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Natural Hair Growth Tips
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Submitted By: Lisa Maliga
Having a naturally healthy head of hair is something many of us aspire to achieve but find it difficult to do
in this age of stress, environmental pollution and sickness. Perhaps you once had a lot of good hair days and
nights, but lately they’re increasingly difficult to attain. Or your once luxuriant locks are thinner and
frailer due to genetic factors, under or overactive thyroid, illness, aging, stress, or hair abuse such as
perming, coloring, relaxing, blowdrying, curlers, curling irons, rough handling/neglect, and using harsh,
synthetic shampoos and conditioners.
Whether you seek to natural grow or regrow your hair, keep in mind that you only have one head of hair – so take care
of it! Rethink your current hair growth care routine, and learn more about what works/doesn’t work for your hair growth
type, length, and lifestyle.
Scalp Massage:
An inexpensive method for helping natural hair growth or re-growth is to massage the scalp. Whether you buy a wood or
rubber scalp massager, or opt for your ten fingers, you can invigorate and help cleanse your scalp either
before shampooing, or whenever you shampoo. By stimulating your scalp you encourage the circulation, think
of it as scalp aerobics, and this allows your scalp’s natural oils, sebum, to be distributed. When using
your fingers, never use your nails, only your fingertips.
Oils:
In the book, “Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair, and Skin Care,” author Erich Keller writes: “Since
the hair is made of keratin cells, which consist almost exclusively of protein, it is particularly important
to supply it with protein in the form of milk products, fish, soy products, nuts, seeds, and the essential
fatty acids products contained in cold-pressed vegetable oils.”
While eating healthy food is advisable, the author touches on the subject of how cold pressed vegetable oils
are vital for the natural hair growth, and, if it’s meant internally, then think of the benefits of adding oil directly to
your hair. Choosing the proper oil sometimes is a matter of experimentation. A light oil should be used for
thin, fine hair growth, whilst someone with naturally curly and coarse hair might find a heavier oil preferable.
There are various grades of vegetable oils available from unrefined to heavily refined. Unrefined oils retain
their natural products, vitamins and minerals and are considered healthier, but their aromas can be somewhat pungent.
For example, sesame seed oil, an excellent skin and hair loving oil that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine
for centuries, retains a darker color and nuttier aroma in its unrefined state. However, once it’s been refined,
the color is lighter and there is no discernible odor. Here’s a selection of the most utilized vegetable oils:
Oil Applications:
Leave In – This involves a very small amount of oil and you can control whether it’s applied throughout
your hair or only on the ends. Simply comb or brush through your dry hair.
Prewash conditioners – To use this method, you allow the oil to remain on your scalp and hair for approximately
20 minutes, and shampoo it out. Prewash conditioners can contain a single oil, a mixture of oils and butters
and they can range from organic to those filled with lots of additives and preservatives. Some prewash
conditioners are applied and massaged into the scalp, while others concentrate only on the length and growth of the hair.
Additionally, these conditioners may be applied to wet, damp or dry hair. One thing that is agreed upon is
the fact that the hair should be free from tangles and snarls, so either combing or brushing before applying
is necessary. Once the prewash conditioners have been applied, you can choose to comb it through your hair or
remain as is – it does depend upon what you’ve added. While some people feel that 20 minutes isn’t enough,
others opt for an hour, and there are people who feel as though allowing the oil to remain on overnight is
beneficial. Even if you’re using a light or natural organic oil, please keep in mind that too much oil can be as
harmful as too little.
Hot oil treatment – This time-tested method allows you to apply heated oil, which you supply yourself or
buy prepackaged, apply to your scalp and hair, cover with either a plastic bag, clingwrap, and/or towel,
and let remain on for about 20 minutes. If you want to soak in a hot bath during your hot oil treatment
you’ll be further improving the treatment by the added warmth and relaxation. You can find thermal heat
caps, which are warmed in the microwave.
