The following information was taken from a post on the Long Hair Community
Almond Oil, Sweet (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus)
medium-light; slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin; absorbs semi-quickly
emollient for conditioning/softening skin; great for dry, itchy skin rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E used in massage oils, lotions, balms and soaps
in hair care, sweet almond oil helps condition, nourish, and soften hair moderately priced
NOTE: can stain sheets and clothing
COM 2
shelf life 1 year
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
available in powder, gel or oil traditionally used for healing burns and injuries soothes dry damaged skin
COM 0
oil has a shelf life of 6 mo-1 yr
Aloe Vera Butter
extraction of aloe gel into a solid fraction of coconut oil so that it can be used like a butter melts on contact with the skin good for treating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, sunburn and chapping
Amla Oil (Emblica officinalis)
good for all skin types used in hair products to strength and condition
shelf life 1-2 yrs
Andiroba Oil (Carapa guianensis)
has similar properties to that of Neem oil but *without* the characteristic un-friendly scent very light but rich contains a group of natural alpha hydroxy acids (a collagen booster and skin conditioner) currently being used as a natural oil base for many anti-wrinkle creams like Aveda & Oil of Olay great source of Essential Fatty Acids such as:
linoleic; required for the development of healthy skin and cell membranes, reducing puffiness and swelling. *vitamin F; helps to hydrate dry, parched skin palmitoleic; natural conditioner that imparts incredible softness to skin & hair myristic acid; regulates the skin cell regeneration, which prevents over active scaling accelerates the healing of unsightly skin damage balances the uncontrolled growth of skin cells balances the uncontrolled growth of the pigment producing cells treats insect bites, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and age spots imparts a natural, non greasy, conditioning effect on both wavy, curly, and Afro hair types for sore, achy and tired muscles; used as a heat treatment the benefits are instantly noticeable used by professional athletes as a muscle rub and to treat sports injuries used by those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism used in salons as a hot oil treatment for their clients with thick naturally curly hair increases blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth will congeal, like butter, in cooler climates; simply place the sealed bottle in a bowl of warm water to liquefy
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)
very light, non-greasy, rich oil; easily absorbed into the skin emollient for conditioning/softening skin good for dry, tired, mature or sensitive skin great for removing makeup and softening delicate skin around the eye rich in vitamins A, D & E and in both oleic acid and linoleic acid. frequently used in massage great moisturizing and conditioning oil for mature and sensitive skin and skin that is inflamed and dry
said to aid in the repair of the skins elasticity in prematurely aged skin
COM 2
shelf life of cold pressed and expeller 6 mo-1 yr
Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)
has anti-aging and restructuring properties wonderful skin and haircare product contains many antioxidants and is rich in vitamin E
shelf life 2 yrs
Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) (also available in butter form)
medium weight; leaves no greasy residue rich in vitamins A, D and E said to have healing and regenerating properties heals scaly skin and scalp very penetrating; imparts valuable nutrients to the skin softens, increases elasticity, moisturizes dry or mature skins, heals eczema used to treat sun damaged skin that is dehydrated and under nourished said to help with the regenerating of skin cells believed to be a good hair stimulant and an excellent protein conditioner for the hair & scalp helps restore luster and hydrate dry and damaged ends may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier
COM 2
shelf life of refined or unrefined 1 yr
Babassu Oil (Orbignya oleifera)
fast penetrating oil one of nature’s richest emollients, beneficial for either dry or oily complexions used for generations by indigenous cultures of South America as a natural moisturizer gently moisturizes, conditions and adds luster to the skin with no greasy after-feel especially good for eczema, itchy, dry and inflamed skin nourish, moisturize, and restore hair strength, giving shiny, healthy-looking hairnon-comedogenic
shelf life 1-2 yrs
Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata)
quick to absorb, exceptional moisturizing properties, does not clog pores, very rich and stable
shelf life 2 yrs
Blackcurrant Seed Oil (Ribes Nigrum)
rich source of GLA, superb moisturizer, can be used in place of evening primrose or borage seed oils, helps to improve acne and rosacea, great for dry, devitalized, damaged, and aging skin
shelf life 6 mo-1 yr
Black Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus occidentalis)
ultra rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids [30% of these are Omega-3s], contains Vitamin E
shelf life 1 yr
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
very concentrated with essential fatty acids, great healing properties, good for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. Use caution with this oil if pregnant!
shelf life 6 mo-1 yr
Blueberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium corymbosum)
potent anti-oxidant, conditioning, non greasy, gentle blueberry aroma
shelf life 1 yr
Borage Oil (Borago officinalis) (aka Starflower Oil)
thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the skin, excellent moisturizer in skin care nourishes and reinforces cell tissues and membranes, retains moisture and slows ageing, rich plant source of GLA, said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions, expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils
shelf life 6 mo refrigerated; goes rancid rather quickly—must refrigerate
Brahmi Oil (Bacopa monniera)
used for its diuretic properties in India, relieves itchy scalp, helps with hair loss, purifies and tightens skin
shelf life 1 yr (infused in sweet almond oil)
Brazil Nut Oil (Bertholletia excelsa)
rich in proteins and vitamins E and A, rich emollient/moisturizer similar to sesame oil, high in essential fatty acids, amino acids, zinc, vitamin A and E, and selenium, an important antioxidant, oil lubricates and moisturizes skin, helps prevent dryness, promotes a clear complexion, very stable
FOR MORE CLICK THE LINK (Title of the post)
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Shower Filter
The area in which I live has extremely hard water, I never turn on my washing machine without using water softener and I feel like I'm forever scrubbing my stainless steel sink. I believe the the hard water in the area has had an effect on my hair, and it's scientifically proven that hard water damages your hair. Below are some useful links:
I had been looking into purchasing some magnets that are supposed to prevent limescale in your pipes, and therefore minimising the hardness of water that comes out of the tap, but then I thought there must be some kind of attachment that I can buy that I can put onto the shower. So I set about researching, I came across the Paragon Luxury Hand-Held Shower Head Filter which was featured on Oprah:
When weighing up the cost effectiveness I found this to be more value for money, you need to think about how often you will need to change the filters and how much the filters are. I bought a hand held version as I don't have a shower cubicle, but you can get shower head filters for standing showers too. I bought my shower from Allergy Liberation. Sprite Shower Filters are independently proven to be the most EFFECTIVE shower filters on the market today.
