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About Us
Hair Care for Your Fabulous Hair
When you need quality hair care products, friendly service and trusted DIY advice, the stuff at ON Beauty is standing by to serve you today. We specialize in and offer one of the most complete lines of high quality, organic and natural ingredients, designed to help the do-it-yourselfers of the world create their own hair care products at home. When you shop ON Beauty now, you are sure to find something that suits your needs and the needs of your hair today.
The ON Beauty Philosophy
Located in Lorton, Virginia and serving our community of followers worldwide, ON Beauty was founded out of a customer-driven need for reliable, effective skin and hair care ingredients that were not only all natural, but organic and easy to use. We are an online community of people getting together to create and share their recipes, techniques and advice for healthier,
more radiant skin.
Why Choose ON Beauty?
From our full line of organic butters, oils and honeys, to our proven recipes and advice, ON Beauty has your DIY skincare
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needs covered. Our quality, selection and knowledge will bring you in and our dedication will keep you coming back for more. Our goal is to make every customer, a customer for life. Quality products, impeccable service, it must be ON Beauty; shop with us today!
Contact ON Beauty Today!
On Beauty is on Facebook; like our page for exclusive product information and special promotional offers, or contact us directly via e-mail at: [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any question you might have.
Onbeautyus.com
Springfield, VA
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Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 5
EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................... 8
SAFETY GUIDE ................................................................................................ 9
General issues ................................................................................................. 9
Hygiene ......................................................................................................... 10
Storage and use ............................................................................................ 11
RAW INGREDIENTS ..................................................................................... 12
Cocoa Butter .................................................................................................. 13
Shea Butter .................................................................................................... 16
Coconut Oil .................................................................................................... 19
Jojoba Oil ....................................................................................................... 22
Mango Butter ................................................................................................ 24
Lavender Oil .................................................................................................. 26
Argan Oil ....................................................................................................... 29
Avocado Oil ................................................................................................... 34
Castor Oil ....................................................................................................... 37
Sweet Almond Oil .......................................................................................... 40
Rosemary Oil ................................................................................................. 43
Peppermint Oil .............................................................................................. 46
Neem Oil........................................................................................................ 51
How to Determine Your Hair Type ................................................................. 55
Hair Types ...................................................................................................... 57
Damages of the Hair and Scalp ..................................................................... 60
RECIPES ......................................................................................................... 67
Solid Castile Soap Recipe ............................................................................... 69
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Liquid Castile Soap Recipe ............................................................................. 72
Lemon Shampoo for Normal Hair ................................................................. 74
Argan Oil Shampoo for Oily Hair ................................................................... 75
Calendula and Rosemary Shampoo............................................................... 76
Dry Castor Oil Shampoo for Short Hair .......................................................... 77
Avocado Oil Mask .......................................................................................... 79
Shea Butter Mask .......................................................................................... 80
Neem Oil Shampoo........................................................................................ 81
Natural Shampoo for Hair Loss ..................................................................... 82
Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner ................................................................... 83
Hair Gel ......................................................................................................... 84
Homemade Natural Hairspray ...................................................................... 85
Natural Hair Treatment for Dry Hair ............................................................. 87
Anti-dandruff Mask ....................................................................................... 89
Honey and Coconut Oil Mask ........................................................................ 90
Cocoa Butter Mask for Dry, Damaged Hair ................................................... 91
Hair Care in Every Season ............................................................................. 92
Nail Care ........................................................................................................... 96
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................ 99
INDEX ............................................................................................................ 101
References ....................................................................................................... 102
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The interest in homemade cosmetics has increased a lot in the last decades and most of the products aren’t focused only on skincare.
Many of the people who prepare their cosmetics at home developed a lot of recipes for hair and nail care as well. Some of these recipes are quite old and they were passed down from generation to generation.
Hair care is not a new trend. In ancient times, women wanted to have fabulous hair and used to take care of it with specific natural remedies, like natural oils. Just like other organs, hair also needs nourishment and nurture as it may be affected by our internal health problems as well as by external factors. It is better to use only natural ingredients because treating it with harsh chemicals may damage it and make it look less attractive.
Beside its aesthetic role, hair also thermally protects the head and keeps it warm in the cold months. This is one more reason to take good care of your hair in a gentle way.
Today, recipes are a little bit more complex with more ingredients proven to be effective for certain conditions of the hair. This is why we should use them for our hair care routine.
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Few interesting things about hair:
• Hair follicles regenerate continuously if they are alive, but unfortunately they may be destroyed in time.
• Hair strand is very strong and elastic; 100 braided hairs could hold a weight of 100 kg. Doing simple math, one person’s hair could hold 12 tons if the scalp were strong enough.
• Less than 4% of the globe’s population has red hair.
• Black hair is less elastic than light-colored hair. • A strand lives approximately 5 years and 90% of
your hairs are continuously growing. • The number of strands varies between 120,000
and 150,000. • Only the root of the hair is alive. The strand
itself is lifeless.
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EQUIPMENT
Unlike the equipment needed for skincare recipes, which are more elaborate, hair care recipes are far easier to prepare.
In most cases, the only thing you need is an old shampoo container. The ingredients are mixed together and form the shampoo you desire.
You may also need a saucepan for the ingredients that have to be boiled (like in the case of hair gel or spray).
Other utensils that will be present in your kitchen when preparing the cosmetics are a small kitchen scale, a measuring spoon and a measuring cup.
If you decide to prepare your own castile soap for the recipes in the book, you will have to use some safety equipment:
• goggles
• rubber gloves
• chemical and heat safe pot
• chemical and heat safe containers
• chemical and heat safe utensils
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SAFETY GUIDE
General issues
Although all the ingredients are natural, they may present an allergy risk. It is recommended that you test them first – place a small quantity on the interior fold of the elbow and watch the area for 24 hours to see if there is any reaction like the appearance of redness of itching.
In case any ingredient gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritations or discomforting symptoms occur, you should seek medical advice.
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Hygiene
• It is important to store the homemade cosmetics in clean containers, in a safe environment so they are kept away from bacteria.
• Your hands, the utensils and the work surface need to be disinfected.
• Wash your hands with water and soap before you start working.
• Wash the equipment or containers with water and dish liquid. Allow to dry then rub it with alcohol for disinfection.
• All the ingredients should be handled with clean hands.
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Storage and use
All the cosmetic products must be kept away from heat, direct sun light or humidity. In the summer time, store them in refrigerator.
