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At Home Spa Treatment: Moisturize Dry Hair

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

We all know olive oil is a healthy fat that is essential to our health, but it's not just for salads and warm bread. You can use it to nourish your dry and fuzzy hair. I've tried leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments, but they don't seem to work. Here's something I do about twice a month, but you can do it once a week if your hair is really thirsty.

Here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup olive oil (you may need more or less depending on how long and thick your hair is)
plastic grocery bag

Here's what to do:

Rinse your hair with warm water.
Pour about 1 tbsp into the palm of your hands, rub them together to warm up the oil, then using your fingertips, gently massage it into your scalp and hair.
Continue doing this until your hair is covered evenly with the oil, making sure the ends of your hair are treated too.
Now place the plastic bag over your hair, tying the ends in a knot or securing it closed with a hair clip or clothespin.
Keep the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.

That's it. Your hair will look and feel shiny, soft, and smooth. It's especially good if you have thick and curly hair, but it's also great to do in the summer when the sun and saltwater can really dry out your hair. Try it and let me know what you think.

Fit's Tips: If your hair is NOT dry, do not try this treatment - your hair will end up looking really flat and greasy.

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DIY Spa Treatment: Hot Oil Treatment For Dry Hair

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Hot oil treatments are a fast and easy way to help restore elasticity, shine and moisture in dry, over-processed hair. They should instantly make your hair look and feel healthier, and they can be done anywhere from once to twice a week depending on the condition of your hair. I found this at-home hot oil treatment recipe from the Long Locks Hair Care Cookbook and have been eager to test it out.

Although I haven't tried this exact combo of ingredients yet, I have created a wonderful DIY treatment from a blend of jojoba oil, avocado, geranium oil and soybean oil. I loved the results, but found it to be fairly messy - and I didn't love the feeling of mashed-up avocado in my hair. That being said, feel free to add in fresh avocado, or a little jojoba oil if you desire. This recipe is simple, neat (you can bring it right into the shower with you) and it doesn't require a ton of ingredients. You'll need:

1/2 cup of soybean oil

8 drops of sandalwood oil

8 drops of geranium oil

8 drops of lavender oil

For three step-by-step directions, read more.

STEP 1: Pour all of the ingredients into an empty measuring cup and mix well.
STEP 2: Warm the contents in the microwave for about 20-25 seconds, making sure it doesn't get too hot. Then, evenly apply the mixture to damp hair (paying special attention to the ends), comb through with a wide-tooth comb and wrap hair in a hot towel for 20 minutes.
STEP 3: When you're finished, shampoo hair, rinse well and skip using a conditioner.

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DIY Spa Treatment: At-Home Hair Purifier

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:15:41 -0800

If clarifying shampoos aren't getting rid of the greasy, grimy residue that gets left behind in your already oily hair, you'll love this at-home purifying hair treatment. Made with aspirin to help stimulate your hair follicles and apple cider vinegar to get rid of build-up and control dandruff, it'll help your hair feel bouncier, lighter, and clean as a whistle. Here's what to do:

STEP 1: Wash your hair as usual
STEP 2: Crush two aspirin and pour them into an eight-ounce cup filled with apple cider vinegar (use more vinegar for thick hair and less for fine hair).
STEP 3: Next, apply to damp hair and leave on for fifteen minutes and then shampoo hair again. Skip using conditioner unless your hair is really tangled. In that case, just use a little bit on the ends and rinse well.

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Product of the Day: Bull Semen Hair Treatment

GiggleSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:00:00 -0800

"It doesn't smell" is hardly a ringing endorsement for a product, but I guess you gotta emphasize one of the few positives of hair care made with bull semen. And that's just what Hari's, a fancy London beauty salon says about its Aberdeen Organic Hair treatment made of protein-rich bull semen and plant extracts. In addition to not smelling, it can give your hair the ultimate shine. As long as the randy bulls provide their, uh, stuff, says salon owner Hari Salem, the well-coiffed of London will have shiny, lustrous hair that doesn't smell! What more could you ask for, really? (And the Geek Girls come through again!)

