January 4, 2011
Hello, hello, hello!
Oh woe is me! Have you ever felt that you are racing with your hair and your losing!? I look at other women's hair stories and they are reaching there goal so quickly! I feel like the turtle in the race.
I was sitting on my couch feeling frustrated with my hair. Wondering what I have I been doing wrong. My ends STILL aren't where they are supposed to be. I mean I know that the ends of your hair are the oldest and I have been relaxing my hair for over 20 years and treating it very badly all this time, so I can't expect a complete turn around so quickly can I?! Well, I want one anyway lol.
So in 2011 it's time to buckle down and get serious about these ends! When I thought I was babying my ends, it was only slightly caring for them with the care they needed. I mean they are very damaged. Relaxers every 5 weeks from root to tips! Flat ironing every other day... Yes, it was bad and as bad as it was I need to be that much nicer to it now.
So instead of sitting there and feeling completely sorry for myself, I got up. I moisturized my hair in sections with profective, sealed with castor oil and twisted like a roll in two and put a scarf on for bed.
This is really a T&E (Trial and Error) for me. I have never really sealed with castor oil before by itself because it was so thick, but I think my hair needed some tough love! I also plan to wash my hair tomorrow if I am feeling better (Stupid cold! How terrible to start off the new year sick?)
So plan for tomorrow? Wear my protective style with ends tucked safely away, and co-wash tomorrow.
Note:
Products that I used? ProFective Leave-In Strengthener and Castor oil! That's it. I try to keep it simple.
Until the next post, Have fun and be safe!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Let's talk Oils! Part 4: Random Essential and Carrier Oils that need mention
January 3, 2011
Hello, Hello, Hello!
Well, I didn't want to devote a whole blog post to some essential and carrier oils that most people don't really talk about or use for hair care. The list of oils is quite extensive, and some of them are a little bit odd. This list is mostly complete however I did delete some that were just way off the wall I may at a later time update this list.
I emphasised Cinnamon, Jasmine and Rose oil because I am interested in them mostly for the smell as I like hair things that smell nice and would like to add a little to whatever mix I have made (and mastered!) to give it that little something extra. Cinnamon oil seems to have huge antibacterial properties which I think will be very helpful in extending the shelf life of my mixes! While Jasmine and Rose oil might just be pretty smells, they are also good in aromatherapy. I think smelling a little Jasmine or Rosemary or the like my relieve stress and make me a calmer person. Which is a side perk I like!
So now on to Carrier oils. The list of carrier oils is far smaller than the essential oils
Olive Oil, Castor Oil and Coconut Oil are also popular hair care carrier oils so I thought I would give them more of a mention.
Olive Oil
Castor Oil
Hello, Hello, Hello!
Well, I didn't want to devote a whole blog post to some essential and carrier oils that most people don't really talk about or use for hair care. The list of oils is quite extensive, and some of them are a little bit odd. This list is mostly complete however I did delete some that were just way off the wall I may at a later time update this list.
- Agar Oil:
- Ajwain Oil
- Angelica Root Oil:
- Anise Oil
- Balsam Oil
- Basil Oil
- Bergamot Oil
- Buchu Oil
- Cannabis Flower Essential Oil ( I have no idea!)
- Caraway Oil
- Cardamom Seed Oil
- Carrot Seed Oil
- Cedarwood Oil
- Chamomile Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
- Citronella Oil
- Clover Leaf Oil
- Cranberry Seed Oil
- Cumin Oil
- Davana Oil
- Dill Oil
- Fennel Seed Oil
- Fenugreek Oil
- Geranium Oil
- Ginger Oil
- Grapefruit Oil
- Henna Oil
- Jasmine Oil
- Juniper Berry Oil
- Lemon Oil
- Lemon Grass Oil
- Mustard Oil
- Orange Oil
- Oregano Oil
- Pine Oil
- Rose Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Rosewood Oil
- Safe Oil
- Sandalwood Oil
- Spearmint Oil
- Tarragon Oil
I emphasised Cinnamon, Jasmine and Rose oil because I am interested in them mostly for the smell as I like hair things that smell nice and would like to add a little to whatever mix I have made (and mastered!) to give it that little something extra. Cinnamon oil seems to have huge antibacterial properties which I think will be very helpful in extending the shelf life of my mixes! While Jasmine and Rose oil might just be pretty smells, they are also good in aromatherapy. I think smelling a little Jasmine or Rosemary or the like my relieve stress and make me a calmer person. Which is a side perk I like!