Do not keep the homemade products for more than 6 months. Keep in mind that these are natural ingredients with no preservatives added, so their shelf life is shorter.
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Cocoa Butter
Scientific name: Theobroma cacao (cacao/cocoa tree)
History
The first evidence about cocoa tree dates from 1000 BC when it is believed that the Maya civilization was cultivating it.
Receiving it directly from gods, Mayans used cocoa
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beans as currency for their taxes.
People didn’t know benefits the beans had, even if Columbus brought them to the court of Spain.
The Spaniards preferred to drink hot cocoa in sweetened water. Once the sugar was added it became the favorite drink of the royalty.
The cocoa mixture began to be used for the body in the 16th century due to its therapeutic and relaxing effect.
The cocoa butter with the consistency we know today was obtained by Von Hauten, in1828, after he invented the cocoa press.
Description
Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat with cream/pale yellow color, extracted from the cocoa beans. It has a subtle cocoa flavor.
It has a hard consistency and melts at a temperature close to the human body. It has a high content of saturated fat, derived from palmitic and stearic acids.
Cocoa Tree is originated from the rainforests of Central and South America.
Hair Benefits
The benefits for the hair are as important as the ones
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for the skin.
• moisturizes the strands • regenerates the follicles • revitalizes the entire hair • gives volume to the hair • strengthens it and prevents split ends
Dry hair can be treated by applying cocoa butter the entire length and cover the hair with a heated towel. Let it act for two hours then wash it away with a homemade shampoo.
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Shea Butter
Scientific name: Vitellaria paradoxa or Butyrospermum parkii (Shea tree)
History
Along the centuries, this butter has been used by Africans to treat various diseases of the skin and scalp.
Later, due to high content of fatty acids such as oleic acid and stearic acid, it became treatment for dry skin and hair, but also for the diminishing of expression wrinkles. It is also used as an ingredient in African cuisine.
Description
Shea butter is extracted from the shea tree nuts or Mangifolia which is found in Western and Central Africa. It is considered the gold of women because many of them are employed in cooperatives which produce this butter.
Thanks to all the extraordinary properties, shea butter is found more often in organic beauty products.
It has an impressive amount of vitamins A, E and F , along with other matter that doesn’t saponify and it is considered a good fairy that can cure any problem within dermatology area (very dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, etc.). In fact, unsaponifiable substances do wonders, this butter having a smooth texture that easily penetrates the skin, hydrating it, but not clog the pores. At the same time it is a perfect sunscreen ingredient.
Hair Benefits
For scalp and hair care, shea butter helps moisturize dry hair from root to tip, improves hair suppleness and gives it a shiny look.
Rich in vitamins A, E and F, shea butter repairs damaged hair and prevents split ends.
Helps in preventing the negative effects of environmental factors and even restores the health of already affected hair.
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Shea butter is necessary and recommended in treatments for the hair damaged by chemicals and high temperatures.
Karite butter has a compound, named cinnamic acid, which can fight the UV rays.
Shea butter can be used for scalp massage because it is rapidly absorbed into the scalp without blocking the pores, without leaving residue and without causing dandruff. It is used in a lot of problems that can affect the scalp: very dry skin, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
It's enough to massage your scalp weekly with a small amount of shea butter, then to let him half an hour to act before washing your hair.
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Coconut Oil
Scientific name: Cocos nucifera
Origin
Native from the Philippines, coconut tree is considered the “tree of life” by the local. They use it as a source of food, but also for curing certain diseases.
Today it grows in India, Brazil, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, but also in cold areas.
Description
Coconut oil contains:
• Polyphenols (such as gallic acid )
• Vitamins (such as vitamin E, vitamin K), and minerals (such as iron)
• Fatty acid derivatives (such as betaine ethanolamide ethoxylate, fatty esters, polysorbates fatty esters of mono- and polyol)
• Saturated fatty acids (lauric acid - an antimicrobial agent, capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid)
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as linoleic acid )
Hair Benefits
It acts as a tonic for hair growth and regeneration. Also, it keeps dandruff and lice out.
Fatty acids in coconut oil stick to proteins in the hair, protecting them from root to tip
Used on the scalp, coconut oil stimulates blood circulation and supports the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the hair roots
Antioxidants, vitamins E, K and minerals (iron) are essential nutrients in coconut oil that nourish the scalp and stimulate hair growth
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Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and effectively treat various ailments that affect the harmonious growth of hair
Coconut oil penetrates the hair, protects and moisturizes it.
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Jojoba Oil
Scientific name: Simmondsia chinensis
Origin
Jojoba tree may be found in Mexico, California and Arizona (in the deserted areas).
It can become a tall tree and its seeds are rich in oil. During the centuries, they have been used by Native Americans for their therapeutic properties, but also as food. The oil was good as a cosmetic products and for healing wounds.
Description
Jojoba oil is an interesting compound that is not actually a real "oil", it is considered to be a wax ester. Why is this information so important, can you ask? The ester wax is almost identical with our skin sebum.
The reason this matters so much is that when you apply it on the skin, it would be recognized as natural sebum production and will adjust the natural sebum balancing and oil production. The result will be a smoother skin with luster and, because of adjustment of the oil level and due to antibacterial properties, can reduce acne.
Hair Benefits
Jojoba oil is an effective natural remedy for hair care, too. Rich in vitamin E and wax fluid, it protects and regenerates hair and is of real help for fragile hair. It can be used to regulate oily hair and removes the dandruff. It also represents an excellent natural care for dry hair.
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Mango Butter
Scientific name: Mangifera indica
Origin
Native from India and Burma, today the mango tree is cultivated in various tropical regions.
If you want a shot of vitamins and minerals, you should eat a mango fruit. Its health benefits are extraordinary and the butter gets these therapeutic properties and bring them to the skin and hair.
Description
Just like shea and cocoa butter, mango butter is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Being a powerful natural emollient, mango butter has a smooth, creamy texture, with bland flavor, that is well absorbed into the skin without leaving greasy traces.
It has excellent moisturizing and anti-wrinkle properties. This natural cosmetic product prevents dry skin and wrinkles. It protects against UV radiation and heals sunburn.
Hair Benefits
You can use mango butter for its moisturizing effect on hair.
Apply it directly to the strands, from root to top, let it act at least an hour and then wash the hair using a homemade shampoo.
You can use it also as a hair conditioner, apply it after you shampoo the hair, leave it a few minutes and then rinse with plenty of water and shampoo again.
