Herbal Scalp Cleansers

Spring is here and summer quickly approaches, which means more outdoor activities, which means your hair will be more prone to the elements (sun, wind and water) and styling manipulation.

Herbs are known for their healing abilities on the scalp and of the hair itself. They add luster and shine to fine, limp hair. Herbs have been shone in the aid hair growth and treating hair loss. Here are few examples

Lavender is known to promote hair growth and prevent balding
Rosemary strengthens weak hair follicles from the shaft
Nettle stimulates hair growth
Horsetail rejuvenates the hair and stimulates hair growth
Sage helps to prevent gray hair
Basil heals and sooths the scalp
Chamomile is healing and soothing; known to soften the hair, soothe and condition the scalp and stimulate hair growth

Here are few simple scalp cleansing recipes.

Herbal ACV Scalp Cleanser
2 Tbsp ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)
1 1/2 Distilled water, hot
1 tsp Lavender
1 tsp Rosemary
1 tsp Mint, crushed
1 tsp Green tea
1 tsp Hibiscus flowers
5 drops Lemon essential oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Sweet orange essential oil

Add herbs to hot water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain herbs through a cheescloth and add in apple cider vinegar and essential oils. Pour into applicator bottle. Apply cleanser directly to scalp and massage gently. Do not rinse out.

Note: You can make a big batch of this and add grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil or vitamin E as a preservative.

Herbal Scalp Cleanser
1 tsp Horsetail
1 tsp Rosemary
1 tsp Nettle
1 tsp Lavender
1 tsp Chamomile
1 tsp Sage
1 tsp Basil
1/3 cup Castile Soap
1 1/2 cup Distilled water, hot

Combine all herbs in the hot water, cover and let it steep for up to an hour. Strain herbs from the herbal water through a cheescloth and mesh trainer. Combine with castile soap in an applicator bottle. Apply to scalp and massage with pads of finger tips. Rinse out with cool to lukewarm water.

These cleansers work especially well for those that have locs, wear braids or twists.

Repurposing Containers

Recently on Facebook someone posed the question do you recycle your containers when you finish using the products?  I commented that I did and I decided to take it one step further by posting some pictures on how I repurpose my containers. I confess that my material of choice when it comes to containers is glass. I know that some plastics are recycleable and BPA free but I'm willing to pay the extra few cents for glass. I use a mixture of both food or non-food contianers but one doesn't really pay much attention to it once they they've been repurposed it for another use.

Here's just some examples of how I've repurposed my containers.

So, do you recycle and if so how do you recycle/repurpose your containers?

Au Naturale "Waxing"

Sugaring is an ancient hair removal technique that hails from the Middle East.  This sugar based paste is just as effective as waxing but is much more friendlier to the body.  The natural ingredients for this recipe are simple and can be found in your kitchen.

 

Sugar Paste

2 cups Sugar (white, brown or demerara - DO NOT use powdered sugar)
1/4 cup Lemon juice
1/4 cup Water, distilled
1 tsp Vitamin E oil
1 tsp Jojoba oil
5 drops Tea Tree oil (optional)

In a medium sauce pan combine sugar, lemon juice and water. Over a medium high heat cook the ingredients for 5 to 8 minutes, constantly stirring so that it doesn't burn until it reaches 240 degrees fahrenheit. Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature turn down the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer. Remember to continue stirring the mixture. Once your paste has reached a thick viscosity remove from heat and add your oils, mixing thoroughly. Pour into desired container and store in a dry, cool place.

When applying this paste it doesn't need to be very warm, it can be applied when lukewarm.  It can be applied to the upper lip, arms, legs, brow, back, chest and bikini area. When peeling off this paste you can do so in the direction of the hair growth whereas with waxing it's peeled off against the hair growth, which can cause ingrown hairs.  Sugaring has been known to help elminate this common problem.  Also when the sugar paste is removed it takes the accumulated dead cells with it leaving your skin in tact with a natrual healthy glow.

 

Basic Hair Butter

Here's an easy recipe for a basic hair butter.

1/ 2 to 1 cup Shea Butter
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Coconut Oil (optional if you have a nut allergy)
1/4 cup Castor Oil
2 Tablespoon Vegetable Glycerin or Honey
1 Tablspoon Vitamin E Oil
5-10 drops Rosemary or Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

In a double boiler heat up olive, coconut and castor oils over a medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add in shea butter. Stir oils until shea butter is completely melted. If there's still a small amount of shea butter left don't worry, it'll get incorporated as you blend the mixture later.

Using a hand held mixer (or stick blender) to thoroughly blend your mixture for 10 minutes. Add in vitamin E oil and mix for a few more minutes. Place mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and blend mixture for another 10 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl as your mix. Place mixture back in freezer for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from freezer and whip mixture one last time before adding in your essential oil(s). Transfer mixture into desired container (remember, you can resue an old product container if desired). Makes about 8 to 10 ounces of product.

