My Personal Experience.
My Personal Experience.
I had an afro from age Zero to ten and a half,then I had Jheri
Curl perm followed by relaxer perm until I was age sixteen when I went
natural and I have kept an afro until December 2006 when I got
my afro (B.A.A) twisted into starter locs.I aim to give tips and
advice to those who want to know about afros and African locs. I have
29 years experience of wearing an Afro a B.A.A. (Big Azz Afro) I
switched because I wanted longer hair and no longer wanted combing the
hair I didn't want extensions,nor did I want a short natural T.W.A
(Teeny Weeny Afro).Although I can now wear a wig or weave on, or
extensions (over the locs) as well as wearing my hair as it is.I want
to grow my own locks long.
I have just cut off my locks and I am now wearing a Teeny Weeny Afro.I don't know if I will wear locks ever again.I must let you know that if you decide to change your hair style from locks to a natural afro you can go to a salon and they can take it out for you without you cutting off your loc(k)s.
Curly, Afro and dreadlocks
webmaster@manashantii.com
Disclaimer:This site is for informational purposes only.Always seek professional advice especially for medical conditions.This website takes no responsibility for the content of external links.
Have a look at my links page for afro hair products and hair salons there are some interesting websites there.Also check out my salon reviews page. See also "Some natural cosmetics ingredients" lower down on this page.
About Afro hair.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-textured_hair Description of Afro hair.
http://terencenance.com/2009/08/good-hair/ A little bit of hair history.
http://blackhaircareandstyling.blogspot.com/ Patricia Gaines Nappturality's blog on Afro hair.
http://theorganicbeautyexpert.typepad.com/the_organic_beauty_expert/loc_care/A good webpage on loc care
Article on Natural hair.http://www.bobsaone.org/naturalhair.php
Relaxed hair can be treated as European hair,however research has shown relaxers to be carcinogenic,personally I don't recommend it.
On this website I use the term afro which means combed natural hair,twists or plaits (braids),I also use the term dread(loc)ks which means traditional locs,freeform locs,organic locs, sisterlocks,and brotherlocks.
If you can't eat it then why put it on your skin or hair ?
Shampooing hair too frequently can increase dryness.After shampooing or rinsing you have to retwist your dread(loc)ks or re-plait your afro hair.Remember that after washing or rinsing your hair you have to moisturise cream or oil the hair and scalp.Rinsing your hair with water may be fine, depending on how oily and curly your hair is. My hair shrinks to a quarter of it's original length, in other words I loose 75% of it's length because my hair is very kinky.However it returns to it full length if I comb or blow dry my hair with an attachment afro blow dry comb.
Head massages with some base/carrier oils can help circulation and with a balanced vegan or vegetarian diet, exercise and vitamins intake, will increase hair growth.
Dread(loc)(k)s needs oils like Rosehip seed oil,Avocado oil,Apricot kernal oil,Jojoba oil,Hemp seed oil or Olive oil scented with essential oils like rosemary,cedarwood and lavender.(I go in detail about the qualities of these oils further down this page). If your scalp and hair is dry then use a blend of cocoa butter and the above mentioned oils when retightening/retwisting your Dread(loc)ks but only use a small quantity.You can use oils to moisturise your scalp and locs about three times a week or as required. Using heavy butters when re-twisting once every six to eight weeks is okay, but not more than that.Using Shea or cocoa butter on your dreadlocks on a daily basis is not a good idea because it causes build up in your locks.Retwisting your locs every six weeks is good. The best thing for locs is Aloe vera with Jojoba oil and an essential oil or two of your choice (like rosemary and lavender, Lavender and orange also smells uplifting ) blended together this oil gel lotion would be good for locs and scalp.
Just to let you know, if you grow dread(loc)(k)s and decide that you no longer want them, you can go to a natural afro hair salon and have the locks combed out, back into an afro, you do not have to cut or shave your head.Also if you cut off your locks you can have them reattached by the salon once you have some growth.