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Lavender Oil
Scientific name: Lavandula augustifolia
History and Origin
Lavender is native to Northern Africa also the mountains from the Mediterranean region. It loves sunny places and rocks.
You may find it today all over Southern Europe, Australia and US.
Description
Lavender oil is very helpful in aromatherapy and it gradually became one of the essential ingredients when it comes to organic cosmetics like gels, soaps =, lotions and perfumes.
Beyond the fine and pleasant scent, lavender essential oil brings a lot of health benefits. Eliminates nervous tension, treats respiratory problems and muscle pain, disinfects the skin and stimulates blood circulation.
Hair Benefits
Lavender essential oil is especially useful for children as keep away lice or nits eggs.
In addition, essential oil of lavender added to your favorite shampoo removes dandruff and prevents hair loss.
General Benefits
It helps in treating migraines, headaches, states of depression, anxiety and emotional stress as lavender essential oil has a delicate, which makes it an excellent tonic for nerves.
Furthermore, induces sleep and is the perfect cure for people suffering from insomnia. When applied topically, on temples, the oil can help cure headaches
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and migraines, inducing better sleep.
It also calms pain caused by exercise, sprains and rheumatism. A regular massage with lavender oil will relieve the pain in the joints.
One of the biggest benefits of lavender oil is successfully treating respiratory diseases: influenza, cough, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis. In such cases, the oil of lavender should be used either by inhaling vapors or applied on the skin of the neck, chest and back.
Lavender essential oil improves digestion because it stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, helps treat indigestion, relieves stomach pains, diarrhea and vomiting.
In addition, it is a treatment that strengthens the immune system and keeps the colds away.
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Argan Oil
Scientific name: Argania Spinosa
History and Origin
Argan oil is produced from the seeds of the Argan tree fruits. Used for centuries by Berber women for its many virtues, Argan oil has crossed the borders of Morocco and worldwide interest for its cosmetic properties and qualities but also dietary choices sparked.
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Argan tree originates and grows only in the southwest region of Morocco (Essaouira, Agadir area) which covers a geographic area of approximately 800,000 hectares. It is a thorny tree, evergreen, perfectly adapted to arid climate that can reach a height of 6-10 meters and can live up to 200 years. It has small leaves that persist throughout the year. Flowering occurs in spring or fall depending on climatic conditions. Argan tree has some greenish yellow flowers and green ovoid fruits.
It plays a vital role in the Moroccan ecosystem thanks to the roots system which maintains soil fertility and moisture and protects a large part of Morocco against desertification through wind erosion. All the parts of this tree are used: wood for heating, leaves and nuts as food for goats.
Unfortunately Argan tree is an extinct species since almost the entire area has been cleared for intensive agriculture or wood heating. A decree issued in 1925 protects the tree putting it under state jurisdiction. Also due to excessive exploitation that put this species in danger, in 1999 Argan tree has been ranked by UNESCO to World Heritage.
The fruits of the Argan tree are like olives, but larger and rounder. Inside the fruit there is a very hard nut that can contain up to 3 seeds from which argan oil is extracted. The collection principles are similar to those of olives: one hectare with trees can produce 800 kg of ripe fruit providing 40 kg of seeds which in turn
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allow the extraction of 18 liters argan oil.
Cooking argan oil is produced from slightly roasted seeds before being pressed in a mechanical press.
The seeds for cosmetic oil are not roasted and this thing guarantees the preservation of all the properties of this oil. After decanting the oil is filtered through a paper filter. Cosmetic argan oil does not smell as strong as the cooking one and is also has a lighter color with a golden yellow hue.
Thus the entire process of preparing Argan oil is manually or mechanically without the use of chemicals or other equipment that could affect oil quality.
Description
Often known as the “liquid gold” or “Moroccan gold”, argan oil has in fact a golden color.
It is a scarce and valuable resource for the treatment of multiple medical and cosmetic problems. It contains a high percentage of essential fatty acids and phenols and it goes under oxidation harder than the olive oil. It also contains vitamin A, omega -6 and omega -9 which provides specific benefits of the antioxidant substances to the body.
Hair Benefits
• It goes deep inside hair pores and improves elasticity
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• Hydration and nutrients provided by natural argan oil contribute to a healthy hair growth
• Natural antioxidants present in Argan oil strengthens the hair and repairs damaged hair cell membrane
• Argan oil is recommended for difficulties in combing the hair because it restores smoothness, making it easy to comb and style
• Contains vitamin E, a substance which is fabulous for any type of hair treatment
• Many internal and external agents (such as heat, excessive hairdressing and oxidation) affect hair. Vitamin E has positive effects on natural regeneration and repairs the hair
• It provides a lot of nutrients for the health of the hair due to the fact that it contains unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-9, that have the capacity to deal with hair brittle and split hairs, by strengthening them due to the protein component
• Dyeing can damage your hair, making it coarse and curly. Argan oil is also indicated for the removal of these inconveniences
• Without causing grease, it moisturizes, restores luster and shine
• Argan oil is perfect for treating and repairing dry, damaged hair, affected by aggressive
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environmental factors and excessive styling
Nail Benefits
By applying argan oil on the nails, they harden, so it is recommended for treat brittle nails.
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Avocado Oil
Scientific name: Persea gratissima, Persea americana
Description
Avocado oil is a mono-saturated oil which has an olive-green color, with a dense texture and a sweet, nut like smell.
A rich source of vitamin A and D, avocado oil is easily absorbed by the skin and moisturizes in depth,
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which makes it suitable as an ingredient in cosmetic products for mature or dry skin. Having wonderful emollient and renewable properties, avocado oil is often used to treat skin problems like psoriasis or eczema as it soothes itching or dryness sensation for dehydrated skin, affected by environmental factors, climate change or sun exposure.
Avocado oil is rich in sterolins (also named plant steroids), substances well known for their ability to alleviate age or sun exposure spots and also scars.
A study conducted by Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) has found that avocado oil increases the production of collagen in the skin significantly superior to other vegetable oils. As we know, collagen diminishes in quantity with age, leading to skin aging and wrinkles. No wonder that avocado oil is used to counter balance the effects of aging, directly applied to the skin or included in anti-aging products.
Hair Benefits
Using avocado oil for hair can bring multiple benefits. It is one of the best oils that can be used for moisturizing and hair growth.
Avocado oil is filled with a lot of important nutrients: magnesium, vitamin A, D, E, B6, iron, proteins, copper, folic acid and amino acids, each with an essential role in the growth and nourishing of the hair. Adding the lecithin content which makes it easy
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to penetrate and offer UV screen, avocado oil is proving to be a favorite of the cosmetic industry when it comes to products for hair care and treatment.