DIY Spa Treatment: Super-Sexy Beach Hair

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:00:54 -0700

Fabrice Gilli, my amazing hairdresser and Creative Director of Frederic Fekkai Soho, has divulged one of his quick and easy, at-home recipes for beautiful beach waves. Since you already know how to create this look yourself, and you're aware of the various beach hair products on the market, thanks to Fabrice, you can save a few pennies and stock up on sunscreens instead! Here's an inexpensive way to attain sexy beach waves on a miniscule budget.

Step 1: Take an empty and clean spray bottle and fill it up with eight ounces of water.
Step 2: Add two heaping tablespoons of kosher or sea salt to the water and shake.
Step 3: Mix a teaspoon of your favorite hair gel to the saltwater solution and shake it once again. This will give hair a little bit more texture.
Step 4: Spray a liberal amount onto wet or very damp hair and do not brush through-finger-comb only if necessary. Scrunch hair in your hands to help curls form, or just leave it be and let it air dry naturally.

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Minoxidil (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:48:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Minoxidil (mi-NOX-i-dil)

Used to cause hair growth in certain types of baldness.

Brand Name(s)

Rogaine, Women's Rogaine, Rogaine Women's, Rite Aid Hair Regrowth Treatment For Women, Rogaine For Men Extra Strength, Men's Rogaine, Rite Aid Hair Regrowth Treatment For Men, Minoxidil

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to minoxidil, or if you have pheochromocytoma (a tumor that produces adrenalin) or a sudden or patchy hair loss. Do not use this medicine if you have no family history of hair loss, if you do not know the reason for your hair loss, or if you are currently using other medicines on your scalp. Do not use the foam if you have frontal baldness or receding hairline.

How to Use This Medicine

Foam, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Using more medicine than your doctor has prescribed will not speed up hair growth and may increase your risk of side effects.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
It is important to carefully follow the instructions for applying this medicine. This medicine is for use on the scalp only. Do not use this medicine on other parts of your body.
Hair growth usually occurs after this medicine has been used for several months. However, you will need to continue using this medicine to have hair growth. Hair loss will begin again within a few months after minoxidil treatment is stopped.
Wash your hair and make sure your hair and scalp are completely dry before putting on minoxidil.
When you are using the minoxidil foam, hold the can upside down and press the nozzle to release the foam into your fingers. The total amount of the foam you use each time should not be more than half a capful.
Apply minoxidil to the center of the bald area and spread it in a thin layer. Use only the applicator that came with your medicine.
Wash your hands with soap and water after putting minoxidil on your scalp.
If you accidentally get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth, wash the area thoroughly with water. If using the pump spray, be careful not to breathe in the mist.
Do not use a hair dryer to dry your scalp after putting on minoxidil.
If you use minoxidil at bedtime, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after putting on the medicine.
Do not use the foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using minoxidil tablets (Loniten®) for high blood pressure. Using both oral and topical minoxidil may increase the chance of side effects.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking high blood pressure medicine such as diltiazem (Cardizem®), metoprolol (Lopressor®), nifedipine (Procardia®), propranolol (Inderal®), or verapamil (Calan®).
Minoxidil may not work properly if you also use cortisone drugs, petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), or tretinoin (Retin A®) on your scalp. Tell your doctor if you are using these or any other skin care products on the same area of your scalp.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Some brands of minoxidil are not recommended for use in women, especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or fluid retention (edema).
Do not give this medicine to your child unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Check with your doctor first before using minoxidil if you have a cut or scrape on your skin, a rash, a sunburn, or any redness, swelling, infection, irritation, or pain on your scalp. Do not use this medicine for a skin or scalp problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
Some people who have used this medicine had changes in hair color and texture. Talk with your doctor if this is a concern for you.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Dizziness or fainting.
Facial hair growth.
Fast or irregular heartbeat.
Severe itching, burning, or redness of scalp.
Sudden, unexplained weight gain.
Swelling of face, hands, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Change in hair color or texture.
Dry, flaking, or red skin.
Increased hair loss.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Home Spa Treatment: Henna Your Hair

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Since I have dark hair, lemon juice doesn't do a thing to add natural highlights to my hair. I've even experimented with cranberry juice, but I never really noticed much of a difference. Many years ago a friend turned me on to using henna. It doesn't contain a bunch of synthetic chemicals, instead it is a plant based dye. The green leaves are dried and then crushed into a powder. You just add water to the powder to make a paste that you apply to your hair.