So now on to Carrier oils. The list of carrier oils is far smaller than the essential oils
- Sweet Almond Oil (Is a very popular carrier oil and is nourishing and can softens and strengthens the hair. It is said that if you use Almond oil as a pre-wash treatment it is good at collecting dust, particulates and pollution in your hair)
- Olive Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Evening Primrose (Never heard of this oil)
- Canola Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Emu Oil
- Castor Oil
- Walnut Oil
- Peanut oil
- Pecan Oil
- Macadamia Nut Oil
- Coconut Oil
Olive Oil, Castor Oil and Coconut Oil are also popular hair care carrier oils so I thought I would give them more of a mention.
Olive Oil
- One cause of hair loss is because of a hormone called DTH (DTH=Dihdrotestoserone (I have no idea how to say that BUT it is an androgen (Which is general term for natural or made hormones) made mostly in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles and adrenal glads which leads the hair follicle shaft to decrease.) Applying olive oil to hair prevents the production of DTH hormones on the scalp, thus getting rid of the problem of hair loss
- appropriate for general scalp health
- natural conditioner
Castor Oil
- can be used to get rid of infections that causes various scalp problems
- When applied on a dry, scaly scalp, it can retain the moisture and improve the scalp condition
- can also strengthen the hair roots and promote hair growth
- hair conditioner
- pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people with underlying health condition should take care with castor oil and should discuss the use of it with their doctors (Especially if you drink it!)
- An emollient with a rich source of fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, lauric, capric, caprylic, myristic and palmitic acid
- ideal for dry hair
- If not washed properly, this oil can clog the hair follicles inhibiting hair growth (I did not know this, when I started my hair journey I thought I should use this oil on my scalp. What a mistake! It made my scalp itch like crazy and I had no idea why. I did like 3 emergency washes trying to not to rip my scalp off in an attempt to get relief! Well, as happens often I was lazy after the last wash and let it air dry and went to bed. I had no time in the morning to do anything with it, So I slapped on my handy dandy ProFective Leave in and went to work. No itching! No itching all day and so I learned I can only use Extra Virgin Coconut oil in my Pre-poo and not overnight)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Hey what about those alcohols...
Hello, hello, hello!
January 1, 2011
This little tidbit was apart of my Let's talk oils seris but I thought this information needed it's out platform as it is such a common ingredient in hair care products and you see it everywhere. These are just the basics as I could gather them and I hope you find the information helpful!
Cetyl and other Alcohol's
Now...I bet you thought I forgot! Cetyl Alcohol. Now when I first started this hair journey I read that alcohol was bad and so I looked for products without alcohol and then I stopped myself and asked "Why is alcohol bad?" Well, alcohol is bad because it can draw out moisture from the hair and scalp. "But there are a few different alcohols listed on various products I use and it seems almost impossible to get any without alcohol! What is a girl on a journey to do? Keep researching is what!
So not all alcohols are created equally and therefore may not be so bad, which is like most things.
Some bad alcohols are ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. They can be used to evenly distribute product through the hair to remove oil and/or residue from the hair. As we all know the act of dirt or oil residue on the hair can be a very rough act for hair which can weaken and remove the elements we work so hard in imparting to our hair. This alcohols can leave the cuticles lifted and rough. So we will call this drying alcohols.
Fatty alchols are Lauryl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol and Behenyl alcohol. Fatty is also 'oily'. These alcohol's usually act as an emollient and will help smooth the hair cuticle. Like all things they should be used in moderation as it can react with the sebum you naturally create and cause oily hair. So fatty alcohols not so bad!
January 1, 2011
This little tidbit was apart of my Let's talk oils seris but I thought this information needed it's out platform as it is such a common ingredient in hair care products and you see it everywhere. These are just the basics as I could gather them and I hope you find the information helpful!
Cetyl and other Alcohol's
Now...I bet you thought I forgot! Cetyl Alcohol. Now when I first started this hair journey I read that alcohol was bad and so I looked for products without alcohol and then I stopped myself and asked "Why is alcohol bad?" Well, alcohol is bad because it can draw out moisture from the hair and scalp. "But there are a few different alcohols listed on various products I use and it seems almost impossible to get any without alcohol! What is a girl on a journey to do? Keep researching is what!
So not all alcohols are created equally and therefore may not be so bad, which is like most things.
Some bad alcohols are ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. They can be used to evenly distribute product through the hair to remove oil and/or residue from the hair. As we all know the act of dirt or oil residue on the hair can be a very rough act for hair which can weaken and remove the elements we work so hard in imparting to our hair. This alcohols can leave the cuticles lifted and rough. So we will call this drying alcohols.
Fatty alchols are Lauryl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol and Behenyl alcohol. Fatty is also 'oily'. These alcohol's usually act as an emollient and will help smooth the hair cuticle. Like all things they should be used in moderation as it can react with the sebum you naturally create and cause oily hair. So fatty alcohols not so bad!