Although it can be used regularly for care daily, and for all hair types, it is particularly recommended for people with various problems of hair and scalp: hair loss, dandruff, hair treated and dyed with chemicals, or thin, dull hair. You may use it alone or you may combine it with other natural oils which are known to be beneficial for the hair, such as sweet almond or olive oil. It also can be included in usual care products: shampoo, conditioner, masks.
Avocado oil is a simple treatment, naturally rich in nutrients and very effectively, not only leaving hair silky and shiny, but more important - healthy.
Using avocado oil is a cost-effective way to care for your hair without using expensive cosmetics which may contain a variety of harmful chemicals, and its inclusion in routine care will generate incredible effects in time.
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Castor Oil
Scientific name: Ricinus communis
Description
Castor is an ornamental plant that prefers temperate and tropical areas. When it is warm all year round, it can grow up to 10 m tall. There is a lot of red color in this plant: it has green or red stems and the flowers are deep red. The fruits appear in a capsule form that contains three seeds rich in oil. The oil is obtained by cold pressing of the seeds.
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It has been used for centuries for its fantastic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a high content of unsaturated acids.
Castor oil is a yellowish, viscous liquid that is extracted from castor seeds. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is an antioxidant. It is believed that most of the benefits of castor oil derive as a result of its concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and quite unpleasant taste, this oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils and other products of daily use and even for oral intake.
Hair Benefits
By applying castor oil on the scalp and the hair, the latter will grow healthier and stronger. Castor oil therapy is a natural treatment for baldness resulting from genetic inheritance, diet, stress, environmental factors and lifestyle.
If you use regularly castor oil on scalp and hair you will benefit of:
• Hair growth
• Thickening of the hair which begins to thin
• Prevention of hair damage
• Treatment for dry hair
• Shine and moisture of the hair and scalp
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• Prevention for the dryness of the scalp
• Improve of the general health
• No splitting peaks
Nail Care
In case of soft nails that break frequently, castor oil is the proper remedy. All you have to do is anoint and rub hands and nails with castor oil every night for a month, then cover your hands with a pair of cotton gloves overnight. Next morning wash hands with warm water and natural soap.
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Sweet Almond Oil
Scientific name: Prunus amygdalus dulcis
History and Origin
Sweet almond oil is being used in cosmetics since the time of Cleopatra, the beautiful Egyptian queen. Today, it is one of the most popular vegetable oils, a natural emollient recommended for any skin type.
Body oil was an important part of the ritual of beauty for women in Egypt. They used to massage
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their skin with rosemary, almond and lavender oil, and were therefore always radiant. Sweet almond oil was used as a cream for the area under the eyes. To care for their hair, the Egyptian mixed equal amounts of coconut oil and almond oil. Using this magic potion, their hair became strong and shiny. Not ultimately, the Egyptian had a solution for wrinkles. For an excellent anti-wrinkle cream they mixed a teaspoon of sweet almond oil with two drops of essential oil of Boswellia. The upper part of society in ancient Egypt used almond oil to prepare a massage ointment with honey, wine and cinnamon.
Description
Sweet almond oil has a light yellow color and is extracted from the almonds' core.
Almond oil can be used for both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes because there are numerous benefits that this oil can provide for the health and beauty of a person.
It is an important source of vitamin E. Almonds also contain other essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium, vitamin D and have high levels of fat.
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Hair Care
Almond oil is recommended for those who have tried other treatments for hair loss that have not worked. Scalp massage with almond oil, twice a week has a remarkable effect in this regard, and hair will grow faster and it will be healthier.
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Rosemary Oil
Scientific name: Rosmarinus Officinalis
Description
The name comes from the Latin “rosmarinus” which means “sea rose”, as it is found on almost all the Mediterranean coast.
Rosemary is an aromatic perennial plant with silvery- green leaves and pale blue flowers .
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The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of flowering tops (100 kg plants provide about 1.5 kg of essence).
Hair Benefits
Rosemary oil is used as a treatment for stimulating the hair growth. Many natural treatments include a few drops of rosemary oil or rosemary tea extract to achieve visible results. Moreover, the researchers believe that rosemary oil strengthens hair and helps slow the appearance of gray areas.
General Benefits
Rosemary itself helps to another common problem: breath odor (halitosis). Fresh rosemary, chewed after meals provide a refreshed breath and eliminates odors, especially if used regularly.
Besides the beneficial effects it has on beauty, rosemary oil is a good tonic for the brain and nerves, stimulating mental activity. It is recommended for those who want more power of concentration, especially when it comes to an exam. In addition, it is a good remedy for depression, fatigue or lack of attention.
Fragrance of rosemary oil has beneficial effects on the respiratory system. Often rosemary is used as a room freshener. Inhaling the scents cleans respiratory
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tract, nasal congestion, soothes the throat and keeps the mental energy alive. Its antiseptic properties are effective against respiratory infections or asthma.
Rosemary oil has positive effects on various pains. Local massage with this oil will soothe headaches, backache, muscle, menstrual or rheumatism pain. Rosemary is beneficial for digestive problems, being used against indigestion, gas and stomach cramps.
Used in excess, rosemary oil can cause side effects, so it would be wise to see In addition, rosemary essential oil should not be used orally, especially for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage. It may be topically applied only in natural therapies and it is excellent for aromatherapy. Only fresh rosemary is used for cooking or gum (if halitosis).
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Peppermint Oil
Scientific name: Mentha piperita
History and Origin
Peppermint is an aromatic plant, native to Europe, known from ancient times as a natural remedy. It has an outstanding history as a herb, that is why it received the title of the oldest natural medicine in the
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world.
Description
Peppermint contains a lot of minerals and essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, folic acid, potassium, manganese and copper. It also contains Vitamins A and C and fatty acids like omega-3.
Why use peppermint essential oil? First, the essential oil concentrates all the active principles of the plant. Due to its high menthol concentration, which binds to cool sensitive nerve receptors, peppermint oil has analgesic and anesthetics properties. Secondly, beyond what we feel or intuit, other healing properties are hidden there: antiseptic, digestive and immune stimulating.
Hair Benefits
When using peppermint oil, be careful. Hair care experts recommend a diluted form of oil to get best results. There are many benefits include peppermint oil in your hair care routine. It acts as a coolant and is effective in maintaining a cold scalp.
