How To Straighten Your Hair Without Straightener And Chemicals

November 9, 2009 at 9:44 am (Hair Care) (, , , , )

Straight, silky hair is an asset and very few people are blessed with it. The secret to stunningly beautiful straight hair is keeping hair soft and healthy. By and large, the look of the hair mainly depends on the natural quality, type of hair and texture. The haircut opted for also has the ability to influence the appearance of hair. If you have your hair cut in layers, it is very difficult to get a straight look. In the case of naturally wavy or curly hair, only chemical treatments will be able to straighten out the hair. However, it is essential to bear in mind that the use of these chemicals is only a temporary solution to straight hair and causes a great deal of long term damage.

Natural Hair Straightening Tips

Dry hair with split-ends tends to look wavy. Pollution, exposure to the harmful rays of the sun and stress also take a toll on hair texture. Covering your head when outdoors will prove beneficial in protecting the hair from damage caused by direct exposure to sunlight and pollution. Deep breathing exercises will assist in reducing the effects of stress. Constant blow drying and ironing of hair can also make hair unruly and wild and should be avoided. Breakage will also contribute to a rough look. Combing your hair with a wide-tooth comb, when it is almost dry, will help in straightening hair without causing breakage. The choice of hair products also plays a crucial role in the texture of the hair. Repeated hair treatments and harsh hair care products, loaded with chemicals, tend to strip the hair of natural oils thus making it lifeless, dull and unattractive. Hence, the use of natural remedies to straighten hair is recommended.

Hair that is well looked, after on a regular basis will look beautiful. Massages play a vital role in improving the flow of blood and natural oil to the follicles thus strengthening hair from the roots. Coconut milk is a natural conditioner that has the ability to straighten hair effectively. Massaging the scalp with coconut milk will provide nourishment to each strand, making hair soft and easy to manage. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the coconut milk will also ensure that all germs capable of causing infections are killed. A massage with a mixture of olive oil and dried rosemary leaves will also leave the hair soft and straight. Olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil also have the ability to straighten hair. After the use of a mild shampoo, a final rinse with half a cup of apple cider vinegar will also prove beneficial in making hair healthy, glossy and straight.

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Hot Oil Benefits: Why Hot Oil Treatment For Hair?

October 30, 2009 at 9:15 am (Hair Care) (, , , , , )

Hot Oil Treatment For Hair

A hot oil treatment is one of the most effective natural treatments for several hair related problems. Everyday pollution causes severe damage to the hair in terms of a build up of dirt, which is difficult to remove. Environmental changes and harsh weather conditions also tend to cause dry hair and hair loss problems. Everyday activities like brushing and shampooing may also result in damage to the hair that can be restored with the help of hot oil treatment. Harmful chemicals in hair care products and improper hair care techniques can also lead to damage and hair loss. Hair tends to become brittle and rough on account of hair styling techniques like straightening and curling. Hot oil treatment is very effective against damage caused to the hair on account of these factors.

Hot oil treatments can be of various kinds. The most common method is to massage hot oil into the scalp before rinsing with a shampoo that is mild. Using a harsh shampoo after hot oil treatment will negate the effect of the oil and strip hair of its moisture again. The oils that are commonly used include olive oil, soybean oil or even mayonnaise. These oils can be used individually or as a mixture for the purpose of hot oil treatment. You can warm them in the microwave or by immersing a container of oil in a basin filled with hot water. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave it on for at least thirty minutes before washing it off. You should take care while using hot oil treatments to prevent being burned. Always test the temperature of the oil before applying it on your scalp and hair. If the oil is too hot for your wrist, then you should allow it to cool down before applying it on your hair.

Hot oil treatment is also greatly beneficial for treating scalp disorders like dandruff. You should however, carry out a hot oil treatment periodically to ensure it’s effectiveness. Essential oils tend to be most effective for a hot oil treatment as they penetrate the hair with ease and repair damage. Other oils that are popular for hot oil treatments are jojoba oil and jasmine oil. These oils condition the hair while they repair damage caused by pollutants and environmental factors. Moreover, hot oil treatments are very effective in curing dryness caused by the use of hair color and other styling products. They restore moisture and nourish the hair, thereby making it healthy and giving it a natural shine.

