affect 50 percent of the world population and is linked to the proliferation of lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia.

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology tells us that dandruff is the shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin flakes from the scalp. There also may be a bit of itching but typically no redness or scabbing.

Dandruff usually gets worse during the fall and winter because of the dry air while improving in the summer. It is caused by buildup of dead skin, and in many more severe cases, a yeast-like organism aggravates it. While this germ is normally present on everyone’s scalp, it can produce some irritation if it grows heavily.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology notes:

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity.[1] No population in any geographical region would have passed through freely without being affected by dandruff at some stage in their life.[2] The word dandruff (dandruff, dandriffe) is of Anglo-Saxon origin, a combination of ‘tan’ meaning ‘tetter’ and ‘drof’ meaning ‘dirty’. Dandruff affects aesthetic value and often causes itching. It has been well established that keratinocytes play a key role in the expression and generation of immunological reactions during dandruff formation.[3] The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season as it often worsens in winter.[4]

The study also indicates that there are several natural remedies (like using coconut oil for hair) that have been said to have anti-dandruff characteristics. In most cases, these naturopathic agents are often found in combination with synthetic agents.

Studies from India have shown that the herbal preparations are as effective as synthetic substances in controlling dandruff.

Though it may seem contrary to popular belief, dandruff is improved when shampooing more often. It also gets worse when you’re stressed or anxious, and since dandruff is a natural process, it cannot be eliminated but often can be controlled.

When scaling of the scalp is accompanied by redness or the redness and flaking spreads to cause greasy scaling on the face, eyebrows or sides of the nose, it may be diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis and related to severe dandruff conditions.

Have you heard of cradle cap? That is another name for dandruff that typically affects infants, but no need to worry. It’s completely harmless and usually clears up by age 3.

Causes and Symptoms

There are many causes of dandruff, including:

Dry skin. The most popular cause of dandruff is, in fact, dry skin. Usually, you’ll also experience symptoms of dry skin (like being itchy) on other parts of the body, such as your legs and arms.

Oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis). Believe it or not, oily skin is one of the most frequent causes of dandruff. It is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, it may affect your scalp and other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, sides of the nose and backs of the ears.

In addition, the breastbone, groin area and armpits may be affected. Not using enough shampoo can create oily skin.

While it is important to not shampoo too frequently so you can have a healthier scalp and produce natural oils, if you don’t wash your hair regularly with shampoo, oils and skin cells from your scalp can actually build up and cause dandruff.

Washing every two to three days is ideal in most cases.

Skin conditions. Those with eczema and psoriasis are often known to have dandruff since both of these conditions have characteristics of dry skin, oftentimes severe and very irritating.

Yeast-like fungus (Malassezia). While Malassezia lives on the scalps of most adults, it may irritate the scalp. This irritation can cause more skin cells to grow, and when that happens, the extra skin cells die and fall off, producing that white flakiness in your hair or on your clothes.

Hair care products. Because most hair care products contain chemicals ingredients, they can cause your scalp to become red, itchy and scaly. Using shampoo or styling products too often may also irritate your scalp and can also cause dandruff. 

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

Now that you know what causes dandruff and its symptoms, it’s time to explore home remedies for this irritating issue. You can treat dandruff with some pretty minor dietary and lifestyle changes that answer the age-old “how to get rid of dandruff” question.

Here are some of the top ways for how to get rid of dandruff:

1. Drink Water

Often the lack of enough water in our bodies causes dry skin, and this is one of the many reasons to drink water. It is very important to drink plenty of water daily to help your overall health as well as the dryness of your skin and scalp.

2. Coconut Oil

Because coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid and capric acid, it has strong antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These properties help target and kill the fungus and any viruses or bacteria that may exist.

In many, results can occur within just a week or so.

3. Essential Oils

There are essential oils for hair that can really make a difference when it come to how to get rid of dandruff. Because some of these oils contain antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, much like coconut oil, they can reduce inflammation and treat infections.

You need to choose 100 percent pure oils, such as lavender, wintergreen, thyme, lemongrass, evergreen, cypress, oregano and tea tree oil, all of which help to fight fungus and yeast.

A study was conducted on subjects between the ages of 20–60, all of whom had dandruff and reported that lemongrass essential oil significantly reduced their dandruff around day seven of use.

You can take some of these oils internally, such as oregano oil, as long as they are 100 percent pure. Try combining one to two drops of oregano oil, lemongrass and lavender with four to six ounces of water to make a tonic that you can drink.

4. Aloe Vera Gel

Benefit-rich aloe vera has been known to soothe and help treat irritated skin. Aloe can ease itching and scaly skin in people with seborrheic dermatitis, a more severe skin condition that can create dandruff.

Research also shows that along with serving as a home remedy for reducing dandruff, it also helps improve hair loss, fight fungal infections and relieve itchy scalp.

5. Olive Oil

The olive oil (or coconut oil) in your kitchen cabinet can be very useful because it can temporarily remove dandruff flakes. Just apply a little bit of unrefined organic olive or coconut oil to scaly patches on the scalp. Let it sit for about an hour, and then use a comb or brush to smooth out the hair.

If you apply too much, you will likely have oily hair and may need to shampoo. You can also add a few drops of the essential oils noted in this article and may benefit by including coconut oil in your diet. Just make sure it is unrefined and organic.

6. Relax

Skin irritations are often caused by depression, anxiety and stress. Try to pay attention to changes in your skin at these times, and more importantly, try to avoid these feelings by implementing stress reduction behaviors and techniques.

Try yoga, short walks or workouts, massage therapy, and diffusing lavender, for example. 

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

It’s no surprise that apple cider vinegar uses (ACV) include being great for killing the fungus that causes dandruff. It is known to provide instant relief from itchiness and and may be your answer for how to get rid of dandruff with just a few applications.

Try combining equal parts ACV with water, and massage onto the scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse.

Repeat for five to seven days, and see if you notice a difference. If you experience any irritation, discontinue or use every other day for seven to 10 days to see if there is improvement.

8. Probiotics

It is common that what you eat could be part of the problem. Try a high-quality probiotic supplement. Not only can it help reduce dandruff, but it can help boost your overall health by providing beneficial bacteria for your gut. 

A study published in Beneficial Microbes found that restoring the scalp microbiome with beneficial bacteria significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe dandruff.

9. Omega-3s

Add omega-3 foods into your diet, such as from fresh, wild-caught salmon or chia seeds. The omega-3s can help provide much needed hydration for your skin from within, and therefore, they may reduce dandruff.

In addition, deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in omega-3s may increase the risk of getting dandruff. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicates that supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 improved hair condition and hair loss.

Fish oil may work as a dry scalp remedy for healthy skin and hair to combat dandruff. 

10. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is best known for its anti-acne effects, but it’s touted as a natural anti-inflammatory and exfoliant, too. Look for salicylic acid as an ingredient in shampoos and hair masks, and use them as a method for how to get rid of dandruff.

Related: Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth (and More)

DIY Recipes

You can use ingredients that you already have at home to create a DIY recipe to reduce dandruff. Here are a couple great recipes for how to get rid of dandruff to get you started:

• DIY Dry Scalp Remedy with Rosemary Oil
• Homemade Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Coconut Milk

How to Prevent It

Many commercial shampoos contain chemicals that are harmful, and dandruff shampoos are even worse. Selenium sulfide shampoo and zinc pyrithione shampoo are two examples of conventional anti-dandruff products that may cause irritation and even hair loss for some people, so if you are using them, take it slow and look out for adverse effects.

When choosing a store-bought shampoo or hair product, make sure you avoid parabens, sodium laureth or lauryl sulfate. Opt for products that are made with gentle, natural ingredients from companies that you trust. 

When it comes to your diet, it’s important to minimize your sugar intake and avoid processed foods and processed oils, like corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil.

Conclusion

• Dandruff is a skin disorder that causes dry, flakey skin on the scalp. It can be caused by over-shampooing, under-shampooing, using harsh chemicals on the scalp, having oily skin or having a fungal infection.
• The key to dandruff control is using nourishing and gentle hair products, drinking plenty of water, reducing stress, and supporting the health of your gut.
• If you’re wondering how to get rid of dandruff, start with natural DIY recipes. It’s easy to create your own dandruff products at home.
• Essential oils like tea tree and rosemary oil help boost circulation, reduce inflammation and fight infections. Coconut oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and aloe vera help hydrate and nourish the scalp.

The post How to Get Rid of Dandruff: 10 Natural Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

One of the unsung heroes of the oily world, carrot seed oil has some impressive benefits, particularly against dangerous bacteria and fungi. In fact, some studies suggest that it may even fight certain cancer cells.

Among its more popular uses, carrot seed oil can be included in skin care products as a skin-protecting agent. It’s also useful for natural hair moisturizing products. Rich in antioxidants, carrot seed oil deserves more attention than it has received in the past. I believe you’ll agree after reading all of the incredible benefits it can provide.

What Is Carrot Seed Oil?

In ancient medicine, carrot seed oil was known for its carminative properties, according to unconfirmed sources. While that may sound rather fancy, it actually means people used it to relieve flatulence!

Not much is actually known about the origin of carrot seed oil, but it is most often obtained from wild carrots in European countries.

There is a common misconception about carrot seed oil as compared to carrot oil. According to Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals, they are often misquoted or erroneously interchanged. This is an important distinction, because carrot oil (functioning as a base or carrier oil) is rich in vitamin A and does not provide an essential oil.

Similarly, when discussing carrot seed oil, it’s important to know specifically what you’re discussing. Studies are lacking on the benefits of carrot seed essential oil, while several exist that examine the benefits of carrot seed oil, a cold-pressed oil derived from carrot seeds.

Conversely, carrot seed oil and carrot seed essential oil have no vitamin A, although they include incredible antioxidants to help protect against disease.

Carrot seed oil is extracted from the carrot plant, Daucus carota. Extracts vary, since there are so many species of carrot. However, it typically contains three bioflavonoids, all derivatives of luteolin, a cancer-fighting antioxidant found in many fruits.

Health Benefits

1. Helps Kill Fungi and Bacteria

The most thoroughly researched quality of carrot seed oil is its ability to kill certain bacteria and fungi. Indeed, some of the viruses it’s powerful against are concerning for a number of reasons. Many are common in developing nations, and the oil may provide a unique way to fight these illnesses, if developed properly.

Here are the bacteria and fungi that seem to be most affected by it:

• Dermatophytes — Keratin is required for these fungi to grow. Infections from dermatophytes typically affects the hair, skin and nails and result from direct contact with people, animals and soil infected with the fungus. Studies show how carrot seed oil fights these fungi.
• Alternaria alternata — This fungus lives on leaves and can cause rot and blight for crops, a particularly dangerous event for farmers with limited resources. Carrot seed oil helps fight it.
• Escherichia coli — An E. coli infection can cause diarrhea and, in some rare cases, anemia and kidney failure.
  Antimicrobial activity of the oil works against it.
• Acinetobacter — Strains of the gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter cause a number of serious infections. The oil was revealed in studies to help kill it.

Aedes albopictus — OK, this last one isn’t a virus; it’s a mosquito. But it’s significant, because carrot seed oil can kill larvae of this Asian tiger mosquito. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes often spread yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika and a variety of other dangerous viruses.

2. May Fight Cancer Cells

In the fight against cancer, researchers consistently look at substances by beginning in the lab and seeing what impact, if any, they have on different cancer cell lines.

Lab studies confirm carrot seed oil has anticancer properties against acute myeloid leukemia, colon cancer and breast cancer cell lines.

An animal study was conducted to investigate the effect of carrot seed oil on skin cancer (namely, squamous cell carcinoma) in rats and found it to be particularly potent.

3. Included as Part of Natural Sunscreen Option

An oft-cited study about the benefits of carrot seed oil was published in 2009 by an Indian university. Various sources claim that the study found that it has an SPF of around 40, making it a useful UV-blocking agent.

Well, close. But not exactly.

The study was actually investigating how to valuate SPF from natural products with various herbal ingredients. Researchers found that a product containing a number of herbal ingredients, including carrot seed oil, turn out to have an SPF of 40 or so.

Because of the way natural ingredients interact to create the SPF found in the tested product, it’s unlikely that carrot seed oil on its own actually has a significant enough SPF to be used in place of chemical-rich, conventional sunscreens. It does, though, seem to be a part of a natural sunscreen recipe that can be useful.

4. Powerful Antioxidant

Like many oils and essential oils, carrot seed oil contains powerful antioxidants that can help to protect against disease.

Specifically, these polyphenols have been studied in animal tests for their liver-protecting qualities. Carrot seed oil shields the liver from damage and exhibits strong protection against free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cell damage.

5. Supports Skin and Hair Health

Traditionally, carrot seed oil is a popular beauty product for moisturizing skin and hair. While no studies confirm its effectiveness for moisture-rich properties, it is safe for topical use and may help provide these benefits. It’s likely it can protect skin and hair from damage because of its antioxidant load.

How to Use

As with all oil products, be aware of the quality of what you purchase and always buy from reputable, well-sourced companies. Carrot seed oil should always be cold-pressed from organic carrots (if available).

Remember, carrot seed oil, carrot seed essential oil and carrot oil are distinctively different from one another, so pay close attention to what you’re actually purchasing. Carrot seed oil is pressed from wild carrot seeds, while carrot seed essential oil is steam-distilled and may come from either the seeds or the carrot itself.

It has a unique scent, but carrot seed oil can be used in essential oil diffusers and various aromatherapy practices. You can also use it directly on the skin as another  way to take advantage of its many benefits.

Carrot seed oil is one ingredient in my DIY face scrub that can help to remove dead skin and leave your face feeling supple and glowing. Because of the combination of ingredients, this scrub can help to repair dry, damaged skin and potentially aid in wrinkle prevention.

Other Recommended Oils for Skin

• Rosehip oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Vitamin E oil

Precautions and Side Effects

Many sources suggest using carrot seed oil in recipes and internally in a variety of ways. Because no research has been conducted on the efficacy of ingesting it, consult with your primary care or naturopathic physician before ingesting it as a part of recipes.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should especially avoid ingesting it.

If you experience an allergic reaction (externally or otherwise) after using carrot seed oil, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician.

Carrot seed oil has no known medicinal interactions.