Natural afro hair and scalp needs regular moisturising (as much as daily) with a pomade,hair gel,or styling wax.Glycerine is probably the best moisturiser for afro hair.You can also combine glycerine with a natural moisturiser like aloe vera,coconut oil,cocoa butter or shea butter and essential oil if you desire,essential oils kill germs,fungal infections and are natural preservatives.(The rule for essential oils is maximum 40 drops for 100mls of oil).Afro hair requires a no-comb hairstyle to keep it in good condition and avoid unnecessary breakage (afro hair is prone to excessive breakage caused by combing,especially if treated like European hair.You can't wash and comb it everyday like European hair (You can comb and wash daily, but you would get a lot of breakage,especially if your hair is really kinky or coily) ).No comb hairstyles (twists,plaits,braids or hair extensions are called no comb hairstyles) can last from three weeks to three months depending on the hairstyle.Cornrows with natural hair and no extensions can last up to a month, whilst plait extensions can last on average three months.Dreadlock extensions can last up to a year.Weave-ons can last up to three months.It is best to not leave hair in a no-comb hairstyle (plaits,braids or extension) no longer than three months as the hair will turn into dreadlocks.
Afro hair is best when not shampooed too often because it tends to be very dry.Whilst your hair is in plaits, twists, extensions or dreadlocks you can use Sea-breeze and cotton wool to cleanse the scalp.You can also use witch hazel with cotton wool or lemon juice,essential oil like Tea tree and hot mint tea with cotton wool to cleanse the scalp (in between the partings).(Be careful not to get the cotton wool stuck in the hair).After cleansing the scalp you may need to moisturise the scalp and hair.Gently moisturise in between the partings of your no-comb hairstyle.Afro hair needs moisturising as much as once daily and as little as three times a week,moisturising stops the hair from breakage and also turning to dreadlocks.The curlier the hair the more often you need to moisturise and condition the hair.The curlier the hair the more breakage is likely to occur.
When you do decide to wash or shampoo your hair,(I recommend not more than once a week,you can cleanse your scalp and or between the partings of your plaits or locs as often as you like,( or wash your hair with just water) but shampoo not more than once a week.)Use a gentle ph balanced shampoo, a organic vegan shampoo with minimum chemicals is best.Add vegetable glycerine and rosemary essential oil to your shampoo and conditioner this helps to maintain moisture in the hair and scalp.Wash with shampoo,condition,rinse out then blow-dry using an afro comb attachment. Blow dry until it becomes dry or a more loose curl,then moisturise scalp and hair followed by a no-comb hairstyle or brush your hair into a ponytail.
PRODUCTS I RECOMMEND. Organic and vegan cosmetic ingredients recommended by Manashantii".
I recommend any product by "Inky loves nature".I use Inky loves nature Warrior queen cleanser to cleanse hair and scalp, Inky loves nature "melanin moisturiser" for my hair, Inky loves nature "Nappaliscious nutritious scalp treatment" and Inky loves nature "straight shea" for twisting dreadlocks (retightening). Jamaican black castor oil by Inky loves nature is raw and unrefined.The Jamaican black castor oil is good for thinning hair and nourishing a dry scalp.Inky loves nature "virgin oil de coco creme" is organic coconut oil which is also good for skin and hair.
Inky loves nature products inkylovesnature.com/shop.html
Akamuti products are also good, however I don't recommend beeswax in products, especially for hair as it causes build up. http://akamuti.co.ukI also use Neals Yard Remedies Rosemary and cedarwood hair treatment on my scalp and in my hair as a styling product, although it can be used as a conditioner also.Coconut oil contains potassium,calcium,and iron. I also spritz my hair with vegetable glycerine combined with Neal's Yard Remedies rose water and Neal's Yard Remedies orange flower water, I blend it all in a bottle by shaking it and then spray it in my hair.You can make a even better spritzer by using Aloe vera glycerine and essential oils of your choice. Alternatively you can buy Oyin handmade Greg Juice.Neals Yard remedies Organic beauty oil is good for moisturising hair, skin and nails,and or you can take the oil internally as a nutritional supplement, or use it with olive oil and vinegar as a salad dressing.Olive oil has a high content of omega 9 essential fatty acid. Neals Yard Remedies Comfrey Macerated oil is good for hair and scalp,the allantoin in it helps skin and scalp.Not all Neals Yard products are vegan Neal's Yard Remedies keep a list of their vegan products,please request for it by telephoning them or when you visit their store. I only recommend vegan products by Neal's Yard Remedies.