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Hair Growth Tips And Tricks: Herbal Home Remedies To Prevent Hair Loss

October 29, 2009 at 8:46 am (Hair Care) (, , , , , )

Herbal Remedies For Fast Hair Growth

You cannot accelerate your natural pace of hair growth, but there are several ways in which you can prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. Hair normally grows at a pace of half an inch every month, and by following a strict hair care routine, and by incorporating some dietary changes, you can ensure healthy and strong hair. An irregular diet, high levels of stress and improper hair care leads to hair loss and damage and this could slow the process of hair growth. To prevent this, you should care for your hair both externally and follow a healthy lifestyle. One of the first ways to prevent hair loss is to ensure that you get a trim regularly. A hair trim will not only help keep your hair looking groomed and healthy but will also get rid of split and frayed ends. Split ends occur from day to day damage caused to hair and can lead to hair loss and other problems. You need to exercise patience with your hair if you intend to grow it. While a periodic trim is advisable, you should resist the temptation of getting frequent haircuts.

Massaging your hair with warm olive oil will help accelerate hair growth and condition your hair. Wrap a warm towel around your hair after massaging it with olive oil for best results. Conditioning your hair regularly will also help accelerate hair growth. You can use natural conditioners like whipped eggs to nourish your hair. Hot oil treatments are also greatly beneficial for accelerating hair growth. Avoid using water that is too hot to wash your hair as this may damage your hair causing it to become dry and frizzy. The same rule applies for curling irons and straighteners. It is essential that you avoid exposing your hair to excessive heat. Get at least eight hours of sleep everyday to ensure that your body is relaxed and your stress levels reduce. Minimizing stress does wonders for your hair.

Eat a health diet that is rich in protein, as this promotes hair growth. Foods that contain beta carotene, folic acid and inositol are very beneficial for hair growth. Yogurt, eggs, fish and beans are excellent sources of protein. Yellow and green fruits and vegetables contain beta carotene which is excellent for promoting hair growth. Soy protein is also very beneficial for hair growth. Increase your intake of foods like tofu that are rich in soy protein to help promote hair growth. Eliminate caffeinated beverages from your diet and reduce your consumption of cigarettes to maintain optimal health for your hair and body.

Home Remedies For Rapid Hair Growth | Hair Growth Treatments

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Hair Straightening Tips: Permanent And Natural Hair Straightening

October 28, 2009 at 5:07 am (Hair Care) (, , , , )

Permanent Hair Straightening

There are several ways in which you can straighten hair at home. Most hair straightening techniques use certain chemicals to break the bonds that hold hair together. This is done to alter the texture of hair and this can be achieved by breaking the bonds that hold molecules of keratin (the protein that hair is made of) together. This is a permanent technique and alters the texture of the hair permanently. This alteration of hair texture however, does not affect the hair that will grow out of the hair follicles, and it does not alter the rate at which hair grows. The effects are therefore only seen in hair that has already grown out. It is important to consider that hair that is straightened using chemicals will tend to be rough and frizzy to touch. Regular conditioning may reduce the damage caused by the chemicals, but the hair retains some of the damage caused by chemicals.

Natural Way Of Hair Straightening

Ensure that you use products that are high quality and try not to combine hair straightening products with coloring or other hair styling agents. You should take care to use a straightening product that is suitable for your hair and skin type to avoid sustaining an allergic reaction. In addition to using straightening products, you can also try using hot irons or blow driers. You should take care that your straightening iron is ceramic coated and if you use a blow drier, ensure that it is set to a tolerable temperature. Excessive heat can cause severe damage to your hair.

There are also several natural ways to straighten your hair; however, they may not be permanent or even as effective. The advantage of using natural methods however, is that you don’t expose your hair to harmful chemicals and damage. One of the most effective natural ways to straighten your hair is to use lemon juice and coconut milk. Ensure that you use coconut milk that is freshly extracted and add lemon juice to this. Set the mixture aside in the refrigerator until there is a creamy layer on the top of the solution. Apply this to your hair and scalp before steaming it using a hot towel or a steamer. You should keep it covered and steam your hair for at least thirty minutes. Wash this off with shampoo. And while your hair is still wet, comb it with a wide toothed comb. This will give you naturally straight hair instantly. Milk is another excellent natural method for straightening hair at home. Apply milk on your hair and scalp or spray it on to your hair at least half an hour before you wash it off. This will not only condition your hair but will also make it naturally straight.