Let's talk Oils! Part 3: Essential Oil: Peppermint and Carrier Oil: Jojoba
Hello, Hello, Hello!
January 1, 2010!
Happy New Year! Let's hope this year is full of bliss and my new years resolution of past bra strap length hair by this time next year! Hoping!
In my last post I talked about the essential oil Lavender and the carrier oil Grape Seed. If your thinking that the intro to this blog looks similar don't think your crazy because it is! I basically copied the intro from that post to this post to go over the basics of what an essential and carrier oil are so please feel free to skip to the good parts!
Doing some research and I wanted to buy some essential oils (An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils don't really have oily feeling. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes ways)
I found an an essential oil set on Amazon for $19.95 and it includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange & Tea Tree. Which I think is perfect because I am a still learning and going through my T&E(Trial and Error) stage.
So from what I gather you want to add an essential oil with a carrier oil to your hair care products to boost the effect of the product. Like I have said no product is a miracle product, they just help you on your way and these added oils should help. So this is part one of, well I don't know how many parts there are quite a few essential oils and not nearly as many carrier oils, so I will try to stick with the most popular or well known ones but I may add more essential oils as they interest me.
Peppermint Oil
So Peppermint oil and Jojoba oil! I think Peppermint and Eucalyptus are about the same but I will try both of them in my shampoo to see how I like it. I have used Jojoba before and I have personally noted how light the oil is. I do like it and when I make my mix (Post on that way later!) I will definitely be including it.
Cetyl and other Alcohol's
Now...I bet you thought I forgot! Cetyl Alcohol. Now when I first started this hair journey I read that alcohol was bad and so I looked for products without alcohol and then I stopped myself and asked "Why is alcohol bad?" Well, alcohol is bad because it can draw out moisture from the hair and scalp. "But there are a few different alcohols listed on various products I use and it seems almost impossible to get any without alcohol! What is a girl on a journey to do? Keep researching is what!
So not all alcohols are created equally and therefore may not be so bad, which is like most things.
Some bad alcohols are ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. They can be used to evenly distribute product through the hair to remove oil and/or residue from the hair. As we all know the act of dirt or oil residue on the hair can be a very rough act for hair which can weaken and remove the elements we work so hard in imparting to our hair. This alcohols can leave the cuticles lifted and rough. So we will call this drying alcohols.
Fatty alchols are Lauryl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol and Behenyl alcohol. Fatty is also 'oily'. These alcohol's usually act as an emollient and will help smooth the hair cuticle. Like all things they should be used in moderation as it can react with the sebum you naturally create and cause oily hair. So fatty alcohols not so bad!
Please stay tuned for my next blog and the last of this series : Let's talk Oils! Part 4: Random Essential and Carrier Oils that need mention
January 1, 2010!
Happy New Year! Let's hope this year is full of bliss and my new years resolution of past bra strap length hair by this time next year! Hoping!
In my last post I talked about the essential oil Lavender and the carrier oil Grape Seed. If your thinking that the intro to this blog looks similar don't think your crazy because it is! I basically copied the intro from that post to this post to go over the basics of what an essential and carrier oil are so please feel free to skip to the good parts!
Doing some research and I wanted to buy some essential oils (An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils don't really have oily feeling. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes ways)
I found an an essential oil set on Amazon for $19.95 and it includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange & Tea Tree. Which I think is perfect because I am a still learning and going through my T&E(Trial and Error) stage.
So from what I gather you want to add an essential oil with a carrier oil to your hair care products to boost the effect of the product. Like I have said no product is a miracle product, they just help you on your way and these added oils should help. So this is part one of, well I don't know how many parts there are quite a few essential oils and not nearly as many carrier oils, so I will try to stick with the most popular or well known ones but I may add more essential oils as they interest me.
Peppermint Oil
- Cross between Watermint and Spearmint
- a high Menthol content (Side Note: Menthol is used mostly for it's cooling effect.)
- contains menthone and menthyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate
- produce a cooling sensation on the skin
- helps remove dandruff and lice
- Regulates and normalizes oily hair
- mix 2 drops of oil with 4 oz of water (This seems to be the common solution for use of Peppermint oil and it is highly recommend that you do not apply this oil directly to the hair)
- stimulates the hair follicle which helps in hair growth
- binds the hair roots and increases blood circulation which is good for preventing hair loss
- can be mixed with jojoba oil and glycerin or mixing peppermint oil, Castor oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil and vitamin E oil. This mixture is known to promote hair growth (I don't know how true this is)
- does not leave the scalp oily
- balances the pH, it can be used for the treatment of dry scalp
- can add shine and gloss to the hair
- contains minerals such as manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
- relatively shelf-stable when compared with other vegetable oils, it is more shelf-stable than oils of safflower oil, canola oil, almond oil but less than Castor oil and coconut oil
- replacement for whale oil and its derivatives, such as Cetyl Alcohol (Side note: Hey! Doesn't this look like a familiar term? Something we find in out normal hair care products..Lets investigate a little. See below for more info about Cetyl Alcohol and maybe a blog entry later :)
- Fungicide and used to control mildew.