Virgin coconut oil is high in Lauric acid,Lauric acid is anti-viral and anti-fungal and can help treat ailments such as thrush,irritable bowel as well as for cosmetic use.The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria.Coconut oil contains potassium,calcium,and iron.Coconut butter /coconut oil combined with Aloe vera is good for moisturising hair and body.
Coconut connections dot com http://coconut-connections.com
Adornment365.com (hair salon) use shea butter combined with rose mosqueta oil to do afro hair which really nourishes the hair and scalp.Their hair smoothie is also very good, you can buy their products from their salon (inside Morleys opposite Brixton tube station in London). See my "U.K. and U.S.A hair salons" on this website.
Before I used to use all the above mentioned products, I used to blend shea butter,coconut oil with a lot of glycerine (in my kitchen with a blender).I used this cream like pomade to moisturise my hair. I still use this at times but generally I use very little products since I started growing locs. I use pure shea butter when grooming and retightening my locs and then I use a spritzer in my hair about three times a week.
Akua Wood.co.uk or Cioccolatina.co.uk or Shea Butter Cottage.co.uk are all vegan and organic products.
Anita Grant's Whipped butter is a good moisturiser for hair and body.I also recommend Anita Grant's Organic Sapote seed oil, also you can try Anita Grant's Organic Copaiba oil, and Anita Grant's Organic Andiroba oil. Sapote seed oil stops your hair from falling out for a longer period of time. Copaiba has been used to treat skin cancer,bronchitis,stomache ulcers,Tuberculosis,metastic lung cancer,uterus cancer, tumours,gonorrhoea, and syphilis.Andiroba oil is antibacterial and the flower is anti-tumoural,it has been used orally for internal Cancer.Anita Grant's Sapote and castor hair oil .You may also like Anita Grant's Camellia Ylang and lavender hair and body oil.Disclaimer:This site is for informational purposes only.Always seek
professional advice especially for medical conditions.This website
takes no responsibility for the content of external links.
I highly recommend Dr.Bronner's liquid pure castile soap (any fragrance) for shampooing hair,washing your body and as a handwash,the only problem with it is that it is very runny or watery.I put mine in a Neal's Yard Remedies spritzer bottle and spritz it in my hair and scalp then I massage and shampoo my hair and scalp. Dr.Bronner's and sundog's organic lotion (any fragrance) is also good for face, hands,feet and body it is a very light gel like lotion.
I recommend Ren Manoi and Shea butter body balm for afros,curly hair and dreadlocks.
I also recommend Kinky-Curly for curly hair, mixed race hair,and afro hair.
I strongly recommend anything by Kinky-Curly. I like the "curling custard" and the "gloss pomade".
I haven't tried "Knot today" (by Kinky-Curly) so I can't comment.
Organic root stimulator No more flakes by Namaste laboratories is also good.
Assai(Acai)oil contains omega 6 and 9,phytosterols,it has antioxidants, decrease cell destruction.
Buriti oil has the highest natural occurence of vitamin A.
Apricot kernel oil contains vitamin B17 which is good for treating Cancers,it also contains vitamin A.
Raw gaia make their Shea butter combined with apricot kernal oil. http://rawgaia.com
A lot of people are using shea and aloe vera blended as a moisturiser for hair and body this is also good for afros and dreadlocks.If you google shealoe you will find many people/companies selling it.It is a simple and natural moisturiser. Here is a website that sells Shea aloe.Shea aloe dot com.
http://sheaaloe.com/also there is
http://shealoe.com
Petroleum-based pomades or hair preparations are not good for (afro) hair,since they are very difficult to wash out.They do not break down in hot water.They coat the cuticle,preventing it from opening during any cleansing regimen.The weight of these products will clog the pores in the scalp ,inhibit natural flaking and cleansing,and cause the sebaceous glands to malfunction.All of these effects will lead to horrific dandruff and scalp problems.
All ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream then it goes into all your organs,we absorb up to 77% of ingredients through our skin. The chemicals mentioned in the list below cause allergies,intefere with your hormones and endocrine system and some cause or irritate eczema. Petroleum and parabens can disrupt the body's endocrine activity by mimicking oestrogen. The American Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) and The Cosmetic Ingredient review,an organisation that assesses the ingredient safety of cosmetics also claim it to be safe,because only a low amount of parabens are used in cosmetics.