Also Read:

How To Straighten Your Hair Without Straightener And Chemicals

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Dry Hair Remedies: Contribution of Natural Ingredients For Healthy Hair

October 27, 2009 at 5:01 am (Hair Care) (, , , , , )

Why Your Hair Get Dry

The texture of hair is influenced by numerous factors. Dry hair could make even the most beautiful person look unattractive as it tends to draw a lot of undue attention to itself due to its straw-like appearance. Direct exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, pollution, harsh hair care products and neglect are the main reasons for dry, lifeless hair. Prolonged illness and related medication, hormonal changes and stress can also contribute to hair damage. Transforming the texture of your hair is not an impossible task, but it does require a lot of patience and regular care.

What Natural Ingredient You Should Use

Since direct sunlight and pollution affect hair texture, wearing a scarf when outdoors is recommended to minimize the damage that they cause. Hair products play a vital role in the overall quality of hair. Hence, it is essential to choose your hair products with much care and deliberation. Harsh products should be avoided and if you feel that a certain product tends to damage your hair, discontinuing the use of it immediately is recommended. Regular hair treatments like straightening of hair, perming and coloring must be avoided as they tend to cause long-term damage. The daily washing of hair and the process of blowing drying hair should also be avoided as they tend to strip the hair of natural oils, thus making hair weak, dry and dull. Drying your hair with a towel is recommended to prevent further damage. After using a towel, rub on some hair serum and run your fingers through your hair to detangle knots. When your hair is almost dry, comb it with a wide tooth comb. The serum strengthens the hair and the wide tooth comb ensures that there is minimal breakage.

Well-looked after, nourished hair will always look silky and gorgeous. Regular massages are a way of ensuring that your hair gets the nourishment it needs while improving the flow of blood and natural oils to the hair follicles. Pure coconut oil, vitamin E oil, olive oil and almond oil are excellent options for treating dry hair. Warm the oil of your choice and rub it into the scalp, ensuring that the whole scalp is massaged thoroughly, at least 20 minutes before a bath. To maximize its effects, wrap a warm, moist towel around your head after a massage to allow the oil to seep in well, thus nourishing the roots. Washing hair with a cup of milk or apple cider vinegar, before using a mild shampoo, leaves hair conditioned, easy to manage and glossy.

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Ingrown Hair Infection

October 7, 2009 at 9:24 am (Hair Care, Skin Care) (, , , )

When hair grows at an angle that leads it back into the skin and into the hair follicle instead of outward, it is called ingrown hair. This happens when you try to get a very close shave and the razor hurts the outer surface of the hair follicle, causing the hair to turn inwards and block it. If you have naturally curly hair you would be more prone to this problem. Once the hair gets embedded inside the skin, it may infect the hair follicle, causing inflammation and pus formation. The outward symptoms of this condition are small, painful bumps on the skin which may feel itchy on contact with clothes.

Simple Home Remedies To Treat Ingrown Hair

There are a few basic precautions that you should take to prevent this condition. While shaving, be careful that you run the razor only in the direction of the natural growth of hair. This prevents injury to the hair follicles and ensures that the hair does not experience too much pressure. As a rule, you should also apply the shaving cream and wait for at least 5 minutes before you start shaving. This makes the hair softer and reduces the chances of damage to the hair follicles. Use a moisturizing after-shave cream to soothe your skin. While the infection lasts, you should avoid shaving. Besides these general measures, you should follow a few simple home remedies to treat ingrown hair. A simple way of exfoliating the affected area is to apply either a teaspoon of salt or granulated sugar, add a few drops of water to it and rub the skin in gentle circular motions with this for a couple of minutes. After this, you should wash the skin with water and pat it dry. You may also smear the skin around the infected follicle with a diluted mixture of eucalyptus oil and almond oil. This helps reduce the itching and pain and cures the infection naturally. Application of the juice of aloe vera leaves also helps reduce skin inflammation and irritation as well as in healing the infected follicles naturally. For another remedy, grind a couple of aspirin tablets to powder and mix them with two teaspoons of any essential oil. Apply this paste on the affected area and let it dry in the air for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. This salicylic acid present in aspirin acts as an excellent exfoliating agent, while the oil soothes the inflamed hair follicle.