In cases of dry scalp, the oil has the effect of restoring the balance of the ph. Its calming flavor is very refreshing and is certainly better than artificial flavors associated with normal hair oils. Peppermint oil
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is known to stimulate hair follicles and so it promotes hair growth.
It acts as an effective hair tonic when mixed with tea tree oil, coconut oil, castor oil and vitamin E oil. Persons who suffer from oily scalp condition may dilute peppermint oil and use it.
General Benefits
Peppermint oil is used to treat stress and pain. After a long day, you can sink into a bath or shower and apply few drops of peppermint oil to your body.
Cooling properties of oil will make you feel energized again. These properties of peppermint oil may be of benefit for pain relief because mint combines well with other essential oils and is used in massages, steam and mud.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - During the 80s, researchers thought to take advantage of the antispasmodic properties of peppermint and seize the pain for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In order to ensure that it reaches the intestine, the oil was administered in the form of capsules provided with a coating resistant to stomach acid. An Italian study from 2007 found that symptoms were significantly reduced in 75% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome taking peppermint oil for a month and a meta-analysis from 2008 indeed confirm its effectiveness. In 2011, an Australian study found that
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peppermint activates an “anti-pain” channel in the colon, which explains its soothing power for gastrointestinal tract.
It is also effective in gastric and intestinal disorders. The conventional wisdom would suggest that peppermint helps in all gastrointestinal problems ranging from nausea to menstrual cramps. The peppermint oil is an effective alternative to drugs, to reduce intestinal spasms. It also favors the elimination of gas, relaxes muscles and relieves any abdominal pain.
It reduces nausea in chemotherapy in a better way compared with other standard treatments based on drugs.
It also acts as an expectorant and a decongestant. You can massage your chest with diluted oil or you can inhale vapors to relieve a runny nose and cough. To care for sinusitis mix it with essential oil of eucalyptus, tea tree and rosemary.
It takes care of dental decay and bad breath. Peppermint oil was superior to the antiseptics in mouthwash and some tooth pastes for the prevention and removal of plaque and tooth decay. You can add a drop directly into the toothpaste.
Menthol helps you relax and relieve headaches. Try to dab a few drops on your wrist or put them on a cloth and then inhale the aroma. You can gentle massage your temples, forehead or back of the neck, with circular motions to relieve pressure on your head.
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Peppermint contains rosemary acid, also present in rosemary, which helps reduce the inflammation in asthma.
It is also good for the nails due to its antiseptic effect.
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Neem Oil
Scientific name: Azadirachta Indica
Description
Neem oil varies in color from light brown to dark brown, depending on the processing method. The oil has a very bitter taste, mainly due triglycerides and triterpenes compounds. The smell is also quite
It is known as a non-volatile oil with antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
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antipyretic, analgesic and stimulating effect over the immune system. It has multiple uses for the improvement of liver function, for detoxifying the blood, balancing blood sugar levels, for healthy hair and skin.
However, caution should be used because it has been shown that if consumed excessively can cause some forms of toxic encephalopathy and ophthalmopathy, therefore it is recommended to be used externally.
History and Origin
People in the tropical area grow the Neem tree both for its ornamental value and for the therapeutic properties. It is native to Southeast Asia and is called "sacred tree", "pharmacy of nature" or "Panacea for all diseases."
General Benefits
Neem is used in India for thousands of years for its health benefits. Every part of the tree - branch, leaves, bark, fruits, flowers, roots are extremely beneficial because they contain a special compound called azadirachtin which offers its anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-parasitic effects.
Neem bark can be used in case of loss of appetite, fatigue, cough, intestinal worms and helps heal
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wounds, combat vomiting, excessive thirst and in the treatment of skin diseases.
Neem leaves are used to remove toxins, prevent damage done by free radicals, also purify the blood and their use is beneficial in diseases of the eye or in case of insect bites.
Neem fruits have purgative and anthelmintic properties, flowers and seeds can be used against intestinal worms and have anti-bacterial properties.
Hair Benefits
Healthy Hair
The weekly application of neem oil ensures you a healthy scalp and hair. Massage neem oil on the scalp and leave it overnight or apply it a few hours before washing.
When using neem oil, it is best to be diluted with other oils - almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil – because it is very powerful and can cause allergic reactions.
Dandruff Treatment
Neem oil is a natural remedy for dandruff and dry scalp. There are a number of anti-dandruff shampoos using neem oil. Used regularly, it can prevent the formation of dandruff and other medical problems affecting the scalp, such as psoriasis.
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Treatment for Dry Hair
Neem oil can be used to condition coarse and curly hair. Add a few drops of neem oil in shampoo, apply on hair and leave it for a while. The hair will shine very nice after drying.
Treatment for Lice
It is a sure way to eliminate head lice. Other chemicals used for removing lice can produce undesirable effects on the scalp.
It Helps Hair Growth
It stimulates hair growth and can be used to block the effect of hair thinning due to stress, pollution, drugs and other reasons.
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How to Determine Your Hair Type
You may use more methods to determine some characteristics of your hair.
Hair Texture
You will need a piece of sewing thread (the regular one) and a piece of white paper.
Wash your hair as you always do and let it hair dry. Don't put on styling products and take the measure after it dries so there will be no sweat on it.
Pull out a whole strand from your hair. Put the strand next to the sewing thread on the white paper.
You have:
• thick hair – if the strand is thicker than the thread
• medium hair – if both are about the same size
• thin hair – if the strand is thinner than the sewing thread
Hair Density
Split you hair into two parts. Take one part in your hands and move it around so you can see the hair
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roots.
You have:
• thin density – if you see a large part of your scalp
• medium density – if you see a smaller part of the scalp
• thick density – if you see almost no scalp area
You may test another part of the head also as it is possible to have different density
Hair Oiliness
This is one of the most used methods. Usually, hair care rituals rely on this characteristic.
Wash your hair in the regular way. Let it air dry, don't use styling products and forget about it for the next twelve hours. This way, you will leave time for the oils to form.
Take a piece of soft paper and press it on two areas of your scalp: on the crown and behind your ear.