Final Thoughts

• Carrot seed oil is a useful cold-pressed oil from wild carrot seeds.
• Carrot seed oil and carrot seed essential oil do not contain vitamin A (although they have several antioxidants), while carrot oil, derived from the actual carrot plant, does contain a large amount of vitamin A.
• The benefits of carrot seed oil include antifungal, antibacterial and anticancer qualities, due to the bioflavonoids it contains.
• Because of its antioxidant content, carrot seed oil is an ingredient in a natural sunscreen product and may offer some sun protection, as well as skin-repairing to dry and damaged skin.
• By using carrot seed oil in aromatherapy, you may reap the benefits of its antioxidants by preventing diseases caused by oxidative stress.
• Try using carrot seed oil as part of a homemade face scrub to exfoliate, moisturize and protect skin.

The post Carrot Seed Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair & More appeared first on Dr. Axe.

No one wants to be embarrassed by those white flakes of dandruff that land on their beautiful black jacket, but it happens because it almost seems like an unsolvable mystery about how to get rid of dandruff. In large part, it’s because most of the so-called dandruff shampoos, while also full of chemicals and unhealthy ingredients, simply do not work very well. And if they do, it’s only in the short-term.

Fortunately, finding an anti-dandruff shampoo solution that works for you may not be as difficult as you think, if you’re willing to do it yourself! But first, let’s explore why shampoos may or may not work so that you can make smart choices.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff, medically known as pityriasis capitis or seborrheic dermatitis confined to the scalp, is a disease that has been around for centuries despite the numerous treatments available. New anti-dandruff products frequent the market, almost daily, perhaps due to the widespread increase in the incidence.

However, dermatologists have given little attention to this problem. Why is it so difficult to fight off this humiliating dandruff?

Unfortunately, this nagging scalp disorder is rather common. Several studies across the world have shown a prevalence of dandruff of up to 50 percent in the general population. You would think that with such a large number, solutions would be available. However, due to these chemicals that are found in most commercially bought shampoos, their effectiveness may be temporary.

The word itself has negative meaning having a combination of ‘tan’ meaning ‘tetter’ and ‘drof’ meaning ‘dirty.’ So, it makes sense that having the right shampoo should help. And while the real cause of dandruff is yet to be understood, there are some things you can do to ease the cringe-making effects they offer.

Getting the anti-dandruff shampoo right is key. We know that most body and hair products out there have tons of toxic chemicals, and these chemicals can be incredibly ineffective, too. It is confusing as to why these toxic chemicals in shampoos are even allowed to hit the shelves, knowing that they can negatively affect our hormones and potentially even cause sickness. It’s probably no surprise that cosmetics has grown into a $50 billion dollar industry.

How to Make A DIY Dandruff Shampoo

To avoid this seemingly uncontrollable situation, you can simply make your very own anti-dandruff shampoo right at home with just a few ingredients. Keep in mind that the dandruff comes from the scalp, not your hair. That means it is important to gently massage this DIY dandruff remedy into the scalp as well as thoroughly washing your hair.

Fortunately, this recipe not only includes several dandruff-fighting ingredients, it’s also gentle enough to use several times a week.

Let’s start with your mixing bowl and a whisk. Combine the coconut milk, coconut oil and castile soap to start. Nutrition-rich coconut milk and fractionated coconut oil will help provide much needed nutrition for your hair and scalp. This nutrition will help build up the immune defenses as well as moisturize the hair and scalp.

Castile soap is a gentle vegetable-based soap derived from olive oil, water and lye that is biodegradable and non-toxic. While castile soap is gentle, it can help cleanse the scalp of excess sebum and product build-up.

Once the coconut milk, coconut oil and castile soap is well blended, add the water, apple cider vinegar and baking soda. It is a good idea to use purified water, such as an authentic spring water, to help avoid chemicals. The apple cider vinegar is great for eliminating the fungus and bacteria because it contains powerful enzymes. The baking soda can help slough off the dead skin due to its abrasive texture by acting as a mild exfoliate and fungicide.

Now, add the rosemary and tea tree oil. The rosemary oil will provide a nice scent and much more. Because dandruff is caused by fungi, it’s important to choose ingredients that can inhibit this fungi. That is why I chose rosemary and tea tree oil. Rosemary and tea tree oil essential oils contain antifungal properties, and you may get the added benefit of hair thickening that these oils can provide!

And now for my favorite ingredient, fenugreek! Fenugreek is a plant most commonly used as a spice in Indian cuisine; however, fenugreek can do wonders for your hair and scalp. Fenugreek seeds have a composition that is rich in protein and amino acids. These nutrient-dense characteristics encouraging healthy hair, hair growth and can help ward off those disgusting flakes of dandruff.

In particular, fenugreek has a high concentration of lecithin, which is a natural emollient. This emollient can help make hair stronger overall and provides many users of fenugreek with silky and soft locks.

Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Pour the mixture into a BPA free shampoo-like container with a lid, or you may use a glass jar if you prefer.

How to Use

To use, simply wet the hair as you normally would for shampooing. Place a small amount in the palm of your hand and begin to blend it into the hair and massage the scalp thoroughly. Leave the anti-dandruff shampoo on your scalp for a few minutes to gain the benefits of this natural remedy.

Try using every other day for best results. Shake bottle before each use. If you experience any discomfort or allergic reaction, stop using immediately. Consider doing a test patch prior to a full wash.

Refrigerate the shampoo after each use, as the coconut milk may spoil. Ideally, use within four weeks, and by then hopefully your dandruff has cleared up.

Homemade Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 20 uses

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Ready in about 10 minutes, this DIY dandruff shampoo recipe not only includes several dandruff-fighting ingredients, it’s also gentle enough to use several times a week.

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Ingredients

• 13 ounces (1 can) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
• ½ cup liquid castile soap
• ½ cup purified water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 20 drops rosemary essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 tablespoon ground fenugreek seeds
• BPA-free plastic dispenser bottle

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Instructions

1. Get out a mixing bowl and a whisk. Combine the coconut milk, coconut oil and castile soap to start.
2. Once the coconut milk, coconut oil and castile soap is well blended, add the water, apple cider vinegar and baking soda and mix.
3. Add the rosemary and tea tree oil. Continue to whisk.
4. Lastly, add the fenugreek and make sure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
5. Pour the mixture into a BPA-free shampoo-like container or a glass bottle with a lid.
6. Use every other day. Store in the fridge after use. Use within 4 weeks.

• Prep Time: 10 min

Keywords: anti-dandruff shampoo, DIY dandruff shampoo, homemade dandruff shampoo recipe

The post Homemade Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Coconut Milk appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Dreaded dry scalp is a common feature among dandruff sufferers, and too often we turn to the drugstore shelves for some magic elixir to solve the scalp problem. Typically all these toxic shampoos do is cover our head with ineffective yet dangerous chemicals — but thankfully there are DIY dry scalp remedy options out there.

When it comes to getting rid of dandruff and dry scalp, it’s best to create your own remedies with powerful natural ingredients, such as this DIY dry scalp remedy with three key essential oils that help control the dandruff and dry scalp. In particular, I’m talking about cedarwood oil, rosemary oil and tea tree oil.

Key Ingredients

This DIY has four main ingredients:

• Cedarwood oil
• Rosmary oil
• Tea tree oil
• Raw honey

Cedarwood essential oil helps reduce dry or flaky scalp by stimulating the scalp and increasing circulation. Rosemary oil usage leads to an increase in microcirculation of the scalp, which promotes healing as well as even hair growth.

Meanwhile, tea tree oil has over 300 studies that discuss its antimicrobial power, and it also has the ability to soothe dry flaking skin and remove dandruff.

The raw honey makes a great addition to any hair or dry scalp treatment for a couple of reasons. For starters, it’s a great exfoliator and moisturizer, which is great for all skin, including the scalp. It can also hydrate hair, along with cleansing and restoring the scalp.

How to Make a DIY Dry Scalp Remedy

It’s quite straightforward to make this dry scalp remedy.

First, blend eight each drops of cedarwood and rosemary essential oils along with six drops of tea tree in a glass container. Then add a teaspoon of local raw honey and four ounces of solid carrier oil, like olive, almond or coconut oil.

This DIY dry scalp remedy makes two to three applications. You can double the recipe and store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

To use it, shake the blend, and then massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes. For severe dry scalp, you can even leave this DIY dry scalp remedy on overnight.

Finally, shampoo and wash your hair well. I recommend my homemade anti-dandruff shampoo with coconut milk.

Similar Recipes

Looking for other DIYs for your hair and scalp? Try some of the following:

• Tea Tree, Green Tea & Honey Shampoo for Oily Hair
• Homemade Baking Soda Shampoo
• DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe
• Homemade Honey Citrus Shampoo
• Homemade Coconut Lavender Shampoo

DIY Dry Scalp Remedy with Rosemary Oil

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 3 applications

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You can solve your dry scalp problem with an easy-to-make DIY dry scalp remedy that uses essential oils and two other ingredients. Try it!

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Ingredients

• 8 drops cedarwood oil
• 8 drops rosemary oil
• 6 drops tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon local raw honey
• 4 ounces olive oil, almond or coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Blend ingredients well in a glass container.
2. Massage into the scalp.
3. Leave on for at least 20 minutes.
4. For severe conditions, try leaving it on overnight.
5. Shampoo well.

Notes

• You can double the recipe to get up to six uses.
• Experiment with which carrier oil — almond, olive or coconut oil — works best for you.

Keywords: diy dry scalp remedy, home remedy for dry scalp, dry scalp treatment,

The post DIY Dry Scalp Remedy with Rosemary Oil appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When the ocean is calling and you want to sport textured beach waves, this DIY sea salt spray will give your locks the natural look and feel you desire without the heavy buildup of chemicals and additives. This sea salt spray DIY will cost you only a fraction of store-bought sea salt sprays and includes a moisturizing oil to nourish your hair as you style.

Key Ingredients

This homemade sea salt spray recipe differs from many others online because it includes magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) as the primary salt and mineral-rich sea salt. Epsom salt uses are well-documented and touted by health care practitioners all over the world, and they are making waves in the beauty industry as well.

When used in hair styling, magnesium sulfate is less drying than sea salt, creating softer, more healthy waves than the traditional salt spray recipes. Mineral-rich sea salt is crucial in this recipe to nourish the scalp and promote better hair growth.

Because of added anti-caking ingredients — some of which include aluminum derivatives — I do not recommend attempting to make a salt hair spray with regular table salt. When made with quality ingredients and added oils, sea salt spray can be very beneficial for your hair in contrast to chemical-laden salon products.

Additional sea salt spray benefits include naturally lightening your hair if desired — just apply to hair prior to spending time in the sunshine.

In order to achieve soft, natural beach waves, gather up a good spray bottle and use the following ingredients in addition to the Epsom salt:

• Water — You can’t make this sea salt spray for hair without water. This obviously makes the base of the spray.
• Sea salt — Whether you opt for pink Himalayan salt or another type of natural sea salt, you can’t make sea salt hair spray without the salt! That’s good, because sea salt does wonders for hair and several other aspects of the body, including promoting healthy hair and scalp.
• Argan oil — Argan oil contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help moisturize, exfoliate and condition the hair and skin.
• Essential oils for hair — To make this DIY sea salt spray with essential oils, it’s best to use the best essential oils for hair. These include rosemary, lemon, lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage and peppermint. Personally, I think rosemary and lemon make a great combo.

How to Make DIY Sea Salt Spray

1. In a small mixing bowl, add eight ounces hot (not boiling) water, Epsom salt, sea salt, argan oil and essential oil. Stir well to mix.
2. Carefully pour the hot water mixture into your spray bottle.
3. Place top on spray bottle, and shake well to combine, about 30 seconds.
4. DIY sea salt spray may be stored at room temperature and lasts at least three months.

How to Use Sea Salt Spray

Lightly mist your sea salt spray over dry, straight hair for added texture, or mist roots for added volume. To achieve natural beach waves that last all day, spray over damp hair, scrunch and blow dry with a diffuser.

For best results, wash out after use, and follow with a good conditioner or hair mask.

What does salt water spray do to your hair?

Salt water spray for hair is excellent for adding texture and promoting natural waves that last all day. If applied to hair prior to sun exposure, salt water spray can naturally lighten hair over time.

Adding lemon essential oil to your DIY sea salt spray can also help increase its ability to lighten hair.

Is sea salt spray bad for your hair?

A DIY sea salt spray is an excellent alternative to chemical-laden hair treatments. However, sea salt may have a drying effect on the hair shaft if it is the primary salt used.

This is why it’s best to use Epsom salt along with mineral-rich sea salt to reduce the drying effect. I do not recommend using this daily to prevent over-drying hair.

What does sea salt spray do for straight hair?

Sea salt spray adds texture and volume to straight hair, resulting in a fuller appearance. Alternatively, you can spritz on damp hair and loosely braid before bed to wake up with long-lasting waves.

Is sea salt good for hair growth?

Rich in magnesium, bromide, iodine, sulfur, potassium, calcium, sodium, zinc and many minerals, sea salt can promote healthy hair growth by supporting skin health of the scalp.

For added benefits, use your sea salt as a scalp massage to scrub away dead skin cells. This increases cell metabolism and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.

Plus, the minerals help strengthen cell membranes, detox the scalp, reduce inflammation and relieve skin irritation. Adding rosemary essential oil to your DIY sea salt spray can also help improve hair health.

DIY Sea Salt Spray

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 30 uses

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Description

Salt water spray for hair is excellent for adding texture and promoting natural waves that last all day. Try this DIY sea salt spray recipe.

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces hot (not boiling) water
• 3 tablespoons Epsom salt
• 1 teaspoon mineral-rich sea salt, such as Celtic or Dead Sea salt (you may add up to a teaspoon more to add stiffness to curls)
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon argan oil (use less if you are prone to oily hair)
• 2–3 drops of essential oil of  your choice; rosemary or lemon are good options (optional but recommended)

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Instructions

• In a small mixing bowl, add 8 ounces hot (not boiling) water, Epsom salt, sea salt, argan oil and essential oil. Stir well to mix.
• Carefully pour the hot water mixture into your spray bottle. Use a glass spray bottle to avoid the contaminants in plastic bottles.
• Place top on spray bottle and shake well to combine, about 30 seconds.
• DIY sea salt spray may be stored at room temperature and will have at least 3 months of shelf life.

Notes

• The essential oils are optional. Experiment with different types and how many drops you put in.

Keywords: sea salt spray, sea salt spray for hair, is salt water good for your hair, sea salt hair spray, what does sea salt spray do, diy sea salt spray with essential oils,

The post DIY Sea Salt Spray with Essential Oils appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Most of us start doing a little more grooming before heading to the beach or outdoors, along with when the weather gets colder and skin tends to get more irritated. The problem is, the idea of hot wax treatment is painful, and razor burn is embarrassing and stings. Don’t worry though — there’s another way to deal with unwanted hair: sugar wax.