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Facial Hair Removal Methods

October 7, 2009 at 9:04 am (Hair Care, Skin Care) (, , , , )

Unwanted facial hair can be cause of social embarrassment for women. Though the hair on women’s faces is typically much thinner and lighter than men’s, sometimes due to hormonal imbalances women may develop dark, coarse hair on the face. This condition is technically known as hirsuitism. Mostly, the massive changes in the level of the female hormone estrogen, at the onset of puberty and during pregnancy and menopause, are responsible for enhanced hair growth on the face of women. Regular intake of hormone pills may also trigger this condition. Shaving, plucking, threading and waxing are among the most popular methods of getting rid of unwanted facial hair.

Simple Home Remedies To Remove Facial Hair

However, there are a few simple home remedies that you may follow to remove facial hair too. Slice a fresh lemon into half and sprinkle some granulated sugar on its surface. Now rub this piece of lemon in gentle circular motions on your skin, in the direction in which the hair is growing. Follow this procedure for 5 minutes thrice a day. This will gradually make your facial hair softer and lighter and eventually get rid of it completely. For another remedy, add a pinch of turmeric powder to two tablespoons of sour milk cream and massage your face with this mixture using your fingertips. Wait till your skin feels completely dry, and then rinse it gently with water. Another effective natural way of getting rid of facial hair is to mix a teaspoon of gram flour with an equal quantity of honey and a few drops of rose water and to massage this paste on the skin very gently. When the paste becomes completely dry, rub it off using your fingertips. The paste makes facial hair softer and weaker, and the hair automatically comes off along with the dry paste. However, if your skin hurts or gets inflamed, apply a little cucumber or raw potato juice on your skin after you are done with the procedure and wash your face with cold water after 5-10 minutes. Follow this procedure thrice every week to remove facial hair naturally. Another excellent means of removing facial hair is to blend one tablespoon of sugar and half a tablespoon of corn flour with an egg white till the mixture becomes sticky and consistent. Apply this mixture on your skin and when it begins to feel dry and taut, rinse it with lukewarm water. Follow this procedure twice a week for best results.

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How long does it take for eyebrow hair to grow?

September 30, 2009 at 5:41 am (Hair Care) (, , , , )

Plucking and shaping the eyebrows on a regular basis can sometimes lead to a loss of hair in the area, making your eyebrows look too thin. Loss of hair in the eyebrows may also be due to cancer treatment through chemotherapy, ailments like alopecia and trichotillomania, and even common problems like dandruff. In order to solve this problem, you should stop plucking your eyebrows for at least a couple of months and allow the hair to grow back naturally. It usually takes six to eight weeks for the eyebrows to grow back to their natural shape and thickness. Once the normal density of hair in the eyebrows is restored, you can get them plucked and shaped again. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, and may sometimes react adversely to mechanical and chemical agents of plucking hair. Thus, you should always rub the area gently with an ice cube, pat it dry with soft face tissue and then apply a mild moisturizing cream.

Natural Tips for Growing your Eyebrows

In addition, you may find a few natural tips for growing hair particularly useful in making your eyebrows grow back to their natural state faster. Apply some coconut oil on the area every gently every night before going to bed. This promotes faster and thicker growth of hair. Another effective remedy is to smear a few drops of castor oil on the area every day. This increases the density of the hair and makes your eyebrows look darker and thicker. You may also crush a few fresh aloe vera leaves and massage the area with their juice in order to heal the skin cells damaged due to repeated plucking of hair, as well as to make hair grow in a more even, regular way. You may use commercially available aloe vera extract instead of the juice of the leaves in the same manner for similar results. It has also been found that sulfur can trigger faster and denser growth of hair. Thus, dipping some cotton wool in onion juice and rubbing it gently against the skin under the eyebrows proves to be beneficial in treating very thin eyebrows. Similarly, a mixture of almond and olive oil may also be applied topically, as they too are rich sources of sulfur and can therefore promote better hair growth in the eyebrows. In order to temporarily conceal the thinness of your eyebrows, you may use a tiny hair brush to apply some mascara of the same color as your hair in swift, short, upward strokes on your eyebrows.