You have:
• dry hair: if there is no oil trace on the paper
• medium hair: if there are some oil spots
• oily hair: if there are oil traces on the paper
• combination hair: if there are oil spots from an area and a clean paper from the other one
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Hair Types
According to Andre Walker, hairstylist, and the curl pattern you may find different hair types:
Type 1: straight hair, with no curls
1a – soft hair, no curve
1b – straight hair, but with higher volume
1c – straight and coarse hair
Type 2: wavy hair, not so curled
2a – coarse, wavy hair, just like the letter S
2b – frizzy, with a definite wave
2c – coarse hair, thick waves and very frizzy
Type 3: curly, the curl pattern appears every time, even without styling
3a – loose curls
3b – medium sized curls
3c – corkscrew curls
Type 4: coily hair, often the coils look like the letter Z. When it shrinks, it may be shorter with up to 75% than the actual length.
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4a – very tight curls
4b – coils look like letter Z
4c – no curl pattern at all
Hair grows differently depending on ethnicity.
• The Asian people have straight hair, with thinner density and with the highest rate of growth.
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• African hair grows the hardest, but it is the most dense and it grows in natural curls.
• Caucasian hair borrows features both from
Asian (hair is generally straight or very slightly wavy) and African (density is quite high).
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Damages of the Hair and Scalp
Hair Problems
Dry hair
If you suffer from dehydration and dried scalp, the hair is usually affected. Dehydration can be caused by frequent washing with shampoos that contain powerful chemicals, drying with a hot hairdryer, dry air and sun. Dry hair characteristics are: lack of luster, thin strands and hard combing. You should use a mild shampoo that can moisturize your hair and scalp.
African hair is usually drier. And 60% of the African-American women say that their hair is too dry.
Oily Hair
Abundant sebum secretion may have genetic trait and is being influenced by hormonal changes, medications or stress. It leads to the formation of an oily layer on the hair surface. The hair becomes tangled and the haircut looks damaged, with no volume. Dry hair can have increased dandruff trends. Using a mild shampoo and no styling products is the only way this problem can be controlled. You should use some oil which regulates the sebum production,
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like argan oil.
Asian hair absorbs moisture quicker than any other type of hair and it is, therefore subject to oiliness.
Broken Hair
If the outer layer of hair deteriorates due to mechanical action, the hair break affects the underlying layer - the cortex. Both ends and the entire length of the hair are exposed to a series of mechanical harmful actions from the environment. Once started, the problem may affect the entire strand. Split ends are especially vulnerable.
Dehydration, sun, styling products that remain on the hair all night, dyeing, waving, aggressive shampoos, hair dryers and hot styling appliances, or cushion sharp combs and hats - all these can cause hair splitting and damage. Delicate homemade shampoos and active means of protection can reduce hair stiffness and also can smooth damaged hair. But if the damage is severe, the only thing that can help is a haircut.
Asian hair can become thinner faster than the African or Caucasian hair and may break.
Damaged, Dull Hair
Dehydration and sweat destroy the hair structure and make its surface rigid. In this case, the hair cells
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are not smooth and connected to each other. These cells are disposed in a pine tree shape. Light is reflected unevenly and gives hair a fragile aspect and a lack of gloss. At combing, such an arrangement of cells may increase the risk of damage to the hair structure. The external pollutants penetrate the strand and the water may easily be lost, which results in dehydration. Carefully washing can protect. Avoid hot water, hairdryers and use only natural shampoos and conditioners.
Hair Loss
Losing about 100 hair strands/a day is normal. When washing you lose more hair, leading to a smaller loss the next day. People which lose more than 100 hairs a day, for a long period of time, should consult a physician and take necessary measures.
Hair loss is gradual, with age. Balding process is characteristic especially to men. This hair loss is genetically predetermined. The hair goes thinner until it falls entirely. The process is different in women and men. Women lose hair constantly over the whole area of the head. Men suffer from hair loss only in certain areas.
Here are a few causes for hair loss:
• thyroid diseases – due to the hormone imbalance
• pregnancy – after birth the hair begins to fall,
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also due to hormones
• certain drugs
• alopecia – disorder that has the effect of losing the hair on certain parts of the body, not only from the scalp
• physical or emotional trauma
• stress
• wrong nutrition
• excessive hair care, using chemical ingredients
• change of season
• autoimmune diseases
The best treatment for hair loss is castor oil. Massage your scalp with this oil two hours before washing or even leave it to act overnight. Do this for at least three months and you will see a lot of improvement.
The biggest problems of hair loss are experienced by the African women. They may encounter:
Alopecia – hair loss on the temples, front and back of the scalp
CCCA (central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia) – this leads to severe scars on the crown and front of the scalp. Scientists believe that it may be due to prolonged chemical hair care.
Asian hair is not subject to balding, the percentage of this condition in Asian people is very small. It also
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reacts very quick to hair loss treatments.
Scalp Issues
Itching
Itching of the scalp can have different causes. It is often due to some irritating shampoo, a styling product, hot water or hot air from a hair dryer. Dehydration and skin infections can also cause irritation and itching. Accompanied by yellowish and greasy dandruff, itching is a symptom of seborrhea dermatitis of the scalp that usually can be treated with a natural, homemade shampoo. So does itching caused by diabetes.
Dandruff
There are many types of dandruff. So-called greasy dandruff occurs most frequently. Fungal microorganisms Malassezia furfur that are usually friendly can become aggressive and irritate the scalp. This causes excessive production of skin cells that are removed at the same time.
Neem oil is the best for this condition. Massage your scalp with a little bit of diluted oil and let it take action for at least one hour. Then wash the hair with your regular shampoo. It usually takes about 3 weeks for dandruff to disappear. Many people have a constant problem with this type of dandruff. In these
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cases, use the oil for a longer period of time.
Dry dandruff can be removed with a shampoo for dry hair. Skin diseases such as neurodermitis and psoriasis, as well as some other diseases, can make dandruff to appear. In these cases it is better to use a soft shampoo to support drug treatment.
Few Tips for Having a Healthy, Shiny Hair
Take care of your diet: eat fish and walnuts. The proteins and omega-3 will help your hair remain strong and bright. Also include green vegetables, carrots and beans.
Wash your hair with warm water – the hot water washes away all the good oils from the strands.
Take a haircut from time to time: cut only the ends if you don’t want to shorten the hair. This way it will regenerate quicker.
Don't spend all your day combing the hair, you may break it.
You should be careful when you braid your hair. If it is very twisted or if you secure it too tight, the strands may break and the roots will suffer.
Conventional dye may have a harmful action on your hair. Use henna and other natural colors instead.
If it is possible, let your hair air dry after washing it. The hot air from the hair dryer may bring a lot of damage.
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Be careful at the sudden changes in your hair health: massive hair loss, for example, may be the sign of a disease. Get professional help in these cases.
