Essential oils are fundamental ingredients in hair care products. From sage to thyme and fenugreek, essential oil extracts, help to soothe the scalp, while promoting hair growth, moisturizing and adding body and manageability. Let’s take a look at the more common essential oils for hair products.

Basil: Basil promotes growth by stimulating circulation and works well with fenugreek and ivy burdock herbs as well. Basil is used in shampoos and conditioners designed for scalp health. Basil nurtures the scalp while enhancing circulation to the root bringing much needed blood flow.

Burdock: Not too many hair care products carry burdock – that is a shame because it is so beneficial to the scalp and to proper hair growth. It helps scalp and hair cell renewal. It stimulates blood flow and helps with hair loss in both men and women.

Chamomile: Chamomile is the most soothing of the essential oils and is included in many shampoos or conditioners. Chamomile helps to retract inflamed skin cells from chemical procedures, the sun and helps scaly scalps.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek has long been used for stimulating blood flow especially to minor capillaries. Fenugreek makes great topical applications like in shampoos, conditioners and in hair stimulators.

Fenugreek for hair care is an excellent choice especially for hair growth. Fenugreek also compliments sage, clary sage, lemongrass, lemon peel, burdock and ivy extract.

Lavender also soothes the scalp and the hair. Many people order baby shampoo with lavender as it can help calm infants.

Lemon: Lemon Essential oil gives golden highlights. It works well for treatments for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and under active sebaceous glands. The sebum on the hair is what keeps it from drying out. Curly hair tends to be more dry and can benefit from lemon essential oils. Be very careful to only use lemon on hair that is too oily as this can seriously dry out the hair after just one washing or rinse.

Peppermint: Peppermint helps to stimulate blood flow to the root of the hair. This helps the hair to receive proper nourishment and to grow correctly. It is a great for hair that is growing slow or hair that is thinning. Peppermint makes the scalp tingle and this is what stimulates the blood flow to the hair. This stimulation can help with hair loss and thinning hair in women and men.

Rosemary essential oil works great for dry hair and dandruff as well as itchy scalp!

Sage is one of the best scalp clarifiers. It deep cleanses impurities and works well with other herbs to heal scalp problems such as scalp psoriasis. It is one of the most effective oils to develop a dandruff shampoo.

Tea Tree Oil: Works daily to get to the heart of dandruff and other scalp conditions that can be helped with Tea Tree oil as it works to purify the scalp. It is often included with Jojoba oil for hair as the two are used to deep clean. Tea tree oil works extremely good for those that suffer from scalp psoriasis and scalp dandruff.

Thyme is often used in deep cleansing shampoo and works well when used with even the mildest cleansing agents. It works well when combined with other oily scalp products.

So, there is a good summary and gives you a little bit of helpful “ammunition” next time you might stop to look at the ingredients of your favorite hair care product.

All told, hair care is the sum of its ingredients and effectiveness is often a result of a combination of ingredients that help dry hair, oily or greasy hair, hair growth and general hair and scalp health.

Originally posted 2009-11-19 07:04:17. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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You know you have lice when you experience intense bouts of itching on the scalp and the back of the neck and soreness on touch. When you see the scalp, area in and around the nape of the neck, you will see small white eggs called nits attached steadfastly to hair shafts. Unlike dandruff, these nits can be bit stubborn; hence pulling them out with fingers can prove to be difficult.

Easy to prevent, but difficult to treat – good hygiene is the most effective prevention of head lice.
- Avoid sharing personal items like combs, brushes, towels, pillows, hats, headwear, etc.
- Avoid head to head contact with any person.
- Trim your hair to a shorter length as lice can not find suitable environment in short hair.
- Do a regular check in and around the nape of the neck, behind the ears and scalp, especially for children.
- If one member of the family is infected with lice, treat all the members of the family at the same time to prevent lice spreading from one head to another.