Have you heard of sugar wax, or “sugaring”? While eating sugar seems to get all the heat these days, sugaring to remove hair has been used by Egyptian and Greek women for centuries.

Like other types of wax, sugar wax is applied to the skin and then removed, taking body hair along with it. You can also use it on your face.

How does it work? Let’s dive in and discuss how you can make your very own sugar wax recipe at home to get your skin feeling silky smooth.

What Is Sugar Wax?

Sugar wax is a paste made from a combination of sugar, honey, water and lemon juice.

Is sugar wax painful? What’s great about this at-home waxing approach to body grooming is that when you remove it — unlike traditional waxing done at a salon — it doesn’t pull the top layer of the skin, which is what causes much of the discomfort of traditional waxing.

Instead, sugaring removes the hair because the sugar binds to the hair, not the skin. For this to work, your hair needs to be about a quarter inch long so the sugar can easily adhere to it.

While it still may be a bit uncomfortable, it should feel better than other methods of waxing.

Is sugaring better than waxing for your skin? If you have sensitive skin, this may be perfect for you and a better option than traditional waxing.

Additionally, the sugar acts as an exfoliant for the skin, adding even more softness. It may take a few rounds, but this is a great way to take care of your skin.

Another perk: Sugaring helps you avoid petroleum-based ingredients found in typical off-the-shelf hair removal products. It’s made of only sugar, water and lemon juice, meaning it’s simple to make, cheap, non-toxic and easy to clean up.

How long will your skin stay smooth? According to experts, sugar waxing is good for six to eight weeks of hair removal. The hair that grows back may also be softer than it originally was.

Sugaring Methods

In order to use sugar wax to remove body hair or hair on your face, there are two main methods: using either your fingers to remove the wax, or using pieces of cloth to remove the wax and hair.

Some people find that they get the best results when using their fingers to roll the sugar into a sticky ball, which can then be applied to the skin. However, others find the wax is too sticky and won’t come off easily without a cloth.

Using a cloth strip to remove the wax is a method that’s more like traditional waxing.

Related: 13 Best Ingredients for Your Natural Skin Care Ritual

How to Make Sugar Wax

How do you make sugar wax? Start by putting the lemon juice and water in a medium-sized pan on the stove. Heat slowly. You can make sugar wax without lemon, but it’s recommend to include it if possible. Fresh lemon juice is great because it helps fight the bacteria that could cause breakouts, deeply nourishing the skin with vitamin C. It also acts as a natural exfoliator by removing dead skin cells that can clog your pores.

Now, add the honey and the sugar and stir. Put heat up to high. Using raw local honey helps prevent breakouts caused by bacteria. Raw honey can also help quicken healing time, should a rash occur. The sugar helps the skin obtain a supple and soft touch while moisturizing, and it also acts as a gentle exfoliant to the skin.

Once the mixture bubbles, reduce the heat to medium and continually stir (critical!) for another 5 minutes at least. When the mixture is smooth and golden in color, it should be done.

Be sure not to overcook it as it may cause it to harden, making it difficult to handle. Additionally, if it is too thin, it may be too hot. You ideally want it to reach about 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

The wax should have a tacky consistency and warm honey color. Once heated and well-blended, remove from heat. Test a spoonful of the mixture by placing it in the fridge. Let it cool and then check its consistency. If thick and tacky, then consider job well done! If not, put the pot back on the stove for a few more minutes at medium heat, again stirring the whole time.

If done, transfer to a heat-safe glass or stainless steel bowl and let cool for 30 minutes.

The amount of wax you need depends on how much area you are covering. Consider trying this recipe first, which should yield enough for one or two legs — depending on how much hair you’re removing.

If you have any left over, refrigerate in a glass, airtight container for up to four or five weeks, then reheat when ready to use.

How to Prep the Skin

Now that you know how to make sugar wax, let’s talk about prepping your skin.

You want your hair to be about a 1/4- to 1/2-inch long. For the best results, while the sugar wax mixture is cooling, wash the area you want to wax. Even better, exfoliate using a sugar scrub. Then dry the skin very well. Also make sure the skin is free of lotion or makeup.

You may want to do a patch test first to make sure it is okay for your skin. If you notice any unusual sensitivity, stop.

However, since these ingredients are pure, it should be a treatment your skin will love.

How to Use

If you’re using your hands to remove the wax:

• You need to scoop out a chunk of wax while it’s warm and knead it by stretching it between your hands. (Some describe it as being like taffy.) You want to stretch and fold it until it turns opaque and can be rolled into a ball.
• Press the ball of sugar wax against your skin, and use your fingers to push the ball into your skin and up against the direction of hair growth. Stretch the wax across the area of skin you’re targeting, at about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Next, holding the skin taut, QUICKLY pull sugar wax away from your skin AGAINST the direction of the hair growth and as parallel as possible with your body.
• Reform the ball and keep going until it’s not sticky anymore (3–5 uses), then use a newly formed wax ball.

If you want to use a cloth to remove the wax:

• First use a popsicle stick or a small plastic spatula to spread a thin, even coating of the sugar wax on a small area of skin. Make sure to apply it in the opposite direction of hair growth. (Before doing this, do a small patch test to make sure the wax does not cause unusual irritation.)
• Next, place a strip of the cotton fabric on the area and smooth it down by pressing and rubbing it. Allow it to cool on the skin.
• Then, holding the skin taut, very quickly pull the cloth in the direction of hair growth. It’s also possible to apply and remove the wax without using the cloth strips. Repeat if needed.

Risks and Side Effects

Is sugar wax safe? It’s safe for most skin types if you follow directions and are careful not to burn yourself.

Note that this recipe works best for softer hair, such as hair on the legs, back and chest.

Most experts caution against sugar waxing areas, such as the underarms or bikini line, where the hair is more coarse. Make sure to test a small area first if you choose to sugar wax in those areas.

The eyebrows may be a challenging area as well. The upper lip may be OK, but please test first.

Regardless, if you are uncertain, work with a professional to perform any waxing, particularly if you’ve had bad reactions in the past.

After Care

When you are done, rinse the area in warm water, and use a cloth to gently remove any residual sugar from your skin. Apply a natural moisturizer, and be sure to avoid any additional exfoliation, hot water and the sauna for a couple of days to allow the skin to heal from the hair removal process.

Wait 24 hours for any hot showers, repetitive motion activities (e.g., running), or soothing ointments or serums. After about 48 hours you can exfoliate your skin if you’d like.

Now, you are ready for the season with soft, smooth skin.

DIY Sugar Wax Recipe

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• Author: Christine Ruggeri
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 1–3 applications

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Description

Have you heard of sugar wax, or “sugaring”? While eating sugar seems to get all the heat these days, sugaring to remove hair has been used by Egyptian and Greek women for centuries. Forget the hot wax treatment and instead use this DIY sugar wax!

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (recipe will work without but better for skin to include)
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 cups organic cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey

Supplies

• Small pan
• Soft towel
• Popsicle stick or small plastic spatula
• Small pieces of thin cotton fabric (about 1 inch by 3 inches each)
• Airtight glass container for storage of leftover wax

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Instructions

Mixture

1. Put the lemon juice and water in a medium-sized pan on the stove at medium heat for a few minutes.
2. Add the sugar and honey and stir with a wooden spoon. Turn up the heat to high.
3. When the mixture gets bubbly, reduce the heat back to medium and continue to stir. IMPORTANT: You must continue to stir, otherwise the mixture will harden and become useless.
4. For another 5 minutes or so, cook at medium heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture becomes smooth and golden in color, it’s considered done.
5. Remove from the heat.
6. Test a spoonful of the mixture by placing it in the fridge. Let it cool and then check its consistency. If thick and tacky, then consider job well done! If not, put the pot back on the stove for a few more minutes at medium heat, again stirring the whole time.
7. If the mixture is deemed ready, let the pot cool for 30 minutes.
8. Transfer to a heat-safe glass or stainless steel bowl.

How to Use

1. While the sugar wax mixture is cooling, gently exfoliate (use this DIY sugar scrub) the area you want to wax — legs, bikini area, back, underarms, even upper lip — and dry it very well. Make sure the skin is free of lotion or makeup.
2. You may want to do a patch test first to make sure it is OK for your skin. If you notice any unusual sensitivity, stop.
3. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, scoop out a small chunk of wax while it’s warm and roll it into a ball in your hands. (Some describe it as being like taffy.)
4. Press the ball of sugar wax against your skin, and use your fingers to push the ball into your skin and up against the direction of hair growth. Stretch the wax across the area of skin you’re targeting, at about ¼-inch thickness. (You can also use popsicle sticks or waxing strips to apply the sugar wax.)
5. Next, holding the skin taut, QUICKLY pull sugar wax away from your skin AGAINST the direction of the hair growth and as parallel as possible with your body.
6. Reform the ball and keep going until it’s not sticky anymore, which is usually 3 to 5 times.
7. When you are done, rinse the area in warm water, and use a cloth to gently remove any residual sugar from your skin. Apply a natural moisturizer, and be sure to avoid any additional exfoliation, hot water and the sauna for a couple of days to allow the skin to heal from the hair removal process.
8. Wait 24 hours for any hot showers, repetitive motion activities (e.g., running), or soothing ointments or serums.

Notes

The amount of wax you need depends on how much area you are covering. Consider trying this recipe first, which should yield enough for one or two legs — depending on how much hair you’re removing.

If you have any left over, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four or five weeks, then reheat when ready to use.

• Prep Time: 15 min

Keywords: sugar wax recipe, diy sugar wax recipe, sugaring recipe

The post DIY Sugar Wax Recipe for Smooth Skin appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Pre-poo might sound like something you do to aid digestion, and while it is done in the bathroom, it’s a method that benefits the health of your hair, not your bowels.

Pre-pooing is what you do before shampooing your hair in order to provide moisture and improve hair texture. By locking in hydration and strengthening hair follicles, pre-pooing can leave you with healthier and shiner locks.

What Is Pre-Poo?

Pre-shampooing, or pre-pooing, involves applying a treatment to your dry hair before you get into the shower and shampoo as usual. This may seem strange, but shampoo can actually strip your hair of moisture, so the purpose is to promote hydration and prevent dry, damaged locks.

Using the pre-poo method helps lock in moisture and protects your hair from dryness or damage, leaving you with shinier, healthier-looking hair.

Types/Varieties

When it comes to choosing a pre-poo treatment, you have plenty of options. Really, you can just use ingredients that you already have in your home.

Oils, butters and even foods can be combined to create a nourishing, hydrating hair mask. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that work best for pre-pooing at home:

Oils

Using oils for pre-shampooing is an excellent way to hydrate your hair and repair damage from the sun or products containing chemicals (like hair dye). Doing a pre-poo with oils can be especially helpful for thick, curly hair because it locks in moisture that will last even after you wash it, which helps to tame frizz.

These oils also feature long-chain fatty acids and have antibacterial properties.

Some oil options include:

• coconut oil
• olive oil
• argan oil
• almond oil
• avocado oil
• apricot oil
• grapeseed oil
• hemp oil

If your hair is prone to greasiness, go lighter on the oil and avoid applying it to your scalp. Lighter oils are less likely to leave your hair limp.

You can also use essential oils for hair health.

Butters

The same butters that are used on the skin to support hydration can be used on your locks. They help soften your hair, boost shine and reduce damage that can lead to split ends and dulness.

Some of the best butters to use for your pre-poo hair treatment include:

• cocoa butter
• shea butter
• hempseed butter
• almond butter
• mango butter

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera works as a natural treatment for dry hair and itchy scalp. It may help reduce dandruff and promote the regeneration of skin tissue that’s around the hair follicles.

For people with dry, itchy scalp and damaged hair, using aloe vera gel in your pre-poo recipe or treatment can be very beneficial.

Foods

There are some foods that help hydrate hair and are commonly used in hair treatments or masks. They can be mashed or combined with other pre-poo recipe ingredients, like oils and butters.

Some foods (be sure they’re organic) that are great additions to a pre-pooing treatment include:

• banana
• avocado
• yogurt
• apple cider vinegar
• honey
• egg

Benefits

1. Adds Moisture

Having a protective and hydrating layer over your hair before shampooing helps prevent the stripping nature of hair cleansers and allows your hair to keep its moisture.

Research indicates that the hydrating effects of plant oils and butters on hair can promote overall hair health. They serve as a protective barrier and promote scalp and hair repair.

2. Reduces Knots and Breakage

Research shows that vegetable oils play an important role in protecting hair from damage. Oils are able to penetrate the hair follicles and nourish strands, leading to a reduction of breakage, split ends and knots.

Using the pre-poo method works as a natural detangler and boosts the overall health of your hair.

3. Boosts Shine

The natural hydration of oils, butters, aloe vera and nourishing foods in your hair helps lock in moisture, prevent brittle hair and boost shine.

4. Promotes Softness

If your hair feels coarse because of constant shampooing, or maybe from environmental damage and the use of hair products, pre-shampooing can help promote softness. Pre-shampoo treatment recipes have nutrient-dense, moisturizing and soothing ingredients that soften your hair naturally.

5. Tames Frizz and Flyaways

If you have unruly or curly hair, using the pre-poo method may help tame frizz and flyaways by adding moisture to your locks and helping keep your hair in place.

One study found that using coconut oil on your hair can help reduce protein loss for damaged hair, which can lead to stronger, healthier locks.

How to Pre-Poo

In order to use this technique, you pre-poo before getting into the shower by applying a treatment to your dry hair. This is similar to the way you color your hair, if you’ve ever done that yourself.

Simply follow these steps:

Step One

Use clips to divide your hair into four sections, two at the bottom of your hair and two at the top. Taking down one section at a time, coat the strands with your treatment or oil.

As you apply, massage the oil or ingredient of your choice into your hair, and then move on to the next section.

Step Two

Use a wide tooth comb or a brush to detangle your hair while the oil penetrates your strands. Then let the treatment sit for about 30 minutes, if possible.

If you don’t have time to wait before showering, you can pre-poo before bed, put on a hair cap and then shower in the morning.

Step Three

The final step is to wash your hair as usual. It can be shampooed and conditioned like always, and be sure to rinse it thoroughly.

DIY Recipes

You can have fun creating your very own pre-poo treatment by mixing nourishing ingredients for your hair. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mash half an avocado and combine with coconut oil.
• Mix 2–3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a half cup of water.
• Mash half a banana, and combine with any light oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil.
• Combine shea butter and olive oil. Mix in 5 drops of rosemary essential oil to boost hair thickness and growth.
• Whisk olive oil and raw honey.