Natural oils break down easily and they don't cause build up in the scalp,hair or locs.Do not under any circumstances use beeswax to start your (dread)loc(k)s,or at anytime whilst you have got dread(loc(k)s. Beeswax will hold your locs together but will be next to impossible wash out when it's time to cleanse your hair.It will leave your locs looking very dull, in addition to attracting and holding dust and debris.Beeswax is like has a high melting point about 106 degrees.Putting beeswax in your hair is like putting candle wax in your hair.Apple Cider vinegar (A.C.V.).
Apple cider vinegar removes oil and residue from the hair or dreadlocks. A.C.V. has an acidic ph balance.Apples contains malic acid.Shampoos are alkaline A.C.V. neutralises the alkali left by shampoos.Alot of people recommend using Apple cider vinegar after you have shampooed your hair to remove build up and balance the ph level of your hair and scalp.
Manashantii's Aloe vera concoction for dreadlocks.
Make a concoction of natural Aloe vera,lemon essential oil and lavender essential oil and use it for re-twisting your locks.The essential oils kills bacteria so it acts as a preservative for the product and it kills fungus in your hair and scalp.
*LOCS TIPS. By Manashantii
*Style dreadlocks while wet otherwise you increase the chance of breakage.
*Don't over twist locs.
*Don't be a product junkie.Just use no more than three products,also by doing this it makes it easier to detect allergies that you may have.
*Although I recommend lots of things on this site,just choose one shampoo(or a ph balanced hair and body wash),and one moisturiser or oil for hair and body,one locking gel (My concoction gel for retwisting dreadlocks for example).
*Avoid beeswax or beeswax products,it is nearly impossible to wash out of hair and locs.
*Don't go to bed with damp locks,this will cause mildew in your locs,also your locs may loose it's cylindrical shape when you sleep on it whilst it it wet or damp, wash your hair in the morning and allow all day for it to dry.
*Cover up your locs at night.
*Sweat that has built up in your hair or locs causes bacteria.Smell in your hair or locs is made up of bacteria that feed on sweat.In other words,smell comes from stale sweat that grow in the scalp,this causes itchyness.
*Using too much oils or moisturiser will cause build up and attract dirt and lint.
*Excessive twisting thins the hair.
* You can ease the stress of your hair being pulled by wearing your hair up or using a scarf upward or a hair wrap specially made for locs. You can ease tension of pulling hair or locs by not pulling hair too tight or by cutting your hair to a certain length.
Avoid these chemicals:- mercury,aluminium,propylene glycol,petroleum,
petrolatum,mineral oil,lead in some lipsticks,
sulphates,(sodium lauryl sulphate,sodium laureth sulphate etc..)
parabens(methylparaben,propylparaben,butylparaben,ethylparaben)
liquid paraffin,phthalates,talc,methylisothiazolinone,BHT,
Ethanolamines=Monoethanolamines,(MEA) Diethanolamine,(DEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Carbomer,ethanol,Benzaldehyde,Benzyl acetate,Benzophenones ,
EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid),DIA (Diethanolamine),
Imidazolidinyl Urea,Diazolidinyl urea.
Avoid these animal ingredients:pig glycerin(e)beeswax,collagen,gelatin(e),animal keratin,chitin,
elastin,carmine,lanolin,silicone,ambergris,civet,musk,honey,propolis,silk,
bone char sugar,whey...
Have a look at my links page for afro hair products and hair salons there are some interesting websites there.Also check out my salon reviews page.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadlocks
http://coconutresearchcenter.org
http://sheabuttercottage.co.uk
http://organicrootstimulator.com
http://renskincare.com/category-Body-Creams-BODYCREAM.htm
http://www.tijeras.net/content.php?content_id=6
http://www.akamuti.co.uk/content.php?33
http://www.perfumesofarabia.com/Natural_Perfume.htmlhttp://www.betternutrition.com/document/655
http:///www.camelliapurebeauty.com/ingredients.htm
I disagree with skin bleaching and chemical straightening or perming of the hair. More about this later on when I have finished this article.
When I first started writing these articles on cosmetics I hoped that I would be just a science phobic person who was paranoid about something petty,but I now realise that the chemicals are toxic and can harm a person.