- resemblance to 'sebum' or oil produced by the sebaceous glands, present in our scalp and skin (The oil our scalp naturally produces)
- oil can regulate the level of sebum production. Excess production of sebum can clog the hair follicles and impede hair growth (So if you feel you have an oily scalp this might help regulate that little problem)
- effective scalp cleanser
- improve blood circulation
- hair conditioner, which can be used to get rid of dry and frizzy hair. It can seal in the moisture in the hair shaft
So Peppermint oil and Jojoba oil! I think Peppermint and Eucalyptus are about the same but I will try both of them in my shampoo to see how I like it. I have used Jojoba before and I have personally noted how light the oil is. I do like it and when I make my mix (Post on that way later!) I will definitely be including it.
Cetyl and other Alcohol's
Now...I bet you thought I forgot! Cetyl Alcohol. Now when I first started this hair journey I read that alcohol was bad and so I looked for products without alcohol and then I stopped myself and asked "Why is alcohol bad?" Well, alcohol is bad because it can draw out moisture from the hair and scalp. "But there are a few different alcohols listed on various products I use and it seems almost impossible to get any without alcohol! What is a girl on a journey to do? Keep researching is what!
So not all alcohols are created equally and therefore may not be so bad, which is like most things.
Some bad alcohols are ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. They can be used to evenly distribute product through the hair to remove oil and/or residue from the hair. As we all know the act of dirt or oil residue on the hair can be a very rough act for hair which can weaken and remove the elements we work so hard in imparting to our hair. This alcohols can leave the cuticles lifted and rough. So we will call this drying alcohols.
Fatty alchols are Lauryl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol and Behenyl alcohol. Fatty is also 'oily'. These alcohol's usually act as an emollient and will help smooth the hair cuticle. Like all things they should be used in moderation as it can react with the sebum you naturally create and cause oily hair. So fatty alcohols not so bad!
Please stay tuned for my next blog and the last of this series : Let's talk Oils! Part 4: Random Essential and Carrier Oils that need mention
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Let's talk Oils! Part 2: Essential Oil: Lavender and Carrier Oil: Grape seed
December 26, 2010
Hello, Hello, Hello!
In my last post I talked about the essential oil Eucalyptus and the carrier oil Avocado. If your thinking that the intro to this blog looks similar don't think your crazy because it is! I basically copied the intro from that post to this post to go over the basics of what an essential and carrier oil are so please feel free to skip to the good parts!
Doing some research and I wanted to buy some essential oils (An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils don't really have oily feeling. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes ways)
I found an an essential oil set on Amazon for $19.95 and it includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange & Tea Tree. Which I think is perfect because I am a still learning and going through my T&E(Trial and Error) stage.
So from what I gather you want to add an essential oil with a carrier oil to your hair care products to boost the effect of the product. Like I have said no product is a miracle product, they just help you on your way and these added oils should help. So this is part one of, well I don't know how many parts there are quite a few essential oils and not nearly as many carrier oils, so I will try to stick with the most popular or well known ones but I may add more essential oils as they interest me.
Lavender Oil
Grape Seed Oil
Stay turned for the next part. Let's talk Oils! Part 3: Essential Oil: Peppermint and Carrier Oil: Jojoba
Hello, Hello, Hello!
In my last post I talked about the essential oil Eucalyptus and the carrier oil Avocado. If your thinking that the intro to this blog looks similar don't think your crazy because it is! I basically copied the intro from that post to this post to go over the basics of what an essential and carrier oil are so please feel free to skip to the good parts!
Doing some research and I wanted to buy some essential oils (An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils don't really have oily feeling. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes ways)
I found an an essential oil set on Amazon for $19.95 and it includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange & Tea Tree. Which I think is perfect because I am a still learning and going through my T&E(Trial and Error) stage.
So from what I gather you want to add an essential oil with a carrier oil to your hair care products to boost the effect of the product. Like I have said no product is a miracle product, they just help you on your way and these added oils should help. So this is part one of, well I don't know how many parts there are quite a few essential oils and not nearly as many carrier oils, so I will try to stick with the most popular or well known ones but I may add more essential oils as they interest me.