Risks and Side Effects

It’s completely safe to use the pre-poo method before showering and washing your hair as usual. If you experience any skin irritation or sensitivity after using a specific ingredient, discontinue use immediately.

If you notice that your hair is becoming weighed down or greasy after pre-shampooing, opt for light oils, and stick to the lower ends of your stands.

Conclusion

• Pre-pooing is when you apply a nourishing treatment to your hair before shampooing. The treatment can be made with a number of hydrating ingredients, including coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, shea butter, aloe vera gel and banana.
• The pre-poo method is great for boosting hair health, promoting shine and minimizing hair damage. It can also help tame frizz and promote softness.

The post Pre-Poo at Home for Hydrated, Soft & Shiny Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Apple cider vinegar continues all the rage these days, from body detoxification to skin care, but it has actually been around since about 400 B.C. when Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing natural detox cleansing, healing and energizing qualities. Hippocrates even prescribed apple cider vinegar mixed with honey for its health properties.

Some of you may remember Grandma smelling of vinegar. That’s because grandma knew just how great vinegar is for you. I have shared a lot of information about apple cider vinegar, including my secret detox drink, and I regularly recommend it to my patients. I take it personally for detoxification and improved digestion, but I also include apple cider vinegar in my personal care regimen, such as using apple cider vinegar for hair — in this case, a conditioning rinse.

Most of the products on the market today strip hair and skin of its natural oils. This causes dryness and can even cause dandruff! But the acidity found in apple cider vinegar can stop that process by balancing your scalp and hair’s natural pH levels. In fact, these acids and enzymes in apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria, which can cause many scalp and hair conditions such as dandruff, itchy scalp from eczema, hair loss and even baldness.

One of the great things about apple cider vinegar is that rinsing with apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of your hair. Apple cider vinegar is great in that it can remove residue that may be in your hair from product buildup. Another benefit is that it works as a natural detangler and revitalizes your hair, leaving it soft and smooth. It can even make the hair luxurious and super shiny!

How to Make An Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Rinse

In your bottle, add the apple cider vinegar. It is important that you use organic apple cider vinegar with the mother so that your apple cider vinegar lemon and rosemary rinse does not contain toxins.

Okay, now that you have the apple cider vinegar in the bottle, add the purified water. Purified water can be achieved by simply boiling the water for one minute on the stove. Make sure to let it cool before adding it to your apple cider vinegar rinse. Once added, shake well.

Having a nice scent to your mixture is an added bonus which comes from the essentials oils. Lemon essential oil not only provides a refreshing scent, but it’s best known for its ability to cleanse toxins from the body. It can rejuvenate and provide energy, purify the skin and even act as a bug repellant! Rosemary is an amazing addition as it can help with baldness as well as act as serve as a hair thickener. Add the essential oils, tightly screw on the cap and shake well.

To use, after using my baking soda shampoo, pour apple cider vinegar rinse into your hair making sure to cover all of the hair and scalp. A spray bottle is an easy way to get it evenly dispersed throughout the hair and scalp. Allow the apple cider vinegar rinse to sit in your hair for a 3–5 minutes before rinsing. While this rinse will condition your hair, if you feel you need more conditioning, try my homemade conditioner recipe.

For best results, use cold water to rinse as it will help seal the ends and openings of the cuticle, locking in shine and moisture that can keep your hair from getting frizzy.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Rinse

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• Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Total Time: 5 min
• Yield: 8 ounces

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Description

I use apple cider vinegar personally for detoxification and improved digestion, but I also include it in my personal care regimen, such as using apple cider vinegar for hair — in this case, a conditioning rinse.

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Ingredients

• 1/8 cup organic apple cider vinegar with the mother (Bragg’s)
• 3/4 cup purified water
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• clean glass bottle

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. In your glass bottle, add the apple cider vinegar.
2. Then, add the purified water. Replace the cap and shake well.
3. Now, include the essential oils. Shake again until well blended.
4. Apply to hair and scalp after shampooing.
5. Rinse with cool water for best results.

Notes

For best results, use cold water to rinse as it will help seal the ends and openings of the cuticle, locking in shine and moisture that can keep your hair from getting frizzy.

The post Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Rinse appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You love to cook with avocado oil … and it’s even improved your dry skin, but have you tried avocado oil for hair? Using avocado oil in your daily hair care routine is a surefire way to decrease dryness and improve texture no matter your hair type.

It’s totally natural, it’s very affordable and it’s likely already in your home. Is it time to consider avocado oil as your new go-to hair oil?

Health Benefits

Avocado oil comes from pressing the inner flesh of an avocado fruit. As you may already know, avocado and its oil are rich in beneficial nutrients that can boost your health, both inside and out.

Is avocado oil good for your hair? Avocado oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids including oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, as well as linoleic acid, a a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid.

The fatty acid content of avocado oil is one of the main reasons why it can do so much to improve dry scalp and hair conditions. It naturally conditions and strengthens the hair, leaving it healthier and shinier.

Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of avocado oil for hair:

1. Protects Hair From Damage

According to a scientific paper published in 2015, “Oils play an important role in protecting hair from damage. Some oils can penetrate the hair and reduce the amount of water absorbed in the hair, leading to a lowering of swelling … Applying oil on a regular basis can enhance lubrication of the shaft and help prevent hair breakage.”

One of the main avocado oil benefits for hair is its ability to coat the hair with fatty acid-rich moisture and protect it from damage. Common causes of hair damage include exposure to sun, seawater or chlorine. Before spending time at the beach or pool, you may want to consider coating your hair in avocado oil to prevent the drying affects of these environments.

Another very common source of damage is use of hot hair tools such as a blow dryer or straightener. Applying avocado oil to the hair before the use of these tools can act as a natural heat protectant.

Hair coloring treatments can be yet another source of damage. Using avocado oil as a hair conditioner or mask after treatment can go a long way to prevent dry and brittle hair as a result of bleaching or coloring.

2. Aids Hair Growth

While research hasn’t necessarily shown that avocado oil can promote hair growth, it is a nutrient-rich oil that can help to boost the health of hair when used internally as well as topically.

It can also work as a natural hair growth aid when it’s used as a carrier oil for essentials oils like rosemary oil and peppermint oil, which have both been linked to the prevention of hair loss and promotion of hair growth.

You can also combine more than one carrier oil with multiple essential oils as a DIY remedy for thinning hair. For example, you can mix essentials oils of rosemary and peppermint with carrot and avocado oil for hair growth.

3. Keeps Hair Knot-Free

It’s never fun when hair gets tangled. This can especially be a problem for kids who don’t like to brush their hair, but it commonly affects adults too.

Fine hair can become knotted very easily. Weather conditions such as a windy day can also leave hair in knots. Dry hair can also become knotty.

Putting a small amount of avocado oil in the hair before brushing can help to keep it moisturized and knot-free. It can also help to detangle it.

4. Improves Dandruff

Dandruff is a skin disorder affecting the scalp that results in excessive shedding of dead skin flakes from the scalp. Having skin that is too dry or too oily can both contribute to this common concern.

Using a natural oil like avocado topically can help in both situations. If the skin is too dry, avocado oil provides nutrient-rich moisture, or if the skin is too oily, the application of oil can signal to the skin’s oil glands that they don’t need to produce so much oil.

To improve or prevent an itchy, dry, flaky scalp, it can help to massage natural oils like avocado into the scalp regularly. You also can combine essential oils like rosemary and tea tree with castor oil and avocado oil for hair growth as well as dandruff control.

Avocado Oil for Hair Uses

There are so many potential avocado oil uses for hair. It’s great for all kinds of common hair concerns.

How to use avocado oil for hair:

• As a hot oil treatment: Forget those store-bought hot oil treatments with a bunch of unnatural and questionable ingredients and simply apply some warmed up avocado oil to your scalp and hair. Cover your head with a shower cap or towel and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing and conditioning as usual.
• For scalp massage: Scalp massages are so relaxing and therapeutic, and avocado oil is perfect for using on the scalp (or body) for a massage.
• As a natural hair mask or conditioner: Depending upon your hair goals, you can either coat your entire scalp and hair with avocado oil, or you can apply it just to the ends. Leave the oil in your hair for 15 to 30 minutes, or you can even leave it in overnight.
• To tame split ends or flyaways: Rub a drop or two of oil between your fingers and apply to areas of concern. If you have fine hair, it may only take one drop to do the job. You can always add more, so start off with a smaller amount and see how that works out.
• As a heat protectant: Before blow drying your hair or using other heat-producing hair tools, rub a dime-size amount of avocado oil into your hands and apply it to your hair, paying special attention to the ends. You can use your fingers or a comb to spread the oil throughout your hair.
• As a carrier oil to promote hair growth or decrease dandruff: Use avocado oil as a carrier oil with essential oils to target specific hair concerns like thinning hair or dandruff.

How long do you leave avocado oil in your hair? If you’re performing an avocado oil hair treatment or using avocado oil for dandruff, it’s best to leave the oil on your scalp and in your hair for about 15 to 30 minutes so it can really soak in. If your hair is severely dry or damaged, leaving avocado oil in for a longer amount of time is a good idea.

If you’re using a small amount of avocado oil as a heat protectant, split end treatment or flyaway tamer, then you only need a drop or two of oil to put in your hair when it’s either wet or dry — and simply leave it in.

If you’re wondering how to make avocado oil for hair growth and other uses, it is possible to make avocado oil at home. But it’s also very easy to find 100 percent pure avocado oil in your local grocery store, health store or online.

Coconut Oil vs. Avocado Oil for Hair

If you’re comparing avocado oil versus coconut oil for hair, you can use the two oils in a similar fashion for your hair and scalp.

For hair dryness, split ends, flyways and knots, you really can’t go wrong choosing either oil, because both will provide moisture that will help to improve these common hair concerns.

Both coconut oil and avocado oil can be used to moisturize the scalp to improve dryness and dandruff. Dandruff is commonly caused by yeast-like fungal (Malassezia) infections. If dandruff is a main concern, then you my want to opt for coconut oil — because many studies have shown its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

Risks and Side Effects

It it possible to be allergic to avocado and avocado oil. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to avocado, avoid using avocado oil internally or topically.

It’s a good idea to perform a patch skin test before using avocado oil for hair and skin to make sure you don’t have any unwanted reactions.

Final Thoughts

• Avocado oil is a natural and affordable way to boost the health of your hair.
• Avocado oil benefits for hair include improving dryness, split ends, flyaways and knots.
• Look for 100 percent pure avocado oil for cooking and topical use.
• Avocado and coconut oils can be used similarly for the hair, but if dandruff is a main concern, the anti-fungal properties of coconut oil make it a more therapeutic choice.

The post 10 Unexpected Avocado Oil Uses & Benefits for Your Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Greasy hair is frustrating, especially if you know your hair is clean! Greasy/oily hair looks dirty and dingy, and it’s usually more evident in blonde and lighter hair colors than darker hair colors. But does the greaseball look only affect those of us who didn’t take that post-workout shower? Hardly. 

While having unclean hair can definitely cause it, greasy hair is typically the result of excess secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands of the scalp. While some secretion is normal and should happen for a healthy scalp and hair, too much secretion creates that oily look and can even cause an itchy scalp, dandruff and scalp acne, which is a skin disorder known as seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, oily hair can cause thinning and disrupt its natural luster and shine. (1)

So exactly how to get rid of greasy hair? Let’s look at some brilliant natural remedies you can start using soon.

7 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Oily Hair

1. Eat a Balanced Diet of Healthy Fats and Carbs

Studies suggests that the foods we consume can affect our sebaceous glands and how much is excreted. More dietary fat or carbohydrates can actually increase the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands. On the other side, caloric restriction has been shown to dramatically decrease the sebum secretion rate — and it’s the sebum component that can greatly affect acne. (2)

So, is it as simple as eating less fat and restricting calories from carbs? Probably not, but choosing the right fats (healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil) and carbs is likely to help create a more positive balance in the oil-producing sebaceous glands. Studies have shown that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids through a diet rich in fish and seafood results in a lower rates of acne. Since the Western diet typically has way more omega-6s than omega-3 fatty acids, balancing that for a healthier 2:1 ratio (omega 6 to omega 3) can help.

2. Shampoo More Frequently

Usually, I encourage less washing for a healthier approach to hair, but if you have oily hair, you probably need to wash a bit more. When you shampoo, it collects the oils and dirt and gives you the opportunity to rinse it out of your hair. Washing daily or every other day may do the trick. (3)

Also, using the right shampoo, such as my shampoo for oily hair recipe, can make a big difference. If dandruff has come into the picture, check out my DIY anti-dandruff shampoo that may help.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Fungus is naturally found on the scalp and is called malassezia. But even though it’s a naturally occurring fungus, when it grows out of control, it can cause your scalp to get oily and irritated. This can can cause dandruff, too.

Fortunately, apple cider vinegar has the ability to kill fungus and bacteria, it makes a great home remedy for oily hair. One of the most popular natural remedies out there, you don’t need much ACV, as too much can be harsh on the scalp and hair.

Simply dilute two to three tablespoons in a cup of water, and then put it on your hair. A spray bottle may make it easier, just make sure you get it into the roots and scalp. Rinse after two to three minutes. Apply two or three times a week. Here is a great apple cider vinegar hair rinse that you can try!

4. Make a Dry Shampoo for a Quick Fix

A DIY dry shampoo made out of arrowroot powder and essential oils can prevent the greasiness from getting to the hair. This is a great option especially if you are in a hurry. While some choose baby powder, make sure it’s asbestos-free, as some studies show that it may cause cancer — instead, skip the worry and go with arrowroot powder, which comes from the tubers of the plant without the use of harsh chemicals or high heat. (4) (5)

By sprinkling a little directly onto the scalp and brushing through your hair, you can make the hair appear less greasy. Washing when you get a chance is best, but for those moments when you just don’t have time, this can be a great solution. 

5. Witch Hazel as a Scalp Astringent

While you may not have thought about an astringent for the hair, it may be just the ingredient you need to do the trick. Astringents cause the contraction of body tissues, typically of the skin — in the case of how to get rid of greasy hair, it can help close up the pores a bit so that less oil is released. In fact, witch hazel is often recommended for people with acne if they have oily skin. It also helps eliminate fungus. (6) (7)

Now, you need those oils so you do not want to do this too much, but a few times a week should be fine. When applying an astringent directly to the scalp before washing, it can significantly diminish that greasiness from the scalp and hair. Witch hazel acts to eliminate oil and by dabbing a few drops of witch hazel mixed with water onto the hair before shampooing, it may give it the extra boost it needs.