Also a very important point just because I love Lush,Neal's yard remedies and Carol's daughter doesnot mean that they are chemical free companies. Carol's daughter uses some synthetic fragrances in some of their products.Lush use synthetic musk in their butterball bath bomb.They claim it to be better than using animal musk,I see their point but I would rather they used something else natural rather than synthetic musk.Who needs musk for bathing anyway?Bring on the Roses, Jasmines,Violets and maybe Ylang ylang.
Cosmetics and household cleaning products have caustic ingredients unless you switch to more natural cosmetics and environmentally friendly household cleaning products you are risking at the least bad skin disorders and at the worst Cancer.
Women unknowingly expose themselves daily to hundreds of toxic
chemicals when applying makeup. When ingredient listings in 7,500
products were cross-linked with toxicity databases, one-third contained
ingredients linked to cancer and 70 percent may be contaminated with
harmful impurities.
Anything you put on your skin small amounts of it goes into your blood stream,then your heart pumps it around to all your internal organs.You may think nothing of using beauty products which are made up of petrochemicals but I think it matters if you use petroleum based products,I think in terms of carcinogens you are better safer than sorry. Small amounts of it entering your internal organs is probably harmless, if your body can fight it off, but really there is a chance of build up of toxins in your internal organs.
The skin absorbs whatever the ingredients are in the skincare preparations.About 99% of most afro hair products contain petrochemicals.Ingredients that enter the body through the skin have been found to mainly enter through the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Petrochemicals are a variety of ingredients that are derived from petroleum.Petrochemical ingredients cause skin allergy reactions,skin irritations and clog skin pores.Petrochemicals donot absorb well into the skin so if they are combined with healthy ingredients they donot allow them to be properly absorbed.Mineral oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons that is a highly used derivative of petroleum,used in many cosmetics.Petrochemicals pollute the water and kill marine life.
My favourite hair and scalp pomade is Inky loves nature scalp butter.I like simple natural products that's why I make my own beauty products or I use Lush, Neals Yard Remedies, Carol's daughter, Dr. Hauschka, Qhemet Biologics ( I love herbs and sulphur medicinal pomade),and Kemilabs products because they do not use petrochemicals and don't test on animals.I like Lush's Amazonian or Baby face I cut it up into small pieces and use it for my Scalp Eczema and at times I use it as a pomade for my hair as well as using it for my body as a oily moisturiser.I like Neals Yard Remedies's Rosemary and Cedarwood hair treatment,it contains lavender essential oil and coconut oil as well as rosemary and cedarwood essential oil,I use it as a leave in conditioner and a pomade.I love Carol's daughter's Kizzi because it is rich and moisturises my scalp and hair and after all it is a pomade,but I don't like the smell of it! Carol's daughter's Kizzi is richer and more moisturising than Carol's daughter Mimosa hair honey.I also love Carol's daughter Mimosa hair honey because it smells orangey and floral and it nourishes the hair and scalp.Carol's daughter Healthy hair butter is creamy and rich.I like Aveda 's brilliant humectant pomade,I also like Aveda's scalp remedy.I learned that Aveda is owned by Estee Lauder so I personally don't use it.( I could be wrong.)Organic root stimulator No more flakes by Namaste laborotories is a pomade that contains no petrochemicals.Kemi Oyl Shea Butter Pomade and Kemi Oyl Shea Butter and Kemi Oyl shea butter pomade are still made with no petrochemicals or synthetics.
I also like Neals Yard wild rose beauty balm.
I am a lifelong vegetarian vegan and think what you do to your body is important.I think if you can't eat it then why put it on your skin? My hair and body butter is edible and I have even spread it on my bread and eaten it.Could you eat your lotion,conditioner....etc? It is time to rethink.All the products I have mentioned would be harmless if you ate it but they don't taste good!Mine does though.My pomade tastes like over -sweetened butter.
A lot of detergents in shampoos, shower gels,bubble baths soaps and household products can irritate the skin, causing and worsening eczema.
Glycerine is an extraction of coconut oil or sometimes palm oil ,glycerine is good for hair,skin,chapped lips and food preparations(cake-making) it is a good oil humectant and I recommend it for babies, cuts or sores and eczema.Glycerin - Colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, syrupy liquid. It absorbs water from the air; this property makes it valuable as a moistener in cosmetics. Glycerol is present in the form of its esters (glycerides) in all animal and vegetable fats and oils.