Despite what hairdressers say, henna is good for your hair. Not only is it a natural colorant (much better than chemical dyes), but it strengthens and conditions your hair, and as an added bonus, it gets rid of dandruff.

When I want to add a color to my hair, I use the pure henna powder you order online - it works much better than the Rainbow Henna you see at heath food stores. It's the same henna women use to decorate a bride's hands and feet before an Indian wedding.

Putting henna in your hair can be a bit messy, but the color is absolutely gorgeous. It creates shiny reddish highlights that look completely natural. Want to know how to do it, then read more

Wash your hair, don't condition it and then towel it dry. Place the entire box of henna powder (about 100 grams or 1 cup) into a glass or metal bowl. Then gradually add 1 cup of warm water. Use a metal spoon to mix it together to make a creamy paste similar to frosting.
Wear rubber or latex gloves (so your hands don't get stained - if you don't wear gloves, it's not a big deal - the stain will go away in a day or two). Using your fingers, scoop up some of the paste and begin to smear it all along your hair. I always do the hair around my face first and then work my way back. After all the henna is in your hair, if you hair is long enough, pull it back and then twist it in a bun.
Now place a plastic bag over your hair and tie it in the back. Then check your face, ears, neck, and shoulders and wash off any henna that didn't make it into your hair. Check the floor too. The first time I did this, I only left the henna in my hair for 45-60 minutes. Then every other time, I increased the amount of time until I realized that I could sleep with it overnight. My hair is really dark though, so the longer the better. I would NOT recommend you do this your first time or if your hair is light. When you are ready to wash it out, get into one of those shower/tubs. Turn the water on for the tub, squat down, and wash as much of the henna out as possible. Then you can turn on the shower part and rinse the rest of your hair and body. Don't wash your hair, just condition it once or twice - it makes your hair silky smooth and helps to get all the extra henna out. The water will be brown, so don't be alarmed. It'll probably be brown the next few times you get it wet too.

So that's it. I know it sounds a little complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it's just as easy as washing your hair.

You'll Always Have a Placenta in My Heart

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:00:21 -0800

Gross (but useful!) Hask Henna 'n' Placenta ($2) for hair has been around forever, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that now there are placenta facials.

Placentas, also known as afterbirth, are full of protein, iron, and tons of vitamins and minerals, which, I will allow, make them excellent for the health of hair, skin, and nails. People have been using the placentas of sheep and horses as beauty aids for time immemorial, in fact. But guess what? We have a lot of nice ways to synthesize this stuff now, and you could also just use wheat protein and run-of-the-mill vitamins to get the same effect. I guess treatments like this are more natural, but to me, they're also gross. I used a placenta hair treatment once, and although it worked well, it was no better than some hot oil and a deep conditioner, and it smelled pretty funky. If you were offered a placenta facial, would you take it in all its "natural" glory?

Product Review: Phytonectar Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment

BellaSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:00:56 -0700

Sometimes I feel as though my hair is so parched that all the conditioner in my shower (and trust me, that's a lot) isn't going to do the trick. Unfortunately, most leave-in conditioners just weigh my hair down into an icky matted mess. So when I came across this Phytonectar Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment ($30) I was excited.

As it turns out, I was excited with good reason. First of all, this stuff smells downright amazing - it's not even a touch perfume-y or sweet. The thick oil produced by the sturdy pump smelled herbal but not medicinal, with a hint of chamomile. Two to three generous drops warmed quickly in the hands, then massaged into hair from tips to scalp, is all you need. I like to put a little extra just on my ends to really soak them in the nourishing solution. If my scalp is feeling at all dry or itchy, a little bit of this massaged directly into it helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

This is meant to be applied 15-20 minutes pre-shower and then rinsed out, but I put it on at night and sleep in it, then rinse it out in the morning. A warning, though: unless your hair is genuinely dry, coarse, or frizzy, or you're having a freak dry spell, I would not recommend this product. The thick oil would weigh your hair down if it wasn't in need of a good quenching. But, if you're like me and sometimes you really need a super dose of hair-quenching moisture, this is just what the doctor ordered.

Save $200 on the New TRIA System!

Sponsor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:01 -0800

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