6. Use an Egg Yolk Hair Mask

You have probably heard of using egg as a mask on the face to help prevent acne, but what about the health benefits of eggs for the hair? Egg yolks have a high sulfur content, which can help relieve dandruff and greasy hair symptoms. Also, egg yolks contain lecithin and protein, which can help strengthen your hair while providing it with a softer, shinier appearance.

You can simply beat the egg yolks  by themselves or mix them with honey, tea tree oil or olive oil, apply to dry hair, leaving on for about 5 to 20 minutes. Then wash your hair thoroughly and rinse well. (8)

7. Tea Tree Oil for Oily Hair

Some essential oils can provide the desired results. Tea tree oil is known for helping to control acne, but it also has the capability of controlling sebum production. When too much oil is produced, it can combine with dead skin cells, eventually blocking your pores. This can cause a range of skin conditions, such as acne and even cystic acne on the scalp. Additionally, tea tree oil is antimicrobial, reducing bacteria, which may help minimize or eliminate fungus. (9) (10)

Some other essential oils known to be helpful are lemon, bergamot and tea eucalyptus. By adding a few drops to your conditioner, or better yet, using my homemade conditioner, your hair can become oil-free and shiny! 

What Are the Sebaceous Glands?

Every pore on your skin has a sebaceous gland to include the pores on your scalp. These glands, often referred to as oil glands, are responsible for maintaining proper hydration levels through the sebum or the oil that they produce. It’s the sebum the gives your luscious locks a healthy shine. So we need those sebaceous glands, but when producing oil in excess, it can make your hair greasy.

The sebaceous glands are pretty important, beginning their work immediately at birth. Ever notice how infants sometimes appear to have greasy hair? It may be because there is a strong increase in sebum excretion just a few hours after birth and during the first week. A new rise in sebum excretion takes place at about age 9 and continues up to age 17.

The number of sebaceous glands do not change much throughout life, but their size tends to increase as we get older. The sebaceous glands can be affected by various hormones in the body and human sebum contains cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, squalene, fatty acids, diglycerides and triglycerides, and wax esters. You may also hear the word seborrhea, which is a more technical term for oily skin. Parts of the body that are most  affected contain a higher density of sebaceous glands, and are usually found in such areas as the face, ears, scalp and upper part of the trunk of the body. Seborrhea may develop into seborrheic dermatitis, which is a skin disorder consisting of red, scaly patches that may be found all over the body. (11) (12)

Final Thoughts

Oily hair can usually be remedied with a few of these suggestions; however, if you do not see positive results, you may want to see your doctor or a dermatologist. Because the structure of our sebaceous glands vary from person to person, try different options to see what works for you. Start with smaller amounts of some of the suggestions at first. Make sure to avoid getting any of the ingredients in your eyes and if you notice an allergic reaction, stop use right away.

The post How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Often, we assume it must be dandruff, a common problem, but there are many conditions that can cause a dry, itchy scalp — or scalp pruritus — in addition to dandruff, such as ringworm or even a bacterial infection caused by an autoimmune condition.

With itching being the most common symptom, skin infections, swelling, redness, balding and damaged hair may also result from an itchy scalp. Common treatments are usually in some form of antimicrobial or keratolytic therapy (overseen by a dermatologist), steroids and special diets.

However, there is no doubt that one of the most effective treatments for itchy scalp is a good old shampoo scrub to help remove loose and scaly skin. And to really stop the itch long-term, you need to find out what’s causing it. Let’s look at some of the best natural treatments for an itchy scalp and the most common causes. 

6 Natural Remedies for Itchy Scalp

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an amazing essential oil also known as melaleuca. What’s great about tea tree oil is that it provides antioxidant benefits and is antimicrobial, which means it has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses and fungus. According to research published in the International Journal of Dermatology, numerous studies have shown that tea tea oil is great for various inflammatory symptoms, including seborrheic dermatitis, ultimately helping with the healing process. (2)

Another study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology closely followed the results that tea tree oil had on subjects with dandruff using a shampoo that contained 5 percent tea tree oil. An improvement of 41 percent was reported by those who used the tea tree oil shampoo, helping relieve itchy scalp and dandruff itself. (3)

2. Yoga, Tai Chi and Other Forms of Exercise

This may seem odd, but did you know that exercise has been shown to help reduce the inflammation associated with an itchy scalp? It’s true.

The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that patients have seen positive effects due to yoga, tai chi or qigong, and exercise in general. The reason for this is that proper exercise requires controlled breathing. Stretching and strengthening exercises, along with meditation, also improve blood flow because they help relieve stress. (4)

3. Clean Your Hair, Brushes and Combs

While not all causes of itchy scalp have anything to do with a contagious condition, some, such as tinea capitis, do. Maintaining good personal hygiene is very important in addition to avoiding sharing combs and brushes. Since tinea capitis, or ringworm, is more common in children, make sure to take extra care with educating your children on these best practices and simple natural remedies.

4. Use a Hair and Scalp Mask

Have you ever tried a banana, avocado and honey hair and scalp mask? Sounds good enough to eat! Well, these three ingredients can actually do some pretty phenomenal things to your head and scalp. Honey, for example, has long been known as an ancient remedy for wound healing, with many reports suggesting that the microorganisms found in honey help fight bacteria and fungi. (5)

A hair mask can provide the perfect bacteria fighters and, if used a few times a week, can really make a difference in a healthy way. Simply combine a small mashed banana, two tablespoons of honey and half an avocado until well-blended. Then apply it to your hair, making sure to cover the scalp. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then wash hair with my DIY Itchy Scalp Shampoo.

5. Avoid Inflammatory, Infection-Causing Foods

Much like candida, fungus can be caused and inflamed due to foods you eat. It’s critical that you avoid inflammatory foods, such as anything processed, sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts and alcohol, to name a few. The best thing you can do is make sure your diet is filled with antifungal foods. Some of those foods include garlic, apple cider vinegar, banana, avocado, flaxseed, ginger and coconut oil.

6. Avoid Putting Chemicals on Your Hair

Chemicals are found in most products found on the shelves at your local store. These chemicals can lead straight to an itchy scalp, bumps on the scalp and other scalp conditions. The good news is that this is an easy fix. By avoiding chemicals and choosing natural remedies, such as my Homemade Conditioner, you can bypass the negative effects.

Opt for making your own, and see if that solves the problem. Because many of these suds contain chemicals and other other rash-causing agents, they may irritate the scalp. This irritation can cause lots of itching and redness, and even present allergic reactions, such as hives and wheezing. (6)

Itchy Scalp Causes & Symptoms

1. Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are the most common when it comes to itchy scalp causes. Itching and flaking are how the body responds to the the inflammation of the overgrowth of yeast. Yeast is typically found on the scalp and other areas of the body where more hair is located. While the presence of yeast is common, it’s the over-presence of yeast that creates the problem. In particular, a yeast called malassezia can cause excess skin cell growth and irritate the scalp. 

To get more specific, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are of a continuous spectrum of the same disease that affects the seborrheic areas of the body, and often those who have eczema will have dandruff. Dandruff occurs on the scalp and usually involves itchy, flaking skin, but you many not see actual inflammation.

On the other hand, seborrheic dermatitis can affect the scalp (including having a sensitive scalp) as well as other areas of the body, but in addition to itchy, flaking or scaly skin, which can be severe, it involves inflammation. Characteristics like the immune system, genetics, emotional stress and nutrition can all affect the actual occurrence and severity of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. (7a)

Even rosacea can contribute to an itchy scalp, as it can extend beyond the face and cause flaking, itching and redness on the scalp as well. (7b)

2. Allergic Reactions from Food and Shampoos

Allergic reactions can occur from numerous sources, but two of the most common sources are from your food and your shampoo. There are so many foods, such as processed sugar, peanuts and soy products, that contain inflammation- and fungus-causing attributes, and unless you avoid them, you’re likely to have some problems.

Additionally, if your shampoo or hair color contains tons of chemicals, it’s possible that your scalp is having an allergic reaction to those chemicals, known as contact dermatitis. There are options, but one of the first things you should do is stop using your current shampoo, hair color and conditioner to see if the problem subsides.

3. Autoimmune Disease

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, and psoriasis symptoms include raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. Though we know that psoriasis is hereditary, experts don’t have a clear understanding of the cause. It’s been reported that at least 10 percent of those who inherit one or more of the genes could lead to psoriasis, but only 2 percent to 3 percent actually develop the disease. It’s important that you do not let psoriasis linger without attention, as it can lead to an itchy scalp and worsen if not treated. (8)

4. Tinea Capitis (Ringworm) or Lichen Planopilaris

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection, commonly known as ringworm, that often causes infection in the scalp area. It happens due to a deep extension of the fungus into the hair follicle and can develop into round patches of hair loss (aka Alopecia areata). It often appears as a raised rash and may have black dots or a stubbly appearance. Related skin infections are often found in a man’s beard, in the groin known as jock itch, and between the toes commonly, known as athlete’s foot.

Fungus can live on the dead tissue in the hair, nail and outer skin areas. Tinea capitis is more likely if you have minor skin or scalp injuries, don’t bathe or wash your hair often, or have wet skin for a long periods of time, often from sweating. It easily spreads, affecting children mostly, but usually disappears into puberty. Unlike psoriasis, tinea capitis or ringworm can spread through human or animal contact, combs and brushes, hats, or any other clothing that has come into contact with the fungus. (9)

Similarly, an inflammatory condition called lichen planopilaris (LPP) causes patchy hair loss, mainly on the scalp, and can cause an extremely itchy scalp.

5. Head Lice

Head lice may be considered something that happens only with kids in school, but those little creatures can invade the head of an adult too. In fact, lice actually prefer clean hair.

Symptoms of lice are most commonly itching on the scalp, neck and ears, which is an allergic reaction to the saliva the lice produce. Sometimes itching may not occur for two to six weeks after infestation, especially for anyone infected for the first time. The eggs of lice, known as nits, are super tiny and attach to individual hair strands. This can appear as dandruff, but unlike flakes of dandruff, they aren’t easily shaken off due to their firm grip of the hair shaft.

I know this sounds pretty gross, but you may be able to see adult lice moving around the head — however, they’re actually much harder to spot than the eggs.

Precautions and Final Thoughts on Itchy Scalp

As noted above, make sure you don’t share combs and brushes. If you experience any allergic reactions and are not sure why, begin a process of elimination to help find the culprit. Again, chemicals in shampoos, conditioners and other hair products along with some foods you may be eating can cause itchy scalp and irritations of the scalp. If any severe cases arise or the problem persists, make sure to see a doctor right away.

Finding a solution for itchy scalp may be simple. Take the time to go through different options to see if you can find the culprit, and then take action. Waiting around will only allow it to fester and worsen.

Read Next: How to Get Rid of Dandruff — 9 Natural Remedies

The post What an Itchy Scalp Means & How to Get Rid of It Naturally appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Men and women of all ages yearn for thicker, fuller hair, especially when thinning hair becomes a visibly noticeable problem. Thankfully, there are natural treatments for thinning hair like balancing hormones, reducing stress, eating a proper diet and more.

The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses around 50 to 100 hairs each day. (1) That may sound like a lot, but it’s actually completely normal. You might think that losing so many hairs would make your hair look thinner, but that’s only if the normal process of new hair growth isn’t up to speed. As long as hair regrowth and hair loss are in proper balance, hair thinning isn’t a problem, but for a lot of people hair loss is a daily concern. Aside from the less than ideal appearance of thinning hair, there is the greater fear that the thinning will turn into permanent hair loss and baldness.

What causes hair loss and hair thinning? Are there vitamins for hair growth? Before you get alarmed, I hope you read this article, which will not only give you hope, but also provide actual proven natural treatments for thinning hair. For starters, nutritional deficiencies are often a cause of thinning hair. Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, a prominent Cleveland Clinic dermatologist who specializes in hair loss, has found that low iron levels contribute to hair loss. (2) This is just one of the causes of hair thinning that can be addressed using natural treatments for thinning hair like diet, natural supplements, essential oils and more.

10 Natural Treatments for Thinning Hair

With some conditions, such as hair thinning, resulting from a traumatic life event, getting your hair back on track is just a matter of time and patience. If you know your hair loss is not at temporary problem or you’re just looking to regain a prior level of thickness, these are the some of the natural treatments for thinning hair that will hopefully help to get your hair growth back on a healthy track.

1. Rule Out Medications

It’s important to make sure that you don’t take medications that could actually cause hair thinning. There are many medications that have been linked to hair loss. Make sure you know the possible side effects of your current medications as well as your supplements. If you know one of them may cause hair loss, that could be the culprit right there. Below I list some of the most common medications that can contribute to thinning hair and hair loss.

2. Herbs

Saw palmetto extracts and supplements can work well for hair thinning because they keep testosterone levels balanced. Opinions about saw palmetto as an effective hair growth agent are mixed, but there are studies that indicate it to be beneficial.

One study conducted at the Clinical Research and Development Network in Colorado tested 34 men and 28 women, aged 18–48 years, who topically applied saw palmetto extract in lotion and shampoo base for three months. The results found that 35 percent of the participants had an increase in hair density. (3)

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that can help strengthen the hair shaft, which discourages hair thinning. It also encourages blood flow and an antioxidant boost. As a standardized extract, you can try 40 to 80 milligrams three times daily. (4)

3. Reduce Stress

By decreasing your daily stress, you can have a direct impact on the health of your hair as well as your entire body. (5) Journaling and yoga are great natural stress relievers. Daily exercise is also crucial to stress reduction as well as encouraging good circulation, which both help promote healthy hair growth.

4. Balance Hormones

From diet to exercise to adaptogen herbs, check out my 10 ways to balance hormones naturally. Balancing your hormones can help with correcting thyroid health issues or other hormonally linked underlying causes of thinning hair.