Lavender Oil
- has recently been implicated in gynecomastia, the abnormal development of breasts in young boys, However, that gynecomastia actually was caused by the essential oils in the products used by the three boys are currently being disputed by the Natural Artisan Perfumers Guild and Cropwatch on the claimed basis of insufficient evidence (Side note: This was a study of 3 boys...3, most studies contain a large variety of people. The reason for this is so that you can have a control group and a test group. Most studies are double blind so that the results won't be skewed in either direction. I would not consider this a study but rather a case where 3 boys had the same symptoms and were treated successfully by the removal of any products that contain Lavender or Tea Tree Oil. That does not necessarily mean that these products caused there situation and no follow up results were taken from the boys. All had either used lavender-scented soap and skin lotions, or shampoos or styling products that contained tea tree oil and lavender oil as ingredients)
- effective in treating the problem of hair loss
- treats a variety of hair problems including alopecia
- enhances blood circulation, hence a scalp massage will definitely help improve hair growth
- Can reduce itchy scalp and dandruff
Grape Seed Oil
- grape seed oil leaves a glossy film over the skin
- It contains more linoleic acid than many other carrier oils (Side Note: deficiency in linoleic acid can result in symptoms such as hair fall and dry hair. Can help support cell health)
- contains small amounts of Vitamin E but not as much as Safflower Oil, Cottonseed Oil or rice bran oil
- can help add shine and moisture to your hair
- has a light non greasy texture
- absorbed by hair quickly
- When grape seed oil is used as a carrier oil by diluting it with other essential oils it moisturizes and nourishes the hair making it soft and manageable
- heating grape seed oil and applying it to the scalp and hair ends greatly helps to make hair shiny, reducing brittleness
- smooths the hair cuticles, sealing in the moisture and making each hair strand strong
Stay turned for the next part. Let's talk Oils! Part 3: Essential Oil: Peppermint and Carrier Oil: Jojoba
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The truth about sulfates
December 23, 2010
Hello, Hello!
So "The Truth about Sodium Laureth Sulfate", is really my truth about sulfates as I see it because, your truth might be completely different. You might have a totally different experience with sulfates and that will be your truth. Shampooing removes dirt oils, dirt, skin particles, dandruff, environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles. The goal is to remove the unwanted build-up without stripping out so much sebum.
Have we talked about Sebum? Well, it's the naturally produced oil by our scalp. It is very thick and coats your scalp and hair which is good for your hair and you should naturally produce only just enough sebrum. However outside factors effect the production of sebrum. One of these factors is shampooing your hair. The whole purpose of shampooing your hair is to remove build up, but we don't want to remove to much of our naturally occurring sebum and we also don't want to over stimulate the glades, which will make the glades go into over production.
Different types of sulfates generally act as a detergent and as such help to remove oil and grease from your hair and scalp. What is what? What on earth do you call it Sodium Lauryl, Laureth? Ammounium?! There is Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laurilsulfate or sodium dodecyl sulfate which shouldn't be confused with Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) or Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS).Well, let's stick with the two we recognize or see most often and we will call it SLS, SLES and ALS. (There were so many different types however that I am lumping them all together.)
The facts! (Or as close as I can get to it)
What is SLS? It is a surfactant detergent that is very effective as a foaming and thickening agent research shows that it is NOT a carcinogenic and that it can be a skin irritant.
What is SLES? It is also a surfactant detergent that is also effective as a foaming and thickening agent and research DOES show that it can contain low levels of carcinogen however per the FDA the levels should be monitored but should be safe in the low quantities used in beauty products.
What is ALS? It is also a surfactant detergent and foaming agent.
What do people say about Sulfates? SLS, SLES and ALS are used in things like shampoo, toothpaste, as cleaning products. The lather is very effective at cleaning the hair of oil and residue. SLS is more commonly used as it chemically synthesized and cheaper to produce and is found in over 95% of commercially available shampoos. There are sites that say that SLS is an extremely dangerous ingredients in products and that it is corrosive and greedily attacks grease. That SLS penetrated into skin or tissue and has shown long term retention in these areas. It is potentially harmful to skin and hair. Dries skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so it can't effectively regulate moisture. Another extremely serious problem is the connection of SLS with nitrate contamination. SLS reacts with many types of ingredients used in skin products and forms nitrosomines. Liver toxicity. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology says that it has “a degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties”. The Journal adds that “high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration" (These are things I have found said on the web)
Are Sulfates harsh chemicals used to clean floors, car engines and the like? Why, yes they could be! Sulfates are a detergent and as such it is used in varying concentrations in a wide range of uses. You really wouldn't pour 100% vinegar or lemon juice or even a baking soda and water mixture on your hair because they would eat through your hair. But you would lower the concentration and limit the use of each item as necessary.