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Ingrown Hair Infection

September 25, 2009 at 4:42 am (Hair Care) (, , , , )

How to Prevent and Treat Ingrown Hair

An ingrown hair can be caused by several things. It can be from shaving, a pimple, or countless other reasons. Whatever the reason, the result can be very painful. If not treated properly, it can become infected. This infection can lead to breakouts and rashes. It can be very painful. The infection can also spread and cause more problems.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts for ingrown hairs:

  • Don’t try to scrape the area with a razor or your finger nail. This can cause the infection to spread.
  • At night, apply a paste of clay and few drops of eucalyptus oil. Cover with a bandage.
  • Apply eucalyptus oil with a cotton ball.
  • Apply tea tree oil with a cotton ball.
  • Make a paste of equal parts turmeric powder and sandalwood powder mixed with a few drops of either water or rose water. Apply to the area.
  • Apply a hot compress to relieve swelling.
  • Use a sugar scrub to exfoliate the skin. Mix sugar with either olive oil or honey.
  • Mix one and half teaspoons of salt with one cup of warm water. Using a cotton ball, apply to skin.
  • Use a poultice of grated raw potato applied to the area and covered with a bandage. Let this set overnight to help draw out the infection.
  • Mix one teaspoon of honey with a half of teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Place this bowl in a larger bowl of hot water until the honey mixture softens. Crush three to four uncoated aspirins and mix into the honey mixture. Apply to the area. The aspirin will help with the pain and swelling and the honey is a natural antibiotic to help the area heal.
  • If the hair is not too deep, you can remove it with tweezers. Do not pick excessively at the area or it will cause the infection to spread.   
  • Ingrown hairs can be caused by the way in which you shave. If you pull the skin too much as you are shaving it will cause the hair follicle to become obstructed. This obstruction can lead to an infection.
  • Keep the area clean. Excessive oil and dirt can get into the hair follicle and cause an obstruction that will lead to an infection.

Taking care of your skin will help eliminate the chances of getting an infection. If an infection does occur, taking care of it immediately will help keep it from spreading. Sometimes, however, a home remedy may not work. This is especially true if the infection become widespread. In this case, you may need to seek medical help to get rid of the infection.

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How to Straighten Hair at Home

September 25, 2009 at 4:35 am (Hair Care) (, , , , , )

Useful Remedies To Straighten your Hair at Home

We always want what we don’t have. If we have straight hair, we want curly hair. If our hair is curly, we want it straight. It is fairly easy to curl your hair, but what do you do if you have curly hair? How can you straighten it at home?

Here are a few ways:

  • You can brush your hair with a round brush while blow drying it.
  • You can use a conditioner that you can leave in your hair. Sometimes this will weigh down the hair enough to straighten it.
  • You can use an anti-static brush to brush your hair. Sometimes this can help control your hair.
  • Whisk fresh cold coconut milk until it forms a layer of cream. Skim this layer off then mix with juice of three lemons until it thickens. Apply to your hair and then wrap with plastic wrap. Let it set for at least an hour then wash as you would normally.
  • You can use a hair iron set on the minimum setting to straighten hair. Do it in small sections for the best benefit.
  • Keep hair moisturized. You can apply mayonnaise to your hair and let it set for about fifteen minutes and then wash thoroughly.  Dry hair has a tendency to get split ends. This keeps hair from being able to lie flat.
  • Do not use excessive heat on your hair.
  • Deep condition your hair at least once a week.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage hair.
  • Apply jojoba oil to hair.
  • Spray dry hair with one third cup of milk. Allow to dry thoroughly and then wash as usual.
  • Make a mixture of one cup of milk and a few drops of honey. Mash a few strawberries and mix into the milk and honey mixture. Apply to hair and leave for about two hours. Wash as usual. Blow dry hair while using a wide-toothed comb for best results.
  • Make a paste of a spoonful of olive oil and two eggs. Taking your hair in small sections, apply the paste. Wrap your hair with plastic wrap or a towel. Leave for several hours. Wash as usual.

These remedies work by conditioning the hair and by weighing the hair down. Healthy hair is the key to being able straighten it out. Damaged hair will frizz and become unruly, defeating all of the hard work that you put into trying to have healthy straight hair.

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