Coconut oil is good for a pomade hence why Neals Yard use it in Rosemary and Cedarwood hair treatment,and Carol's daughter use Coconut in Unscented Body Jelly.
Barefoot botanicals is also good but they don't make pomades neither do Lush.
You have one body and one life, so be wise.
Make your own cosmetics dot com http://makeyourowncosmetics.com
Making cosmetics dot com http://makingcosmetics.com
D.I.Y. Cosmetics dot com http://diycosmetics.com
Some natural cosmetic ingredients
Some natural cosmetic ingredients By Manashantii
Body butter ingredients=You need Emollients=Coconut oil/butter, shea butter, Cocoa butter,Murumuru butter then add Scent /
A natural Humectant is =Glycerine= it is an extraction of coconut oil or at times palm oil
Fragrance=essential oils blend it all together.
Hair oil ingredients/Body oil ingredients =choose the following ingredients of your preference=Sunflower oil,Olive oil,Rosehip seed oil, Avocado oil,Pumpkin seed
oil,Hempseed oil,Borage oil,Jojoba oil,Apricot kernel oil,Calendula
oil,Comfrey oil,Grapeseed oil, Rapeseed oil,Kukui nut oil,Babassu
oil,Blackseed oil,Carrot oil, Linseed oil,Neem oil (Neem oil is very
very smelly).
This is the procedure,add body butter ingredient(s) with hair/body oil ingredients then add glycerine and essential oils if you desire then blend all the ingredients.
Then add Scent/fragrance =essential oils( Pumpkin seed oil is dark green and can soil your clothing).(Comfrey oil is a good source of allantoin).Allantoin: a botanical thought to have calming properties to the skin that help resolve irritation.
Comfrey - An anti-inflammatory known for its healing and emollient properties. It is also a source of mucopolysaccharides and allantoin, used in skin treatments. A cell proliferant that regenerates aging tissues with continued use.
Borage Oil - An anti-inflammatory, soothing oil high in
gamma-linolenic acid, highly beneficial to the skin. Increases the
protecting function of skin cells and reinforces the skin as a
protecting membrane. Recommended in face oils for its rejuvenate power.
Keep refrigerated.
Kukui Nut Oil (Kukui Oil) - Kukui Oil comes from the nuts of the
Kukui Tree in Hawaii. People are just recently discovering the amazing
dermal healing properties of the Kukui Nut Oil, known by the native
Hawaiians for generations. Kukui Nut Oil contains vitamins A, E, F.
These nutrients help to revitalize and restore the skin's normal
activity. Because of the high content of linoleic and linolenic acids,
it is rapidly absorbed into the skin and leaves no grease-like feel.
Regular use helps to rejuvenate and soften deteriorated, dry, lifeless
skin. It can also be used topically for hemorrhoids and many skin
disorders such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. For people with active
life styles with regular exposure to the sun, Kukui Nut Oil can help to
counteract the sun's harmful effects. Kukui Oil is found to have
remarkably low toxicity as indicated from acute studies performed
according to FDA and EPA protocols. Like the Hawaiians, the rest of the
world may soon experience the natural skin nourishing benefits of Kukui
Nut Oil.
Neem oil- (Azadriachta indica) Used widely in India as an antibacterial, antiviral. antifungal, antiseptic, antiparasitic agent in toiletries, soap, toothpaste and skin/hair care products. It is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, syphilitic sores, chicken pox etc. Helps keep products naturally preserved, proving once again that nature is more than capable of handling the job! Neem oil is very, very, smelly.However Neem oil is probably the best oil in the world for treating skin conditions,you can use lemongrass essential oil to eliminate that onion garlic like odour that it has.Neem with Tea tree essential oil would be good for an infection.I guess you could use lavender essential oil to disguise that Neem smell.Sage essential oil and Neem oil could also be a good healing oil with the sage disguising the smell of the Neem.