To get rid of lice, you should get rid of all its nits or eggs. Nits are difficult to kill by any treatment. Since they attach themselves firmly on the hair shafts, they are also bit difficult to be pulled out… Vigorous brushing of your hair 2-3 times a day using a bristle hair brush will knock off most nits. Try using flea combs instead of lice combs for better results. Try some of these home based treatments to cure lice problem

- Mix ½ cup olive oil with 2-3 tbsp of tea tree oil. Rub into scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your hair to remove the oil. Then rinse your hair with vinegar as it loosens the holding properties of the eggs and nits on your hair. Wait for 10 mins and rinse with hot water. Repeat vinegar rinse twice. Comb your hair using lice or flea comb to remove any remaining nits.

- Mix 4-5 drops of tea tree oil with your daily shampoo and use as usual.

- Warm few tbsp of mayonnaise (depending on who is using it either a child or adult). Slather it on the scalp just like shampoo. Wear a shower cap and sit for 30 minutes. Then wash your hair with normal shampoo. Then use fine toothed comb to get the eggs and bugs out. The oils in the mayonnaise provide lubrication to the hair and scalp, eliminating the ability of the eggs to hold on to the hair shafts. The shower cap cuts off any air flow the eggs needed to remain alive.

- Saturate your hair with olive oil and wear a shower cap with clip leaving it overnight. Brush out your hair using nit/flea/lice comb. Then wash your hair as usual with your shampoo and conditioner. Next take plain white vinegar and rinse your hair with it. Use warm water to remove vinegar. This dissolves the eggs. Repeat the vinegar rinse till needed.

- Completely soak hair with olive oil and wrap it in towel for 1-2 hours. Rinse and wash as usual. Work through your hair with fine tooth comb to remove eggs and lice. Repeat in one week.

- Mix any type of edible oil (vegetable, canola or olive) with vinegar in equal proportion. Add 18-20 drops of tea tree oil. Mix all the 3 ingredients well to get a creamy paste. Apply to damp hair. Massage well onto the scalp and comb through the ends of hair. Wrap a plastic bag around your head for 3 hours or more. Lice and nits will suffocate and slide off easily. Do this at least once a week.

Do not leave the young children unattended if you’re covering their heads with plastic bags during any of the above home based treatment – as plastic bags can lead to suffocation.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.

Originally posted 2009-11-23 08:42:42. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Humans have been searching for ways to fight those critters since the beginning of time! Seriously, the recent epidemics in school children have brought pesticide resistant strains that are very hard to eradicate!

Keep on top of the situation by treating all the kids and adults in the home and cleaning their bedding and even car seats and sofas the same day. Get a metal comb specially designed for lice. It works much better than those cheap plastic ones that come in the kits. And be prepared to spend at least half an hour to an hour a day in bright light combing through damp hair and pulling out nits. Put any dead or treated nits/lice in a bowl of hot water and rinse down the sink. Wash all towels used during the process in hot water and dry them just like the bedding, immediately.

Treating head lice may include the use of a specialized comb to remove nits or medications that may be available over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on the severity of the infestation.

First thing you can do is buy a small fine tooth comb – the small black kind. They should be inexpensive and in any drugs store. Then, find a bowl of water you can dunk your head in while leaving your face out. Dunk your head for five minutes or for as long as you can – 15 minutes. Then use the comb. Do this 2 to 3 times a day until you get rid of them.

There are shampoos available at your local pharmacy for head lice like Rid, Nix or Kwell. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully since they have ingredients that are common in garden/farm pesticides. Chemicals are poisons and not worth risking our children’s lives. Before using dangerous harmful chemicals that seep through the scalp and into the blood stream consider alternative non chemical treatments.

Don’t use Vaseline, kerosene or mineral oils they are awful to wash out and dangerous as they can catch fire! Head lice may be found on eyelashes or eyebrows. These lice should be mechanically removed (plucked) with great care. Don’t use chemicals near the eyes!

The most effective way to get rid of head lice is with a nit comb, a good light, and a magnifying glass. This is especially true for children under two-years-old, who may have adverse reactions to head lice shampoo and other chemical head lice cures.