Hair Care Routine
Depending on your hair type, use a shampoo that fits you. The homemade ones have one major advantage: you know best what kind of hair you have so you should know what ingredients to use.
You may also prepare a conditioner if you feel you need one.
It is also recommended that you put a mask on, once a week. It should detoxify your hair, but also nourish it.
As for the styling products, we all know that excessive using may damage the hair. But, just like other products, you may prepare them at home.
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While most of the homemade shampoo recipes contain liquid castile soap, you should know a few things about it. It is a soap made exclusively from olive oil, and it is believed to be born in the Castile Castle in 1567.
You may buy it, Dr. Bronner's Castile soap may be found in any store, or you may as well make your own if you are passionate about homemade cosmetics.
Here is a recipe for preparing the solid form of castile soap.
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Solid Castile Soap Recipe
Ingredients
• 56 oz olive oil (grade A)
• 1.5168 oz pink grapefruit essential oil
• 1.1288 bergamot essential oil
• 17 oz distilled water
• 7.359 oz lye (208 grams)
Directions
1. Prepare the lye solution by measuring 208 grams of dry lye and place it into a chemical and heat safe container. The measurement in grams is more accurate than the one in ounces.
Take the water and also pour it into a chemical and heat safe container.
You need to know that the lye solution is very dangerous as it is caustic so you should wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles. You may even keep a bottle of vinegar near by to neutralize the eventual lye spills.
Pour the lye into the water container and mix thoroughly with a safe utensil (heat and chemical safe).
The temperature of the solution will begin to rise
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very quickly. This chemical reaction will make a strong fume. Be careful not to breathe these vapors. This is the reason why you should prepare the lye solution outside, in well ventilated areas and protect the kids and pets.
Place a thermometer in the container and wait until the temperature gets under 110 Fahrenheit.
2. Measure the oil quantity and place it into a stainless steel pot.
3. Warm it at very low heat until it reaches 110 Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to establish that.
Measure the two essential oils and mix them together.
4. Check the temperature of the olive oil and lye solution to be around 110 Fahrenheit.
5. Pour the solution in the olive oil, slowly mixing with a chemical and heat safe tool.
6. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
7. Add the essential oils and stir again.
8. Now use your hand mixer to blend the mixture.
Do this until your soap “reaches the trace”. This means that a little line appears on the surface and quickly disappears after a second or two. To test this you may also take a spatula into the mixture and move it to the back of the pot. It should leave a small “trace”behind.
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9. It is now time to pour the soap into a mold (5 pounds).
10. It should be solid in 24-36 hours. You may leave it more if necessary.
11. Cut the soap into individual bars.
12. Let it harden (cure) for 4-6 months.
If you want to prepare a shampoo, you will need to turn a solid soap into a liquid one.
So here is what you will need:
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Liquid Castile Soap Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 solid bar of castile soap
• 8 cups of boiling water
Directions
1. Grate the castile soap bar. 2. Place the boiling water into a container
and add the soap flakes. 3. They will turn into a liquid soap within 24
hours and you will be able to use it for your homemade shampoos.
A quicker recipe for obtaining liquid castile soap is this one:
Ingredients
• 4 oz (118 ml) solid castile soap • 4 cups water • 2 tablespoons glycerin
Directions
1. Grate the soap bar into a large recipient. 2. Add the water.
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3. Mix the two ingredients until the soap flakes dissolve.
4. Add the glycerin and mix again until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Use the mixture as your regular liquid soap.
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Lemon Shampoo for Normal Hair
Ingredients
• ¼ cup distilled water
• ¼ cup Castile soap
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• ½ teaspoon lemon essential oil
Directions
1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Shake well before each use.
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Argan Oil Shampoo for Oily Hair
Ingredients
• ½ cup distilled water
• ¼ cup liquid Castile Soap
• 1 tablespoon argan Oil
• 5 drops lavender oil
• 5 drops rosemary oil
Directions
1. Also combine all the ingredients and mix them well.
2. Don't forget to shake before each use.
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Calendula and Rosemary Shampoo
Ingredients
• 4 oz. hot water
• 2 oz. Castile soap
• ¼ teaspoon avocado oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
Directions
1. Use your old shampoo container to mix all the ingredients and enjoy your homemade shampoo.
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Dry Castor Oil Shampoo for Short Hair
Ingredients
• 2-3 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 tablespoon baby powder
• 1 teaspoon castor oil
• 5 drops peppermint oil
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Directions
1. Mix the powders together, then add the oils. The mixture should remain a powder.
2. Apply on the roots and massage with gentle moves. Then comb your hair over a sink so the leftovers will fall there.
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Avocado Oil Mask
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 ripe banana
Directions
1. Blend all the ingredients together and apply the mixture on your hair. Make sure you wear a cap.
2. Leave the mask for half an hour then rinse it with warm water. After that, you may apply your favorite shampoo.
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Shea Butter Mask
Ingredients
• ½ cup sweet almond oil
• 1 cup shea butter
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Directions
1. Melt the shea butter over very low heat.
2. Remove from heat and add the sweet almond oil.
3. Mix in the Vitamin E oil.
4. Apply the mixture on the hair and let it there for at least 1 hour.
5. After that, wash your hair with a homemade shampoo.
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Neem Oil Shampoo
As I said before, neem oil has a very unpleasant smell, but it is fabulous for eliminating dandruff. So, if you want to use it, simply add a drop or two in your regular shampoo every time you wash your hair. Since it isn't stable when combined with other substances, add neem oil only in the quantity you are using to wash one time.
Natural Shampoo for Hair Loss
Ingredients
• ½ cup Castile liquid soap
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 1 capsule Vitamin E
• ½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops bay essential oil
Directions
1. Mix all the ingredients in a clean, dry container.
2. It can be used as a regular shampoo.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• few drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
1. Combine the ingredients.
2. Wash your hair then apply the vinegar mixture. Gently massage it into your scalp for 2 minutes.
3. Rinse well with warm water.
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Hair Gel
Ingredients
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
Directions
1. Use a sauce pan to bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the seeds and let them cook for 6 minutes. You will have a jelly mixture.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool. Add the essential oil and store in the refrigerator for maximum a week.