5. Foods that Help

You’ll definitely want to increase your intake of nutrient-dense whole foods if you’re hair is thinning. There is a very strong link between what you eat and the health of your hair. According to Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, “One of the first ways I can tell how healthy someone is — and if they’re eating nutritiously — is by looking at their hair.” (6)

Here are some of the top foods you can make use of as natural treatments for hair thinning hair: (7)

• Wild-caught, cold-water fish — Lean, anti-inflammatory protein in the form of wild-caught, cold-water fish like salmon is loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for hair health.
• Grass-fed beef — Iron-rich protein like grass-fed beef can really help the health of your hair. Why? The hair follicle and root are fed by a nutrient-rich blood supply. If you have an iron deficiency (a common underlying condition with hair thinning), then the follicle becomes nutrient-deprived, and this negatively affects the normal cycle of hair growth and can lead to excessive shedding of hairs.
• Iron-rich vegetables — You can also improve your iron levels by including lentils, kale, spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables in your diet.
• Vitamin C-rich produce — Getting enough vitamin C in your diet is essential on its own because it’s a powerful antioxidant. It also helps your body absorb the iron it needs. Some awesome vitamin C foods include guava, red pepper, kiwi, papaya and broccoli.
• Vitamin A-rich foods — Foods high in vitamin A can help maintain the health of your scalp, which is essential to healthy hair growth. Vitamin A helps make the sebum that conditions your scalp. Great food choices include pumpkin, sweet potato and kale.
• Biotin-rich foods — If you don’t get enough biotin in your diet, it can lead to dry, brittle hair that’s more prone to thinning. Foods that are rich in biotin include nutritional yeast and egg yolks.
• Zinc-rich foods — Zinc is yet another nutrient that’s key to overall hair health and a deficiency is linked with hair loss. Zinc is involved in tissue growth and repair including hair. High-zinc foods include grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds and chickpeas.

Related: Rice Water for Hair & Skin: Does It Really Work?

6. Foods that Hurt

To discourage thinning hair, you also want to avoid some foods, including:

• Potential food allergens — If you consume foods that cause allergic reactions in your body, you increase inflammation, which is counterproductive to healthy hair growth. Possible food allergens include wheat (gluten), dairy, corn, soy, preservatives and food additives.
• Trans fatty acids — Trans fats have been shown to increase inflammation and production of DHT, which can cause hair loss. Stay away from all vegetable oil, corn oil and soybean oil.
• Sugar — Sugar imbalances hormones, increases DHT and causes inflammation, all leading to hair loss.
• Processed foods — Processed foods contain chemicals that can disrupt hormone balance.
• Alcohol — Alcohol an increase inflammation and and cause liver toxicity, leading to hair loss.
• Caffeine — Too much caffeine can cause dehydration, hormone imbalance and production of DHT.

7. Natural Supplements

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the following supplements may help with underlying nutrient deficiencies, inflammation and stress that can cause or contribute to thinning hair:

• A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E; the B-complex vitamins; and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 to 2 capsules or 1 tablespoon of oil daily, to help reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin C, 500–1,000 milligrams, 2 times daily, as an antioxidant.
• L-lysine, 500–1,000 milligrams daily, for hair loss.
• B-complex vitamins, 1 tablet daily, for stress.

Bone broth or a protein powder from bone broth is another smart idea if you’re looking to improve your hair quality. Bone broth is rich in protein, collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin and key minerals often missing from the average diet. These vital nutrients support optimal hair health, as well as health of skin and nails. There are so many delicious recipes that make it easy to incorporate bone broth powder into your diet. One of my favorite recipes is Paleo Protein Pancakes.

8. Shampoos and Conditioners

I highly recommend a natural shampoo and conditioner that includes biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps make your  hair, skin and nails stronger. According to studies, taking biotin internally can also help treat weak hair and nails. (8)

9. Cooler Showers

Dr. Ryan Welter, a Boston-based hair transplant surgeon, warns that hot water dehydrates hair strands, leading to dry, brittle hair that’s more prone to snap and fall out. (9) So avoid hot showers that can dehydrate hair, making it weaker and more prone to thinning. A lower temperature on hair (and skin) will help preserve moisture.

10. Essential Oils

• Rosemary is one of the top essential oils when it comes to enhancing hair thickness and growth. Rosemary oil is believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulate hair growth. Research published in 2015 even showed that rosemary oil appears to work as well as minoxidil, a conventional topical hair loss treatment. (10)
• Spikenard oil is known for promoting the growth of hair and slowing down the graying process of graying. A 2011 animal study found that spikenard oil showed positive effects on hair growth activity. When using spikenard extract, there was a 30 percent reduction in the time it look for the hair to grow back on the tested rats, which makes it promising for human use. (11)

Peppermint oil and sage essential oil are also recommended to promote hair growth. You can try mixing three to four drops each of rosemary, peppermint and sage essential oils in one tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil, then massage the mixture into the thinning area(s) once or twice a day. You can also try this recipe for my Homemade Rosemary, Cedarwood & Sage Hair Thickener.

Causes and Risk Factors for Thinning Hair

As your hair continues to thin, you probably want to ask, or even scream, “Why is my hair falling out?!” It’s a very frustrating and often bewildering occurrence when the hair thins. According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of abnormal hair loss is not completely clear, but typically it’s related to one or more of the following: (12)

• Heredity (family history)
• Hormonal changes
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Physical or emotional shock (sometimes called a “trigger event”)
• Excessive hair styling and/or hair treatments

1. Heredity

The No. 1 reason why both men and women experience excessive hair thinning and hair loss is hereditary. For men, it’s a more well-known phenomenon called male-pattern baldness, but women can also exhibit female-pattern baldness. Both of these predictable, gradual hair loss patterns are linked with a family history of hair loss. For men, it can start as early as puberty. In addition to thinning hair, men may also notice their hair becoming shorter, softer and finer.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormone imbalances and changes can contribute to thinning hair. Some hormone changes are temporary, like with pregnancy or menopause, and hair thinning or loss resulting from these temporary changes should be temporary as well. However, if you have an ongoing imbalance of hormones, you may have a thyroid problem that needs to be corrected.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another possible causes of hair thinning for women. It’s linked to a hormonal imbalance that can cause hair to grow in the wrong places (like the face) but thin out in desirable locations (like the scalp). Sometimes hair thinning is the only obvious indicator of PCOS. (13)

3. Thyroid Problems and Other Medical Conditions 

Health problems that can cause hair thinning include thyroid problems (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), PCOS, lupus, certain types of cancer, pituitary gland diseases, heavy metal poisoning, HIV and other chronic medical illnesses. (14)

4. Medications

Many different types of medicines may contribute to hair thinning, including some of the following types of medications: (15)

• Acne medications
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Antifungal medications
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Chemotherapy medications
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Epilepsy medications (anticonvulsants)
• High blood pressure medications (antihypertensives)
• Hormone replacement therapy — estrogen or progesterone for women, androgens and testosterone for men
• Immunosuppressant medications
• Interferons
• Mood stabilizers
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Oral contraceptives
• Parkinson’s disease medications
• Steroids
• Thyroid medications

5. Trigger Events

When a person undergoes an intense shock, whether it be physical or emotional, this can result in a temporary thinning of hair that can last for several months after the shock. A death in the family, surgery, and sudden or excessive weight loss are all examples of trigger events that can be shocking to the body and resulting in hair thinning.

6. Hair Management

Too much styling and overheating of hair can also contribute to thinning hair. Coloring, straightening and extensions can all cause the hair to become dry and brittle, resulting in strands or entire sections breaking off. Pulling the hair back too tightly can also contribute to thinning.

7. Other Risk Factors

There are several risk factors of hair loss. Family history or heredity is a cause as well as a risk factor of a thinning hair line. Other possible risk factors include age, stress, inadequate nutrition and certain chronic medical conditions, like diabetes and lupus. (16)

How Thinning Hair Occurs in Women vs. Men

A healthy scalp has around 80 percent of its hair follicles in the growing stage while the other 20 percent is in the resting stage. Hair thinning and loss occur when that vital growing state either slows down considerably or stops.

What causes hair to thin out for women? Just like our bodies change with age, most women notice some hair thinning as they get older. This is quite natural. It’s said that by the age of 50, half of women will complain of hair loss. If a woman’s thinning hair is related to female-patterned hair loss, then the thinning is believed to be 90 percent genetic and 10 percent hormonal. You’ll probably be surprised to learn that female-pattern baldness affects about 30 million American women. (17) You can’t change your genetics, but thankfully, you can work on the hormonal aspect (more on that shortly).

Thinning hair in women typically occurs slowly all over the entire scalp without a recession of the hair line (like is common in men). If a woman has female-pattern hair loss, it can lead to extreme hair thinning but rarely leads to baldness.

What about thinning hair in men? For men, hair thinning can start as early as puberty and progress for many years to come after that. The thinning usually begins above the temples and travels around the perimeter and top of the head. Ultimately, this can result in a ring of hair often referred to as a “horseshoe” remaining along the bottom of the scalp. For a lot of men, hair thinning continues until there is no hair left resulting in a completely bald scalp.

Conventional Treatment for Thinning Hair

Conventional treatments for thinning hair include medications and surgery.

When hair is caused by an underlying disease, conventional medicine likely includes drugs like prednisone to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Common side effects of prednisone include confusion, headache, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, thinning skin, acne, sleep problems and weight gain. (18)

There are also two drugs on the market today that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat pattern baldness or thinning. The first one is minoxidil, commonly known commercially as Rogaine, and it can be used by both men and women. You may experience hair regrowth or a decreased rate of hair loss, but the growth is not permanent and will stop if you stop using it. Some common side effects may include severe scalp irritation, undesirable growth of facial hair, chest pain, rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and more.

Another conventional option in pill form is called finasteride. Again, you need to keep taking it to retain benefits. Additionally, women who are or may be pregnant need to avoid touching crushed or broken tablets. Side effects may include impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, abnormal ejaculation, swelling in your hands or feet, feeling faint,
headache, runny nose, and skin rash. (19)

For both men and women, hair replacement surgery or a hair transplant uses your existing hair to fill in the areas of significant hair thinning. Low-level laser therapy is also a more recent option for people experiencing thinning hair, but many doctors reject this option completely.

Precautions Regarding Natural Treatments for Thinning Hair

Check with your doctor before using any conventional or natural treatments for thinning hair if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have any ongoing medical issues.

Conventional hair thinning treatments come with a lot of highly concerning side effects you should take into consideration, as I already mentioned, which is why I always recommend natural treatments for thinning hair.

Final Thoughts on Natural Treatments for Thinning Hair

I hope you find these natural treatments for thinning hair to be effective. Remember that change won’t happen overnight and consistency with natural treatments for thinning hair are key to optimal results.

If you’re a woman experiencing hair thinning, hair loss experts recommend getting tested for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances as a good starting place. If you can get to a fixable cause of your hair thinning, the great news is that hair will often grow back and continue growing at a healthy rate once the underlying cause of your hair thinning is addressed. If you’re a man or woman and you’re afraid that it’s all just genetics, don’t throw in the towel. While a family history might not be in your favor, you can still do a lot through your diet and lifestyle to slow down hair thinning and preserve your mane for as long as possible.

With a consistent, patient approach, natural treatments for thinning hair can help your scalp get back to work growing your hair as it should as often as it should or, at the least, help to to thin out at a slower pace. I know hair thinning is not easy to deal with, but I encourage you to give natural treatments for hair thinning a try and not put vanity before health because the conventional options can cause seriously alarming health issues that are a lot more concerning and damaging than a thinning head of hair.

Read Next: 5 Best Uses of Coconut Oil For Hair

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The American Hair Loss Association tells us that by week 22, a developing fetus has formed all of its hair follicles, which comes to about 5 million on the body! There are a total of 1 million on the head, with 100,000 of those follicles on the scalp.

Since we do not generate new hair follicles anytime during the course of our lives, this is the largest number of hair follicles a human will ever have. Most people will notice that the density of scalp hair is reduced as they grow from childhood to adulthood. This happens because our scalps literally expand as we grow.

Now, let’s understand some of the factors that can contribute to thinning hair:

• Physical stress
• Emotional stress
• Hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid condition
• Toxic exposure
• Deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals
• Allergies
• Use of some products found on the market
• Heredity

What happens when our hair is thinning? More than likely, the hair is falling out, aka hair loss. Usually, another hair starts to grow from the same follicle, but hair growth can decrease if DHT (a male androgen hormone that causes follicles to shrink) is high. For men, male pattern baldness follows that of a receding hairline. For women, baldness is characterized by thinning on the top or the center of the head. This is also known as androgenetic alopecia.

However, there are some hair loss remedies you can use to thicken your hair naturally and. Not only will it help you gain some voluminous locks and stop hair loss, it will save you a lot of money! You can start some of these things right away, such as:

• Lifestyle changes to reduce stress
• Dietary improvements
• Regularly using certain hair thickener natural remedies, such as essential oils

There are three essential oils that can help thicken the hair:

• Rosemary is one of the best oils for enhancing hair growth, which thickens the hair. Rosemary oil is believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulates hair growth.
• Cedarwood essential oil can help stimulate the hair follicles by increasing circulation to the scalp. This can contribute to hair growth and slow hair loss! Cedarwood can help treat thinning hair and various types of alopecia, too.
• Clary sage essential oil can help balance scalp oils. Sage has some similar properties as rosemary essential oil due its ability to increase cellular metabolism. As well, it mimics some benefits found in clary sage, which provides hormone balancing properties.

The post Rosemary, Cedarwood & Sage Hair Thickener appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Applying a hair treatment periodically can help eliminate  frizzy hair, and even repair damaged, split ends. What’s great is that you can do it at home and there is a good chance that you already have the ingredients in your kitchen cabinet. One of my favorite options is an olive oil hair treatment. It deep conditions, makes the hair shine and is easy to wash out of the hair, among other great benefits. Read on to learn how to make it yourself and why it is such a great idea.

How to Make an Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Using olive oil to treat hair is nothing new. It has been used for centuries to add shine, softness, fullness and even to strengthen hair. It contains some key components such as oleic acid, palmitic acid and squalene. These are all emollients, which are compounds that make the hair soft.

To start, pour the olive oil into a small bowl or glass jar. Next, add rosemary, lavender and lemongrass oils, which are some essential oils that are great for the hair. Blend well. While you can simply condition using just the olive oil, adding these essential oils further boosts the quality of the hair treatment:

• Rosemary is great for thinning hair. It helps with growth and thickness by increasing cellular metabolism. A study even showed increased hair growth in patients who were suffering from alopecia. (2)  
• Lavender contains antimicrobial properties, can prevent dry hair and helps eliminate stress, which in and of itself can stimulate hair growth and healthy hair overall. (3) 
• Lemongrass is a great addition given its ability to heal the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. And if dandruff is a concern, it helps with that too!