There are also herbal remedies to treat head lice, including products with tea tree oil and other essential oils. Because they are ‘natural,’ these are not regulated by the FDA, have not been proven to work, and should be used with caution and avoided in younger children.

Originally posted 2009-12-13 07:47:43. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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1)Are you using a shampoo or shower gel made from detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate? Although these detergents lather wonderfully they can dry your scalp or skin out to the point of being extremely itchy. Consider switching to a natural soap-based liquid or bar cleanser, or try making your own cleansers yourself. Natural soaps are much kinder to the skin and scalp because they are made from vegetable oils instead of petroleum derivatives.

2)Is your laundry detergent making your skin itch? Laundry detergents are made from harsh cleansers and they are so strong that some of the residue may be left on your clothes even after the rinse cycle. When you dry your clothes, that laundry detergent residue is left on them. When you wear your clothes the laundry detergent residue comes into contact with your skin. As an alternative try a natural laundry powder available at health food stores or make your own soap, grate it, and use it as a natural laundry powder.

3)Are you suffering from allergic reactions to one or more food items? Commercially prepared foods contain many different ingredients which can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Try changing your diet by eliminating one food item at a time and see if this helps.

4)Has your skin come into contact with a bacteria or fungus that could cause itching (like athlete’s foot)? Try applying tea tree oil, or a product containing tea tree oil to the spot that is irritated. According to Dr. Ruth Winter, M.S., author of A Consumer’s Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingredients, tea tree oil is “eleven to 13 times stronger than carbolic acid” and is non-toxic to the skin.

5) Are you suffering from bug bites? Bites from mosquitos and other insects usually swell and cause intense itching. Try applying several drops of lavender essential oil directly on the bug bite itself to soothe the itching.

Originally posted 2010-01-19 06:52:29. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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American Crew Tea Tree Shampoo is an ideal moisturizing cleanser for the hair and scalp. Using a blend of herbs and natural oils, this Tea Tree shampoo cleanses and treats both the scalp and the hair. With American Crew Tea Tree Shampoo your hair is gently restored and conditioned. Nettle Extract – A nourishing tonic that stimulates circulation of the scalp. Irish Moss Extract – Soothes irritations and nourishes hair and scalp. Black Tea Extract – A protective antioxidant that has topical anti-inflammatory benefits. Tea Tree Oil – Serves as an antiseptic and cleansing agent and helps to heal scalp issues.

American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo naturally tones and moisturizes the hair and scalp. This moisturising shampoo contains Hydrolized Wheat Protein, Sage Extract and Rice Bran oil to moisturize and condition the hair without weighing it down. American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo soothes and replenishes, leaving the scalp healthy and refreshed. This shampoo is ideal for dry hair. Rosemary Thyme Extracts – Naturally tones and moisturizes the scalp. Rice Bran Oil – Adds sheen, elasticity and moisture. Quillaja (Panama Bark) – Gentle, natural cleanser that doesn’t strip natural oils from the hair. Chamomile Extract – Soothing, softening and moisturizing agent.

American Crew Peppermint Cleanse Shampoo Liberate your hair and scalp with American Crew Peppermint Cleanse Shampoo. Formulated with Peppermint and Tea Tree Oils, this deep cleansing shampoo removes build-up of styling product, excessive dirt and oil and environmental pollutants that weigh hair down. Tea Tree Oil – Natural antiseptic that promotes healing, penetrates quickly and is beneficial for problematic skin. Ginseng Root Extract – Nourishes and tones the scalp without over drying. Rosemary Extract – Naturally moisturizes and conditions hair and scalp. Peppermint Oil – Stimulates the scalp and helps to break down residue in the hair. Hops – A natural astringent with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

American Crew Daily Shampoo contains Panama Bark extract, a natural cleanser that gently cleanses and conditions the hair and scalp, and doesn’t strip natural oils from the hair. This popular shampoo also contains Wheat Protein which adds shine and strength while Rosemary and Thyme extracts naturally tone and moisturize the scalp. American Crew Daily Shampoo is suitable for normal to dry hair. Quillaja (Panama Bark) – Gentle, natural cleanser that doesn’t strip natural oils from the hair. Wheat Protein – Adds shine and strength. Rosemary Thyme Extracts – Naturally tones and moisturizes the scalp. pH Balanced – Avoids drying the hair and scalp.