We have gotten some good information, but I think the truth is in the pudding. I will leave the possibility of cancer out of all my thoughts on this subject and the reason I am doing this is for a few reasons. First of all, the people who determine if something will cause cancer or not are constantly changing there mind. There is only one thing that I can think of, off the type of my head, that ALL scientist agree on that can cause cancer but I am sure that you could find someone who says it can't. There is such a wide discussion on the risk level of SLS, SLES, ALS or sulfates in general that if you feel that this is a real concern than you should do what is right for you. Secondly, I do not believe it causes cancer by itself in my shampoo and conditioner.
Now for some truth pudding! Before you say get rid of all the sulfates; take a look at your toothpaste or your body wash. Especially the body wash because they usually contain sulfates and I think that's a good clue that you and sulfates don't get along is that if after you have used a sulfate containing item your skin is dry, tight or itchy.
List of Sulfate free shampoos
**Note: I looked up some specific products because I didn't want it to seem that I ignored them. I could not find a sulfate free shampoo by: Pantene, Herbal Essenes, Paul Mitchell (At least I couldn't find one), Nexxus and Infusium 23. Tresemme had a silicone free but only a lower sulfate shampoo**
Well, I have learned that all sulfate shampoo's are not created equally. There are many different types of sulfates that companies use in products and each of these types have varying concentration or strengths. Also, some shampoo's had the sulfate as the second ingredient! While a few of them had them lower down on the list (and I mean a few!) and some had multiple types of sulfate and were usually back to back. Above I stated that sulfates could or can be a skin irritant and as such I expected to find the dry, flaky or dandruff shampoos to be sulfate free, but to my great surprise NONE of the ones I looked at were sulfate free.
Sulfates oh sulfates why do they cause such contention?! So many rumors and suspect information. Sulfate free is like the big thing, like being Green. Here is what I believe though and what I know. I know that the word shampoo has been around since 1762 and while at that time it related more to massaging your head than the act of putting something on your hair to clean it. This changed in the 1860's and people applied any kind of soap they could find to their hair. The first commercially available shampoo's started to appear around the turn of the 20th century. Which means to me that people have been using the same kind of shampoo I am using for generations and that while sulfates CAN be harsh to your hair I think that there ok by me.
So my plan would be to add a sulfate free shampoo to my mix and put it in my rotation to help maintain my natural sebum levels. I think I would add a sulfate free shampoo to my mid-week wash. I am have been constantly looking for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for ages and the search marches on. I do like few of the options above.
I have tried the Hair One Hair Cleanser Conditioner and I do like it. It really doesn't lather but that's ok.
I would like to try:
Alba Hawaiian Coconut Milk Shampoo or Alba Hawaiian Mango Moisturizing Shampoo (It is a very green product. No Animal testing, parabeen free (which I don't know if that is good, but I heard it was :), natural ingredients
So that's that I guess. From my research I think I would rather take a sulfate over a silicone. A harsh sulfate may dry your hair out a little (but you don't want to use a shampoo that dries your hair anyway) but at least you can fix that. A silicone will block all your corrective actions because they coat your hair. But! But I would use a silicone product if I were going to wash it out that night or next day.
Have a good one and Happy Holidays!
Hello, Hello!
So "The Truth about Sodium Laureth Sulfate", is really my truth about sulfates as I see it because, your truth might be completely different. You might have a totally different experience with sulfates and that will be your truth. Shampooing removes dirt oils, dirt, skin particles, dandruff, environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles. The goal is to remove the unwanted build-up without stripping out so much sebum.
Have we talked about Sebum? Well, it's the naturally produced oil by our scalp. It is very thick and coats your scalp and hair which is good for your hair and you should naturally produce only just enough sebrum. However outside factors effect the production of sebrum. One of these factors is shampooing your hair. The whole purpose of shampooing your hair is to remove build up, but we don't want to remove to much of our naturally occurring sebum and we also don't want to over stimulate the glades, which will make the glades go into over production.
Different types of sulfates generally act as a detergent and as such help to remove oil and grease from your hair and scalp. What is what? What on earth do you call it Sodium Lauryl, Laureth? Ammounium?! There is Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laurilsulfate or sodium dodecyl sulfate which shouldn't be confused with Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) or Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS).Well, let's stick with the two we recognize or see most often and we will call it SLS, SLES and ALS. (There were so many different types however that I am lumping them all together.)
The facts! (Or as close as I can get to it)
What is SLS? It is a surfactant detergent that is very effective as a foaming and thickening agent research shows that it is NOT a carcinogenic and that it can be a skin irritant.