I used the shower on my hair for the first time last night and I can say, with confidence, that I noticed a considerable difference, the soap didn't take as long to lather, my hair felt soft and it had less tangles, leading to an easier detangling process, it was also easy to install. I would recommend the shower filter to everyone, I wish I had one from the first day of my BC.
- http://www.naturalelements.co.uk/article/dry-damaged-hair/damage-on-hair/
- http://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_5549274_soft-vs-hard-water-hair.html
- http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/hardwater.htm
I didn't end up buying this particular one, I instead purchased the Sprite Shower Royale Filtered Hand-Held in Chrome Colour.
I used the shower on my hair for the first time last night and I can say, with confidence, that I noticed a considerable difference, the soap didn't take as long to lather, my hair felt soft and it had less tangles, leading to an easier detangling process, it was also easy to install. I would recommend the shower filter to everyone, I wish I had one from the first day of my BC.
Shea Butter Cottage - Akua Wood
Last night I washed my hair with her Afro Shampoo Bar I LOVE IT! and it has great ingredients, I'm not a fan of shop bought shampoo and since the BC the only thing I use in my hair that's a soap is Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. Well, let me tell you, the Afro Soap is great, as soon as I put it on my hair my curls began to pop, and my hair felt so soft it was amazing! (I think my new filtered shower head helped too). One of the ingredients is murumuru butter which is great for afro hair and I also use this ingredient in my homemade conditioner, so my hair had double softness.
All I can say is keep it up Akua, and if you haven't been to her site do so ASAP!
Apologies
I've just been going through the blog and noticed comments on some of the posting, I wasn't aware that they were there and so that's why I haven't responded. I'm going to go to the settings now to see if it will email me when people comment.
Back in the kitchen...
So I only managed to keep the kinky twists in for a week, they didn't turn out like I wanted them to and were quite annoying, next time I'm going to try crochet braids. Taking out the kinky twists gave me the opportunity to work my version of Smooth and Shine Curl Activator Gel. I was in the kitchen this morning working on it, and it's in my hair now, the formula I made up is not exactly how I want it to be, but it's well on it's way to doing what I want it to do. I co-washed my hair TIGI Moisture Maniac then sprayed with my moisturising spritz then put the gel mixture on. It has defined my curls and I was able to style it in record time. I'm currently waiting to see how it dries. Things I don't want it to do is: dry hard and crispy, flake or dry white, I'm hoping to have a soft hold. I've also used some to hold down the baby hairs so we'll see how it goes.
So, so far in the BeUnique Hair Care range we have:
- Twisted Mango Custard - for twists and braids
- Coconut Cocktail - a moisturising, hair softening spritz
- Shea Passion Puddin' - a curl defining hair cream, with soft hold
- Next will be a moisture lotion and hair butter
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Grabbing an opportunity
So I've been at it again, researching ingredients! I'm still on my quest to perfect the perfect gel, one that will hold your curl pattern, and provide shine and moisture without the crunch. A gel that is spoken highly of in the natural YouTube community is Smooth and Shine Curl Activator Gel, but people are no longer happy with it because of the change in it's ingredients, it now has amongst other things parabens (shock, horror). I myself have never tried the gel, but not one to miss an opportunity, I am setting myself the challenge of recreating this so called wonder gel. I'm going to use the original good stuff, but take out the artificial stuff e.g. carbomer which is a polymer, Triethanolamine which is a thickener that can cause dryness, DMDM Hydantoin a preservative and Oleth 20 which is a surfactant and emulsifying agent.
It may seem like I'm taking out a lot but I'm replacing them with more naturally derived ingredients. One heads up I'll give away for free is I'm going to experiment with Carregeenan, which is used to provide hold in gel. While researching today I found out that Carregeenan is the gelatinous extracts of the Chondrus crispus seaweed. What the hell is Chondrus crispus seaweed? I here you say, well it's Irish Moss which is very good for afro textured hair. When Irish Moss is boiled up with water it produces a gel this is the Carregeenan, therefore I propose that in much the same way many naturals have tried the homemade Flax seed gel, you can also try to produce Carregeenan from Irish Moss.
Carregeenan will not obviously be the only ingredient I use in my hair gel, but it used to replace some of the thickening and emulsifying properties of the other ingredients that I'm taking out of the original formula for the Smooth and Shine Gel. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Making moves..
At church last week the guest pastor was telling us where to find money, he told us 10 places that money is hiding two of those places where in 'problems' and in 'you'. There are always going to be problems in the world and if you can find a solution for them you will have the potential to make money. Money is on the inside of us, because we have ideas and need to take up opportunities when they arise.
I had a problem that was my hair and I know other naturals have similar problems but rather than paying through the nose for hair products I wanted to create my own, to meet the specific problems of my hair. So you see money potentially is on the inside of me. I have spoken on YouTube about hair products that I want to create and some people have shown an interest in purchasing them. So I've decided to be proactive get off my bottom and get the ball rolling, I have 3 products that will soon be ready to sell.
Monday, 5 April 2010
PVPs and hair gel
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