American Crew Citrus Mint Active Shampoo is a balancing shampoo for everyday use. Citrus Mint Shampoo contains a balancing blend of natural citrus cleansers that work to gently remove dirt without stripping the hair of essential oils. Peppermint and Spearmint stimulate the scalp. This citrus shampoo is excellent for all hair types and is also safe for color treated hair. All Natural Oils (a blend of Lime, Orange, Peppermint and Spearmint) – No synthetic fragrances. Natural, gentle cleansers that won’t strip hair of essential oils. Natural fragrance that cleanses, soothes and awakens the senses. Certified organic grapefruit extract. Polyquaterium-10 – A complex conditioning agent that provides volume and improves hair texture and imparts natural shine. Wheat Protein – Increases hair strength and sheen. Color Safe – Excellent on color treated hair – will not cause color fading.

American Crew Anti Dandruff Shampoo is formulated for problem scalps, effectively promoting healthy looking hair and scalp. The active ingredient, Zinc Pyrithione, helps prevent the itching and flaking associated with dandruff. This dandruff shampoo gently cleanses conditions and moisturizes leaving hair feeling great. Zinc Pyrithione – Helps prevent itching and flaking associated with dandruff. Menthol – Cools and refreshes the scalp. Methylisothiazolinone – Antimicrobial and antifungal agent.

American crew provide shampoos that cover all the needs a man could have for his hair, whether it is problem hair, colored hair, or even just a normal shampoo to be used in a daily basis.

Originally posted 2009-12-08 07:24:41. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Common head lice, or pediculus humanus capitis, are closely related to body lice. But unlike their close relatives, which can appear anywhere on the body, head lice, as the name indicates, are only found in the hair and on the scalp and sometimes in the eyebrows and lashes.

A head louse is about the size of a sesame seed. It bites the victim’s scalp in order to feed on blood. The bites can cause intense itching that is sometimes the first sign that someone is infested. The lice themselves are sometimes seen close to the scalp, or nits (lice eggs) are seen in the hair. Nits are tiny whitish/yellowish egg cases that are attached to individual hair shafts.

Head lice cannot jump. They are passed by direct contact with someone who has them, or by using an infested person’s comb, brush, etc.; by wearing their hats, helmets, or hair accessories, or by sharing towels or pillows. Having head lice does not mean you are unsanitary or practice poor hygiene. They are very common in schools where children easily pass them to each other.

For years the most popular way to remove head lice was by means of commercial chemical treatments. Some of these chemicals are not only harmful to lice, but toxic to humans as well. Because it is the mechanical removal of the lice and nits that does the most good, it is really unnecessary to take the risks associated with harsh chemical treatments. There are many natural herbal treatments that are just as effective for lice removal, like shampoos made with tea tree oil.

A nit comb is also critical in removing any eggs from the hair shafts once the live lice are killed. It is very hard to tell if nits are dead or alive, so it is best to remove them all in order to prevent further infestation. It is a laborious process to remove all of the nits from a full head of hair, to be sure, but is really the only way to ensure they do not hatch and start the whole process over again!

While most people would still want to wash any bedding used by an infested person, it is really not necessary to launder or dispose of other items like stuffed animals and other belongings like experts used to advise. Lice cannot live for more than a day without the blood they obtain from their human hosts. Very thorough vacuuming to remove any hairs from carpet and other surfaces should suffice, or, for smaller objects, a tumble in a hot clothes dryer for a half hour.

Having head lice is not fun. But with a little knowledge, some safe natural remedies, and a nit comb, they can become simply a bad memory in no time.

Originally posted 2009-12-21 08:25:43. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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