What is SLES? It is also a surfactant detergent that is also effective as a foaming and thickening agent and research DOES show that it can contain low levels of carcinogen however per the FDA the levels should be monitored but should be safe in the low quantities used in beauty products.
What is ALS? It is also a surfactant detergent and foaming agent.
What do people say about Sulfates? SLS, SLES and ALS are used in things like shampoo, toothpaste, as cleaning products. The lather is very effective at cleaning the hair of oil and residue. SLS is more commonly used as it chemically synthesized and cheaper to produce and is found in over 95% of commercially available shampoos. There are sites that say that SLS is an extremely dangerous ingredients in products and that it is corrosive and greedily attacks grease. That SLS penetrated into skin or tissue and has shown long term retention in these areas. It is potentially harmful to skin and hair. Dries skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so it can't effectively regulate moisture. Another extremely serious problem is the connection of SLS with nitrate contamination. SLS reacts with many types of ingredients used in skin products and forms nitrosomines. Liver toxicity. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology says that it has “a degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties”. The Journal adds that “high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration" (These are things I have found said on the web)
Are Sulfates harsh chemicals used to clean floors, car engines and the like? Why, yes they could be! Sulfates are a detergent and as such it is used in varying concentrations in a wide range of uses. You really wouldn't pour 100% vinegar or lemon juice or even a baking soda and water mixture on your hair because they would eat through your hair. But you would lower the concentration and limit the use of each item as necessary.
We have gotten some good information, but I think the truth is in the pudding. I will leave the possibility of cancer out of all my thoughts on this subject and the reason I am doing this is for a few reasons. First of all, the people who determine if something will cause cancer or not are constantly changing there mind. There is only one thing that I can think of, off the type of my head, that ALL scientist agree on that can cause cancer but I am sure that you could find someone who says it can't. There is such a wide discussion on the risk level of SLS, SLES, ALS or sulfates in general that if you feel that this is a real concern than you should do what is right for you. Secondly, I do not believe it causes cancer by itself in my shampoo and conditioner.
Now for some truth pudding! Before you say get rid of all the sulfates; take a look at your toothpaste or your body wash. Especially the body wash because they usually contain sulfates and I think that's a good clue that you and sulfates don't get along is that if after you have used a sulfate containing item your skin is dry, tight or itchy.
List of Sulfate free shampoos
- Burt's Bee Shampoo (There are a bunch of them so I will leave it at that)
- Alberto VO5 Herbal Escapes Moisturizing Shampoo Free me Freesia
- Jason Hair Moisturizing Conditioner, Sea Kelp
- Jason Thin-to-Thick Shampoo, Extra Volume
- Jason Natural Apricot Shampoo
- Jason Aloe Vera 84% Shampoo
- Jason Shampoo Apricot Kiwi Volumizing
- Kiss My Face Obsessively Organic Shampoo, Big Body, Volumizing, Lavender & Chamomile
- Avalon Shampoo Rosemary
- Avalon Organics Nourishing Shampoo
- Medi-Dan Extra Dandruff Treatment Shampoo
- Hair One Hair Cleanser Conditioner
- One 'n Only Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo (This one is slightly suspect because of one of the ingredient but I still think it fits in this list)
- AGEbeautiful Fullness & Body Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Sulfate-free Coloresse Rescue Shampoo
- Silk Elements ColorCare Sulfate Free Shampoo
- Diamond Shine Volumizing Shampoo (Has silcones)
- Organix Vanilla Silk Shampoo
- Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo
- Organix Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
- Organix Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo For Revitalizing Hair
- L'oreal Paris Everpure Smooth Shampoo, Rosemary Juniper Sulfate-Free Color Care System
- Thicker Fuller Hair Moisturizing Shampoo
- TIGI Rockaholic Livin The Dream Sulfate Free Shampoo
- CHI Ionic Color Protector System 1 Shampoo
- Alba Hawaiian Coconut Milk Shampoo
- Alba Hawaiian Mango Moisturizing Shampoo
**Note: I looked up some specific products because I didn't want it to seem that I ignored them. I could not find a sulfate free shampoo by: Pantene, Herbal Essenes, Paul Mitchell (At least I couldn't find one), Nexxus and Infusium 23. Tresemme had a silicone free but only a lower sulfate shampoo**
Well, I have learned that all sulfate shampoo's are not created equally. There are many different types of sulfates that companies use in products and each of these types have varying concentration or strengths. Also, some shampoo's had the sulfate as the second ingredient! While a few of them had them lower down on the list (and I mean a few!) and some had multiple types of sulfate and were usually back to back. Above I stated that sulfates could or can be a skin irritant and as such I expected to find the dry, flaky or dandruff shampoos to be sulfate free, but to my great surprise NONE of the ones I looked at were sulfate free.