Rose Hip Seed Oil - High in linoleic and linolenic acids as well as Vitamin C, essential for the health of the hair and skin. A tissue regenerator. Rose Hip Oil, from the seeds of the wild rose bush Rosa Affinis Rubiginosa (scientific name), offers healing properties to damaged skin. Rose Hip Oil is found in South America, especially in Peru, Argentina and Chile. Grown in the cool, lush mountainous rain valleys of the southern Andes, the Rosa Mosqueta by the people of Chile has been a well-kept secret for centuries. Rose Hip Oil is obtained from the seeds contained in the intensely red berry-like fruits - or hips - of the wild rose-bush. Due to scientific research in recent years in Chile and other parts of the world, the beneficial effects and healing properties of the natural oil extracted from the Rosehip seeds for skin has been validated by the cosmetic and dermatological industries world wide. Rose Hip Oil can be obtained in oil form or in lotions. Rose Hip Oil in certain lotions offers a natural moisturizing solution for sensitive, allergic, sun damaged, hyper pigmented, aged, and scared tissue. It contains natural retinoic acid, a derivative of Retonol (Vitamin A) for the treatment of eye wrinkles, stretch marks, and unsightly spots. It improves burned skin and aids in the relief of dermatitis. Rose Hip Oil is also an excellent preventative for skin photo aging and immediate relief for dry skin and eczema. The Rose Hip Oil belongs to the Rosaceae family, subfamily Rosoideae, genus Rosa. The Oil obtained from the seeds has a high content of non-saturated fatty acids, like Oleic, Linoleic and Linoleic Acid. Due to its physical and chemical characteristic as well as it behavior it is considered a siccative oil. It is commercially obtained by extraction with organic solvents and its purification is achieved through winterization, in order to eliminate the triglycerides of higher saturation. Stabilizers are added to avoid rancidity. The final product is a transparent liquid, yellow-reddish color with a characteristic odor. Besides the mentioned non-saturated fatty acids, the presence of coordinates, Flavonoids, Vitamin C, a ketonic compound (namely 3-pentenpropyl-kentoe) and lately trans-rhodanic acids have been detected, which could be responsible for the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of the Rose Hip Seed Oil. The unique properties of Rosa Mosqueta - Rose Hip Oil were discovered 1983 through a research team from the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacology at the University of Concepcion, a prestigious private university in Chile. The study was to evaluate the positive action of the oil in the skin regeneration process. Later in 1988, two doctors published their own extensive findings in a paper titled "Contributions to Identification and Application of Active Components Contained in Rosa Affinis Rubiginosa.
Grape Seed oil: a botanical shown to be an effective antioxidant.
Jojoba Oil - This rich extract helps the jojoba desert plant retain water during the long summer drought. It acts as a humectant and creates a protective film over the skin and hair shaft that helps keep moisture in. Does not go rancid, so it is a good base oil for aromatherapy blends. Jojoba Oil is cold pressed from the nuts of the jojoba tree. The jojoba tree is cultivated in California, Arizona, Mexico and Israel. Jojoba is pronounced Ho Ho Ba. Native Americans have been using jojoba for centuries. The first record of jojoba is from 1701, used to treat sores, cuts, burns, as a conditioner and for all over skin and hair treatments. Jojoba is technically not an oil, but a liquid wax ester with a long unsaturated carbon chains. Chemically it resembles sperm whale oil or spermaceti oil. It was a popular ingredient in creams. In the 1970's the United States (gratefully) banned all sperm whale products because they were contributing to the extinction of sperm whales. In 1977 domestic commercial jojoba oil cultivation began because it is the natural substitute for spermaceti, which in other cases has been replaced by synthetic products. Jojoba esters are composed of straight chain alcohols. The acid and the alcohol portions have 20 or 22 carbon atoms and one unsaturated bond. It resembles human sebum; the natural coating our body produces to protect the skin and keep it supple. Jojoba is pure skin and hair therapy - our skin loses sebum with age, sun, wind, cold, and the environment and jojoba adds a protective conditioner to make up for these depleting factors. It contains protein, minerals and a waxy substance that mimics collagen. Jojoba is perfect for any skin type it has a large molecular structure. Jojoba can help dry or oily skin. If your skin has an over production of sebum, jojoba oil will dissolve clogged pores and restore the skin to its natural pH balance. The reason jojoba oil works so well is that it actually penetrates the skin because it is accepted as sebum. Although jojoba oil is very expensive it does have a long shelf life; it will never break down or go rancid, which makes it a much healthier choice for you, the consumer, to use. Jojoba is expensive because it can take up to1200 trees to get one pound of jojoba nuts, which have a 50% yield of oil. Because jojoba has very little scent it works as a wonderful natural perfume base. Jojoba is not greasy and absorbs right into the skin. JMC Technologies has conducted scientific research proving that jojoba can increase skin softness by up to 37%, it reduces superficial lines and wrinkles up to 25% upon application and up to 11% after 8 hours. Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic and pure!