Natural Perservatives

Preservatives are additives used to protect against spoilage, discoloration and decay.  There are natural preservatives that you can use to prolong the shelf life of your products. Essential oils and various herbs (rosemary, clove, tea tree, neem seed, thyme, and lavender) are the most effective natural preservatives.

Rosemary Oil Extract is a rich source of anti-oxidants and vitamin E, that are beneficial for fighting free radicals; it also acts as a natural antimicrobial*.

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a citrus based anti-microbial preservative. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is made with the citrus seeds and pulp and blended with vegetable glycerin. GSE is also safe enough to use as a disinfectant for drinking water when necessary.

Vitamin E prevents rancidity and is an anti-oxident.

Honey contains a high level of water that is bound by a high level of sugar, which prevents micro-organisms to grow in it.

*An anti-microbal is an ingredient or substance that helps to destroy unwanted micro-organisms such as bacteria.

Herbal Conditioning Hair Spray Recipe

Here's a basic and easy recipe for a conditioning hair spray/spritz.  It can be used to refresh the hair or as a detangler.

1 c Water, distilled
1 Tbsp Lavender flowers
1 Tbsp Nettle
1/2 Tbsp Chamomile
1 tsp Sage, dried or fresh
1 tsp Peppermint
1/2 c Vegetable Glycerin
1 tsp Vitamin E Oil/Grapefruit Seed Extract/Tea Tree Oil (preservative)
8-10 drops Essential Oil of your choice (optional)

Infuse the water with the herbs by boiling them over a low heat for about 10-15 minutes.  Let cool for 10 minutes then strain infused water into a bowl.  Add in vegetable glycerin, vitamin E/grapefruit seed extract/tea tree oil and essential oil. Mix thoroughly then pour into spray bottle.

Read Your Labels

It's always wise to check the list of ingredients on your hair, body and face products before purchasing. Read your labels carefully when buying hair, body and face products. Most of the commercially available hair, body and face products today use harmful, potentially carcinogenic ingredients. If you have a reaction to a product that you're using then stop immediately. Listed below are just some of the worst commonly found product ingredients you can put on your hair and body.  The more of a particular ingredient you have in a product, the closer it is to the top of the list of ingredients on the bottle:

Petrolatum and Mineral Oil: Commonly known as petroleum jelly. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. Petroleum based products can clog your pores and cause skin eruptions and black heads because it doesn't allow the skin to breathe and release toxins.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate (SLES): This ingredient is used in about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam as well as cosmetics, toothpaste and conditioners. It's also found in detergents and surfactants that are commonly used in engine degreasers, car wash soaps, and garage floor cleaners. A small amount generates a large quantity of foam and when salt is added it thickens up, giving the illusion of being concentrated. Since the costs of these ingredients are so cheap they are used in personal care products a lot.

Parabens: are often used in skin and body care products as preservatives. Parabens have been associated with breast cancer and can cause the skin to loose its pigment.

Isopropyl Alcohol: is found in hand lotions, body rubs, hair color rinses, after shave lotions, fragrances and many other body products.  It's a pertroleum derived substance that is used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities). It will dry your hair out and break it off.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): is used not only to thicken products but in making cleaners to dissolve oil and grease. They are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners due to their effectiveness and are found in many personal care products. PEG's leave the immune system vulnerable by stripping the body and hair of it's natural moisture factor. PEG is a carcinogenic.

Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin: These two preservatives release formaldehyde and exposure to formaldehyde can cause dizziness, allergies, loss of sleep, and joint pain among many other aliments. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Almost all hair, skin and body products contain these formaldehyde releasing agents.

Decadent Story

This blog was created after I was laid off from the financial sector in December 2008. It wasn't until June 2009 that I actually started posting entries.

At the age of 25 I started creating my own natural hair care products when I realized that my hair and scalp no longer responded to commercial treatments (relaxers and texturizers) and products (shampoos, conditioners, etc.). During my research I found that I was allergic to majority of the chemicals that were found in these products so I started looking for natural alternatives. After a few months of mixing and using my own hair products I found that not only did my hair and scalp responded well but it flourished.

This then led me to making my own body lotions, creams and scrubs. After friends and family noticed the over all healthiness of my hair and the healthy glow of my skin they begin asking me to make some of my products for them. I started out making these products for a few friends and family members and giving them away as gifts. I was constantly encouraged to share these decadent goodies with the rest of the public but I never really had the time. It wasn’t until I was laid off in December 2008 that I decided take make this a full time venture and thus Decadent Butters was born. The motto here is “Indulge yourself in decadence from head to toe.” Enjoy.