Sulfates oh sulfates why do they cause such contention?! So many rumors and suspect information. Sulfate free is like the big thing, like being Green. Here is what I believe though and what I know. I know that the word shampoo has been around since 1762 and while at that time it related more to massaging your head than the act of putting something on your hair to clean it. This changed in the 1860's and people applied any kind of soap they could find to their hair. The first commercially available shampoo's started to appear around the turn of the 20th century. Which means to me that people have been using the same kind of shampoo I am using for generations and that while sulfates CAN be harsh to your hair I think that there ok by me.
So my plan would be to add a sulfate free shampoo to my mix and put it in my rotation to help maintain my natural sebum levels. I think I would add a sulfate free shampoo to my mid-week wash. I am have been constantly looking for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for ages and the search marches on. I do like few of the options above.
I have tried the Hair One Hair Cleanser Conditioner and I do like it. It really doesn't lather but that's ok.
I would like to try:
So that's that I guess. From my research I think I would rather take a sulfate over a silicone. A harsh sulfate may dry your hair out a little (but you don't want to use a shampoo that dries your hair anyway) but at least you can fix that. A silicone will block all your corrective actions because they coat your hair. But! But I would use a silicone product if I were going to wash it out that night or next day.
Have a good one and Happy Holidays!
Lets Talk Oils! Part 1: Essential Oil: Eucalyptus and Carrier Oil: Avocado
December 23, 2010
Hello, Hello, Hello!
It's been awhile since my last post just because the holidays are here! I am trying to get back in the swing of things so, lets jump right in!
Doing some research and I wanted to buy some essential oils (An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils don't really have oily feeling. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes ways)
I found an an essential oil set on Amazon for $19.95 and it includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange & Tea Tree. Which I think is perfect because I am a still learning and going through my T&E(Trial and Error) stage.
So from what I gather you want to add an essential oil with a carrier oil to your hair care products to boost the effect of the product. Like I have said no product is a miracle product, they just help you on your way and these added oils should help. So this is part one of, well I don't know how many parts there are quite a few essential oils and not nearly as many carrier oils, so I will try to stick with the most popular or well known ones but I may add more essential oils as they interest me.
Eucalyptus Oil:
Let's move on to a carrier oil. A carrier oil is used to dilute essential oils. They carry the essential oil onto the skin or hair. It should be used as natural and unchanged as possible. Organic oils for the win. Mineral oil is not really a carrier oil because it not absorbed by the skin or hair.
Avocado Oil:
Stay turned for the next part. Let's talk Oils! Part 2: Essential Oil: Lavender and Carrier Oil: Grape seed
Hello, Hello, Hello!
It's been awhile since my last post just because the holidays are here! I am trying to get back in the swing of things so, lets jump right in!
Doing some research and I wanted to buy some essential oils (An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils don't really have oily feeling. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes ways)
I found an an essential oil set on Amazon for $19.95 and it includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sweet Orange & Tea Tree. Which I think is perfect because I am a still learning and going through my T&E(Trial and Error) stage.
So from what I gather you want to add an essential oil with a carrier oil to your hair care products to boost the effect of the product. Like I have said no product is a miracle product, they just help you on your way and these added oils should help. So this is part one of, well I don't know how many parts there are quite a few essential oils and not nearly as many carrier oils, so I will try to stick with the most popular or well known ones but I may add more essential oils as they interest me.
Eucalyptus Oil:
- Has medicinal properties: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, antiseptic, analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial and stimulant properties
- cooling effect to skin or scalp
- help to get rid of dandruff
- stimulate blood circulation
- increase elasticity of hair
- this oil in its pure form is toxic, if it is ingested or taken internally
- is pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity
Let's move on to a carrier oil. A carrier oil is used to dilute essential oils. They carry the essential oil onto the skin or hair. It should be used as natural and unchanged as possible. Organic oils for the win. Mineral oil is not really a carrier oil because it not absorbed by the skin or hair.
Avocado Oil:
- Light texture that makes it easy to soak into the scalp and skin
- Can help with hair related problems like hair fall, thinning hair and dandruff
- contains essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins A, D, E and B6, magnesium, copper, iron, amino acids and folic acid (Side note:Folic acid is super good for your hair)
- natural sunscreen properties
- better when blended with other oils like almond oil or olive oil
- natural humectant properties
Stay turned for the next part. Let's talk Oils! Part 2: Essential Oil: Lavender and Carrier Oil: Grape seed
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