Calendula - Known for its healing and analgesic properties. Use
for burns, cuts, eczema, greasy skin, inflammations, insect bites,
rashes and wounds, varicose veins. Otherwise known as Pot Marigold. Pot
Marigold is an annual herbaceous plant approximately 10 to 20 inches in
height. Pot Marigold, belonging to the Asteraceae family, has rough,
hairy and ramous stem bearing alternate, whole or slightly dentate
leaves. The flower heads are singular in dimension with yellow-orange
flowers. The fruits are bristles with thorns on their dorsal side. The
chemical composition of the Pot Marigold is fairly well known because
it is a well-studied plant. Pot Marigold was very famous in folk
medical field because of its sudorific and depurative properties, used
to cure skin diseases, scrofulous affections, uterus and the congestion
of abdominal viscera. It was also used against hysteria and various
nervous illnesses due to its antispasmodic virtues, including its
stimulating and antiscorbutic properties. Pot Marigold flowers are
sought for a variety of medicinal values. As folk remedies, it was used
as menstrual pain relief, especially when pain was accompanied by or
the result of anemia. It is a very efficient anti-infection product,
which clean ups and heals skin diseases. Further, it is used in eye
baths against ophtalmia as well as to dress burns and infected wounds
and against various skin diseases such as acne, impetigo, ulcers,
eczema, including corns and warts. Even in pharmaceutical medicines of
today, Pot Marigold is used for similar remedies. Pot Marigold permits
faster healing of sores. It is used to clean small wounds (after soap
and water cleaning), treatment of dermatological disorders and as
protective treatment of cracks, scratches, chapped skin and insect
bites, including sun burns, superficial and not extensive burns and
rashes. Further, it is also used for temporary relief of sore throat
and/or transient huskiness.
Extra virgin olive oil contains the highest levels of polyphenols a powerful antioxidant.Olive oil is rich in monosaturated fat and antioxidants like chlorophyll,carotenoids and vitamin E.Extra virgin olive oil contains essential fatty acids omega 3,6,and 9.
Avocado oil is rich in sulfur,potassium,vitamin A,D and E.
Apricot Kernel oil contains vitamin A and Vitamin B17 which aids Cancer.
The oils I have recommened are best if I didn't mention it then it is probably not worth mentioning.
Carageen / Irish Moss (chondrus crispus) - Irish Moss is a reddish-brown perennial thallophyte or seaweed (a source of Carragheen or Carrageen) common at low tide on all the shores of the North Atlantic, especially Ireland, all year round. It is remarkable for its extreme variability, the difference being mainly due to the great diversity in the width of the segments. The mucilage present in this plant is used in large quantities by the food industry to make jellies, or aspic and to be used as a smooth binder. This very property is the basis of its use in digestive conditions where a Demulcent is called for, such as gastritis and ulcers, including kidney and bladder affections. However, its main use is in respiratory problems such as coughs or bronchitis. For cosmetics it is used as an emulsifier and/or thickening additive and a skin softener.Algae/Seaweed Extract: an emollient, restoring moisture content to skin; claims to have antioxidant properties.
Essential oils=My favourite ones are Violet,Rose,Jasmine,Gardenia,Patchouli,Sandalwood and Neroli.
Toner= Rose water and Orange flower water together.Neals Yard make spritzers of them.
Cleanser=Lush 's Babyface or Lush's Ultrabland.Showergels can also cleanse faces quite well.
Search around and read labels, there are lots of companies that don't use petrochemicals,detergents,parabens and synthetic additives.
See my recommended websites.
I read Aveda rituals-a daily guide to natural health and beauty by Horst Rechelbacher and it inspired me more to make my own cosmetics.The book called The science of cosmetics which I can't remember the authour's name and Jeanne Rose's Kitchen cosmetics :using herbs fruit and flowers for natural bodycare.
Does your cosmetics contain lethal ingredients? Find out by searching through google.
Google search:- www.foe.org/camps/comm/cancer/brochure.pdf -
12 Ugly Truths Behind the Myth of Cosmetic safety
12 Ugly Truths Behind the Myth of Cosmetic safety