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Homemade Natural Hairspray
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 5 drops lavender oil
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• 5 drops peppermint oil
• 1 ½ cups of water
Directions
1. Squeeze the orange and transfer the juice into a saucepan.
2. Add the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat
3. Bring the flax seeds in the saucepan and cook for 15 minutes.
4. You will have a jelly liquid now.
5. Let it cool and then strain the seeds.
6. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
7. Add the other ingredients and shake well before each use.
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Natural Hair Treatment for Dry Hair
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 1 tablespoon mango butter
Directions
1. Put all the ingredients in small saucepan and
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place it in pot with water over low heat.
2. Let the butters melt.
3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
4. Apply it on the hair, cover your had with a towel or shower cap and let it act for 30-40 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water and wash your hair as usually.
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Anti-dandruff Mask
Ingredients
• 2 oz. jojoba oil
• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops neem oil
Directions
1. Combine all the ingredients and slightly heat them.
2. Wash your hair and let it air dry until it is damp.
3. Apply the mask and cover with a warm towel.
4. Let it act for 1 hour.
5. Wash the hair again until there is no oil trace left.
6. Apply the mask twice a week.
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Honey and Coconut Oil Mask
Ingredients
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
Directions
1. Mix the two ingredients.
2. Apply the mask on your scalp with a gentle massage.
3. Leave it to act for 30 minutes.
4. Wash with warm water and a natural shampoo.
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Cocoa Butter Mask for Dry, Damaged Hair
Ingredients
• 1 oz. cocoa butter
• 1 oz. coconut oil
Directions
1. Combine the two ingredients and let them melt over very low heat.
2. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp and let it act for few hours or even overnight.
3. Wash with your natural shampoo.
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Hair Care in Every Season
Wind, sun, cold, spring, summer, autumn and winter. These climate changes are bad for your hair. For this reason, you have to take some precautions each season if you want to have a perfectly healthy hair. Here are some tips in this regard:
Spring
In early spring, your hair needs revival, after suffering at low temperatures and strong winds in winter. To do this you need a nourishing conditioner, that will provide the care and humidity it needs to be properly hydrated.
But do not apply too much conditioner because it will make your hair look oily.
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Summer
Sun and sand can make your hair very vulnerable. The sun can do a lot of damage if you do not protect it from UV rays. Just as the skin needs sun protection the hair does too.
Chlorine in swimming pools is also one of the greatest enemies of hair beauty. So, after you swim, make sure you completely remove chlorine from your hair.
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Autumn
Autumn months are similar to the spring in terms of temperature and environmental conditions. For this reason, your hair needs a deep hydration from root to tip.
Apply a mask with avocado oil twice a week. But do not over do this.
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Winter
Cold winter winds will make your hair brittle and it will become dull.
Changes in temperature, cold outside and the indoor heat can damage your hair. Thus, in winter it is very important to moisturize it. Use a nourishing conditioner every wash and do yourself a moisturizing mask every week.
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Nail Care Just like skin and hair, nails need your attention so
they can remain healthy. Here are a few tips:
Protect your nails with strong moisturizing lotion whenever you wash your hands. Rub each nail carefully and remember the cuticles. Instead of cream, you can use avocado or castor oil. Both of them contain vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of your nails.
Whenever you wash dishes, use gloves because, if
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you are using conventional dish liquids, they contain chemicals which may attack the nails, causing them weakened resistance and even break them.
Dry your nails with a towel after you wash your hands. If the nail stays wet for long it is at risk of developing fungus. The affected nail becomes yellowish-white, brittle and breaks.
The cuticles are very important when it comes to healthy nails. The recommendation is to not cut your cuticles and don't push them too much to the nail root. The adjustment can affect nail surface, resulting in loss of natural barrier that protects against bacteria.
A great solution for preventing the cuticles to grow is sodium bicarbonate. Soak a towel in baking soda and gently massage the cuticles to remove them.
Cut your nails properly. It is recommended to cut them right as to prevent the occurrence of ingrown nails and other infections.
Massage your nails every night with a natural oil (such as coconut, jojoba, argan, avocado or castor) to stimulate blood circulation.
Do not over use polish and occasionally let your nails to "breathe". If you always use nail polish their resistance will decrease.. Also nails can become brittle because you use acetone nail polish remover. Avoid nail polish removers that contain formaldehyde as the mails dry very hard.
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If you have soft nails, soak them in coconut oil slightly heated. Repeat this ritual every few days to strengthen your nails.
If your nails break, use a mask with cucumber and lemon. Chop a small cucumber and mix it with the juice of a lemon, then apply the mixture on your nails and wait for 10 minutes. You can use argan oil to moisture them.
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Natural hair care is the best way to help your hair stay healthy. It is one of our most precious jewels.
Even the most stylish woman, with a perfect posture and a perfect outfit, will look awful if her hair is oily or dull.
So take care of your hair and pay attention to the signs he is sending you. Let it tell you what it needs. Respect it and you won’t feel sorry. You will be proud of your hair and you will be willing to show it to the world.
Prepare your own cosmetics, take care of your hair and skin and your body will be grateful.
If you need more information, recipes or simply a good advice, feel free to visit our site at Onbeautyus.com
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INDEX
Ingredient Recipe Page no.
Cocoa Butter Cocoa Butter Mask for Dry Hair 91 Shea Butter Shea Butter Mask
Natural Treatment for Dry Hair 80 87
Coconut Oil Honey and Coconut Oil Mask Cocoa Butter Mask for Dry Hair
90 91
Jojoba Oil Anti-dandruff Mask 89 Mango Butter Natural Treatment for Dry Hair 87 Lavender Oil Argan Oil Shampoo
Rosemary Shampoo Hair Gel Hairspray Anti-dandruff Mask
75 76 84 85 89
Argan Oil Argan Oil Shampoo 75 Avocado Oil Rosemary Shampoo
Avocado Oil Mask 76 79
Castor Oil Castor Oil Shampoo 77 Sweet Almond Oil Lemon Shampoo for Normal
Hair Shea Butter Mask
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80 Rosemary Oil Lemon Shampoo for Normal
Hair Argan Oil Shampoo Shampoo for Hair Loss Anti-dandruff Mask
74
75 82 89
Peppermint Oil Castor Oil Shampoo Shampoo for Hair Loss Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner Hairspray
77 82 83
85 Neem Oil Neem Oil Shampoo
Anti-dandruff Mask 81 89
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References
http://www.sheainstitute.com/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
http://www.livestrong.com/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/
http://wellnessmama.com/
http://www.webmd.com
http://thecoconutmama.com/
http://www.ablossominglife.com/
http://www.howtomakeyourhairgrowfastertips.com
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Liquid-Castile-Soap
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