To make your own hot oil treatment, choose your favorite natural oil[s], pour into a small glass bottle, and let
sit in a hot water bath for a few minutes until the oil is to your preferred temperature.
Other Applications:
Clay, Dead Sea Mud, Powdered Herbs, Protein Powder, Eggs, Henna [neutral or colored], Essential Oils –
all the listed products can be used to create a hair mask which will increase its strength, encourage
growth, enhance shine, and tame curls. Any of these ingredients, both singly or in combination, can be
healthfully used. Doing an Internet search or waiting for a future article can find recipes.
Shampoos & Conditioners:
These products are so varied and numerous that only a very brief description of what to look for can
be covered here. It’s interesting to note that some people with extremely beautiful thick, luxuriant
hair can use products and conditioners that are found in dollar stores and are full of synthetic ingredients; while
others who have fragile, beat up looking hair use only organic shampoos and conditioners and nothing
improves. Reading the label of products is important, as is going with an ingredient list that contains fewer sudsing
elements, preservatives, fragrances and colorants. To use a more natural and cost effective shampoo,
consider a shampoo bar, especially one that is specially formatted for your hair type. Shampoo bars are
easy to use, made with few preservatives as they contain no water, and are easy to pack for travelers.
Important Shampoo Tip - Protect your hair growth from getting too dry or unmanageable by washing in warm to
lukewarm water, and, if possible, rinsing with cool water.
Conditioners – It’s important to read labels and decide whether you want to have your hair made shinier
with silicones [look for any word ending in “cone”], or stay as natural as possible. Conditioners contain
many artificial ingredients and one of the reasons that oiling has been mentioned is that by having
healthier hair you’ll need to use far less conditioners. Some conditioners and products are rinsed out while others
are left in, so you need to decide which is preferable.
Vitamins & Minerals:
For growth, a good multi-vitamin, B vitamin complex, vitamin C and biotin are considered very helpful.
MSM, [Methyl Sulfonyl Methane], a form of sulfate which is not only good at soothing joints but increasing
hair growth, is easy to find in your local health food store or drug store. Silica is also recommended for
improving hair’s strength. According to health and beauty expert and author, Letha Hadady, in her book,
“Healthy Beauty” she describes: “A Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired line of hair products, including
pills, shampoo, and a topical liquid for thinning hair, is called Shen Min. Shen Min hair nutrient pills
made by Biotech for men and women provide concentrated he shou wu herb along with herbs designed to
improve overall health.” On the market are other products to encourage hair growth, whether you’re simply
looking for longer locks, or need to improve the quantity and quality.
Brushes & Combs:
The boar bristle brush has been used for hundreds of years and today is easier than ever to find one that
is right for your hair type. The thinner and finer the hair, the more important it is to find a brush with
softer bristles so as not to cause damage. Coarser, thicker hair can handle nylon tufts, and normal hair
can withstand either all boar bristle or mixed boar and nylon. A good brush cleans your hair, stimulates
your scalp and causes the oils to spread down to the thirsty ends. Brushing is the most natural way to
distribute your oil. Keep your brush clean, wash at least once a week in cold water with your shampoo
or with baking soda.
Important Brush Tip – DON’T brush wet hair! This is very damaging and causes more breakage, as hair is
weaker when wet.
Some people will only use wooden combs, while others can’t be without their wide tooth combs. No matter
what type of comb you buy, make sure that you comb/detangle your hair before brushing it. Also, you might
first fingercomb your hair before you even start combing it to avoid too much pulling and tugging.
Watch for my next article, “Natural Hair Growth Recipes” and, in the meantime, take good care of your hair growth.
About the Author:
http://www.everythingshea.com ~ Everything Shea Aromatic Creations offers a fragrant selection of designer
shea butter glycerin soaps, lip balms, scented/unscented shea butter, exclusive Whipped Shea Butter, Shea
Comfort, Moringa, Baby Celebrations & unique SoapCakes to personalize for gifts or promotions.
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NOTE:
Issues on this site regarding men's health and their concerns, are provided for
information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional.
Hairloss-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
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