Make sure to blend all ingredients well. Then, store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. (4) 

How to Use an Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Apply a coat of the olive oil hair treatment to your dry hair by starting at the roots and working your way down your hair. Make sure the hair is well-coated. For added conditioning, wrap the hair in a warm towel. If you are wondering if you can keep olive oil in your hair, the answer is yes. Leave the olive oil treatment in your hair for 30–40 minutes. Rinse, then gently massage in my DIY shampoo, again starting at the roots and working your way through all of your hair to ensure that you have removed all excess oil. If you are not sure, shampoo twice. Then use my DIY conditioner. Rinse and style as usual.

Precautions

Using olive oil is especially great for textured, curly, thick, dry or damaged hair. While it may be OK for fine hair, perhaps using a little less or substituting with coconut oil  may work better for this hair type. It should be safe to experiment with both.

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Could broccoli seed oil be the next “it”oil? Quite possibly, yes. The health benefits of broccoli nutrition are well-known — as an edible vegetable that is. Broccoli consumption has been shown to help prevent cancer, benefit heart health, improve digestion and so much more. (1) But the broccoli benefits don’t stop there! Now the oil made from broccoli sprouts is gaining traction in the beauty world for its ability to emulate silicone-based ingredients minus the negative health concerns.

When it comes to your skin and hair, you may want to consider getting the benefits of broccoli from its oil in addition to its presence on your dinner plater. Broccoli seed oil is highly moisturizing, non-greasy and absorbs quickly. With its high fatty acid and vitamin content, broccoli seed oil may just be what your dry hair and skin need.

What Is Broccoli Seed Oil?

When you hear “broccoli oil” you might picture someone squashing the green cruciferous vegetable and putting the juices in a container. Don’t worry, broccoli oil is not made this way. Broccoli seed oil is made by cold-pressing the tiny seeds of broccoli sprouts. Broccoli sprouts are how the adult vegetable we all know as broccoli starts out. They typically only grow for about four or five days before they’re harvested. These sprouts may be small, but they are mighty. Broccoli sprouts are said to contain up to 80-100 times more of the antioxidant sulforaphane than broccoli. (2)

Pure broccoli seed oil has a pale greenish-yellow color. Does it smell like broccoli? I will warn you that, yes, it does have a scent similar to broccoli. The good news is that it’s typically very faint and dissipates rather quickly. Personally, I don’t mind the scent because I can tell the oil really has its literal roots in the broccoli plant itself.

Broccoli seed oil nutrition has an impressive fatty acid profile, yet it manages to be light ant not greasy. It absorbs very nicely into the skin and hair. This vegetable-derived oil is almost 50 percent erucic acid, which is is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.

Here’s a full look at the fatty acid profile of broccoli seed oil: (3)

• Erucic acid (omega-9 fatty acid): 49 percent
• Oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid): 13.5 percent
• Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid): 11.4 percent
• Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid): 9 percent
• Eicosenoic acid: 6 percent
• Palmitic acid: 3.25 percent

Broccoli seed oil also contains vitamin A, C and K as well as B vitamins.

Don’t be surprised if you start noticing broccoli seed oil included more and more in some or all of the following:

• Anti-aging oils and serums
• Makeup
• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Hair styling products
• Body and hand lotions
• Balms
• Lip care products

Health Benefits

1. Moisturizing

The first and most obvious benefit of broccoli seed oil is the moisture that it can provide to your skin and hair. Broccoli seed oil is loaded with beneficial fatty acids. If you struggle with dry hair, dry skin or both, then adding broccoli seed oil to your daily beauty regimen can go a long way to improve dryness.

Similar to other oils like coconut oil or argan oil, a little goes a long way. When using broccoli seed oil to improve dryness, just start with a couple of drops and go from there. If your hair is on the finer side, you want to be more conservative with how much oil you use, whereas with thick hair you may need to use a little more to reap broccoli seed oil’s moisturizing benefits.

2. Much Healthier than Silicone

Many beauty products, especially hair products and makeup, contain silicone or silicone-based ingredients, like dimethicone. Why are companies using this synthetic and questionable ingredient? Silicone can help make hair look smoother and shinier. It can also help makeup to stay in place. These are desirable characteristics in the world of beauty, but there is still debate about whether or not we really want to put silicone and other silicone-like ingredients on our bodies.

Some experts believe that silicone oils like dimethicone behave similarly to petroleum products by forming a plastic-like, artificial barrier to the skin. This unnatural environment doesn’t allow the skin to breathe and perform as it normally does, which can make skin drier and even make the skin irritated, especially for people who have sensitive skin.

If you love what silicone does but feel iffy about how healthy this synthetic ingredient is, then the good news is that broccoli seed oil is a natural ingredient that’s said to mimic silicone. According to Annmarie Skin Care (a well-respected line of natural, organic, wild-crafted products): (5)

Broccoli seed oil is unique because of its powerful antioxidants, and its unique combination of essential fatty acids. Light, non-greasy, and easily absorbed, it’s actually similar in feel to the chemical silicones you’ll find in other skin and hair-care products.

3. Boosts Hair Health and Appearance

As an alternative to silicone, broccoli seed oil can make an awesome addition to your hair care lineup. Using broccoli seed oil on your hair adds moisturizing fatty acids as well as vitamins that are essential to healthy hair growth. Applying broccoli seed oil for flyaways, frizz, split ends or just as a leave-in treatment adds a noticeable shine to improve the appearance of your hair.

4. Prevents UV Damage

Broccoli seed oil may protect the skin from UV radiation and sunburns and therefore possibly help prevent skin cancer. Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, an organic sulfur compound found in cruciferous vegetables. A scientific study published in 2007 revealed that in both animals and human subjects, sulforaphane up-regulated enzymes that protect skin against damage by UV radiation. (6) This is promising research when it comes to skin cancer.

Marie Veronique, founder of a natural skin care line that formulates with broccoli seed oil, says: (7)

Broccoli extract works differently from other antioxidants — rather than scavenging free radicals it is directly absorbed into the cells of the skin when applied topically. Inside the cells, it produces a matrix of protective enzymes that defend against damage from UV exposure. It works at the cellular level to reduce skin redness and inflammation caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

5. Natural Alternative to Retinol

Broccoli seed oil doesn’t just contain helpful fatty acids — it also contains beneficial vitamins like vitamin A. Some people are turning to broccoli seed oil as a healthier alternative to prescription or over-the-counter retinoid or retinol products. These products all utilize a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself faster.

This speedier skin cell turnover rate is why so many people love these products for anti-aging. However, these retinoids are not without their concerning side effects. Retinoid risks include redness, dryness, irritation, skin color changes, sunlight sensitivity, swelling, crusting or blistering. Broccoli seed oil provides vitamin A without undesirable side effects.

6. Anti-Aging Effects

In addition to vitamin A, broccoli seed oil also contains linoleic acid, which promotes ceramide synthesis. Why is this great for skin health? Ceramides, found in the top layer of the skin, not only regulate the skin cells, but they also help form a protective layer that retains moisture and visibly plumps the skin.

By promoting ceramide production, broccoli seed oil can be especially helpful to mature skin that’s looking for added moisture and a more youthful appearance — another way to help naturally slow aging.

How to Use

Hair Uses

• Flyaways or frizz — To tame those annoying stray strands of hair, simply put a couple of drops of broccoli seed oil on the palms of your hands, rub your hands together, and distribute evenly throughout hair or just on the problem areas. Use more or less oil depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
• Split ends — To help keep split ends under control until your next haircut, try putting a couple of drops of broccoli seed oil on your finger tips and running them over the ends of your hair as needed.
• Scalp treatment — With all its fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, this is a great oil to massage into your scalp for an easy at-home treatment. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash and condition as usual.
• Conditioner booster — You can also add a few drops of broccoli seed oil to your favorite conditioner.

Skin Uses

• Dry skin — Apply a drop or two of broccoli seed oil into any dry areas of your body. Use more oil if the area of concern is larger. Massage the oil in lightly until it is absorbed. It can also help calm skin inflammation and irritation.
• Wrinkles or dryness on face/neck — Put several drops of broccoli oil across the palms of your hands and rub your palms together to warm up the oil. Now pat and press the oil all over your face and neck. If you use a moisturizer, put it on before the oil.
• Overnight skin care treatment — Apply in the same manner at night for an overnight skincare treatment.
• Razor bumps and burns —Wondering how to get rid of razor burn? Warm a drop or two of the oil in your hands and lightly massage into the affected area to promote healing.
• Nails and cuticles — To give your brittle nails and cuticles a therapeutic treat, dot a fraction of a drop of broccoli seed oil directly onto each nail, one at a time, and rub into the nail bed and cuticle. Leave on until all nails have been treated. Make sure to remove any nail polish and rinse thoroughly before applying the oil.

Risks and Allergies

Before using any ingredient on your skin, it’s always a wise idea to perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have a negative skin reaction. Try testing one to two drops of oil on an area of your skin that isn’t sensitive, such as your feet or calves.

If you do find you have any unwanted response to broccoli seed oil, discontinue use immediately. If you’re allergic to broccoli, then you may likely have an allergy to broccoli seed oil.

Always store broccoli seed oil in a dark, cool place away from heat and light.

Final Thoughts

Loaded with moisturizing essential fatty acids, yet light, quickly absorbed and non-greasy, broccoli seed oil is an easy-to-use, easy-to-love, natural addition to any skin or hair care regimen. With the availability of pure broccoli seed oil as well as its inclusion in natural body care products, the benefits of broccoli can be experienced both internally and externally now.

After years of consuming broccoli as a healthy addition to your meals, isn’t it hard not to wonder how this green veggie might naturally improve your skin and hair? Find out, as research shows it just may do wonders.

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Dying hair is very popular among women, and even some men, especially as they get older and the gray starts to show. According to some statistics, 69 percent of women say that they feel more attractive right after having their hair dyed. (1)

Another study showed that 50 percent of women dye their hair regularly. According to the study, both genders started dyeing their hair around the age of 27. (2) 

Like thickening one’s hair, the idea of dyeing hair has been around for a very long time. Ancient Egyptians became pros at learning how to lighten hair. Unfortunately, it was lead-based back in the day and their goal was to create dark hair by dyeing it black … very black. (3) 

In modern times, lightening the hair seems to be the most popular approach and often starts at an early age for young girls wanting that sun-bleached, blonde look to their locks.

But first, let’s understand just a bit about hair. I’m sure you’ve heard of keratin. That is what our hair is made of, and it’s the same thing that makes up our fingernails.

But how does our hair get its color? Hair begins its growth inside a hair follicle that is found underneath the skin. It’s here where pigment is added from protein. Our natural hair color comes from two pigments — one called eumelanin, which is usually found in brunettes and darker hair colors, and pheomelanin, which comprises the beautiful red hair colors. Blonde, however, simply comes from lower amounts of pigment, and gray happens when pigment production decreases or stops altogether. (4)

Conventional Ways to Lighten Your Hair

So what happens when you decide to change the color of your hair? And is bleaching safe for your hair? Well, when you learn how to lighten hair by bleaching it, you are removing the natural pigment of the hair. Commonly, the bleach that is used is hydroxide peroxide, which achieves what is often referred to as peroxide hair.

But did you know that when you heat hydrogen peroxide to a boiling point, it becomes explosive? And at room temperature, it is used as a disinfectant. Manufacturers of these products know this, so they dilute it a good bit so that it’s somewhat safe to use.

It works by entering the hair shaft and releasing oxygen. When this happens, the pigments are broken down. This allows for a color product to work in conjunction with the hydrogen peroxide to gain the desired hair color. So ultimately, you are stripping the hair with the bleach, or hydrogen peroxide, to prepare it to take on the color and stay until new hair growth occurs. But is this a healthy process for your hair? Absolutely not. 

What is also important to understand is that most off-the shelf hair products contain dangerous chemicals that, when exposed to them, can cause cancer and numerous other health risks. Formaldehyde, for example, is found in tons of hair products and poses a huge risk according to OSHA. (5) (6) 

Additionally, hair dyeing products may cause allergic reactions when in contact with the skin, such as itching on the scalp, hair breakage, hair loss, redness on the scalp, conjunctivitis and even headache. Interestingly, a study shows that regardless, 89 percent of subjects continued dyeing their hair and many continued use during pregnancy.

I find this alarming since numerous studies give evidence to the absorption of toxic chemicals in hair products through the skin of the scalp, which can pose health risks for both mom and baby. (7) 

6 Ways to Naturally Bleach Hair At Home

Now that you have some knowledge of how hair dyeing works and some risks involved in the use of chemical-based dyes, let’s delve into some natural ways for how to lighten hair.

A study by Microbial Biotechnology published some astounding results when assessing plant-based dyes for the hair. “Using a laccase enzyme from Trametes versicolor and natural plant‐derived phenolic compounds, they were able to produce a colorful array of eco‐friendly dyes.” This included a broad range of colors ultimately reducing the use of hydrogen peroxide‐based dyeing methods, which possibly contain carcinogenic phenylenediamines. This is good news for our health! (8) 

1. Chamomile

If you thought benefit-rich chamomile was only for tea, guess what? It can safely lighten your hair too. Just brew a strong cup or two, then allow it cool. Once cooled, apply it to the hair for an all over lightening effect. Then hang out in the sun for about a half an hour while it dries. Shampoo and condition as usual.

2. Henna

While henna is usually known to darken hair, it can lighten very dark brunettes by providing some reddish highlights. It takes about three tablespoons of henna powder combined with a ½ cup of boiling water. Then allow this mixture to sit overnight. The next morning, apply to your hair, letting it sit for around 2–3 hours. Rinse well.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda can whiten your teeth, but if looking for how to lighten hair, it can help. Make a paste using a little warm water and about a ⅓ cup of baking soda. (You may need more if you have long hair). Once you have formed a thick paste, apply it to the hair and leave on for about 15 minutes. Rinse, shampoo, condition and style as usual. You can even try my baking soda shampoo for added results. 

4. Lemons

Lemon juice in hair is probably the most popular and has been for years because it contains bleaching properties. It works because of the citric acid in the lemon fruit, which can be used while out in the sun to naturally lighten the hair. This method seems to work best on lighter shades of hair. Regardless, you don’t need much.

To gently lighten the hair, combine one tablespoon of lemon juice with about a half gallon of water. If you want stronger bleaching effects, you can dilute far less by mixing three tablespoons of lemon juice with about two cups of water. If you prefer, you can use lemon essential oil to do the trick. Just a few drops blended with water will create the perfect concoction.

Want a shine boost? Use apple cider vinegar for hair by simply adding two tablespoons for a great hair rinse. To use, apply after a good shampoo. Simply rinse your hair with the lemon mixture. Make sure it has been evenly distributed. Massage it into your hair. Allow it to sit for five minutes to one hour, and for a lighter effect, sit in the sun with the mixture in your hair. Then, apply conditioner and rinse. You can repeat this technique for two to three weeks until desired color is reached.

5. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

As mentioned above, vinegar can offer some shine, but it also can offer a lightened affect. Just combine a ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with a half-cup of distilled water. Either spray it on or apply to strands using a cotton ball or brush. Leave on for about half an hour, then rinse.

6. Sea Salt

When swimming in the ocean, the salt from the sea can lighten your hair, especially since you are out in the sun. You can simulate that effect using sea salt and warm water. Just dissolve one tablespoon of sea salt with about a ½ cup of warm water. Apply it to your hair, leaving on for about 20 minutes. Rinse and wash for that sexy beach look!

Natural Hair Lightener Recipe

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 5 drops chamomile essential oil
• warm water (enough to make a paste)

In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and sea salt. Mix well. Baking soda is a great home remedy because it helps removes residue caused by other products, helps remove chlorine (which is useful if you spend time in the pool), and it even promotes hair growth! (9) 

And you simply can’t go wrong with the natural benefits of sea salt. While overdoing it in the ocean and sun can cause your hair to become brittle, incorporating it on occasion can actually provide some great benefits. Sea salt has the ability to naturally balance and restore the scalp, which benefits the hair. This works because sea salt is jam-packed with health-benefiting minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium. These minerals are vital to the health of our skin, hair and nails. (10) 

Then add the chamomile essential oil. Chamomile oil is amazing because it adds shine and softness to hair all while soothing the scalp. It is also known as an anti-dandruff solution. (11) Now, slowly add purified warm water until it forms a thick paste. Make sure it’s well blended.

To apply, choose either strands of hair or apply it to your full head of hair for an all over lighter effect. Either way, make sure to massage into the scalp area at the base of the hair you are working with. Allow it to sit on the hair for about half an hour. To achieve a blonder affect, sit in the sun during this time. After half an hour, rinse thoroughly, shampoo, condition and style as usual. If you want your hair to be even lighter, repeat the next day.

Keep in mind that results may vary since everyone’s hair is different. Using purified water can help achieve better results. Since some may have an allergic reaction, if you experience any irritation, stop using and thoroughly rinse immediately.

Read Next: Top Vitamins for Hair Growth

The post How to Lighten Hair Naturally — 6 Natural Ways appeared first on Dr. Axe.

I have heard some pretty tough stories from moms who struggle to keep their daughter’s hair tangle-free. Kicking, screaming and lots of tears have been shed in an effort to maintain that beautiful long hair. And it seems it does not end at childhood! This is a common problem for adults, too, especially swimmers.

The best homemade conditioners and leave-in conditioner sprays work great — unlike those toxic commercial detanglers — and can definitely be used to help keep tangles out of the hair, but a detangler spray can be even more helpful. Detangling the hair helps keep it healthy since a knot could result in some pretty serious breakage. It isn’t hard to do and if you want to know how to detangle hair, this homemade hair detangler recipe is so easy, for you make it right at home with just a few ingredients.

Try this detangler recipe to help make combing and brushing the hair easier on both mom and daughter!

Start by pulling together all of the ingredients, glass bottle and funnel. Grab the glass bottle, and place the 6–8 drops of lavender oil inside. Lavender essential oil is a favorite of mine. It smells great and offers softening and conditioning treatment to the hair. Then, add the rosemary. Packed with antioxidants, rosemary essential oil stimulates new hair growth and helps with damaged hair. It can also treat dandruff and itchy scalp.

Next, using your funnel, add the apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is definitely a wonder ingredient for you hair! Apple cider vinegar works by through the acidity it contains. This acidity helps prevent the loss of much-needed natural oils in the hair and scalp by keeping pH levels balanced. I love Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother. Just make sure it’s organic and contains ‘the Mother,’ which is chock-full of healthy probiotics!

Now, let’s add the water. Using purified or distilled water is important so that we do not contaminate the homemade hair detangler recipe. This helps it to last longer by eliminating the possibility of the formation of bacteria.

Cap the bottle and give it a good shake! After you wash you hair, you can spray the detangler throughout your hair and no need to wash it out either; it acts as a leave-in condition, too! You can also spot spray any newly risen knots or tangles that you may find.

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Oily hair, or excess sebum production, is frustrating and embarrassing because it can cause hair to look unwashed and dirty, not to mention limp and lifeless. There are ways to eliminate oily hair, and it may be easier than you think. Using the right shampoo to keep your scalp clean may be sitting right in your cupboard!

But what causes oily hair in the first place? Oily hair can be due to overactive oil glands, unbalanced hormones or even your diet. Additionally, excess scrubbing can cause the scalp to be irritated and cause more oil production — too many washes can do the same.

It’s best to get the oil production under control, as it can cause psoriasis and dandruff. While you don’t want to leave your hair sweaty after a workout, try to plan so that you wash your hair no more than once a day. For some, trying my apple cider vinegar for hair rinse could be useful in keeping the hair pH balanced and assist in managing those oil glands.

In any case, it’s best to use a shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals and preservatives. This DIY shampoo for oily hair may be the perfect blend of good, natural ingredients that can give you fuller, oil-free hair and allow you to wash less frequently.

Shampoo for Oily Hair Recipe

Let’s start preparing this shampoo for oily hair recipe!

In a small bowl, combine the green clay and green tea and blend well. Green clay, also known as French green clay, is a type of mineral clay that contains highly absorbent properties, which is why is it is great for eliminating oily hair problems. It’s a bio-mineral, composed of both decomposed plant material and trace minerals such as calcium, aluminum, magnesium, silica, phosphorous, copper and zinc.

Green tea is amazing because of the antioxidants it contains which are powerful because it has been fermented. It is great for controlling dandruff and psoriasis and contains the beneficial vitamins such as vitamins C, D, E and B5. B5 contains panthenol, which provides antimicrobial properties that are good for controlling bacteria growth. Green tea stimulates hair follicles, and thus can aid in hair growth and possibly reduce hair loss. (1) (2)

Next, add the Castile soap. Castile soap is great because it’s pure. You can use a plain version or choose peppermint, for example. I like Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. Castile soap is great because it’s plant-based, pure, all-natural and chemical-free. This gives it the ability to provide healing qualities. Once you have added the Castile soap, mix thoroughly with the clay and green tea.

Now, let’s add the honey and apple cider vinegar (ACV). Honey is a natural humectant, helps make the hair soft and shiny and fights off bacteria while the apple cider vinegar provides useful pH balancing effects. Meanwhile, the acids and enzymes found in ACV can also kill oil-making bacteria. Make sure to blend all ingredients.

Once blended, add the water and mix well. Make sure to use pure water to avoid any bacteria and chemicals.

Lastly, but definitely an important ingredient is the tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is amazing for many reasons, but specifically it helps to unclog sebum that may block the hair follicles. Tea tree essential oil helps fight bacterial and fungal infections that may occur, and it can help remove excess oil and dirt particles. Blend the tea tree oil into your mixture.

Now that all ingredients have been blended, it’s best to use a food-grade BPA-free plastic bottle or a dark glass jar with a tight fitting lid to keep light from affecting it beneficial properties. To apply, simply shampoo as normal and rinse. Though you may not need it, you can make this homemade conditioner recipe.

To store, I suggest keeping it in the fridge since we are not using any preservatives and because we add water.

The post Tea Tree, Green Tea & Honey Shampoo for Oily Hair appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Baking soda has long been a home remedy for so many things, but did you know that baking soda is a great way to clean your hair?

Regarding conventional shampoos, there are numerous chemicals in them which may actually damage your hair over time. In fact, of the 10,500 chemical ingredients used in the personal care products, only 11 percent have been assessed for health and safety. While not every brand contains all these chemicals, simply reviewing the label can tell you what you need to know.

A recent study reports that specific chemicals found in many shampoos, including antimicrobial agents, surfactants and preservatives, can all impair different aspects of hair health. These chemicals can seep into your body through your skin and scalp creating other damaging effects. However, why not avoid these chemicals and make your own right at home? With this baking soda shampoo featuring lavender oil, you can have beautiful hair without all the chemicals! (1) (2)

This recipe is so simple and can give your hair body and volume without stripping your scalp of its much needed natural oils. At first, you may notice that your hair is a bit oilier than usual. Give it a little time to adjust and balance. Also, because you are used to the foaming action of most shampoos, this method may seem odd at first. Give it time and you will love the results.

So let’s get started making your at home baking soda shampoo!

You can mix this right in your bottle. Double the recipe if you want to make more. Place the baking soda in the bottle. Baking soda is great because it helps remove impurities. Once those impurities are removed, your hair will have way more volume! Baking soda is a natural mineral natron known as nahcolite. Used since ancient times, the natron in baking soda contains large amounts of sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a natural deodorizer and cleanser.

Next, add the water and shake well. You want to make sure the water is purified water to eliminate toxins that may be present. To do this, simply boil the water for one minute. Then, allow it to cool. (4)

Now, add the lavender essential oil. Lavender is a favorite of mine due to the relaxation that I get from using it not to mention the nice scent it provides. As well, lavender is an antioxidant which helps eliminate toxins and chemicals. 

Once all ingredients are in the bottle, make sure to tightly screw on the cap and shake well until blended.

You can now try your new DIY baking soda shampoo. Just put a small amount into your palm, then work into the hair and scalp just like you normally shampoo. Gently massage it into the hair and scalp, then allow it sit for a minute or two before rinsing it.

You may want to try this homemade conditioner after using your baking soda shampoo.

Risks

The hair is usually in the neighborhood of 4.5–5 pH level. Baking soda can be highly alkaline in nature; therefore, do not overuse, as it can result in the hair becoming brittle and weak. 

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How many times have you been in a big hurry and needed to wash your hair but just did not have the time? It happens to everyone. What if there was a convenient way to have fresh hair without getting it wet?

Well, there is: It’s called dry shampoo. Dry shampoos are very convenient because you can take them with you anywhere you go. You can even freshen up the kids in a pinch!  

But rather than buying a dry shampoo, you can make a much healthier version for your hair at home. This DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe is loaded with benefit-rich essential oils like lavender oil and peppermint oil, plus other healthy ingredients depending on your hair color.

The Fun, Short History of Dry Shampoo 

Dry shampoos have been around for a while. Minipoo Dry Shampoo was produced from the early 1940s through the late 1960s. The National Museum of American History actually has a display of Minipoo that mainly targeted women. Advertisements claimed that it could be used while sick in bed.

Known as the 10-minute dry shampoo that was convenient for “surprise dates,” Minipoo was also safe for kids because no soap would get in their eyes. Their slogan was “When you can’t shampoo, Minipoo.” (1) Dry shampoos also showed up in the 1960s when Twiggy starred in an early ad.

How Does It Work? Who Is It For?

Basically, a dry shampoo soaks up excess oil (that makes for greasy hair) between shampoos, giving longer life to hairstyles or simply providing a way to freshen up. My DIY dry shampoo can help lift the roots and provide a matte finish versus an oily appearance.

Hair stylists are all for it, especially if they’re going to do an up-do for a wedding or special event. In fact, it’s common for them to ask you to not wash you hair for a several days before coming into the salon so it’s easier to manage and massage into that perfect hair style. This is the time when a dry shampoo can help get you through those dirty hair days!

Who is dry shampoo for? It can be for anyone! Men, women and kids on the go can benefit from this handy product. For athletes, this is really useful. It’s even helpful for the mom or dad who really wants to get that daily workout in but has very little time to make it happen. When every second counts, a dry shampoo may be in order.

Our DIY Dry Shampoo

As you can see in the below recipe for a DIY dry shampoo, the main ingredients vary depending on your hair color. If you use arrowroot powder or cornstarch, it may initially look very white on your hair. This is why those ingredients are ultimately best for lighter hair colors. Meanwhile, cocoa or cinnamon powder is best for dark hair.

When choosing between arrowroot or cornstarch, the former is better because unlike cornstarch, arrowroot powder is harvested from the tubers of its plant without the use of harsh chemicals or high heat. Plus, arrowroot powder is loaded with nutrients.

The two essential oils also have excellent hair-healing properties. Lavender oil has been used for medicinal and religious purposes for over 2,500 years. It benefits the hair and the scalp because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics. Peppermint oil is an excellent stimulant to energize you while you shampoo, plus it’s a powerful antiseptic and can help remove dandruff and lice.

Lastly, while it may vary for many, it’s probably time to wash your your hair after a third application.

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This homemade honey citrus shampoo recipe is great for your hair! It helps to balance the hair’s natural pH, it kills bacteria, restores moisture to hair, reduces dandruff and it doesn’t strip the hair of its natural oils! Try it today!

Note: Citrus essentials oils are highly concentrated and are full of healthy acidic properties! Because of this, we recommend you use glass containers when storing them so they do not eat away any of the plastic.

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This homemade conditioner recipe is awesome! It helps to restore the hairs natural pH, thus rehydrating the hair! The result is soft, luscious and healthy hair! Try it today.

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Even though the bouffant, made popular by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy a few decades ago, has faded, the use of hairspray still exisst to help set the hair and prevent fly away hair. Though some improvements have been made, in particular, going from aerosol cans to pump bottles in most cases, the toxins are still there in most store-bought versions.

But with this homemade hair spray recipe, you can eliminate those toxins and have beautiful and healthy hair. It’s not only easy and fast to make, but also very cost-effective and may help prevent hair loss! Try it today.

Let’s start by boiling the water. Once it comes to a boil, dissolve the sugar by adding it to the water and stirring. The more sugar you use, the stiffer the hold; however, if you use too much, you may find a sticky residue, so start with smaller amounts and adjust as needed.

Now, add the vodka to the pan. If you prefer, you can make this recipe without alcohol; however, the alcohol acts as a preservative.

Allow the mixture to cool, then add the essential oils. You can choose your favorite scents, but I love using lavender and rosemary essential oils. Both help with hair loss, so it makes sense that these ingredients would be perfect for your homemade hairspray.

Furthermore, lavender can give you a sense of relaxation, while rosemary is known as one of the best oils for enhancing hair growth, as well as thickening the hair. Rosemary oil is also believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulates hair growth. Another benefit is that it can provide an increase in microcirculation of the scalp, which promotes healing.

Once cool, place the mixture in a spray bottle and store in a cool place. Shake before each use.

Like any product, make sure to avoid spraying in the eyes or the mouth.

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This easy and fast homemade coconut lavender shampoo recipe cleans hair naturally without stripping natural oils. Try it and see the benefits for yourself!

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